Family of 5 - ski, road trip, camp needs

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I have road tripped 3k miles with 6 in the car and travel trailer in tow. I agree with others that if you can manage gear storage possibly with a roof cargo box, the 200-series can be really comfortable even with a larger family. It's trying to squeeze all the people, dog, and gear where space can quickly become scarce as the 3rd row occupies most of the same space where gear would go.

Taking out even half the 3rd row can open up space nicely.

If you can find an effective hitch box, that's another great way to expand storage.

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jasonshiwoo said:
what cooler is that? do you have dimensions for that? I've been trying to find an electric cooler that fits behind the 3rd row seat.
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Rough country fridge. Looks like they don’t offer them anymore. It’s just a rebrand fridge I’m sure. Fits absolutely perfect behind the 3rd row.
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Rough Country 45L Portable Refrigerator / Electric Cooler (12 Volt | AC 110)

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Not sure the LC is the most functional for a family with 3 kids. I have 3 adult kids and for camping and road trips you want space and functionality.. We had a Sequoia that offered lots of space..both for bodies and cargo. Love my LC200…but it functions best as a 2 row SUV and less space in the cargo area.
 
+1 on finding a sequoia with the 5.7L and AWD. There will be significantly more space in that vehicle than in the 200 series.

The 200 is great for three young kids and no dog, but as the kids get into teenage years, it'll start getting tighter in there. The dog just adds more complications.

That said, how you pack and what you carry will play a big role, too. We've got friends that have three teenage boys, and their family of 5 fits in their mid-sized GMC SUV, even when they go camping.
 
FWIW, I regularly schlep 5 adults skiiing. 3rd row removed, snowboards fit easy in the cargo area. Skis fit also, but some of the longer ones can be a little tricky. My buddy puts his skis into a bag before loading them into the truck and that way he can cram them in without scratching up the car.

In your shoes, if off-roading isn't a factor I'd get a sienna hybrid awd. I know it's not manly, but minivans are all around awesome vehicles. More "utility vehicle" than any SUV.
 
5 people is a lot to consider when thinking about trips, etc. I would buy an LC200 / LX570 based on daily use then modify along the way to accomodate trips / vacations / etc. Rooftop storage / hitch storage / trailer will have a huge impact on your travel needs.
 
Heckraiser said:
In your shoes, if off-roading isn't a factor I'd get a sienna hybrid awd.
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My wife and I have an agreement that almost made it into the wedding vows: bringing up purchasing a minivan is grounds for divorce.

The only *van that's acceptable to even mention would look roughly like this:

lifted-ford-e350-van-11.jpg
 
The only vans I would remotely consider seem to be a rarity in the states, Toyota Hiace and Mitsubishi Delica 4wd. Cool, practical, spacious, capable, etc. Our family had the former in siberia and it was pretty decent.

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Supra Turbo said:
The only vans I would remotely consider seem to be a rarity in the states, Toyota Hiace and Mitsubishi Delica 4wd. Cool, practical, spacious, capable, etc. Our family had the former in siberia and it was pretty decent.

View attachment 4171558
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Cool is a big stretch. The rest a Sienna can handle without RHD and the headache of trying to find parts and someone to work on a JDM vehicle.
 
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slipkid13 said:
Cool is a big stretch. The rest a Sienna can handle with RHD and headache of trying to find parts and soeone to work on a JDM vehicle.
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I guess that depends in where in the world you live, rhd or finding parts was a non-issue to us. I can see how it would be a headache for you in usa, just like a sienna in siberia.
 
eatSleepWoof said:
My wife and I have an agreement that almost made it into the wedding vows: bringing up purchasing a minivan is grounds for divorce.

The only *van that's acceptable to even mention would look roughly like this:

lifted-ford-e350-van-11.jpg
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You and @Supra Turbo are on the right trail, but missed the crown jewel of vans 👇🏻

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I pity da foo who can’t get behind a basass van!

(I’m sure the spoiler was functional too btw)
 
Appreciate the latest responses. Space and packing will forever be a quest to optimize. The gear we bring will only get bigger. Second Gen Sequoia research has already commenced. Cannot go minivan. I want second row bench and AWD. Toyota and Chrysler do not offer it. Only captains chairs. The Sienna was top of my list until I learned it’s not offered and I want AWD.

I have XXL Thule Motion box, so all the hard goods go in there.

Really was hoping the consensus could sway me into an LC/LX. Perhaps I do that as our second vehicle along the Sequoia.

For those that mentioned the gas guzzling, it’s also a major consideration but I have an E39 M5, so im already “used” to it. At least I don’t need 91 octane, or do I?
 
Suburban….
 
I’m in basically brand new 2025 Wagoneer L rental for work purposes at the moment. 13k miles.

I forgot just how horrendous the build quality is on American vehicles

Electric hatch already broken, opens about 1/4 way needs to be forced up, and forced to close. Dash screen completely shuts off and blacks out for hours at a time. HVAC controls work when they’re in the mood, which is about half the time.

Steering and body sway is comparable to a 1986 school bus.

Although the seats, driving position, and ergonomics are light years better than the LC, every single thing else is a complete failure and this is with only 13k miles.

My point? Whatever ya decide, steer clear of these

Oddly, this turd is averaging 22mpg 🤷🏻‍♂️

IMG_3586.webp
 
Avoiding Ford GMC Chevy. They have too many issues and recalls. I’m prioritizing reliability.
Boston Mangler said:
I’m in basically brand new 2025 Wagoneer L rental for work purposes at the moment. 13k miles.

I forgot just how horrendous the build quality is on American vehicles

Electric hatch already broken, opens about 1/4 way needs to be forced up, and forced to close. Dash screen completely shuts off and blacks out for hours at a time. HVAC controls work when they’re in the mood, which is about half the time.

Steering and body sway is comparable to a 1986 school bus.

Although the seats, driving position, and ergonomics are light years better than the LC, every single thing else is a complete failure and this is with only 13k miles.

My point? Whatever ya decide, steer clear of these

Oddly, this turd is averaging 22mpg 🤷🏻‍♂️

View attachment 4171748
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whatdude17 said:
Avoiding Ford GMC Chevy. They have too many issues and recalls. I’m prioritizing reliability.
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Steer clear of the v35a from Toyota too.
 
Boston Mangler said:
I’m in basically brand new 2025 Wagoneer L rental for work purposes at the moment. 13k miles.

I forgot just how horrendous the build quality is on American vehicles

Electric hatch already broken, opens about 1/4 way needs to be forced up, and forced to close. Dash screen completely shuts off and blacks out for hours at a time. HVAC controls work when they’re in the mood, which is about half the time.

Steering and body sway is comparable to a 1986 school bus.

Although the seats, driving position, and ergonomics are light years better than the LC, every single thing else is a complete failure and this is with only 13k miles.

My point? Whatever ya decide, steer clear of these

Oddly, this turd is averaging 22mpg 🤷🏻‍♂️

View attachment 4171748
Click to expand...
I still can't believe anyone would actually buy one of those at the prices Chrysler was asking.
 
slipkid13 said:
I still can't believe anyone would actually buy one of those at the prices Chrysler was asking.
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Yeah, agree 100%!!

However…. If uneducated and ya just jump
In for a test drive, I could see why.

Super comfy and insane amounts of storage, and power…. But the more you use it, the more you’re asking yourself WTF
 
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