3rd Row Seating SUV
 

Hey my wife is in the market for a newer 3 row seating SUV, just wondering what everyone's recommendations are? We are looking around the 30-33K mark, willing to budge a little more if we find the right vehicle.

Right now we have narrowed it down to a 2017+ MDX or 2016+ highlander but i wanted to hear anyone's personal experience with either of those or any other options we may not have considered.

Do you need 3 rows? Usually all the SUV with 3rd row is pretty useless and only fits kids. Get a Van? I just sat in the 2022 Outlander and it's pretty nice, didn't really look at the 3rd row though but it does come standard

Considered a Honda Pilot?

Around the 2016 year mark as well.

I've driven the 16+ Highlander and it is pretty smooth and comfy.

Third row is a little tighter for adults but I assume the same for most third row SUVs

What are you looking for other than a 3-row SUV? Luxury pieces? space? power?

Would never recommend a compact 3-row SUV. Unless the occupants are short the outlander's 3rd row isn't fitting anyone.

Some creature comforts and good reliability is probably top of the list. Doesn't need to have gobs of power, most likely looking for something with a 6 cylinder. Would prefer to not have auto start-stop as i have seen the cost when those systems fail.

My entire family is under 5'7" so height isnt much of any issue. Yes the back rows would be mostly for our kids and their friends anyways.

If we went with the MDX (Which i am leaning towards) we would get the Tech packge. Wife doesnt like the styling of the pilot although i find it nice.

Kia Telluride. 3rd row is pretty spacious. You can pick AWD or FWD. Interior is up there with the MDX.

I would just get a van.

DELICA

I believe there's a Santa Fe XL with 3 rows too. They're heavy, but it was smooth and decently quick.

My family owns a third gen MDX that you mentioned you're interested in. I highly suggest avoiding it. Ours had some welds or some seals not done properly from factory and it ended up with a massive water leak. New carpets, rear seats, third row seats, and almost every trim in the rear half replaced under warranty. Since then constant creaking and ticking from the rear half of the car. This leaking issue is quite common apparently, a coworkers husband used to work high up in Honda/Acura before he retired and wasn't surprised when I mentioned these issues. After the above was fixed, one rear tail light wasn't aligned properly and dug into the paint so another trip to the body shop.

The other vehicle my parents were looking into was a 4runner. The issue is they only wanted a trd pro model and no dealers had stock whereas the Elite/Top trim MDX was easier to find in the spec they wanted. It needed to be a quick purchase as their 2nd vehicle died

Would not go MDX route. We had a 1st gen and 2nd gen. The 2nd gen was a second chance at Acura and let's just say there won't be a 4th gen in our family.

If the 3rd row is an occasional occurrence than I highly suggest the current gen CX-9 or Subaru Ascent. If 6 cylinder is a must then Highlander.

Both the CX-9 and Ascent are great 3 row family SUV's.

ascent is plagued with recalls, no?

I wouldn't trust big Subarus with CVT. Anything Subaru with a turbo on CVT is a ticking time bomb, nevermind trying haul around a 4500lb SUV with it.

Highlander>CX9>Acura/Subie/KDM

I have sat in a 3rd row 4-runner. The drive was only 10 minutes and it was horrible. Other than no legroom, I feel trapped in a trunk haha

Get a minivan.

If you have the captain's chairs in the CX-9 the last row ain't bad - I'm 5'6" and found it just fine as I could stick one leg down the open aisle. The drive experience is pretty great for a 3 row SUV. The infotainment is a bit out of date but the MDX's is even worse.

But why don't you try to stretch a little: https://www.autotrader.ca/a/lincoln/...203P2&sprx=100

I've had this exact same water leak issue on my 2017 MDX. The seams were not sealed properly behind the dash, which left hairline cracks and leaked water into the cabin.

Other than that though the vehicle has been flawless. The 9 speed can shift a bit odd at times.

Where are you getting a Telluride for 30-33k?

MDX isn't bad like most vehicles there are some issues like those mentioned above but with any brand you're gonna get issues.
MDX is a bit smaller on the inside than the Pilot because of the thicker seats/ cuvy design.

The MDX also has a shitty 9 speed transmission that jerks everywhere and has a mind of its own. Hence why I got a 2017 Honda Pilot EXL instead. Arguably the biggest 3 row SUV in its class.

I have a 2013 GX460. It has an usable 3rd row. Electrically powered too. Cons: poor fuel economy, slow, drives like a truck, out dated tech. Pros: V8, good resale, goes anywhere, last forever, minimal upkeep, quiet and comfy, tried and true tech.

^ how poor is poor? I've been wanting to build a off road looking truck but gas prices

15L/100km in town completely stock. 18L and up with big K02, lift, accessories.

That sounds similar to ppl I know who own MDX.... Might even be a little bit better.

^ that's not bad around what I was getting with e53 X5 3l

Pilot is the largest 3 row midsize SUV in the segment