I would never spend that type of money on a car like the acadia but i think if u are in the market for one they are solid. If you have a lower price point a used pacifica is also a decent ride.
I went with a CX-9. With the 3rd row up there's not huge amounts of trunk space but enough to cope (and, IMO, it's similar to a minivan with the back row up) and with the 3rd row down (the usual stance) it's like a living room back there. 3rd row is not as accessible as a minivan (obviously) but the rear doors are so huge (seriously, biggest doors I've ever seen) it's quite workable.
Thanks for all the thoughts thus far. I can see why people would suggest stuff like the CX-9, but I already have a Highlander, which is a decent size SUV.... and yet too small / unworkable. It's not totally unworkable and we may stick with it, just trying to see if anything else is out there. I definitely see what makes the minivans so appealing, but we are going to hold out on that front unless its absolutely necessary.
We have an 11 Expedition. The wife wanted to downsize 2 years ago from the Escalade ESV. The Expedition is 16” shorter than the ESV (Suburban frame) so we gave up nearly unlimited packing for slightly easier parking. The wife likes the Expedition, but it is still a big car to drive. She’s already looking for the next step down once our last child leaves the nest next year. It does have fold flat rear seats and they are 2/1 split so you can choose how much space you can give up/need. If you have all seats up, your packing is somewhat limited…unless you get the extended version EXT. You get the choice of bench or captains for the 2nd row but if you really want ease of using the 3rd row, choose captains chairs. Plus it gives the kids more individual space as they grow up. But you really can’t beat a mini-van for price vs what you get. So hold on for as long as you need to IMO. Even when we were shopping for the Pilot (pre-ESV) I saw the Odyssey in showroom which had way more packing room, more features, better MPG and was 2k less than my beatdown price…but the wife wouldn’t have it…she was done with the mini-van.
Have you checked out the Flex? I had an Edge and then went to the Flex. It is quite roomy inside - comfortable for 6. WIth the way back 2 seats folded down, there is lots of room for luggage, etc.
I don't know about the recent Acadias, but the ones from 2-3 years ago were riddled with issues from what I recall. Outside of that, I can't help you with your mini-van quest.
