Anonymous wrote:Go with the Mazda.

+1 the CX-9 is a great vehicle for the money.

Cybertruck, seats 6.

Go with the Mazda.

I have a 2019 Pilot. It’s not the best looking on the outside, but I went with e one that drive best and had the best interior. DH has a 2019 CX5 and I find the display screen and dials tips operate it difficult. My Pilot is much easier to navigate.

Anonymous wrote:Love my Kia Sorento! Or the Hyundai Santa Fe.

+1 love our Sorento!

What do you like and dislike about each one?

We went through the same search a few years ago, and ended up with a Ford Flex. It has decent third row legroom, options for bench or captains chairs in the second row, decent gas mileage for what it is, and not too insanely huge to drive. I heard it's being discontinued, though, so this might not be an option if you're looking for a new car - but if we know what you like or dislike about the others, there might be ideas out there?

We love our atlas, I’m sorrt to see the pp hated their vw. I’ve had 3 and never an issue. Knock on wood!

Lexus is my favorite.

I had a CX-9. It was OK. Easier to get into the 3rd row than the previous SUV I had. But I much prefer the minivan I have now. I hope to hang onto it for many years (FX). Depending how long it lasts I’ll get a sedan or another minivan, but I don’t think I’ll do another SUV.

Anonymous wrote:I test drove a Volkswagen atlas with three rows, it was nice.

I had two VWs and they were hands down the biggest POS I ever owned. Nice, and nice to drive.....for the first 65K or so. Then both fell apart and started costing tons of money to keep on the road. NEVER again!

I was you this summer. Two kids, youngest is 10, coming from a 9 year old minivan. I wanted something with a decent 3rd row but we don't actually use it much. Instead, the 3rd row stays down, and I use that space to haul our dog around nearly daily so she doesn't get the seating areas dirty. DH drives an Enclave so didn't want another one of those. I physically sat and crawled around in the MDX, CX9, Highlander, RXL, and Ascent. If I was to get what I really wanted, I would've gotten an XC90 but I don't want the reliability issues.

My personal thoughts on each:

MDX: Fine, but I end up needing to buy before the 2020s came out; Acura's recent reliability ratings are a little worrisome
CX9: Also fine but felt tighter inside. Best looking exterior.
Highlander and RXL: Obviously basically the same. The 3rd row is super tight with the floor up at seat level it seems like. I keep my cars a long time so didn't want to buy something that it didn't have the latest technology (like apple car play) and Toyota seemed very behind. In the end, I didn't want to spend that much for the RXL.
Ascent: This is what I went with. Is it exciting to look at on the outside? No. I think even the Highlander is better looking on the outside. I really liked the interior though. Comfortable (DH constantly raves about how comfortable its seats are compared to his) and has a smaller feel to the driver's seat if that makes sense. The steering wheel even seems smaller than other cars (similar to a BMW I had long ago), and, as someone who doesn't love driving large cars, it feels better to me. I really like the technology and safety features. I still, 7 months later, find the acceleration/transmission a little odd. I assume that's something about how I drive, though.

Wife loves her QX-60. I like it ok. It’s a bit boring but very comfortable and easy to drive.

Love my Kia Sorento! Or the Hyundai Santa Fe.

See the thread on the cx9. Just bought this weekend. Lovely vehicle and easy to get in and out of the 3rd row. Also, it’s a looker and it’s a great price.

I test drove a Volkswagen atlas with three rows, it was nice.