I am going to go ahead and say it...
With kids a mini van is the way to go. More space than any SUV period, drives like a car, and road trips become a breeze.
I know, a "min van"! Was like all the rest and said it would never happen, but after our third kid we were out of options. After a month I wondered why we did my go this way after the first kid.
We have a Honda Odyssey and it may be the best vehicle I have ever had. Seats 8, gets 22-25 around town and 28-30 on the highway, and can haul as much 4x8 sheets of plywood as a long bed pickup. Tows 3500 pounds too.
Would not look at anything but a Honda or Toyota.