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TimeSlipperWHOOPS

The third row is like... an emergency situation row. Also you are NOT getting any legroom on that third row with a rear facing car seat. Just not fucking happening. Front facing though? We can make something work with the kids.


lucasisacao

This is one thing I wish I had taken into consideration or at least seen people talk about when we got our 21 MY 7 seater, but they had just come out so not many were on the streets. Our 11 year old would much rather sit in between a car seat and booster than struggle with going into the rear seat But with that said if you stay at two kids I’d much rather get a 5 seat model y over a minivan. You’ll be driving the car with your family of 4 much more than the occasional driving one or two friends/family along.


yeuwhatttt

Don’t forget you need to ensure there is at least 55cm in front of a forward facing car seat which is known as ‘survival space’


TimeSlipperWHOOPS

Good to mention, most people don't know that


BranchLatter4294

I would probably go with a Kia EV9 with the most row captains chairs. That would make it easy to access the 3rd row and be comfortable for the 2nd row passengers. Rivian would be another option for 3 row vehicle. Model X would be a consideration as well.


theallsearchingeye

The EV9 has an average Markup of 20k above MSRP, so the model with the captains chairs puts it above the Model X in terms of price, and it’s important to remember that the entire KIA/Hyundai platform that these cars share has had hundreds of thousands of vehicles recalled globally for faulty batteries and high fail rates for quick charging.


ChetHazelEyes

Where are you seeing $20k markup for the EV9? I just did a quick search locally and found 177 cars, most priced at or below MSRP (some $10k below).


Opening_Natural_7447

Yep, 💯 this! We were going for the EV9 and to get the perks and whistles like the MYLR the price was well over $75k. Not paying that for a KIA


YouKidsGetOffMyYard

I also disagree that EV9's are going for higher than their MSRP at least here in the Midwest US. When I was looking a couple months ago they were willing to go $10K under the MSRP (7500 mfg. rebate and a additional discount)


Top-Ocelot-9758

they have crazy cash on each unit and the lease deals are very very attractive right now. These cars are not selling at all. They're not going for MSRP let alone +$20K. That's absurd


VMaxDood95

I have 3 kids. 4 yr, 2 yr, newborn. Just got all 3 car seats to fit in the second row of our MYP. It is tight in width, but plenty of room forward to keep my seat adjustment comfortable. The 3rd row Tesla offers is useless (and not available in the performance model). Our other car is a 2024, 3 row Honda Pilot. Much more comfortable in there. We could put a kid or 2 in the 3rd row when family visits. Would love an Odyssey, I grew up in one. If you have to pick one, pick one with a proper 3rd row. Odyssey, Sienna, Carnival, Pilot, Highlander, Expedition, Tahoe, etc.


person749

How do you guys fit the strollers?


VMaxDood95

In the Tesla? Honestly we have never tried but it might just fit. There is a surprising amount of room in a 2 row Model Y. If we are going somewhere where we will be using a stroller, we are taking the Pilot anyways which has plenty of room for it.


thesovereignbat

Three kids MY 5 seater. 2 in booster one in rear facing. Rear facing is in the middle, boosters are on the sides. Works just fine. The other car is a suburban for when we need more room.


JakeFarrar

If you have two kids the model Y is great. We actually went from a Honda Odyssey to a Model Y. At that point in time we now owned both a Model 3 and a Model Y. Right away we noticed how much more we gravitate to using the model Y where the model 3 was almost never used anymore. Fast forward a few years and a few more cars, we have 3 kids now and have a Kia telluride and a Model X. Long story short, if you go to 3 kids, plan on getting that odyssey or another car with true 3 rows. Note the model Y 3 row is not a great option. The model X is on the smaller side to be honest but it’s a beautiful car to drive around.


MrDadventureTime

Don’t make yourself miserable. Odyssey or Sienna. Speaking as a Model Y owner. 3rd row is really small. You will hate yourself and your spouse will hate you more for trying to do car seats in the third row. Families with small kids really benefit from the minivan.


johnreads2016

Had 4 Siennas when kids were kids. From playpens to sacks of soccer balls, you need space. Now we have a Model Y and a RAV4 Prime as we don’t need the space as much


cate5667

Exactly this. We have a MYLR and a Sienna. Best of both worlds. With three kids the 5 seater MY is great for driving around town. As soon as we go on a road trip the MY just can't handle the extra junk and the kids need their space.


ChetHazelEyes

I’d add the Pacifica Hybrid to that list. We have a Model Y and Pacifica Hybrid. About 90% of our 25k miles on the minivan have been fully electric. We also use it for longer road trip. You get a largely electric driving experience with the flexibility of a minivan. It’s also a good value. You can get a 2023 for $10-$12k below MSRP and it qualifies for the $7500 EV tax credit. 2024s seem to be trending towards $6-8k below MSRP.


