Pulaski

The XC90 (now) has a smaller seat jammed in between the "full size" seats on either side.



Volvo's market share in the US is low and declining; in 2014 it was the lowest since 1978, selling less than 57,000 cars. If you buy a Volvo you could take a heavy financial hit if they pull out of the US market, as has been rumoured over the past couple of years. I suspect that having a Chinese owner hasn't helped Volvo retain customers in the US either.

Bnet36

That seat does look tight in the new model. Shame - I would have considered buying another one if it was the same as the one I have. It's the only large vehicle I would drive - down size it is!

I do like that Volvo's are not common. Their future in the US, who knows, but I do love my car and I know 3 other owners who are very happy with their XC90s.

petitefrancaise

what year is your XC90? I would prefer to buy a 2 year old car rather than a new one.
I see quite a few around here in Austin.

Hiro11

Five adults + camping gear is tough. I don't think any car outside a Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe behemoth has true three-across seating. If you can get over a prejudice, minivans get close with a sizable "jump seat" in the middle. Also, they offer better handling, a smoother ride, better gas mileage, much larger interiors, easier access, lower prices etc. The Toyota Sienna by all accounts is the best minivan on the market.

Pulaski

You'd buy a used car but not a new truck?

Pulaski

Sales of minivans have collapsed, and to say that Toyota make the best minivan rather over looks the fact that Honda is their only serious competitor, with cheaper offerings from Hyundai and Kia, ........ oh, and there is still a Chrylser T&C, but that's about it, so not exactly a thriving sector.

Then there is the matter that, from an engineering perspective, there is virtually no difference between minivans and most SUV's these days, they are both unibody designs.

sir_eccles

I had a T&C as a rental once, barely went uphill. Terrible "car".

Bink

You could get a Tahoe/Yukon/escaladeor a traverse/enclave/Acadia with a second row bench seat or the Expedition as the Weeze's have mentioned.

We have an Acadia which an adult could sit in the 3rd row of, especially if you sit in the middle seat. Even with the 3rd row in use we can fit a stroller and a reasonable grocery shop or 2 large suitcases with smaller bags on top.

An extended SUV (Expedition EL or suburban etc) would offer the most space. With parking sensors and cameras they're not so bad to park.

Bink

Pulaski

Personally I'm in favour of (i) banning minivans, and (ii) banning the sort of people who would own a minivan from driving at all!

Bink

You are forgiven!

Pulaski

Phew!

Bnet36

It's a 2006 bought in 2008. I never buy brand new. OH won't let me and now I agree with him. Losing that value as soon as you leave the car lot with a brand new car doesn't make sense. I believe the new Volvo comes this year and all previous ones are pretty much the same, which is also an advantage, as my car doesn't look ancient against the newer ones.

Pulaski

That is excellent advice in the UK, but nowhere near as excellent in the US.

lizzyq

Peer group (HOA) pressure.....