What's the point of 3-row SUVs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mercedes GLs have good 3rd row room.

I have this. It’s a complete pita to get in the third row if you have car seats in the second row.

Our kids go in through the trunk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kia Sorento

+1

We love the pop-up third row that we can use when we need to, mostly when my in-laws visit.

Same! Love our Sorento and this is just one of the many reasons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you need the 3rd row for seating on a regular basis and don't want to drive a Suburban (they are gigantic), you should just get another minivan. The SUVs with an optional third row are better designed to mostly use as a 5 seater and only put someone in the back for short trips where you need to pile in.

OP here. We are coming to realize that.. Kids will be out of the house in 3-6 years so doesn't make sense to get another van.. We typically buy cars new and drive them to the ground so buying a van now and replacing with another car in 3 years is not a preferred solution.

We are now thinking of just retaining the van as a third vehicle for when we need to haul more than 4-5 people and for long distance trips. Buy a 2-row, 5-seater or a well rated 3-row SUV (if price difference to the 2-row SUV is within 5K) as the daily driver..

If your kids are that old, they and their friends will be driving soon, which means the days of driving around a bunch of kids are nearing an end. When our youngest turned 16, we realized that we didn't need the third row anymore.

[Anonymous]

I have the Escalade ESV. 3rd row is same leg room as the 2nd row. If you buy a smaller sized suv, 3rd row is like sitting in the trunk. Go big or stay with the minivan.