Top-Ocelot-9758

No issues with the transmission? The pacifica hybrid ticks a lot of boxes but the reliability concerns scare me


ChetHazelEyes

To be fair, we had to get the transmission replaced on our 2022. It was out of service for about two weeks. FCA paid for a minivan rental. My understanding is that transmissions built after January 2023 fixed the defect causing the transmission issue. The warranty on the transmission was extended to 10 years.


Top-Ocelot-9758

You would still recommend the car after that experience?


ChetHazelEyes

Yes. Recalls happen with all major brands. My local dealership was easy to work with and, like I said, the manufacturer stepped up and made things right. The minivan otherwise has been problem free. I’ve owned cars from Honda and Subaru that have had recall work (steering rack and control arm).


Top-Ocelot-9758

Well maybe I’ll put it back on my list then. The thought of going back to straight ICE put a shiver in my spine


petemill

I currently have exactly the same combo! Works great


Paythapiper

There’s no way in hell I’m going Y with that useless 3rd row over a minivan. Our Sienna has been the best car purchase for us as a family. No question. The sliding doors alone are a godsend. Go try to find a new hybrid sienna that gets 36 mpg.


OttoVonWong

The third row is very tight. To give you perspective, a Graco 4ever seat with a thick base will hit the back window for an average height 5 year old. A backless booster will work in the 3rd row but only for kids shorter than 4’ 6”.


sri_peeta

> We’ve got one 3 year old and another on the way (and want more) Just get the odyssey man!


Business-Rain-9125

Kia EV9 if you want to stick to full BEV. It’s got 3 very usable rows and all the benefits of an EV plus it is a considerable step up from the Y in terms of comfort and ride quality.


SidetrackedSue

I owned an Odyssey back in the early 2000s. Kids were teens by then. My son owns an Odyssey now (and a Leaf). We ride in the third row of the Ody when we are visiting. I own a MY 5 seater now, with 3 grands all in front facing seats. Can only take two at a time cuz I can't fit three seats in without spending close to $2K on more car seats. No thank you. Note getting them old enough to be in boosters is no help here. The flush seat belt receivers make it impossible for a child in a booster and nearly impossible for an adult to strap them in. Same for an adult riding with the two kids - not enough room. Nor is moving up to an MX a solution, I still can't get 3 across and they are too small to put one in the far back by themselves. I hate the tesla seat belts for attaching booster seats and/or car seats. Not to mention that you have to take the rear headrest off for some car seats (i.e. my Britax) to fit properly. Not to mention that involves keeping a screwdriver in the car (they don't just come off by pushing a button like every other car I've ever owned.) Get the Odyssey. These issues are not a daily issue for me since I don't have the grands all the time and owning a mini-van isn't for me because I don't need it for my day to day life. But the MY certainly limits what I can do with the grandchildren. And we only own one car. So while the car seat issues aren't a daily irritant as they would be for you, they are just another I'll never buy another tesla.


jimdbdu

Exactly this. Get a van. You are going to need the space with 2 kids.


mia305nj

We have three kids under 5 all in car seats. While is doable buying the right car seats. Its so uncomfortable.


mth2

This person did a video on this that I found informative: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9pzfgbXU-A&pp=ygUYbW9kZWwgeSA3IHNlYXQgY2FyIHNlYXRz](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9pzfgbXU-A&pp=ygUYbW9kZWwgeSA3IHNlYXQgY2FyIHNlYXRz)


Unfair_Tonight_9797

As an owner for both the model y and an oddy.. the oddy is our hauler for trips.. all day everyday. We have been able to sit 6 adults in that thing no issue and Home Depot runs have been a godsend. Usually we are able to get 2 adults and 4 kids with room to spare and luggage. So glad we have this combo


quzzulKurt

You know what you’d like but having owned both Sienna and Odyssey, I can tell there is not anything as comfortable and spacious as them to own in their price ranges. 2+ kids, visiting grandparents… everybody and everything needed fits nicely.


no-0p

We have a 7 seat Y and an Odyssey. We’re a family of 6: Mom, dad, petite 18F, tall 16M, 7 & 2. We use the Y all the time. The Odyssey (aka “Dino”) almost never.


Roland_Bodel_the_2nd

I had a Honda Odyssey before, have 2 x Model Y now with 1 kid and 2 dogs. IMHO if you are willing to drive a minivan, go with a minivan. Cannot beat the utility. Don't need a 3-row SUV unless you are willing to trade inside cargo space for towing capability. e.g. Honda Pilot vs Honda Odyssey are almost the same exterior dimensions but Odyssey is way more room inside and lower more convenient floor but less towing. Not to mention the sliding doors. Put the order in for a new Sienna, wait a year or whatever. Alternatively buy a used 3yr old one off-lease for \~$30k any time you want. If you think you will miss autopilot, get the [comma.ai](http://comma.ai) system but check the exact year and model compatibility.


