4 small kids?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 1
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2013 XV Crosstrek
4 small kids?
I currently have two kids, but we're expecting twins in November.
In 2022, I would expect the 5 year old to be in a booster, the two year old rear facing and the twins to be in infant seats (and then rear facing).
How crazy is it to consider a GLS for 4 small kids? Should I just get a minivan and plan to upgrade in a few years when the two older kids are both in boosters?
Is anyone doing something similar? Has anyone traded to or from a GLS to a minivan with 4 young kids?
I am looking at used 2017 or 2018s. I like the idea of something that feels nicer to drive than a minivan especially with the 4 where I expect to spend a lot of tIme driving (flying with 2 is already crazy). Ability to tow is also appealing (long term wife really wants an airstream).
In 2022, I would expect the 5 year old to be in a booster, the two year old rear facing and the twins to be in infant seats (and then rear facing).
How crazy is it to consider a GLS for 4 small kids? Should I just get a minivan and plan to upgrade in a few years when the two older kids are both in boosters?
Is anyone doing something similar? Has anyone traded to or from a GLS to a minivan with 4 young kids?
I am looking at used 2017 or 2018s. I like the idea of something that feels nicer to drive than a minivan especially with the 4 where I expect to spend a lot of tIme driving (flying with 2 is already crazy). Ability to tow is also appealing (long term wife really wants an airstream).
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 409
Likes: 22
2008 GL320CDI (310k), 2017 GLS450 (170k), 2024 Sprinter 2500 (40k)
I currently have two kids, but we're expecting twins in November.
In 2022, I would expect the 5 year old to be in a booster, the two year old rear facing and the twins to be in infant seats (and then rear facing).
How crazy is it to consider a GLS for 4 small kids? Should I just get a minivan and plan to upgrade in a few years when the two older kids are both in boosters?
Is anyone doing something similar? Has anyone traded to or from a GLS to a minivan with 4 young kids?
I am looking at used 2017 or 2018s. I like the idea of something that feels nicer to drive than a minivan especially with the 4 where I expect to spend a lot of tIme driving (flying with 2 is already crazy). Ability to tow is also appealing (long term wife really wants an airstream).
In 2022, I would expect the 5 year old to be in a booster, the two year old rear facing and the twins to be in infant seats (and then rear facing).
How crazy is it to consider a GLS for 4 small kids? Should I just get a minivan and plan to upgrade in a few years when the two older kids are both in boosters?
Is anyone doing something similar? Has anyone traded to or from a GLS to a minivan with 4 young kids?
I am looking at used 2017 or 2018s. I like the idea of something that feels nicer to drive than a minivan especially with the 4 where I expect to spend a lot of tIme driving (flying with 2 is already crazy). Ability to tow is also appealing (long term wife really wants an airstream).
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 963
Likes: 122
From: Illinois
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
If you want efficiency - you really need any SUV or minivan with captain's chairs. Having the move the 2nd row to access the 3rd row - I can't imagine doing that every time. With the captain's chairs, kids/adults just walk through the 2nd row into the 3rd row.
I first bought my GL63 and then realized I can't access the 3rd row unless someone climbs in through the trunk or jumps the 2nd row since I had car seats latched in. So then I bought a minivan and couldn't be more happy.
Sliding doors, low entry, etc. Also, fitting luggage for 6 people in a GL63 with all 3 rows up - you need a cargo carrier - which I also ended up buying.
Can you make it work? Yes. But get something where you can access the 3rd row without removing car seats/baby seats is my opinion.
I first bought my GL63 and then realized I can't access the 3rd row unless someone climbs in through the trunk or jumps the 2nd row since I had car seats latched in. So then I bought a minivan and couldn't be more happy.
Sliding doors, low entry, etc. Also, fitting luggage for 6 people in a GL63 with all 3 rows up - you need a cargo carrier - which I also ended up buying.
Can you make it work? Yes. But get something where you can access the 3rd row without removing car seats/baby seats is my opinion.
Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 139
Likes: 36
2017 GLS 550
I looked at Escalade ESV's before getting the 550, but the issue was it wouldn't fit in our garage. Well, it technically would fit, but you wouldn't be able to walk between the front bumper and the wall to get to the door to go into the house.
I figured by the time we have 3 kids we'll be in the bigger house we've been looking for and a have a bigger garage to fit that behemoth. Because yea, two kids (plus a dog) is about the max, I think, for a GLS.
I figured by the time we have 3 kids we'll be in the bigger house we've been looking for and a have a bigger garage to fit that behemoth. Because yea, two kids (plus a dog) is about the max, I think, for a GLS.
Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 157
Likes: 55
AUDI Q7
Hello Gents,
Forgot to mention, but minivans dont have 440hp nor 550ft torque!
GLS is way to go, especially for the active large fam(long roadtrips,up the mountains,etc ..). Given indeed, still small cargo space with 6 riders, but still can use front seat for bags and drop the spare tire for some extra space(if on custom wheels).
For ski/camping, you still need a rooftop cargo box though. But you'll travel in comfort and safety.
chirboiz,
Bob
Forgot to mention, but minivans dont have 440hp nor 550ft torque!
GLS is way to go, especially for the active large fam(long roadtrips,up the mountains,etc ..). Given indeed, still small cargo space with 6 riders, but still can use front seat for bags and drop the spare tire for some extra space(if on custom wheels).
For ski/camping, you still need a rooftop cargo box though. But you'll travel in comfort and safety.
chirboiz,
Bob
