Thats a fair point, but it’s true for every manufacturer. It’s hard to guess if you’re making the next Explorer or the next Explorer Sport Trac.

I find crossovers easier to load and unload. Less bending over for me. (Also one of the reasons why I grew to like a crossover for infant and toddler hauling duty).

I believe it was a 2012 Sienna that I rode in, also for a 2 hour drive. I also didn’t complain because my friends were so proud of their new (to them) vehicle.

Right....just pointing out that static forces are not very applicable to racing safety.

The van is the best tool for a rather specific job. If you don’t need 5+ passenger seating every day, then you might enjoy a different option more.

Hey, I’m always up for considering a new project...

Eh, sounds like a vehicle well beyond my needs. I don’t have a boat, I don’t have any large dogs, and I doubt I’d have 6 people want to tag along in the same vehicle on a trip with me.

“Sport seat” office chairs are all the rage right now.

Well, everyone cares a little...

I completely understand your situation, even though I only have 2 kids. (I ended up getting a crew cab truck for my vehicle, it can easily fit 3 car seats across the back seat, or 3 adults, or any combination).

Back when I was a kid, I would play ball with my dad, wrench with my dad, mow lawns, brick lay, etc. with my dad. I had fun, but my dad did too, since he had an excuse to play ball, wrench, learn to lay bricks, and claim that he needed a new lawn mower so he could put the old one’s engine on a garage creeper.

You say that like I haven’t ever stopped searching craigslist...

But sliding doors are less necessary on a narrower vehicle, and once the kids can unstrap themselves, it’s really no effort on your part to get them out.

Except, there are entire classes of vehicles between “compact 4 door hatchback” and “minivan”.

Right, passenger access, especially to the 3rd row, is always better in the minivan.

Hell, most CUVs drive better than a minivan. (I was shocked at how good our 2.5i Outback was in the twisties).

The Atlas is amazing for 3rd row space, but access is far more annoying than a minivan. Not something I’d want to live with if I had occupants in the 3rd row everyday.

The whole “minivans are uncool” thing is ridiculous on it’s face. You ceased being a cool person when you had kids, buying a tarted up wagon with plastic wheel arches isn’t going to fool anyone. Just get the damn minivan, it’s the best tool for the job.

Disagree: 3rd row SUVs are 2 row SUVs with a couple jump seats in the back.