After we went from a family of 4 to 5 we upgraded from the XC90 (zero luggage when 3rd row up) to the Sequoia. Yes, it's big but so are 2 carseats and a booster all in one row. The rear space (without 3rd row) was big enough for two 100 lb dogs on road trips. Rear storage with third row up could stow enough to make it worth it. Worth a look.

GMC Yukon Denali - go big or go home

But seriously I was in the market for a three row towards end of last summer. I was over at Jim Coleman Cadillac in Bethesda and they had some really nice used ones like under 2 years old under 20K miles.

I ended up getting a 2023 three row with 9K miles on it used for around 20K off MSRP in August 2024. Also none of that delivery charge crap a new car. Super nice car.

Seems lots of older richer people pay cash for a Cadilac so they trade them in more often. The ones with leases are often japanese or german so to break a lease is expensive so they tend to be around 3 years old with 36K miles when coming back. A lot older.

MDX does not have 3 seats in the third row; only 2. I’m sure.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We had a similar list of cars and needs (short people, comfy seats, did not need larger 3rd row) and ended up with a 2yo MDX and I *love* it. Honestly one thing that pushed me over the edge was how comfortable the driver's seat was, both to sit and to get into. The Pilot was quite nice except that it just felt like driving a conversion van or rental moving truck or something. The MDX is noticeably shorter than the Pilot or the Grand Cherokee: https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/acura-mdx-2021-suv-vs-toyota-grand-highlander-2023-suv/

We also sprung for the 360 cameras and features like adaptive cruise with lane holding, etc. I'm very glad I did - they are SO nice.

Also the MDX can be a 7 seater with captains chairs in the middle! We almost always leave the middle seat folded as an arm rest/console, but we have used it to carry 7 people a couple of times. (And the 2rd row captains chairs have seat heaters, which my kids have really appreciated the last couple of weeks.)

OP: the drivers seat of the mdx was the most comfortable of all the seats, agreed. The trunk is smaller than others but not so small it’s a deal breaker (Ford Explorer trunk was shockingly too small). The issue we had with the mdx was how you access the 3rd row. I don’t want to have to climb over the middle seat to clip in the dogs in the 3rd row. If you access the third row by sliding the 2nd row captains chairs down and forward, the space to access row 3 is very narrow. Access is easier in other suv options. Would be fine for a little kid to climb in but somewhat tricky if you’re trying to buckle in a dog (or toddler) into a seat back there. But maybe my teens wouldn’t mind helping and it’s only occasionally that all 4 humans and 2 dogs need to be in the car together. Definitely hoping to get 2nd row heated seats (this weather has it top of mind). I think all the options offer that on higher trim levels. I suspect I will like how the mdx drives better than some other contenders.

But it has better 3rd row seating, doesn't it? Typically aren't going to get both a roomy 3rd row and a large trunk in a mid-sized SUV without extended length.

OP: we didn’t sit in the 3rd row of the Ford Explorer because the moment we opened the trunk it was very clearly not going to work for us. But yes, obviously each manufacturer has to decide where to place those 3rd row seats and it’s a balance between trunk space and legroom. Reminder that our family does not need a roomy 3rd row but does need trunk space with 3rd row up. Ymmv.

I'd just get a Honda, Toyota or Subaru. If you want nicer, Acura/Lexus.

Do not buy a Jeep, Kia (!!) or Nissan.

If you want to keep your car for 10+ years, you go with the boring standards.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We had a similar list of cars and needs (short people, comfy seats, did not need larger 3rd row) and ended up with a 2yo MDX and I *love* it. Honestly one thing that pushed me over the edge was how comfortable the driver's seat was, both to sit and to get into. The Pilot was quite nice except that it just felt like driving a conversion van or rental moving truck or something. The MDX is noticeably shorter than the Pilot or the Grand Cherokee: https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/acura-mdx-2021-suv-vs-toyota-grand-highlander-2023-suv/

We also sprung for the 360 cameras and features like adaptive cruise with lane holding, etc. I'm very glad I did - they are SO nice.

