Odd comparison between my Civic and op’s vehicle:
2007 Honda Civic
Legroom (in., front/rear)
42.2 / 34.6
2018 grand cherokee
Front leg room 40.3 "
Rear leg room 38.6 "
I don’t get why everyone is so scared of a minivan. Switching from an SUV to an Odyssey was a real game changer and the functionality is seriously unmatched in everyday life and on a road trip. I know the argument is you don’t look cool, but is a JGC, Yukon XL, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander not a mom car too?
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“but is a JGC, Yukon XL, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander not a mom car too?”… still not a minivan though 
I’m one of “those”. I will happily drive my Highlander, but vowed never to drive a mini. I’ve never seen the difference in functionality other than sliding doors?
Honestly, your JGC can’t be worse than my Tacoma. It’s not the most comfortable, but I live with it. We have one kid and my wife sits in the rear with him. The front is reserved for the dog now
Our previous 2 SUVs were an MDX and Highlander and honestly the Ody blows both away in functionality. The power sliding doors, captains chairs up front and middle row, actual usable 3rd row and deep cargo area are the highlights. It makes going to costco or hauling something from home depot so enjoyable. My single little sister is always asking to borrow it when she needs a pseudo truck. Road trips are so much better and everyone has more room. My only regret about our van is not getting it sooner! Just embrace being a mom and make your life easier:)
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American culture has ruined us. Somehow a Yukon XL with 10mpg is fine for a soccer mom but the Minivan has the stigma for whatever weird reason - I think it comes down to too many years of Crossover TV commercials.
If I could swing 2 cars I would 100% go straight for the minivan. Even in our big SUV’s I constantly smack my kids head on the door frame trying to wedge him into his car seat. Once he’s old enough to kick the door open himself suddenly the sliding doors will make a lot more sense.
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I was shopping the JGC with the MDX about 6 yrs ago with small children and the JGC rear legroom was shockingly tight! I was so surprised with the rear seat of that car, I didn’t even test drive it I walked right out of the showroom. But I agree with others, change the car seat first before looking at another car.
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CC buyout prob includes state tax. At least in CT it did. Vroom just bought my fathers car. He though he was neg by 900 bucks but the buyout included CT state tax. He ended up green 400. Ct state tax 6.35. If that’s the case you’d be even. Accept vroom have them call the get exact number and see how bad or good it really is
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I saw a mom the other day in a Yukon XL completely out of sorts in a Target parking lot. Kids screaming, jumping over the middle row, etc. Not that my kids don’t scream but my first thought was how bad she needed a minvan, not even joking!
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When my first was born I drove a Saab 9-3 convertible, it was perfect, I just put the top down and clipped the seat into the base. I certainly wasn’t ditching a $285/mo convertible because I had a kid!
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That back room can’t be smaller than in 2019 Tacoma Double Cab. I have two massive britax advocate click tight.
It’s tight for boys but they got used to it. I wouldn’t dump the car but that’s just me.
Is it possible that there are smaller car seats?
We have an 2018 JGC and we used to have Cybex Sirona . You are right, it gets tight with the baby seat and occupant in front of the baby seat will not be able to fit comfortably. There was no way around it. When we switched to front facing seat, problem was solved by itself.
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Switching to front facing can take long time depending on the state.
In CT by law rear facing till 30 lb AND 2 years old.
Same here and space wasn’t too much of a problem for us as my (relatively short) mother used to ride in the front while wife was with the baby in the back. But yeah, it would suck if she was 6 ft tall.
Fixed it for you.
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I’ll raise you 50…
My car when I had twins many moons ago…1990 Eagle Talon TSI. I made due.
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Uphill both ways too? 
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This thread reminds me of the guy who was swapping his car cuz his wife couldn’t mount or put phone anywhere …
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You only have less than a year left to drive the car. That surely doesn’t qualify for long run. Wait another 11 months, return the lease and get a new car.