bikebreak

We are in the market for a new car, need 6-8 seats due to kids and carpools. Looking for a small suv/crossover or large station wagon or hatchback style with third row seats. Needs to be under 30 grand...

I want something that can easily fit a bike in the back, maybe with fold down seats in 3rd row. Prefer if it fits my MTB and my son's kids MTB too.

Any suggestions? Towing 5 kids behind my bike is not a realistic suggestion

thanks!

Ajkollme

I think you will have a difficult time finding an SUV large enough to have three full rows of seats and room for two bikes. I used to have a GMC suburban, and even that couldn't fit bikes behind the third row. Are roof or trailer racks a non-starter?

bikebreak

thanks, I used to have a volvo station wagon where the back row seats folded flat and it was easy to get a bike in without taking wheels offs. wondering if anything does that with 3 rows of seats

Tony Marley

Through the years, I have had excellent luck with Toyota Sienna mini-vans. I have hauled tandems and recumbents inside them. With the 3rd row of seats down, the tandem can sit upright, with the front between the second row of seats. I don't know about the $30K ceiling, though. Maybe used.

RonH

I have a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport - no 3rd row seat. Try a Hyundai Santa Fe. It has the 3rd row seating and loads of room to haul bikes in the back. The 2016 starts at ~$30,000. You may be able to find a 2015 to save on the cost.

corrado33

I don't think that's what the OP wanted. I believe he wanted to haul lots of kids OR a few bikes, not both simultaneously. Sorry I have no other help.

superdex

used yukon?

bobwysiwyg

Consider a Honda Pilot. I'm not a fan of the most current model, too stylized for me. Mine is a 2013. Has three row seating and with seats down, easily carries 2, perhaps 3 bikes inside. My wife had to come fetch me after 30 miles but five miles short after a flat. Tossed mine inside without removing anything and home we went. Add a hitch mounted rack as we have and you have the best of both worlds.

tyrion

Minivans hold more people and bikes than a small or midsize SUV, possibly more than a full size SUV because they have more interior height in the back. Minivans aren't sexy but they are utilitarian.

mtnroads

Agree with that.. minivans hold so much more than SUV's and crossovers. And mpg just as good.

riva

Just as bad you mean.

A John&Kate+8 van would be nice. Better mpg than a minivan and you can haul 7 people PLUS bikes at the same time.

LuckySailor

First off, I wouldn't consider anything from the big 3. I don't ever buy new. I drive a 2006 Toyota Sequoia, bought 2 years old off Ebay from a Toyota dealership, and it was "certified". Had 58K miles, and it was bought for $25,000. The truck now has 227,000 miles on it, and it does not owe me a dime. It has the roominess, but if you have to load 7 plus a bike or two forget it, there is not enough room behind the 3rd row. very comfortable to ride in even in the 3rd row, and I'm 6'. 15 mpg though. The Toyota Sienna mini van would be an excellent choice, with great (in my book) gas mileage. Or the Honda Odyssey. Doesn't fit your needs but this is how much I like Toyota-my first one was for my in laws. 2 year old Avalon, with 88,000 kms. $24,000 in 1999. Wife driving it now, and it has 330,000 kms on it. Again, bullet proof and doesn't owe us a penny. Let someone else take the new car hit. Buy Toyota or Honda, and keep em for 20 years reliably! Check ConsumerReports.org too. And by the way, the Highlander (Toyota) has a 3rd row, BUT, beyond 4 feet tall, forget about it. Another top rated SUV! Finally, if you don't need the towing capacity, there is no reason to get an SUV. The minivan would be the way to go. Great ride, comfort and room inside, great gas mileage. No brainer.

ColaJacket

What's wrong with a minivan? They'll fit 5 kids and 2 adults well. And with only the second row, they have enough room for bikes. And the bigger minivans have more cargo space than even a Chevy Suburban.

GH

veganbikes

Ok so technically it has two rows of seats and one saddle but it certainly is an SUV (heavy, clunky, probably not great off road...): 2015 Virtue Schoolbus (Yayy, it's BACK In STOCK!) | Virtue Bike

We sell these things at the shop I work at and they are interesting to say the least.

I personally don't recommend SUVs or really most cars and try to avoid having kids so I don't need such vehicles or at least not often. I find if one feels they need a child they should instead spend those thousands of dollars on a new bike or two. Bikes don't talk back, they don't crap their pants and I don't need to feed them aside from a little lube every so often! I could send my bike to Harvard for cheaper than sending a kid (I think shipping is generally about $150 for a bike there abouts, paying for college will put someone in debt for life)

Gresp15C

Another vote for the Sienna.