Help from the Hive: spacious wagon that is enjoyable to drive

KyAllroad wrote: I'm glad you like yours but "fun to drive" and "Outback" are mutually exclusive terms. My mother has one and beyond the anemic engine is the sorry slushbox, the wallowing suspension, the feeble brakes, and the "quirky" driving position/seat/controls I'm sure it's a very nice car.

You are just not driving it the right way or on the right kinds of roads. Admittedly, I did replace the rear sway with one off an STI and I do use those little paddle things on the steering wheel. But the only vehicle I have had that was more fun on dirt roads in the mountains was an XL350. To me nicely paved roads are boring no matter what vehicle you have.

I went through this three years ago when we were expecting our first. I bit the bullet and bought an odyssey. I don't regret it. Granted it's not my daily and we have other cars/bikes.

I am of the opinion that what you are trying to find is at odds with itself and you'll end up compromised on all fronts. The silly kids seats are just so huge that it's difficult to find anything smaller that accommodates them well.

That said, try a 2008 or later MDX. I find them to be one of the most engaging SUVs for on road driving. Not sure what they sell for, though.