What is perfect SUV/CUV with 3rd Row?
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
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From: NY/NJ
What is perfect SUV/CUV with 3rd Row?
Okay, I'm in a haze right now as to where to start again, because I thought I found what I wanted, until I actually went and looked at it.
My wife and I are thinking of getting a SUV/CUV with third row, but fuel efficient (somewhat) also, so giants like the Navigator, Sequoia, LX560 are all out.
Here are some more "NO"s:
1. Minivan
2. Mazda
3. Kia (not sure if they even have anything with 3rd row)
So, what are some ideas for vehicles?
Oh yeah, the vehicle is going to supplement our RX, not replace it, which is why we wanted smaller than larger. The one we thought was right was the RAV4 4-cylinder but 3rd row is junk and material even worse.
My wife and I are thinking of getting a SUV/CUV with third row, but fuel efficient (somewhat) also, so giants like the Navigator, Sequoia, LX560 are all out.
Here are some more "NO"s:
1. Minivan
2. Mazda
3. Kia (not sure if they even have anything with 3rd row)
So, what are some ideas for vehicles?
Oh yeah, the vehicle is going to supplement our RX, not replace it, which is why we wanted smaller than larger. The one we thought was right was the RAV4 4-cylinder but 3rd row is junk and material even worse.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
Even the RX is too small to have a comfortable 3rd row, thats why they didnt put one in. If you think the 3rd row in the RAV is useless, you need to go 2 class up. I hate to say it, its either a mini van or full size SUV.
No Substitute
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 73
From: RI
I'm not sure if you would consider this in the 'giants' category or not, but FWIW we find my wife's 2004 Pilot has a very usable 3rd row for those 5' and under. 
We frequently go with 2 couples and 3 kids sitting 2 adults in the front, 2 adults in the rear and 3 kids (ages 8 to 11) in the 3rd row for long trips without issues. (there is room for another adult in the rear row)
As for fuel efficiency, well we only get about 18 MPG in everyday driving and about 23 on long highway trips so I'll leave that for you to decide.
I will say the truck will be 6 years old in Nov and has proved to be extremely reliable. Haven't been in a new one so I can't comment on them.
Good luck with your search.
Larry
We frequently go with 2 couples and 3 kids sitting 2 adults in the front, 2 adults in the rear and 3 kids (ages 8 to 11) in the 3rd row for long trips without issues. (there is room for another adult in the rear row)
As for fuel efficiency, well we only get about 18 MPG in everyday driving and about 23 on long highway trips so I'll leave that for you to decide.
I will say the truck will be 6 years old in Nov and has proved to be extremely reliable. Haven't been in a new one so I can't comment on them.
Good luck with your search.
Larry
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,091
Likes: 114
From: Southeastern PA
Why no Mazda CX9--that would be tops on my list.
Personally, I really like the Highlander--except that the 3rd row can split 50/50. Not "ideal" in my book, but maybe a compromise some can live with. Highlander Hybrid will be pretty fuel efficient, and will seem almost identical to your RX.
Yes, the Pilot is unattractive, but it's still pretty well equipped and has Honda reliabilty. You don't really give a price range, so you can go upscale from there to an MDX.
There are the American contenders--Ford Flex and the GM trio (Acadia, Outlook and Enclave). All of these are pretty big--significantly bigger than, say, the Higlander. Not sure where they are on reliability, but probably below Highlander and Pilot. You may be able to swing a deal on the Saturn Outlook, since GM is selling them off.
Hyundai Veracruz is another choice--but I don't think their MPG is as good as the competition.
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Not to highjack the thread, but i'm looking for a suv with a functional third row as well.
These are the vehicles im considering.
Honda Pilot-most space, poor brakes and under powered for size
Mazda CX-9- good power not as big as pilot
New 4runner-i might consider but 3rd row specs are not much bigger then highlander and its already cramped in the highlander.
To original poster why not mazda? the cx-9 is built in japan and has had great reviews.
Which one would you guys choose? Pilot vs CX-9 vs new 4runner?
These are the vehicles im considering.
Honda Pilot-most space, poor brakes and under powered for size
Mazda CX-9- good power not as big as pilot
New 4runner-i might consider but 3rd row specs are not much bigger then highlander and its already cramped in the highlander.
To original poster why not mazda? the cx-9 is built in japan and has had great reviews.
Which one would you guys choose? Pilot vs CX-9 vs new 4runner?
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
But the RAV4's interior is too cheap the 3rd row seat too small he said. At this point, someone need to pull a rabbit out of the hat to come up with a luxury vehicle that is smaller than a RX and yet have a 3rd seat like a minivan.
Last edited by The G Man; Sep 24, 2009 at 01:18 PM.
I would like to know why Mazda is out of the list, because the Mazda CX-9 has a decent 3rd row or the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. I can't really think of anything that has a decent third row.