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First off, congratulations!  Both on your soon-to-arrive new family member, and for being able to actually use the word ‘minivan’, without hesitation, as something that you’re open to owning one day.  These days, this is a hurdle a lot of women have a hard time getting over.  And who can blame them?

But no fear, there are alternatives to the minivan!

I’ll keep in mind you want to lower your payments, that you’ll be seating four at minimum (two of which are stationary it’s-a-hassle-to-remove-them car-seats) and just-in-case room in the 3rd row for two teenage boys.  Also, I can imagine that although you’re giving back the BMW X5 and opening yourself up to the prospect of owning a minivan, if you had it your way you wouldn’t step very far away from a sporty more luxury-like vehicle image. 

All that I ask it that you keep an open mind, because you may see a few brands that make you shake your head at first—but don’t knock them before you try them!

• Acura MDX

The MDX was just recently restyled for the 2007 model year.  It looks aggressive (much like your X5), is sizeable enough to fit a third row (with thoughtful emphasis on the comfort of the 2nd and 1st row passengers), and it’s pretty fun to drive (although it’s certainly no sports car, its got quite a bit of power, and takes turns much tighter than your typical SUV…if you liked driving your X5, then you’ll like driving the MDX too)—it sits at a nice height off the road like an SUV, but it’s not bouncy over bumps.

Bear in mind though, that the two teenagers occasionally hopping in the back to the 3rd row will need the agility of slight-bodied gymnasts with two car seats strapped in the 2nd row.

Positives: amazingly comfy seating, high level of standard equipment, plenty of upgrade options, pleasing new/modern interior/exterior design and materials

Negative: with 2 car seats installed in the 2nd row, access to the 3rd row requires a gymnast’s agility, might be a bit pricier than you’d prefer (around $40,000)

• Volvo XC90

The beautiful thing about the XC90 is the versatility of its 2nd row center seat.  The center 2nd row seat slides forward toward the front seats almost a foot, which allows for easier pass-through from the second to the third row, with fewer gymnastics required—or, can be used to bring your child closer to you in the front seat.  Or, if your second child is between the ages of 3 and 10, they offer a specially-designed-for-the-XC90 2nd row booster seat, or an already integrated booster cushion and adjustable backrest for your child—both of which occupy the center seat of the second row…all interesting ‘minivan-like’ features which make the XC90 very parent-friendly. 

Since you’re probably used to the more European leather in your X5, then the stiffer seat leather in the Volvo XC90 won’t bother you as much as it bothers me, and the higher price tag begs for less interior plastic, but the brushed metal trim is interesting.  Cargo space is comparable, and the third and second row seats fold down for versatile cargo space.  And don’t forget the slew of safety features, most of which are standard.  Don’t expect to jump in front of everyone once the light turns green, but do expect to turn a few heads with the ever-evolving clean Volvo styling which says “Yea, I’m a mom…but so what?”

Positives: Versatility of the 2nd row seats, awash with safety features, more than any Volvo before aggressive styling

Negatives: Slightly under-powered, on the expensive side, a tad plasticky

• Mazda CX-9

It’s not my first choice for you, but if you have the time, I would suggest at least going and having a look.  The CX-7 (a two-row) and the CX-9 (with three rows) are new for Mazda, and they’ve definitely done their homework (competitive engine power, rows fold where they’re supposed to, adequate cargo storage), but it’s a bit of a yawner—nothing great, but nothing bad either.

Positives: a good mid-point for comparison’s sake, also nicely equipped for around $35,000

Negatives: Not the most interesting interior or exterior design, with 2 car seats installed, once more, only gymnasts can get back to the 3rd row…

• Hyundai Veracruz

I know, I know, it’s a Hyundai.  But hear me out!  (You promised you’d keep an open mind, remember?)  Not only is the quality of this vehicle impressive, it’s chock-full of standard features for under $35,000.  There are several interesting color combinations in the interior, the design is surprisingly pleasing to the eye (almost as if they took the best from Acura, Infiniti and Lexus, and nicely copied it…), and it seats seven!  The drive is certainly not as pleasing as the Acura MDX, but unless you’re taking twisty mountain roads at high speeds, you most likely won’t notice the difference.

Positives: tons of standard features under $34K ($10K less than most competitors), modern design, surprising quality

Negative: it’s a Hyundai

• Important note…

The option of having a just-in-case 3rd row has obviously opened you up to more alternatives.  So if after you audition some of these cars, and find that their sometimes hard to access 3rd row just isn’t optimal for you, come back to me and we can review other options (albeit, there will be fewer outside the minivan realm, and you may really have to open your mind to alternative brands…). 

As far as minivans are concerned, there are really only two true contenders: the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna.  Both are more expensive than you’d ever want to pay for something you don’t love (large, dark sunglasses and baseball cap should come as standard equipment).  But that being said, minivans are ridiculously convenient, versatile, and can haul just about anything comfortably, from Grandma in the 3rd row to that new dresser you found at Pottery Barn. All that being said, here are my general thoughts on these two:

• Toyota Sienna

Although the second row is quite versatile (2nd row center seat can be removed and the remaining side seat slid over to make outside room for even larger 3rd row access space), the movement/removal of these seats is clunky (and what exactly are you supposed to do with the center seat once it’s removed…?).  Interior materials are acceptable, but the design is ho-hum, and seating is marginally comfortable—soft, but overly-velour fabric, couch-like cushioning, but slightly small seating surface.

Cargo and storage options are absolutely competitive with the Odyssey, along with power and gas mileage.

• Honda Odyssey

Considerably more comfortable seating, but competitively ho-hum styling.  Personally I feel the Odyssey isn’t quite as menacingly ‘minivan’ as the Sienna, from a sitting at the green light point of view, but the interior materials suffer from a plasticky essence that you’re probably not used to—and never want to get used to.

Send me a note and let me know how your shopping goes...  And of course, if you have any questions, or change your mind about the 3rd row, just tell me!

-CarGirl