Does this vehicle exist?

[Nickarolaberry]

Hi mamas.

I am beside myself with frustration.

I currently drive an 09 Honday Odyssey. It's fine, but seems very big to me most of the time. Gas mileage is so-so. Not awful, but not great.

We just moved to a major snowfall area. Hilly, some rural roads, lots of winter. I need something reliable and excellent in the snow.

I have 3 kids. One is 11, in an adult seatbelt. One is 8, still in a (Monterey) booster. She *just* hit 50 lbs. One is 6, in a Nautilus. He's barely 45 lbs. but tall. 

We sometimes go on road trips. Hiking, taking lots of beach stuff, bikes, etc.

Dh is 6'2" and needs plenty of head and foot space. He does not like the Prius, for example. Feels like he's in a clown car. He wants a Suburban. I don't. (ack!)

I want:

*a vehicle that comfortably fits my 3 kids and our stuff

*gets great mileage

*is awesome in the snow

*is very reliable and safe

Does that exist?!

[AngelKissedKids]

For a 3 out 4, the Toyota Sienna offers an AWD option, although I would imagine that it would be slightly less fuel efficient than your Ody because of it.  Good luck in your search!

[Nickarolaberry]

Thanks!

Just soooooo sick of the mommyvan. I do admit, I'd love something a little less nerdy. (by the way I am a nerd. i just want to pretend with a cooler vehicle that I'm not a nerd)

[SynEpona]

I have no idea about gas mileage (My DH drives an Expedition, and can put 600km on it in a day for work, so anything I drive looks great on gas in comparison!) ....

But I love my Ford Freestyle. We have the 6 seat model, and removed the 2nd row center console to maintain access to the 3rd row while still having carseats in the 2nd row. With one seat folded down in the 3rd row, there's quite a bit of cargo space. It has swinging doors, so it's NOT a van! The newer ones are called TaurusX, but it's no longer in production under either name. DH doesn't mind driving it, and my dad who is taller has driven it several times and doesn't find it squishy. I've sat in the 3rd row for short drives -- it's not un-comfortable for short term for an adult, and pretty roomy for kids in car seats or just seatbelts.

It's AWD, and great in snow :) I never got stuck in our old driveway, which did happen with my previous cars. We live near Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, and get some brutal snowfall, and I've never felt 'house bound' b/c of my vehicle, and have always been able to handle it solidly on icy roads.

[~Adorkable~]

I'm oooooooogling the Ford Flex, i have rented one twice now and im amazed at hoe roomy and nicely made they are, as much room if not more than most of the SUVs i have owned and feels much smaller to drive. MPG was 18.7 avg when i drove it fully loaded for a week (it says it on the dash)