Best 2014 Vehicles for Larger Families
Best 2014 Vehicles for Larger Families
by James Hamel
We hope no one here misunderstands when we say “large families” we are definitely not implying that the people who make up this group are somehow fatter than elephants at a pie eating contest. No, we are just referring here to the number of family members. You see the difference? Please, don’t send any nasty letters.
Large families come in all shapes, sizes, colors and political affiliations but if you are a couple with more than two children your vehicular needs change big time. Whereas you could get away with a sporty family sedan or wagon with two kids, with three you pretty much need a minivan or large SUV.
But don’t head on down to your local Chevy dealer just yet for a Suburban. Just because there are lots of play dates in your schedule doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your money on gas. Also, just because you need lots of cargo/human room does not mean you have to dread driving the “family car.” Trust us, just because a car fits your relatives and all of their junk doesn’t mean you have to abandon the notion of driving enjoyment and owning a stylish car.
To be quite honest, vehicles like the Chevy Suburban are just too big for 90% of the places they go and the people who own them are usually not equipped to drive such a large vehicle. We can’t tell you how many times the driver of a Suburban/Escalade/Yukon XL has nearly mowed us down in a grocery store parking lot. These people aren’t mean, they just can’t see!
So here are five terrific choices for those of you out there with large families with up to 8 members. Now, if you need more seats than that we can show you something in a school bus. And you might want to talk to someone about the concept of contraception.
2014 Toyota Sienna SE
When you absolutely, positively must have a minivan the Toyota Sienna SE is not only one of the most fun to drive examples out there, it is also sadly one of the most fun to drive Toyotas. The SE is the Sienna you want to go for if you don’t want soggy handling and vague steering. Yes, the 2014 Honda Odyssey is just as fun to drive but when fully loaded can get pricey. But we recommend you try out both options.
In addition to some slight trim changes, the SE gets a sporty suspension set up that gives it serious cornering skills and a steering rack that wouldn’t be out of place in a sport sedan. Yes, we are serious. We had fun driving a minivan. And a Toyota at that.
2014 Kia Sorento SX AWD
If you are on a budget yet still need seating for seven you can’t really go wrong with Kia’s 2014 Sorento SUV which also happens to be built here in the USA. The third row of seats isn’t huge but it is fine for most kids. It lacks the versatility of a minivan but it looks and drives a lot better than all of them. The interior is also gorgeously appointed with every gadget and gizmo you could imagine available on the options list and you get a very long 10 year warranty. However, we do recommend you opt for the 3.5 liter V6 as the 4-cylinder is just too underpowered for this SUV.
2014 Acura MDX/Honda Pilot
When in doubt, we have tended to always say, buy the Honda or Acura. These seven passenger SUVs are reliable, roomy, are built to last and are both quite fun to drive for such large SUVs. Sure, the 2014 Acura MDX is the smooth operator but the more utilitarian Pilot will never flinch from any kid and pet destruction thrown its way. The Acura would always be our preferred choice because we are spoiled and love that brand’s Acura/ELS audio system upgrade (road tester MaryAnne Wendt loved that the MDX could hold her purse in its center console) but if you are on a budget you can get a lot of the MDX’s goodness at a much lower price with the Honda.
2014 Ford Flex
The Ford Flex stands out because it offers minivan like room for seven yet it isn’t one. It also isn’t really a wagon or an SUV. Who cares what it is because all that matters is what it can do. The Flex has a versatile, well-built and stylish interior. It is also available with the same 3.5 liter 346 horsepower Ecoboost motor from the Taurus SHO. That makes the Flex the muscle car of this grouping.
2014 GMC Acadia
GMC offer a high luxury “Denali” trim level with the stylish Acadia with a starting price around $45,000. If that price is too high for your budget GMC also has other variants that are more cost efficient. Chevy and Buick also sell versions of this 7 or 8 passenger SUV (based on configuration) but none of them encompass as many price points as the GMC. Nor do they look so cool.
The GMC also has the most accessible and comfortable third row in any SUV this size with only the larger Dodge Durango being the next larger choice should you need to haul around five teenagers in the back at all times. If so, heaven help you.
Photos by James Hamel and Todd A. Allen
