As the titles states I am in the market for a SUV with 3rd row seating. Family of 4 with a 11 year old and a newborn popping out soon. I am somewhat partial to Japanese makes as they are known for reliability and I have experience wrenching on them. With that said, I am open to other makes. Looking to buy used with a 25k to 30k budget. The plan is to get something that will last for a long time so that in a few years I can pick up another toy knowing we have reliable daily drivers. Below are my options so far. Please feel free to provide input whether good or bad.

1. Honda Pilot (2016+)
2. Nissan Pathfinder
3. Toyota 4Runner (my first choice but the 3rd rows seats dont appear to be comfortable for adults)
4. Toyota Sequoia (maybe a little too big)

 

3G Pilot is superior to the other 3 on that list if it's mostly a road hauler and not a serious off-roading or towing SUV.
I'm a Honda fanboi but our 2003 Pilot has 298k miles, is extremely versatile, easy to drive, and very reliable/dependable.

 

the only place a 3rd row is comfortable is in a minivan... (based on your comment about the 4 runner)

we have a '09 GX470... i was initially shopping an MDX but everything was $35k+... i got my GX in '15 for under $30k... it was single owner dealer maintained with 70k miles... it is a wider body and based on a truck platform (like the 4R) but drives like a car... it's also the same as the Sequoia on your list... trust me it isn't too big... we find ourselves packed to the gills at costco and all the stuff that comes with our two kids... just did the 90k timing belt on it and so far no issues with the car... drives like new... i love that truck...

my buddy cross shopped a Pilot but didn't like the way the new one rode... ended up with a QX60...

it will be out of your budget but Lexus will have the RX-L with a 3rd row coming out...

 

Dodge Durango

 

another domestic you can consider is the Ford Explorer... my buddy has one and the third seat sits a little better since the floor goes down...

 

1.) New Pilot is nice, drives like an Odyssey because it is one without sliding doors. Even the interior looks similar. Only difference is worse gas mileage and a mild lift.
2.) I wouldn't buy this one, it's consistently at the bottom of comparos as are most Nissans.
3.) The 4Runner is a truck, not a crossover and will drive as such. Meaning it'll be less smooth and handle far worse. It will, however, drive through just about anything and everything. It will also do rather poorly at the pump.
4.) Sequoia is more of a Tahoe sized competitor. It's much bigger than the others and will be much worse for fuel economy. It is comfortable though.

Other options:
1.) Toyota Highlander: I find this one to actually be better than the Pilot. It's the only Toyota I can say that about.
2.) Ford Exploder: The Sport is fantastic and can be found well within your price range
3.) Volvo XC90: Won't be the new one but the old one is incredibly safe and comfortable to drive around in. The gas mileage is pretty poor, especially the V8 model, but it is safe.
4.) Ford Flex: Boxy but very useful in terms of space. Can be had for pretty cheap these days and also comes in the 3.5EB engine which makes it rather fast.
5.) Chevy Traverse: Please god no. My in-laws have this (they love it) and it's the biggest POS I've ever driven. The entire interior is hard plastic and squeaks over bumps. It's a 2016 model with 20k on it...
6.) Just buy the damn minivan, they are the best tool for the job and the 3rd row seat will be actually useful.

 

We've had our Flex for about 2 years & it's been great.
3rd row can fit a 6' adult (me) & it does well on fuel. Hindsight, I wish we'd looked a little longer & found a Limited & maybe a EcoBoost, but we've been completely happy with our SEL.

I imagine the Explorer is nearly the same, with a slightly less amount of max cargo space (less boxy & maybe not quite a long).

We looked at the current-gen Pilot & my wife didn't care for it. Looked at a Highlander too, but it didn't have near the cargo space.

I checked out a Durango at the local Ford dealer's used lot recently & the 3rd row seating seemed pretty good, but I didn't drive it.

Another to possibly look at would be the Mazda CX-9

 

Appreciate the suggestions thus far. Not sure why I left the QX60 off the list as I've had a few as loaners and they are pretty decent. Didn't know the MDX has a third row so I'll be throwing that in the mix as well as the Durango and the Explorer. I've never been a fan of the Flex based on the looks. Traverse is a no no as well.

For the Durango and Explorer, anyone has any experience with maintenance? I know Sarlacc has had his Durango for a while so it would good to hear his take.

 

RX350L?
Acura MDX?

The new pilots don't look too bad!

 

The Lexus will be out of the budget for sure.

 

My sister in law has a 5G Explorer (IIRC 2015), it OK from a ride and functionality point of view. Where it falls shorts if the Microsoft/Sony Infotainment system which is pretty bad.

As for other models, MotorWeek and Car & Driver recently comparison tested mid-size (3 row) SUV's.
The VW did pretty well in both tests.

http://​​​​​​http://www.motorweek.or...-suv-challenge

2017 Three Row SUV Challenge | MotorWeek

 

I did not read the budget

 

I think the gx is based off the 4runner and the lx is based off the sequoia.

