My daughter just had a child in November. She and her husband recently purchased a new Honda Pilot about 8 months ago due to the family growing. They have a dog as well that travels with them often.
It does not take long to fill up a mid size SUV with baby, dog, luggage, diaper bag, dog back pack with food, leash, water and bowls, stroller. Toss in a cooler for food from home and you have a pretty full midsize SUV.
Funny how her husbands family that has to fly in to visit decided to bring the 2015 Suburban to their house and leave it for "them to use when they are in town". I do not think it will be long before the Surburban becomes the road warrior. The Honda Pilot will be great for around town when they are not hauling as much. The Honda will get better fuel economy in town, but the small difference on the highway will probably not be enough to give up the extra hauling space unless the drop the dog with me to take care of and they travel with just the family.
If a 2nd child is added to the mix, the Pilot will be tough as the dog will then loose the back seat and probably be pushed to the back with the baggage.