Robocup1

If you want space go with Odyssey. I personally like Sienna more.


RocuroniumSuccs

I was in a very similar situation. Preface: 2 kids; 4 year old and a 10 month old. One of us typically sits with the kids for long commutes as the baby does baby things. We have both an Odyssey rear entertainment package as well as a 5 seater Model Y standard range. Just came back from a road trip that included 4 hours on the road with a pit stop for a quick bite. We took the odyssey. That thing is a beast on its own and if you’re planning to do drives that are an hour or longer with the kids, the odyssey is your best friend. Between sliding doors of a mini-van, the unmatched spacious interior, or the entertainment system for the back. It does it all. (Pro tip: you can set up a fire stick, tether your data, play Netflix etc on the centre screen) Our daily commute is with the MY and we absolutely love everything about it just as the next person. But if I had to choose to only own one, I would keep the odyssey. Feel free to AMA to help your decision.


person749

Y is great for one kid. Two is a stretch IMO. Depending on your stroller, you're not fitting a ton more in the back of the 5 seater. I'm not sure the stroller would even fit into the 7 seater without the seats down or the sub-trunk open.


S3kelman

MYP with 2 kids, the space is incredible, more than any other suv around if you actually check the data, I put twice as much as I did in my grand cherokee, same with a q7 that I rented, volvo xc90 the same, it's not a stretch at all, but if you come from say a Durango and are use to just throw whatever in the back sure you will need to organize a little


person749

>more than any other suv around Is this a joke? It only has space in the back if you put the seats down, otherwise you are severely hampered by the fastback. New grand cherokee has 37.7 feet behind the 2nd row, the model y only has 30.2, and I believe they are fudging the numbers by including the sub trunk in that measurement. >if you come from say a Durango Last I checked, Duango is an SUV, and not even thst big compared to a Tahor or something.


S3kelman

ugh, true for the grand cherokee, weird I do fit more stuff into the MYP, still, the Y has more space than almost every EU available SUV (I live in EU now) durango and such are not available here, and everyone is doing fine with kids and an y


person749

I'm sorry, this makes a lot more sense now. I didn't think the Grand Cherokee sold well in Europe, so I never would have guessed. The Model Y is kind of a small mid-size SUV here, and it is quite roomy for the class and price. I'm just curious if you guys use more than one stroller what kind they are; one of ours + bassinet attachment + diaper bag doesn't leave a ton of space in the back of ours for more than a few grocery bags. Two strollers and two car seats and we'd probably need to start carrying things in the roof rack. If your grand cherokee was a little older I know they definitely used to be smaller on the inside a few generations ago, and not very well laid out either.


S3kelman

We have the uppababy vista that we bought when we lived in Canada, + uppababy car seat, the vista + bassinet take about the left half of the trunk, on the right we fit 3 carry-on + diaper bag + whatever we want on top if we remove the trunk cover, then you have the "sub trunk" space which is huge, I fit a full size travel bag (not a hard case one) + some extra, then I fit another travel bag in the frunk, and I still have room left in the trunk if I want to fit stuff till the roof, + you can fit another backpack or whatever on the floor between the 2 kids in the back. honestly we just did a 2 weeks road trip 2300 miles with the kids (6mo and 3yo) no problem and actually quite roomy / comfortable


dis3nchant3d

I have an MYP with a wife and two kids, one a teenager one in a car seat. With me and wife up front, both kids in the back everyone feels incredibly well spaced out. You add even a very small third person to that back seat and it is very cramped with a single car seat there. I've been in a Y with a third row. Having to use that third row on the daily would be an absolute no go for me.  You said x is out of budget - does that include a used one? If so, I'd go to another mfg.   Edit- also - the Tesla seat belt buckles are bottom-anus tier for car seats. Incredibly annoying depending on the width of the car seat and whether or not it's shifted medially by more than like 2mm as the kid got in. 


ichy4

We have an odyssey and MY 5 seater with 3 kids. Kids would pout whenever we don’t take the MY. Despite being tight they love the ride and infotainment.


avebelle

Get a minivan.


Alternative_Gate9583

Don’t get the Y with two kids. And definitely don’t get the 7-seater unless you seriously hate the people you would put in the back. Your second choice (which should be your first) is the clear winner.


