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..