[Mystake]

I've got a 300$ solution.


Roof rack + locking box

And, for those even longer trips? Rental minivans.

Do the math, but look into keeping the escape. They get decent mpg don't they? Anything you go with that's bigger like a Tahoe or Trailblazer won't (or it won't be comparable last I looked into it a couple years back).

But, like I said... add up all your costs.... in the long run, like I said, might be cheaper to keep the Escape and just get a rental for the one or two times a year you may need it. Even then, you'll probably figure out a way to make the escape work with everyone in it.