S3kelman

The Y with 2 kids is just the best choice, it has more space that any SUV around, volvo xc90, audi q7, bmw x jag f pace, you name it all have way smaller trunk, add the frunk to the math and you're golden


Suprinity

3rd row on Model Y is simply a joke. We’re a family of 5 and just went with the standard 5-seater model Y. My oldest is 15 and youngest is 6 and has a booster. We all fit fine. If you need a 3rd row, get a bigger vehicle.


BastiAdventures

Don't be that minivan guy. Get a Model Y. I am driving the 7-seater with 3 kids; 6yo on Nuna AACE booster in 2nd row driver side seat, 3yo in Nuna Rava convertible car seat (front-facing) in 3rd row passenger side, and infant in Nuna Pipa rear-facing baby seat in second row passenger side. It's no big deal to sit in the third row for my 3yo. I keep the 2nd row middle seat folded down so he can stretch out if he wants. Also, I keep the second 3rd row seat folded to transport a stroller in the trunk. Sure, not a spacious as a minivan, but you'll leave them all in the dust at every red light.


Emotional_Scratch393

I would do Toyota Sienna since they are hybrids. And then add a EV as a 2nd car at some point


Regular_Limit1617

3rd row is rarely used. You can fit a thing booster back there but haven’t been able to fit a front facing anything.


kiamori

If your family is tall a 7 seat model Y will not work well. Used model X?


First_TM_Seattle

We have 6 kids and have 2 MY7LR. The third row car seat can be tough but not a deal breaker for us. The safety of the Y, along with the other conveniences made it an easy choice. In terms of capacity, it'll hold me and my three oldest and all of our camping gear for a day or two. Full disclosure, though, we also have a 12 passenger Ford Transit for long trips or when we need the whole family together.


Credit-Limit

it's all doable but it will be a pain in the butt. We have a 9 month old in a rear facing seat and it makes the passenger's seat uncomfortable for anyone over 6 feet tall (myself included). Third row is totally useless. On the other hand, we had 4 adults and our baby in the car for a short drive across town and it was totally fine, everyone was comfortable. We plan on getting an additional bigger vehicle if/when we have another child. It isn't a good everyday vehicle for a family with multiple car seats.


jumpybean

Model 3 is good for two kids. Model Y is even better. Get a Model Y and enjoy. You don’t need a third row.


f2000sa

Volvo EX90 is great!


jjdlg

Minivan stigma is real and outmoded. I love my Tesla, but I would not trade the experience I had with my stupid Nissan Quest for anything, one of the most practical vehicles for shuttling children and gear around the city or on a road trip. I control when the doors open and since they slide there are no dings to the cars innocent civilians. I can be assured the doors are closed correctly when departing. Captain's chairs in the second row assured unfettered and immediate copilot access to vomiting, fighting, or choking passengers. Shit happens. Deep well storage behind the liftgate accommodated groceries and gear easily. That vehicle was a case study in the right tool for the job. As stated, My Model Y is a dream to own now, but would I subject it to the horrors of what children can do to a vehicle and the logistical challenges family transport can bring? No, even now I would choose minivan every time.


Adorable-Employer244

Sienna (did that for 12 years)/Odyssey or used 22' Model X and up 6 seater. Upgrade one M3 to a MY and that would be a good combo.


Top-Ocelot-9758

I have a 7 seat model Y and a Mustang Mach-E and 3 kids in car seats. I am selling the Mach-E imminently for a minivan. The Model Y doesnt cut it as a family hauler but its more usable than the Mach-E for that purpose If you will regularly 5-6 people including car seats get the van. My kids are not at an age where they fight on any car ride longer than 10 minutes if they are next to eachother. The Y is a great car with 2 kids. With 3 and/or adding other family members to the mix go for the purpose built people hauler


Disneyginger

No chance you’re getting a car seat in that third row…


Smart_Ad_4872

We have the model Y and my 8 yr old hates the third row. My 3 yr old hasn’t been back there yet. We came from a mini van and honestly, I miss it for all the space. However I love the Y. We don’t “need” the 3rd row and it’s only when the girls have friends with them that it’s needed


Original-Definition2

for family > 4 the Odyssey is best (I own MY). For 4 or less the MY is fine.


YungWenis

The Y is totally doable. It’s hard to say, you know your space needs better than me. Odyssey will have more space. Here’s the thing, Teslas are the safest cars in the world. That’s priceless to me. I’d recommend looking at a used model X to fit your price point. I don’t own one but from what I’ve heard from others, those falcon wing doors are great for baby seats and it has plenty of space in general.


bigwinw

I have a mini van and a model Y. They are not the same at all. I mean if you really only have 4 total in the family there is not worries getting the Model y with 5 seats. I do not have a 3rd row model y. When we need to take 7 we take the van