Looking for a small 3d row SUV (cramped is fine!)

[Anonymous]

We're a 1 child, no pet family (and will remain that way). Our current small SUV is fine for us, but when family comes to visit we find ourselves wishing we could transport more than 3 adults at a time (overweight gparents--can't fit two adults in the back row remotely comfortably with a kid in a carseat, even if I or DH sits in the middle).

We're thinking of getting a third row just to avoid all the hassle of figuring out transport when family is in town (they do not drive). But we don't want a huuuuge SUV. Any recs for one with a foldable third row that isn't massive? I don't need it to be comfortable for adults. DH can squeeze there when needed until DC is old enough to sit back there.

I don't need a new car either, but 2015 or later preferred. Right now I'm looking at Sorrento & Highlander because they seem to be the shortest--trying to stay close to 190". Current car is 185".

[Anonymous]

Look at the VW Tiguan, its pretty small

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look at the VW Tiguan, its pretty small

Thanks! I'll add it to my list.

[Anonymous]

We have a 2012 RAV-4 with a pop-up back seat. We put the kids in the way back, Grandpa in the front passenger seat, and Grandma in the middle row with me. We are out of carseats, though, which makes it easier. The way-back row in a 3-row RAV-4 is truly tiny. And I'm not sure whether they even make them anymore.

[Anonymous]

Nissan Rogue

[Anonymous]

We just bought a Pilot, which is 194" long - 3" longer than the Highlander. However, the third row is very functional, push-button access and lots of leg room, as opposed to the Highlander which was useless. We loved our Mazda5 when our kids were little for occasional extra seating; they no longer make them but you might be able to find a used one. It's very cramped and you have to do a little climbing but the second row is captain's chairs so it's do-able.

I was super worried about length/size and spent a lot of time on the "compare" function of the cars.com website which gives precise numbers: https://www.cars.com/research/compare/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at the VW Tiguan, its pretty small

Thanks! I'll add it to my list.

We looked at it, and wanted to love it but the Consumer Reports review of it was terrible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a 2012 RAV-4 with a pop-up back seat. We put the kids in the way back, Grandpa in the front passenger seat, and Grandma in the middle row with me. We are out of carseats, though, which makes it easier. The way-back row in a 3-row RAV-4 is truly tiny. And I'm not sure whether they even make them anymore.

Thanks! It looks like they haven't made them in a while, sadly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nissan Rogue

Looks like 2017 was the last year they made the Rogue with an optional 3d row. That's within our age reqs, so thanks! We'll take a look.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just bought a Pilot, which is 194" long - 3" longer than the Highlander. However, the third row is very functional, push-button access and lots of leg room, as opposed to the Highlander which was useless. We loved our Mazda5 when our kids were little for occasional extra seating; they no longer make them but you might be able to find a used one. It's very cramped and you have to do a little climbing but the second row is captain's chairs so it's do-able.

I was super worried about length/size and spent a lot of time on the "compare" function of the cars.com website which gives precise numbers: https://www.cars.com/research/compare/

Thanks, appreciate all that. On the one hand it seems silly to debate over inches, but on the other hand, I do a lot of parallel parking, so every inch counts!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at the VW Tiguan, its pretty small

Thanks! I'll add it to my list.

We looked at it, and wanted to love it but the Consumer Reports review of it was terrible.

Yeah the reviews I am seeing are pretty mediocre too. Bummer.

[Anonymous]

Kia Sorrento.

Highly rated on most SUV review sites, not too expensive.

[Anonymous]

Hyundai Santa Fe. I had a 2012 and LOVED that car. Traded it in for a Touareg and regretted it.

Friends have a Highlander and love it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're a 1 child, no pet family (and will remain that way). Our current small SUV is fine for us, but when family comes to visit we find ourselves wishing we could transport more than 3 adults at a time (overweight gparents--can't fit two adults in the back row remotely comfortably with a kid in a carseat, even if I or DH sits in the middle).

We're thinking of getting a third row just to avoid all the hassle of figuring out transport when family is in town (they do not drive). But we don't want a huuuuge SUV. Any recs for one with a foldable third row that isn't massive? I don't need it to be comfortable for adults. DH can squeeze there when needed until DC is old enough to sit back there.

I don't need a new car either, but 2015 or later preferred. Right now I'm looking at Sorrento & Highlander because they seem to be the shortest--trying to stay close to 190". Current car is 185".

I went from a Highlander to a Sorrento and couldn't be happier. It feels much smaller to me than a Highlander, while still having the third row for the times you need it. I highly recommend it.

[Anonymous]

I will risk head’s exploding mentioning Land Rover but given your specifics, I’ll throw Discovery Sport into the mix. It comes with a 3rd row option, which is cramped but experience made better by folding down the middle seat in the 2nd row.

Length is 181 in

Turning radius is excellent (good for your parallel parking).

Second row is Very spacious - you can move the full back seat back (6 inches I think) for a very roomy second row (or forward back to regular space if you want more space in 3rd row), which is great for larger adults. Entry is lower than some SUVs so easier for older adults entering car.

Not sure where you live but I’m in a high snow/cold area and handling in horrible snowstorms has been excellent.

Whatever you decide, good luck!