I'd really like to get my wife out of her Odyssey minivan, but neither of us are convinced that a Cayenne can handle us and our three kids (8, 6, 5). Most times, all five are not in at the same time, but when we do go on trips, etc., is it even feasible with the second row space? Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

Assuming that the 2 younger kids are still in booster seats, there would be no room. Back in the good old days when we were kids and no booster seats were used than yes they would fit fine.

 

We've fit 5 numerous times in CS but it wasnt comfortable for the rear pass with a car seat in the back.

 

Can't speak for carseats, but the Cayenne fits great for a family of 5 (adults)

Definitely not as spacious as most SUV, and you can't extend your legs like you would in a Mercedes S - But definitely spacious. Comparable to most mid-size sedans.

 

not ideal for 3 of anything in the back.

 

If that is what you're saying, then almost all cars will not fit 3 of anything in the back. As mentioned before, the backseats in the Cayenne is about the same size as a mid-sized sedan. That means they are bigger than anything smaller than that (obviously). The only cars that have a larger backseat are larger SUVs (like a Tahoe) or full-sized sedans (like the MB S class, BMW 7 series, Audi A8, etc.)

As mentioned before, you can't sprawl out and expect to extend your knees 180degrees like you would in a full-sized, but to sit normally and comfortably? Yes.

Are you telling me you can't fit 3 small children in the back?
Of course, this changes if you are trying to pack 3 250lb guys in the back.
If you want to sleep in the car, get a RV or Rolls Royce

 

as stated, NOT IDEAL. Doable, but not ideal. And yes, most cars aren't ideal for 3 in the rear seat all next to each other, doable, but not the best scenario if you have a choice.

We have done it with even two car seats, and one adult in the rear, but they were cramped and not comfortable at all, but it was still doable for a trip. I would much rather have a mini van for my family's comfortability. You don't get the rear center hump, and you have more legroom.

When we travel we are much more comfortable in either the GX/LX470, Escalade or equivalent sized type of vehicle. Much wider, bigger seats, better leg room, and width.

But what are you asking? is it doable, yes, and kids won't really care. Just don't get the sport seats, which are terrible for the middle person, and be ready to get complaints when they are old enough to know.

Everyone has different preferences and maybe you would fit fine. I would recommend test driving one, stacking the rear seat how you would normally, and then see if this setup works for your family. If you have car seats on the outside, makes getting to the middle seat a bit hard as well.

good luck

 

We are facing the same dilemma with a new one on the way. With two car seats (or boosters) you can't fit a third in the middle IMO. We actually just bought an Odyssey for that reason (although we kept the CTT, too). That's the best option I think if you can swing it.

 

We have an Odyssey and won't consider a third car. I guess we'll just hold what we got. Thanks.

 

Is the X5M available with a 3d row?

 

Not the M. But the regular x50 and Audi q7 are.

 

We had the 4.8i with a third row (and now have a diesel w/o). It's a tight squeeze back there for sure but if it's just 3 kids, the X5 isn't a bad option. Lots of good options and with sport pkg isn't bad to drive.

 

Check out the Bubblebum boosters. It's the narrowest booster I've found.

 

The Cayenne is just fine for 3 kids that age, if you don't mind the constant "Daddy, Billy's touching me!", Mommy, Suzie's looking at me, tell her to stop!", etc., etc., etc....

 

BMWX5 or MBGL would be good choice bcs they both have optional 3rd row to make the seating less cramped.