Our Big Family Car Upgrade! Why We Chose the Grand Highlander (and Tanner's Toyota Voice)

Okay, you guys. This is a long time coming, and honestly, I’ve been meaning to sit down and write this for ages, but life with three little girls, you know how it goes! hahah. But for real, I wanted to share something big with you all, something that’s made our day-to-day life just a little bit smoother, a little less chaotic, and a whole lot more comfortable. We got a new family car! And let me tell you, it was a JOURNEY.

If you’ve been following along for a while, you know our family has grown quite a bit in the last few years. From just Tanner and me, to Stella, then Ozzy, and now our sweet baby Cherry. Our old car, bless its heart, just wasn’t cutting it anymore. We were playing Tetris every single time we left the house, trying to fit three car seats, a stroller, a diaper bag that felt like it weighed 50 pounds, and all the snacks. Ngl, it was getting a little stressful. Every trip felt like a major packing expedition, and I just knew we needed more space. More room to breathe, more room for all the things that come with having three small humans.

The Search for the Perfect Family Ride

So, the hunt began! And oh my gosh, you guys, there are SO many options out there. It felt a little overwhelming at first, tbh. I mean, how do you even begin to choose when you need something that’s safe, reliable, comfortable, and can fit a small army? We had a list of non-negotiables, obviously. Three car seats needed to fit comfortably in the second and third rows, easy access to the third row (bc nobody wants to climb over seats with a baby in their arms), and enough cargo space for all our stuff. Think groceries, sports equipment, suitcases for our little adventures, you name it.

We looked at a lot of different cars. Like, A LOT. We test drove a few, sat in countless others, and honestly, I felt like Goldilocks trying to find the one that was *just right*. Some were too small in the back, some had weird third-row access, and some just didn’t feel like *us*. I know that sounds silly, but when you’re going to be spending so much time in a car, it has to feel right, you know? It’s like an extension of your home, especially when you’re a mom.

Why the Grand Highlander Stole Our Hearts (and Tanner's Voice)

And then, we found it. The Toyota Grand Highlander. I swear, the moment we walked up to it, I just had a good feeling. And Tanner? Oh my goodness. If you saw the video, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The inflection in his voice when he said “Toyota”? Hahah, it was spot on. He was so excited, and honestly, that made me even more excited. My hype man, always! He was already picturing us on road trips, all of us comfy and happy. And I was picturing not having to cram my diaper bag into the footwell anymore, which, let’s be real, is a huge win.

What really sold us on the Grand Highlander, specifically, were a few key things:

• Third-Row Access: This was HUGE. With three car seats, we needed to be able to get to the back easily. The Grand Highlander’s second-row captain’s chairs (which we opted for!) slide and tilt forward so smoothly, making it so much easier for Stella and Ozzy to hop in and out, and for me to get to Cherry if she’s in the back. No more awkward gymnastics for mom, thank goodness.
• Cargo Space: Even with the third row up, there’s actually usable cargo space! This is not something you find in every three-row SUV, trust me. We can fit our double stroller back there, or a couple of suitcases, or a week’s worth of groceries without having to stack things to the ceiling. It’s a dream come true for a mom who always feels like she’s carrying too much stuff.
• Comfort for Everyone: All three rows feel spacious. I mean, really spacious. Even adults can sit comfortably in the third row, which is amazing for when we have family visiting or if Stella’s friends are coming along. And for the girls, it means they’re not squished, which means fewer arguments, which means a happier mom. It’s a win-win-win!
• Tech & Safety: Obviously, safety is paramount. The Grand Highlander comes packed with all the latest safety features, which gives me so much peace of mind when I’m driving my most precious cargo around. And the tech inside is super user-friendly, which I appreciate bc I’m not the most tech-savvy person, ngl.

Life with Our New Ride

Since we brought it home, it’s honestly been such a relief. Our daily drives to school, to the park, to grandma’s house – they just feel different. There’s less stress, more room for everyone to spread out, and honestly, a lot more singing in the car bc everyone is just more comfortable. It’s not just a car; it’s like a little sanctuary on wheels for our family. It’s given us the freedom to just go, without having to plan out every single inch of space beforehand. And that, my friends, is priceless.

I know a car is a big investment, and it’s a decision you really have to think through. But for us, finding the Grand Highlander has been one of those things that just makes daily life with three kids so much more manageable and enjoyable. It’s not about having the fanciest car, it’s about having the right car for *your* family, for *your* season of life. And right now, this is our perfect fit. I love this so much for us :,)

What about you guys? What’s your go-to family car? Or if you’re in the market, what are you looking for? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!