How to find a bigger car when a compact SUV gets too cramped
Compact SUVs run out of room once a second child arrives or kids get older, leaving no space in the back or trunk for daily gear, a dog, or friends. This forces parents to choose between driving an oversized van or truck they find intimidating, or trying to cram a growing family into a vehicle that no longer fits their lives.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
How to find a bigger car when a compact SUV gets too cramped
- 1Trading in the current vehicle with equity to cover the remaining loan and serve as a down payment for a larger SUVDid this help you?
- 2Looking into specific alternative models like the Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda Pilot, Honda Passport, or Toyota SiennaDid this help you?
- 3Keeping the current car paid off and using a sedan like a CamryDid this help you?
- 4Test driving oversized full-size SUVsDid this help you?
- 5Considering traditional minivansDid this help you?
- 6Researching various midsize SUVs and vans like the VW van, Nissan Armada, and Kia TellurideDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I have two kiddos now (8 yo and 3 month old) and my Mazda CX 5 is too small for our family of 4 now.”source ↗
“I’m the one taking the oldest to school with the youngest in tow and we use mine as the weekend car I definitely need something a bit bigger with more room in the back and trunk.”source ↗
“I’ve had this car for 5 years and it was fine for awhile but now it just feels so cramped.”source ↗
“I am a solo Mama to three kiddos, ages 2.5, 9.5, and 11.5.”source ↗
“I really cannot imagine driving that big of a boat around everywhere!”source ↗
“cars like the Subaru ascent don’t feel like quite enough space, especially when I factor in bringing the dog or any of my kids friends along with us.”source ↗
Where this came up
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