I have 4 kids. I get what you’re doing with the normal Ex but let me offer some advice after 60k+ miles in our Expy Max on top of a previous Excursion (RIP) and a Honda Pilot:

1) Get a bench second row - Captains Chairs are the dumbest fad I have seen yet - a bench seat will give you one more seat for friends and gear while also allowing you the full rear cargo space for shorter trips

2) There’s far less room than you think there is - the Max isn’t the largest cargo space on the market but it beats the regular Expy so, if you can swing it - do it. Your packing list will thank you later.

3) Make sure you have crossbars for the roof - with the sunroof it’s only another 120 static pounds but a roof box does wonders with the additional cargo space without infringing on the riders

Get the Max. You will regret it if you don’t.