Intermediate SUV or Full size car

[marathon]

The rates for Intermediate SUV(Toyota Rav4 or Ford escape) rental is even $20 lower than full size(ford fusion) for my dates in August. We have 3 adults(small-medium size) and 2 children(5y and 8y, skinny but needs booster).
SUV will be through Alamo, which no longer offers free additional driver. It will be nice to have an additional driver, but doesn't have to.

The plan is the skinniest adult will sit in the middle in backseats with the kids. The Fullsize car will be with National(free additional driver), where we can pick from emerald isle hopefully with some even better options. We will drive from TPA to WDW. I wonder which one shall I choose ? Any thoughts? I never had Rav4 or Escape, they look small from outside, but not sure compared to fusion or malibu etc. Thank you!

 

[andigomeep]

Is the 5 year old in a harnessed seat? The 8 year old in a booster? I believe that newer rav4's can't actually seat three in the back safely because of how they've designed the seat belts. I have a new escape and am not sure you'd comfortably fit three in the back if one is harnessed. I think a full size car might be better.

 

[1Grumpy9]

I own an Escape (2012 - old style), and it might be a little tight with three adults and two kids in the car. I am not sure about a RAV 4 or the new style Escape. I have heard from an acquaintance that the new style Escape (2013 and newer), that they are smaller than the older ones and 3 adults sitting in the back (small to medium size) were tight and a little uncomfortable. I think if you add a booster seat the back seat will be tight.

I can't help you with the fusion...sorry

 

[marathon]

both of my kids are on backless booster seats. Seems intermediate SUV might not be as wide as fullsize car. Thanks for the inputs.