Trading out the van for something else...suggestions?

[kiva]

Greetings

A couple years ago, we got a 2015 Honda Odyssey. It's been a great car, but the reality that we're only going to be a family of 4 and the 18mpg we average has turned it into a boat anchor. We're trying to get into something that meets our needs and is more economical and, if possible, OK to drive.

That being said, we're looking for suggestions. Requirements:

(1) Be able to handle 2 booster seats in the back and allow a small adult to sit in the middle. This doesn't need to be comfortable for more than a max of 90min and will usually be bouncing around town w/ kids and a house guest (e.g. my mom visits a lot, other relatives, etc.)

(2) Be able to put a 50lb dog in the back. This rules out all sedans, unfortunately.

(3) get max MPG's to make the whole thing worth it.

Our other car is a 2003 VW TDI and we love it, but it's getting long in the tooth. However, we're keeping it until the wheels fall off. It's currently the car that my wife or I take out of town, when needed.

We've discussed a 2015-ish VW TDI Sportwagen which would be fun to drive and all, but has high cost of ownership / maintenance compared to their gas bretheren and is more $ up front. However, I understand the TDI world, so there's that familiarity there. TDI's don't like a ton of around town driving, however...

Due to the excessive around-town driving the van does right now, probably the best application choice for us is an electric vehicle. However, my wife insists that it be able to handle all 4 of us with the dog in the back for around town. I'm not sure that exists out there.

Other thoughts? Given the 20% difference in diesel vs. gas, I'm thinking, compared to the VW, the gas car needs to get about 35mpg on the highway and 30-32 city.

There's also the fun factor, which is part of the equation but, given the financial constraints and priorities, is not the final decision maker.

Anyway...thoughts? Other cars I should be looking at?

matt