Another SUV 3rd row thread
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,981
Likes: 79
From: Southeastern PA
how 'bout highlander? it's got that cool center pop-out thingy in the second row that makes the second row into captains chairs... makes for an easier entry into the 3rd row...
i, for one, may end up getting that myself... it also gets pretty good gas mileage...
the pilot, btw, has 84 cu ft cargo while the highlander gets 95 cu ft (according to edmunds comparo feature)
i'd love to get the acadia, but the reliability seems suspect... i hated the 09 pilot when it first came out, but it is slowly growing on me...
have you considered the hyundai veracruz? or lr4 (probably too expensive and unreliable) or mdx or x5 or gx?
i, for one, may end up getting that myself... it also gets pretty good gas mileage...
the pilot, btw, has 84 cu ft cargo while the highlander gets 95 cu ft (according to edmunds comparo feature)
i'd love to get the acadia, but the reliability seems suspect... i hated the 09 pilot when it first came out, but it is slowly growing on me...
have you considered the hyundai veracruz? or lr4 (probably too expensive and unreliable) or mdx or x5 or gx?
highlanders 3rd row is useless.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,085
Likes: 0
From: California
For adults it is much too hard to enter and exit and even for youngsters sitting over or behind the rear axle induces some pretty strange motion to your stomach and inner ears. If you are going to use that third row, hang a few barf bags from the back of the second. I could have sold tickets to that third row on my Suburbans to local kids who were looking for the best way to make their friends puke. Prone to motion sickness? Stay outta the wayback!
That enclave interior looks good in pics. can you get it without the wood trim? I'll probably go test drive it this weekend to compare to others and perhaps drive others for a 2nd time for better feel.
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,794
Likes: 0
From: Lake Country, WI
Sienna rules, at 60K miles it is JUST getting broken in and still looks like it just came off showroom floor!!! 
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 0
From: Washington
My wife and I started a similar search about a year and a half ago and ended up with a Tahoe. Just couldn't find a mid sized SUV to fit our criteria completely. We have seating arrangements for 4,5,6, and 7.
It took my wife a bit getting used to the size of the vehicle but she loves it now.
It took my wife a bit getting used to the size of the vehicle but she loves it now.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
Compared to what exactly? In the midsize CUV category, you can't really find much better. Before you mention the Pilot, I consider that basically in full-size territory. It also gets inferior gas mileage, and inferior performance to the V6 Highlander.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,968
Likes: 232
From: California
I wasn't fully impressed with the Enclave I inspected at the autoshow. While nicer than some other GM interiors, I found it to be overwrought, overstyled, still gimmicky, and trying too hard. A truly good interior doesn't need to add chrome, glitz, swoops, and a ton of wood everywhere. A good interior is based on the merits of quality materials, clean and elegant lines, and modern touches. For examples, check out most Audi interiors.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,981
Likes: 79
From: Southeastern PA
Well-- the Pilot can't be more than 3-4 inches longer than the Highlander, so I'm not sure how it becomes full size
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,981
Likes: 79
From: Southeastern PA
Right-- so why get 3 rows of captain chairs? Then you can NEVER carry 8 people. Split bench 3rd row gets you the ability to take 7 if necessary, or fold 1/2 the back row for extra cargo. The comfort of captain chairs seems contrary to bring jammed in the 3rd row.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place