I have kids the same age as your soon to be 3. We looked at SUVs for months. The best option was the Atlas but even then it was a very tight fit. We went with a minivan.

^^ adding that MIL has highlander and its massive inside compared to the Volvo, may be worth a look

Have XC90 - love it, but would not recommend for this 3 car seat situation. 3rd row is small, does not have iso connectors for car seats, and you can’t tilt the second row forward to get in if there’s a car seat on it (or even a base).

VW Atlas Handsdown or MAYBE Tiguan with a 3rd row seat. Another option is a Crysler minivan; they're pretty nice too.

LOVE our Atlas. Tons of trunk space even with 3rd row up and car seat tilting on 2nd row to easily reach the 3rd row.

Explorer

If you don't mind driving a minivan, it is the best solution with both the most flexible and the easiest to access interior space. If you are opposed to minivans, I'd look hard at the pilot

Anonymous wrote:I love my Kia Sorento with the third row.

I love mine too, but my kids are 10 years older than OP’s. Having to fold the middle seat forward to get at the back seat is a nonstarter if there’s a car seat in it. And my back spasms in sympathy when I imagine trying to “help” a resistant, loudly protesting 2yo into their 3rd row seat.

I love my Kia Sorento with the third row.

Odyssey easily fits 3 car seats across the middle. With 3 under 3 I wouldn’t even think of buying anything else.

Anonymous wrote:When we had 3 in carseats, it was easiest to have them across as opposed to 1 in the back and 2 in captains chairs.

We had friends who stowed 1 chair of the mini van in the middle row and had 2 car seats in the back and 1 in the middle.

When you car shop - make sure there is latch in the back for all car seats you are planning on putting there. In our minivan (older) there was only 1 latch seat in the 3rd row.

Finally- I think the Ascent allows the 2nd row seat to move forward with the carseat installed

I was wrong on this - and wanted to correct. Here is the review from the Car Seat Lady: https://thecarseatlady.com/vehicles/suv/subaru-ascent/

The feature you are looking for is Car seat Safe Tilt feature - here is an example write up:
https://thecarseatlady.com/vehicles/suv/volkswagen-atlas/

When we had 3 in carseats, it was easiest to have them across as opposed to 1 in the back and 2 in captains chairs.

We had friends who stowed 1 chair of the mini van in the middle row and had 2 car seats in the back and 1 in the middle.

When you car shop - make sure there is latch in the back for all car seats you are planning on putting there. In our minivan (older) there was only 1 latch seat in the 3rd row.

Finally- I think the Ascent allows the 2nd row seat to move forward with the carseat installed

Anonymous wrote:If you loved your Grand Cherokee, Jeep is about to release the Grand Cherokee "L" (for long) which will have 3 rows: https://www.jeep.com/all-new-grand-cherokee-3-row.html

XC90 is gorgeous and comfortable, but if I was getting one I'd get a beefy extended warranty since they are not that reliable and the parts are super expensive.

Minivans are much easier for the kids to get in and out of on their own as they get a bit older, especially with power sliding doors (unlike SUV doors which kids will whack on the side of the car parked next to you).

I agree with this, but OP is a way off from this. A minivan with two captains chairs and a back row means you are going to be climbing into the back of the minivan every time to help the 2 year old with his/her car seat for at least a few more years. We went with a bench/row when our kids were that age for that reason. I've never driven a minivan but the doors are better with kids because you don't have to worry about the kids dinging other car doors when getting in and out or closing them properly.

If you loved your Grand Cherokee, Jeep is about to release the Grand Cherokee "L" (for long) which will have 3 rows: https://www.jeep.com/all-new-grand-cherokee-3-row.html

XC90 is gorgeous and comfortable, but if I was getting one I'd get a beefy extended warranty since they are not that reliable and the parts are super expensive.

Minivans are much easier for the kids to get in and out of on their own as they get a bit older, especially with power sliding doors (unlike SUV doors which kids will whack on the side of the car parked next to you).

We have a 1 and 2 year old and are expecting a third (our last one I promise!). So, we will have three in car seats for a while. We currently have a Grand Cherokee but are thinking of replacing it with an SUV with a third row or getting a minivan in addition. If we get a minivan it will be the Odyssey but for SUVs really not sure. Looking at the Ascent, Atlas, Pilot and possibly XC-90. Anyone have any recommendations? We don't drive much but do take a few long road trips a year. Thank you!