 

Get a minivan. Trust!

I have my Explorer which the 3rd row is decent, it's not too comfortable. If you want comfort 3rd row SUV, Suburban, Tahoe.

I have no issues with my Explorer though, besides needing the doors to slide, which is why I'm buying an Ody. I've had my Explorer for almost 3 years and I've just had Oil Changes, nothing has went wrong with it. *knock on wood*

MPG isn't too bad either.

If you have any specific questions you can PM me.

 

Yes, my sister in law has a Hurst Flex. It's longer so she has more cargo room, but I can't get over the looks of it.

 

The GX is based on the Land Cruiser Prado which isn't sold in the US. The LX is based on the Land Cruiser (full size) and the Sequoia is based on the Tundra pickup.

 

Maintenance-wise, I expect a Flex & Explorer to be near equivalent & ours has needed nothing outside of a battery in addition to consumables (gas, oil, tires) in the 2 years we've had it.

As far as the Sync system, a 2016+ should have Sync3, which is significantly better, IMO, than Sync2. I've got 3 in my F150 & 2 in the Flex.

Another plus for the Fords, ForScan Really easy to add features that aren't OE available from a higher trim.

 

Edit* My battery had to be replaced at 2 years. But, it was under warranty. I believe the MMC Explorer which is 2016+ has Sync 3. My Explorer has Sync 2, I have no issues with it.

 

If you dont want a minivan, but are looking for an adult size third row seat, you may be hard pressed on your budget, unless you get a higher mileage car.

My brother just had baby #3, and is looking to upsize from his tahoe into a 'true' third row suv. the non-luxury options are fairly limited to a suburban/yukon xl, expedition, and sequia. They cost almost double your budget new, so a used one would need a lot of miles to get sub $30k.

For example, the first year of the newer gen Suburban (2015), 4wd LT will likely be around 100k miles to get it inside of $30k.

If you are looking for something with more of a "teen" size third row, I would probably default to a Pilot and not look back. But that's just me. The size, semi-recent update, and reliability do a good job at checking the boxes.

 

My 2009 Pilot has held up extremely well despite the abuse my wife inflicts on it (gunning it right after starting it cold, 90% stop and go traffic). It has 220K miles and runs strong. No transmission or engine issues. No 4WD issues. No interior problems with exception to the NAV which is DVD based where the drive died). I'd expect the newer Pilots to be similar. However, as was said, the rear seats are not comfortable for anyone older than about 12 years old.

 

Came from an 06 Sienna.
Now have a 2017 Explorer Sport.

All the 3rd row SUVs you've mentioned above either have AWFUL third row seating/access for anyone other than a midget or very young child (Highlander was by far the worst) or have absolutely no rear trunk space. The Durango wasn't bad but rear storage was not great
We had our hearts set on a Tahoe but found the rear cargo room in the Tahoe to be awful. Chevy dealer told us if you really want comfortable rear seating AND cargo storage you have to get a Suburban. Those are just way too big.

If you decide to get an Explorer absolutely get the center row bucket seats. We test drove a center row bench configuration and it was a royal PITA to get someone into the back seats.

 

Test drive the Explorer Sport. I think you'll enjoy it!

 

Truth. I have to keep the seat down for the kids to get into the 3rd row.

August isn't coming soon enough.

 

Before settling on a 2015 MDX, I test drove the Explorer Sport. It was a lot of fun in a straight line...a lot of fun. Then we drove through town on the way back to the dealership. It's a decent size SUV and wallows a bit.

OP posted they were looking at used cars and wanted something long term. Acura warranties are 4 year/50,000 miles. Almost everyone else is 3 year/ 36,000 miles. Tack on another 12 months/12,000 miles for CPO.

The MDX also has great crash test rating, especially small over lap.
2015 Acura MDX

The Ford Explorer, not so great in small over lap.
2015 Ford Explorer

That being said, there are times when I hit an on ramp and think about the 350 hp Ecoboost motor.

 

to reiterate my post, and to follow up on what others have said --

If you want decent cargo and a real third row, you need to either get a minivan or step up into a LARGE SUV. LARGE SUVs are: Ford Expedition, Suburban, Yukon XL, Sequia, Navigator, Armada, etc

The tahoes, 4 runners, pilots, and everything else you listed are third row SUVs where the cargo space is almost fully hindered by a prop third row with little cargo room thereafter. Which may be okay for most families of 5, but could be a tight fit when your kids range by 11 years, one which could quickly be a 5 foot small adult, and newborn that requires a stroller.

