REALM

Just got back from the Smokey Mountains with my wife and 2 kids (still in car seats).

Here’s my thoughts...
1) Cargo: We needed the roof carrier, as we tend to have 3 big bags, a small cooler, and a couple book bags. No way possible to fit it all into the measly 30 sq feet, as I need about 40 minimum
2) MPG: 24-25 rolling around 70-75 with a lot of rain, so very happy with that. 20 in the mountains.
3) Comfort: No annoying wind noise, though the tires leave much to be desired. They make a little, not annoying, but more than more quality tires I’m used to. Seats didn’t get painful at all.
4) Inside space: Sufficient, and my kids are both in car seats who lug around toy bags, pillows, and we have iPads mounted on the headrests. All worked great.
5) Handling: Excellent in the mountain curves, even in rain, and paddle downshifting was easy.

Overall, the only complaint I have is the cargo space as even with the 14 or 16 sq foot topper we were packed to the brim, which wasn’t the case with my previous MDX, obviously being bigger. I just didn’t realize it was “that” much bigger. Next time I may take a hitch cargo carrier as well.