Small middle seat in family cars??

[nab]

We have been looking at some mid size (even some large) cars for the missus. We have 3 small kids but as we generally hang on to cars for a while (missus has had hers for 10 years) we need something that will easily fit the 3 kids across the rear seat when they grow a bit. Already have a big 4x4 so really want to get a small/medium runabout, we are really after a 7 seater.

Budget is $30k including fees, secondhand, no older than 2013.

We have checked out quite a few and found that the middle seat is bloody tiny or uncomfortable! My missus is quite petite but even her bum won't fit between the seatbelt buckles in the middle. Outlander, Pajero Sport, X-Trail,  etc all have maybe 250mm between the belt buckles.

And when we do find one that has enough space (Kluger, Santa Fe etc) the seats are bloody uncomfortable as they usually have cup holders etc when they are folded down.

We don't want to have a kid permanently in the 3rd row, just there for picking up other kids etc when we have to or dragging the inlaws around (not too phased about their comfort.... joking...).

So far the only one that suits is a Kia Rondo but they aren't that common.

Do they make any mid size cars suitable for 3 kids/teenagers constantly using the back seat???

[loanrangie]

Most family vehicles have either downsized or grown into a large 4x4 , what about a Territory ?

[bully]

Kluger has a small middle seat. But still ok for the 6 year old. 12 year old won't sit there though. So don't bother looking at the kluger if you want to sit 3 teenagers across the back.

[Bird]

Most family vehicles have either downsized or grown into a large 4x4 , what about a Territory ?

and they don't advertise "boot space" anymore either... but I think you've hit it...

so many cars seem so much smaller externally these days so inside must be hideous..

even the Commodore Wagon is sardine like for legroom in the back for 2 teens of near 6ft.

[Paddler Ed]

Have a look at the Mondeo, as it was supposed to be bigger than the Falcon internally

[lincolnland]

ford focus from 2012 onwards, hard to believe i know but surprisingly large and had our 3 kids seats in it comfortably.

[nab]

Territory is on the cards but would prefer a smaller car if possible.

Does Mondeo come with 7 seats?

[GBC]

Get a small 7 seater. Nissan dualis(?) came in 7. The wife has a 7 seat tribeca which is just a tall liberty. They are out there.

[nab]

I looked at some more cars today, ended up buying a Kia Rondo this arvo. Spent an hour going through it, trying the child seats in it and so on and it was the only car that ticked 90% of our boxes. All 3 middle row seats slide and recline individually, even with 2 child seats in there my missus can sit comfortably between them and slide the seat without affecting the others.

[nab]

Here's a pic of the Rondo's rear seat. I'm 198cm and I can comfortably sit in all positions, my legs need the front seat forward a bit haha but width is no problem.

It's something we never thought about until we tried a few cars out, it soon became a priority.

[GBC]

Similar reason for us with the Subaru. Rear seats on split rails so if the 3rd row isn't being used the 2nd row can be very spacious. Buying cars for kids sure changes your perspective. Kia has come a long way.