Also the MDX can be a 7 seater with captains chairs in the middle! We almost always leave the middle seat folded as an arm rest/console, but we have used it to carry 7 people a couple of times. (And the 2rd row captains chairs have seat heaters, which my kids have really appreciated the last couple of weeks.)

By squeezing 3 people in the 3rd row that is difficult to access?

I mean, it was 2 smaller 11yo girls and my tiny MIL, but yes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We had a similar list of cars and needs (short people, comfy seats, did not need larger 3rd row) and ended up with a 2yo MDX and I *love* it. Honestly one thing that pushed me over the edge was how comfortable the driver's seat was, both to sit and to get into. The Pilot was quite nice except that it just felt like driving a conversion van or rental moving truck or something. The MDX is noticeably shorter than the Pilot or the Grand Cherokee: https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/acura-mdx-2021-suv-vs-toyota-grand-highlander-2023-suv/

We also sprung for the 360 cameras and features like adaptive cruise with lane holding, etc. I'm very glad I did - they are SO nice.

Also the MDX can be a 7 seater with captains chairs in the middle! We almost always leave the middle seat folded as an arm rest/console, but we have used it to carry 7 people a couple of times. (And the 2rd row captains chairs have seat heaters, which my kids have really appreciated the last couple of weeks.)

OP: the drivers seat of the mdx was the most comfortable of all the seats, agreed. The trunk is smaller than others but not so small it’s a deal breaker (Ford Explorer trunk was shockingly too small). The issue we had with the mdx was how you access the 3rd row. I don’t want to have to climb over the middle seat to clip in the dogs in the 3rd row. If you access the third row by sliding the 2nd row captains chairs down and forward, the space to access row 3 is very narrow. Access is easier in other suv options. Would be fine for a little kid to climb in but somewhat tricky if you’re trying to buckle in a dog (or toddler) into a seat back there. But maybe my teens wouldn’t mind helping and it’s only occasionally that all 4 humans and 2 dogs need to be in the car together. Definitely hoping to get 2nd row heated seats (this weather has it top of mind). I think all the options offer that on higher trim levels. I suspect I will like how the mdx drives better than some other contenders.

But it has better 3rd row seating, doesn't it? Typically aren't going to get both a roomy 3rd row and a large trunk in a mid-sized SUV without extended length.

Anonymous wrote:We had a similar list of cars and needs (short people, comfy seats, did not need larger 3rd row) and ended up with a 2yo MDX and I *love* it. Honestly one thing that pushed me over the edge was how comfortable the driver's seat was, both to sit and to get into. The Pilot was quite nice except that it just felt like driving a conversion van or rental moving truck or something. The MDX is noticeably shorter than the Pilot or the Grand Cherokee: https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/acura-mdx-2021-suv-vs-toyota-grand-highlander-2023-suv/

We also sprung for the 360 cameras and features like adaptive cruise with lane holding, etc. I'm very glad I did - they are SO nice.

Also the MDX can be a 7 seater with captains chairs in the middle! We almost always leave the middle seat folded as an arm rest/console, but we have used it to carry 7 people a couple of times. (And the 2rd row captains chairs have seat heaters, which my kids have really appreciated the last couple of weeks.)

By squeezing 3 people in the 3rd row that is difficult to access?

Anonymous wrote:We had a similar list of cars and needs (short people, comfy seats, did not need larger 3rd row) and ended up with a 2yo MDX and I *love* it. Honestly one thing that pushed me over the edge was how comfortable the driver's seat was, both to sit and to get into. The Pilot was quite nice except that it just felt like driving a conversion van or rental moving truck or something. The MDX is noticeably shorter than the Pilot or the Grand Cherokee: https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/acura-mdx-2021-suv-vs-toyota-grand-highlander-2023-suv/

We also sprung for the 360 cameras and features like adaptive cruise with lane holding, etc. I'm very glad I did - they are SO nice.

Also the MDX can be a 7 seater with captains chairs in the middle! We almost always leave the middle seat folded as an arm rest/console, but we have used it to carry 7 people a couple of times. (And the 2rd row captains chairs have seat heaters, which my kids have really appreciated the last couple of weeks.)

