I've always heard this, that cars are to big, but my sedan feels tiny now that I have a kid. Stroller, car seat, baby travel bag. Space for anything else is gone. I feel the need for an suv or pick up with a back row. Trying to DIY anything in a house too is difficult.
But why do you think your problems would be solved by an SUV or a pick up? There are plenty of family cars that are way more practical for the purpose than any of those.
Yup - Americans hate MPVs/Minivans for some reason even though that's what most families probably need.
Something like the Honda Freed: three-row compact minivan that can comfortably seat 6. Or seats can be folded/arranged in a number of different configurations to give a ton of cargo space. Sliding doors, which are incredibly convenient. And available with AWD and/or a hybrid version that gets 49 MPG. Weight is about the same as the best-selling-in-America RAV4, but shorter, easier to park, and all around way more useful.
I recently went on a road trip in one of these with three adults, three road bikes (front wheel detached, but otherwise fully assembled), and all of our other cycling gear + luggage. I was shocked at how much we were able to fit into it and have a comfortable ride.
A minivan is the economical choice for every family. More interior room, more comfortable, more versatile.
But still people will opt for a larger footprint and taller 3 row SUV with less legroom and cargo space because the fact that it is less economical and they can afford to waste money is a show of status. And they get to sit higher up. And pretend they take it rock climbing in the mountains on the weekends.
Because they're big enough to fit stuff in and still be able to seat the family. Trips to the beach, mountains, road trips, buying 2nd hand furniture are all difficult or impossible.
If you know a model that can fit a family, baby stuff and sports equipment, let me know. Suvs are too expensive
When I had a 2-door sports car and needed to move 2nd hand furniture, I asked a friend for help, or rented a moving van or trailer. For that matter, when I bought a matched set of 5 big book cases, the 2nd hand store used their trailer to deliver it.
That said, I also know how the US has locked itself into car dependency, making any other options almost untenable. Like it or now, you'll probably be driving your kids around for the next 10-15 years because the alternative choices have been taken away.
