Hello, In my years of loyalty Volvo, I've decided that the 05 Dodge Grand Caravan just looks to out of place in my drive way of 240s. Unfortunately, switching the "family" vehicle to Volvo is a difficult transition to make, as we are a family of 7. 2 adults, a 10 yo, a 7 yo, a 5 yo, a 2 yo, and a newborn.

My question is, what is the practicality of daily utilization of the 3rd row seat in the XC90? We will have 2 booster seats, 1 rear facing car seat, 1 front facing car seat, and 1 just strapped in. I figured the 2 car seats in front, a booster seat in front, and the other 2 in back.

Any thoughts or experiences before we buy? We've also considered a v70/xc70/850 with 3rd row seating. We used to use a 240 with 3rd row, but I can't get the wife to drive 240s anymore

 

the 3rd row would be a pain if you have to buckle in the kids, not so much if they can buckle themselves. With that many people I'd get a Honda minivan.

 

I wish Volvo would just make a damn minivan!

 

I just went from a 2006 Grand Caravan to an XC90. I love MY Volvo, but I truly don't think I would have liked it to be the FAMILY vehicle with little kids. The van was like a small mobile home LOL - soooo much room! I also liked the fact that with the sliding doors, we never had to worry about kiddos opening the door and dinging the car beside us. My kids are older now, so that stuff doesn't really matter. I also don't think you are going to get a booster seat in the third row, though it's fine for young kids buckled in. We'll only use the third row for "small friends" - not something to use on a daily basis, in my opinion.

I would stick with the van 'til kids are older and then get a great car that they won't mess up! Good luck!