Regular vs. Max

[Expedish4]

I am sure there are lots of threads on this but wanted everyone's input on my specific situation. I ordered a 22 Regular w/ captains chairs but am second guessing if we should just order a Max.

Background: We currently only have one baby who is only 3 months old and a large dog. We do plan to have 1-2 more little rascals in the future so we wanted to consider long term for this purchase.

The kicker: Our garage can only fit the regular length. If we purchased the Max it would have to be outside. Unfortunately, I am a stickler with my vehicles so the idea of our new vehicle sitting outside makes me cringe a little. (Yes, yes I know.....first world problems)

We thought with the regular even with 3 kids (in the future) the dog could sit between the captains chairs and we could fold the two attached seats in the 3rd row down for extra cargo space. Would like everyone's input who may be in a similar situation. Any/all feedback is much appreciated!

 

[Deadman]

Sell the house, buy the Max, life is good!

 

[wannabeMtb]

I wouldn't wanna park my new vehicle outside either, lol

 

[duneslider]

There is still a fair amount of room in the cargo area on the regular, if you only have one kid now and only plan to have 2-3 I think you will be fine with a regular and by the time you have that many kids I suspect it might almost be time to get a new rig anyway.

I have 5 kids and a max and its enough space most of the time. I might be getting a roof top box for the couple of trips a year where we need a little more room.

 

[sliderz71]

I think a regular is fine for one kid and a dog. We did a Honda Pilot and Buick Enclave up until got kid #3 (while also with a dog also onboard all the time). Kid #3 and we went to a Suburban (with a '22 Max on order now). When the kids get older, it isn't even just your family you factor in, but the car pools, play dates and such. The regular length will be fine for awhile.

 

[MattG]

What you have will do the trick. By the time you add in a couple more kids, you'll likely be trading in this one for a Max anyway.

I have 3 kids, no dog. Rarely do we do road trips but the Max suits our needs perfectly, never a worry about space. We have the bench but I think I'd prefer the captains chairs. Trying to decide if I trade in my current for a '22, if so, I'd go captain chairs.

 

[UAFlyfisher]

We have two kids (9mo and 2.5y) plus our 65lb lab. We specifically went with a Max because we did not have enough space in our MB GL450. Even with the max, we have been tight on space for camping trips and high cargo trips like Christmas with the extended family. It will be a bit better when #2 gets a bit older and we are not carrying as much baby crap, but we plan to add #3 soonish so it will be a short reprieve. My advice is get the Max, it'll survive just fine outside, and the extra space is a huge bonus when you need it.

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

My wife roped us (me) into hauling around three young grandchildren so we have child car seats "latched" on either side of the third row. Without the ability to fold down the third row for additional storage, we bit the bullet and ordered a Max. Before that, MY plans for a next vehicle had been a SuperDuty crew cab (until wife overruled me), so when designing our current home, I made sure that the main garage would be deep and wide enough for a SuperDuty plus having an 8' tall x 18' wide garage door. If you do not have room in your garage for a Max, rather than leave it out in the elements and subject to nighttime break-ins, make do with the standard until you move to a home with a large enough garage for a Max.

 

[Trainmaster]

I had five kids in an Excursion for many years. They could have fit in a regular Expedition just as easily and parking would have been less of a headache. You'll be fine. Forget the buyers' remorse.

 

[dlcorbett]

Get the max for the larger gas tank.

 

[KFordEx8]

I started with a used 2005 regular and got a 2021 Max a little less than a year ago. One of the things that bugged me was the lack of cargo space when the 3rd row was up.

 

[aggiegrad05]

Get the max for the larger gas tank.

And the larger rear doors.

I have 2 kids so the captains have seats strapped to them. The max is great because:

1) If I need to take a 5th person (or a third adult and don't want to remove the car seats) and gear, I still have plenty of room in the rear.

2) If I need to haul several adults around, I can pull the car seats and throw them in the cargo area to free up all seats; those two huge car seats don't fit in the shorty's cargo area with the third row up.

 

[maxlim2022]

Get the max for the larger gas tank.

Does the max come with larger bladders for the driver and passengers for longer non stop rides?
Kidding. I am also getting a Max. But I do have three older kids/teens and they and their friends can haul quite some stuff. Our Current Qx56/80 Infiniti has occasionally been small and the middle of the bench is now uncomfortable for the preteen on very long rides. The max should allow one person in the third and two comfortably in the second row while also accommodating cargo behind and besides the third row. If needed, with three individual seats in the second row, even three across would be comfortable on longer drives needing max cargo

 

[hellohithere]

We have 3 kids with a regular expedition and captain chairs. There is almost no trunk storage if you have the 3rd row up. Given our experience, you could consider sticking with the regular length Expedition but with a bench seat 2nd row. That way you can fit all 3 kids in the 2nd row and fold down the 3rd row for cargo space if needed. This way you can keep it in the garage and still have space!

 

[MxRacer965]

Buy the Max. 1,000% buy the Max. We have 2 kids, 2 large dogs, plus haul my parents with us often, I wouldn’t want anything else but the Max. If they made a bigger version I would have bought that instead.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

I wished my EL was shorter for the first 6 months I had it. Now, 6.5 years later, I can't imagine not having that extra space.

 

[carnevallemarcelo]

Max - no doubt. Little extra money for much more space and extra gas tank.

Fuel economy barely the same and extra space always can be useful.

 

[JasonH]

One thing that I missed is that the extra fuel capacity on the Max is very highly recommended for towing. I couldn't imagine towing my camper with a smaller fuel tank.

 

[Midnight451]

I regret not going with the max. I thought it wouldn't fit in my garage but I mismeasured, just enough room.

I have 2 kids & a St. Bernard, plenty of room normally but vacation travel starts to get tight in the cargo area.

 

[lobsenza]

I have a shorty and am very happy with it. There is a rare occasion I would like the extra space, but 95% of the time the short wheelbase is enough.

We got a 2nd row bench. This allows 3 in the middle row when you need extra cargo space.