 

The current plan is to be done with kids after this one arrives but we all know how that goes. Do we really need a SUV? Nope. We have a 2010 Maxima and a 2014 q50 currently. It might be a tight fit but hey I grew up in a third world country and my parents didn't have a car until I was much older and I am still here. With that said, the Maxima might need to replaced very soon and that's when we decided to get a SUV. I am really set on having a 3rd row so that if my parents visit we don't have to take 2 vehicles when we go out. The gf has 2 requirements, no mini van and thr color should be red. While I can get away with a different color, I'm not sure I can talk her into a mini van which I agree we do not need at this point. I'm going to test drive a few of the mentioned vehicles in the coming weeks and then look for a deal. I really like the styling of the MDX and I notice quite a few of the 2015s are coming off lease. I'd be ok with one under 40k miles that's in good condition. As for warranty, it is not a major requirement as I am pretty handy and I have friends that are techs at dealerships nearby.

 

I'll add a vote for 2nd row bucket seats in the Explorer. Probably the biggest thing I wish our Flex had. Luckily, it's a direct swap. So if you find one with a bench, you should be able to just pick up a set of bucket seats & just swap them in.

Also, not sure if the Explorer uses the same 3rd row 'covers' for when they are fully stowed, but ours are both cracked & sag a bit.

The N/A 3.5 isn't a bad motor, but coming form the EcoBoost in my F150, I feel like I have to rev the nuts off the Flex to get going.

 

2016 MDX: Rear Head Room: 38.3";Rear Hip Room: 57.8"; Rear Leg Room: 36.5"; Rear Shoulder Room: 59.1"
2016 Ford Explorer Sport: Rear Head Room 40.6"; Rear Hip Room 56.8"; Rear Leg Room 39.5"; Rear Shoulder Room 61.0"

 

3 years and 42k miles...no issues. Uconnect is considered one of the best in the biz.

I love driving it...cant say the same about the highlander we used to have which was just.....boring, utterly boring.

Also, the Mazda CX-9 is VERY impressive.

 

little dennis running around
Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I can be a little aggressive on the twisties so that “limits” my choices to a few. That said, I’m on my fourth MDX.

 

What everyone else is saying is really true. None of these three row crossovers are really meant to have adults in the third row seats. However some do a much better job with it than others do. For example the infiniti qx60/pathfinder have one of the best third row seats in the class. Things like the highlander and sorento and santa fe XL have garbage third row seats. Another car with really good third row seats is the older acadia and enclave, very very useable third row while also maintaining very adequate trunk space. That new VW atlas also has a VERY good third row, I’m 6’1” and I sat in the third row in the showroom and was actually shocked! But I am not sure it you can get it within your budget. As for the MDX, Acura was calling the 2G model a 4+3 seating setup....the 3G is a 5+2 setup IMHO, The third row was atrocious for me.

 

Very useful information.

I considered the Highlander as well for it's reliability and resale value but thought it looks small from the outside. I'll look at the CX-9 too. I love the look of the few I've seen on the streets.
Yea the Atlas is out of the budget now but if we hold off a bit longer we might be able to snag one. The third row won't be used but maybe a few times out of the year.

 

My 2013 Volvo XC90 has been extremely reliable (75K miles, no issues). And I drove that thing all over Europe without a single problem. The third row seat is a split fold down. And it handled my kids no problem. Now, the newest model looks so much better than mine, so maybe a gently used one would work.

 

Durango R/T with FCA Max care Lifetime warranty /thread

 

We had rented a tahoe for a wine trip, and you are right, the rear storage is horrible when using the 3rd row. You could barely fit more than a case or two of wine back there.

 

not everyone is as baller as you...

 

I've been looking at these (R/T w 5.7L Hemi) AWD and am quite impressed. I need to go drive one and see if the love stays intact.

 

I have an Explorer Sport, been great for us often hauling 5 to 6 people comfortably to our lake house. Has quite a bit of space behind the 3rd row which MOST suvs dont have, even the full size suvs, to get decent behind 3rd row space you have to jump up to the suburban. Tons of power (with the ecoboost, tows my ski boat which is close to 5k lbs with trailer far better than my expedition with the 5.4 v8 ever could)

Maintenance has been zero (accept for brakes and tires) in the 70k we have already put on it. My friend traded in his sport last year with 90k (and a 450hp livernois tune on ) and it was never in the garage for any work.

If you look at or consider the Explorer, Get the 2nd row captains chairs. It will make getting to the 3rd row far easier (especially for the kids) With "normal" driving it will see low to mid 20s hwy pretty easy, my wife gets 18-19 avg cty in her 1 mile commute to dropping the kids off and work every day (which is far better than the 8 we were getting with the v8 expedition)

Another great vehicle (if you like the looks is the Flex. Its about as close to mini van space you can get without a minivan.

 

I wish I could sell my wife on an ExSport. She's sold on another Flex, or something else altogether (Mercedes GLC).
Even an Edge Sport would work for us, since we so rarely use the 3rd row.