How many people are usually in the vehicle? This is the everyday comfort check—not the rare maximum.
Not sure 1–2 people 3–4 people 5 people 6+ people
What is the most people this one vehicle must carry? Count only a true one-car requirement. If a child’s friend can ride in a second car, you do not need to buy a third row for that occasional trip.
No hard passenger requirement 2 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people
Does access matter as much as the seat count? This is a preference signal, not a hard exclusion. Exact doors, step-in height, and child-seat behaviour still need a real check.
Seat count is enough for now Do not change the ranking based on entry and row access. Small children, child seats, and full hands Prioritize easier door access, a manageable step-in, and room to buckle children. Power sliding doors remain an exact-trim check. People use the third row every week Prioritize a usable walk-through or seat mechanism, not merely a seven- or eight-seat number.
What is the largest cargo job this vehicle must handle? Choose a true requirement, not an aspirational edge case. We use vehicle shape before volume.
No cargo dealbreaker Do not rule out a vehicle based on cargo. A packed Saturday A stroller, dog crate, groceries, or two hockey bags with people on board. Four hockey bags plus passengers Bags and sticks with the people who use them, without folding occupied seats. Two-row SUVs are ruled out. A washer, dryer, or range SUVs, minivans, pickups, hatchbacks, and vans can remain in consideration; the opening, floor, and boxed dimensions still need checking. 4×8 sheets or 8-foot lumber Only pickups, vans, and minivans remain plausible starting points; exact dimensions and a safe load configuration still need confirmation.