DODGE JOURNEY

DODGE JOURNEY

This is a handsome and totally underrated offering from the company that invented the minivan. As a mid-size crossover, it offers as much space as a large crossover. It also seats seven passengers. The Journey also has a 3.6liter V6 with torque and horsepower numbers dangerously close to the Dodge Caravan. It has the power of the minivan, but it maneuvers better. Maybe it’s a stealth vehicle to keep the minivan alive in a manly form? Dodge just knows how to build midsize vehicles that feel big and work well. So go for it. No shame there.

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FORD TRANSIT CONNECT

FORD TRANSIT CONNECT

The real advantage of swapping the minivan in for a Ford Transit Connect is that it’s a fearless and plucky stand-in for a utility van, every man’s dream. It also provides plenty of seating for a family outing or trip to a sports event. The best thing might be the gas mileage you get if you go for this model. There’s a lot less redundancy too. If you haul out the tablet or Smartphone out to entertain the kids, you won’t run into a LCDs already installed. The standard features are fewer than most. If you appreciate basic transportation, the Connect is for you.

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GMC ACADIA DENALI

GMC ACADIA DENALI

The Acadia Denali’s up-market uni-body crossover design allows parents to carry seven school kids and look like a Cadillac doing it. It’s such a beautiful vehicle, the spouse might take it away. The really gutsy suspension system is something a real man would never get over. The handling is special. GMC’s safety package is good too. If anybody collides with you, the whole family will look lost inside a box of marshmallows. If the airbags do everything the engineers intended, the kids will laugh.

The wife will be relieved you didn’t buy a GMC Yukon.

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KIA SORENTO

KIA SORENTO

While Kia packs its cars with features at the standard level, the Sorento that best replaces the minivan includes optional equipment like a macho V6 engine and the third row seating. That brings the ability to haul kids to six or seven in number, and provides the horse power and torque to feel pretty darn good on the road. Because the ride is excellent, and it’s easy to operate, the V6 Sorento climbs to the top of the list of manly cars to replace the minivan. The third seat definitely works for kids, and the second row is roomy enough for the grandparents.

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CHEVY TRAVERSE

CHEVY TRAVERSE

Other Chevrolet models have hauled the family to grandma’s easily, but the eight-year old Chevy Traverse is a winner as a replacement for the minivan because the cool, manly looks trump the boxy appearance of many of Chevy’s vehicles. It seats eight and there’s room for cargo to boot, all in a nimble crossover. This car inspires more than just mini-van lovers. It’s a popular every-person vehicle, and Chevy intuitively filled it with neat goodies. While it’s not the most macho ride, it’s the smoothest. Conspiracy freaks know that of all the SUVs intended to replace this minivan, the Traverse is the best of the bunch. The rear infotainment system is reportedly very family friendly. If you like a reliable vehicle with nifty extras the kids will enjoy, go for the Chevy Traverse.

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