OP: the drivers seat of the mdx was the most comfortable of all the seats, agreed. The trunk is smaller than others but not so small it’s a deal breaker (Ford Explorer trunk was shockingly too small). The issue we had with the mdx was how you access the 3rd row. I don’t want to have to climb over the middle seat to clip in the dogs in the 3rd row. If you access the third row by sliding the 2nd row captains chairs down and forward, the space to access row 3 is very narrow. Access is easier in other suv options. Would be fine for a little kid to climb in but somewhat tricky if you’re trying to buckle in a dog (or toddler) into a seat back there. But maybe my teens wouldn’t mind helping and it’s only occasionally that all 4 humans and 2 dogs need to be in the car together. Definitely hoping to get 2nd row heated seats (this weather has it top of mind). I think all the options offer that on higher trim levels. I suspect I will like how the mdx drives better than some other contenders.

We had a similar list of cars and needs (short people, comfy seats, did not need larger 3rd row) and ended up with a 2yo MDX and I *love* it. Honestly one thing that pushed me over the edge was how comfortable the driver's seat was, both to sit and to get into. The Pilot was quite nice except that it just felt like driving a conversion van or rental moving truck or something. The MDX is noticeably shorter than the Pilot or the Grand Cherokee: https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/acura-mdx-2021-suv-vs-toyota-grand-highlander-2023-suv/

We also sprung for the 360 cameras and features like adaptive cruise with lane holding, etc. I'm very glad I did - they are SO nice.

Also the MDX can be a 7 seater with captains chairs in the middle! We almost always leave the middle seat folded as an arm rest/console, but we have used it to carry 7 people a couple of times. (And the 2rd row captains chairs have seat heaters, which my kids have really appreciated the last couple of weeks.)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Consider a sedan.

Which sedan has 3 rows?

They only intend to use the third row for small dogs so don’t actually need a third row.
I’d add to the list a Lexus, maybe even without a third row. Couldn’t the dogs just ride in the back? My small dogs would hate a third row where they’d fall on the floor vs a big flat cargo area.

OP here: I think we are going to look at the Lexus TX, so this is a good suggestion. We have two relatives with the two-row Lexus and it cannot hold all of our luggage if we have 4 suitcases for a longer trip, even if we are just going to the airport and not taking dogs. It can only hold 3 large rolling suitcases. Also my dogs are used to riding either harnessed and tethered to a seat or in an actual dog car seat. Unfortunately they shake and cry even in the front seat and would flip out either in a crate or loose in a trunk. I realize other dogs are more flexible, but for my purposes, pls trust that I really do need seats for them for the times we are all in the car.

It’s hard to beat a Lexus if you plan to keep it a long time.Report back what you think of the TX!

OP here: We looked at the Lexus TX. It’s super nice and would meet our needs. The only downsides are the higher price, and if you want captain’s seats in the second row, it’s only a 6-seater. Our family could probably make that work, but it’s a consideration. You can get the Lexus as a 7-seater with bench seats in row 2, but the pilot and grand Highlander have the ability to be 7-seaters with captains chairs in row 2.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Consider a sedan.

Which sedan has 3 rows?

They only intend to use the third row for small dogs so don’t actually need a third row.
I’d add to the list a Lexus, maybe even without a third row. Couldn’t the dogs just ride in the back? My small dogs would hate a third row where they’d fall on the floor vs a big flat cargo area.

OP here: I think we are going to look at the Lexus TX, so this is a good suggestion. We have two relatives with the two-row Lexus and it cannot hold all of our luggage if we have 4 suitcases for a longer trip, even if we are just going to the airport and not taking dogs. It can only hold 3 large rolling suitcases. Also my dogs are used to riding either harnessed and tethered to a seat or in an actual dog car seat. Unfortunately they shake and cry even in the front seat and would flip out either in a crate or loose in a trunk. I realize other dogs are more flexible, but for my purposes, pls trust that I really do need seats for them for the times we are all in the car.

It’s hard to beat a Lexus if you plan to keep it a long time.Report back what you think of the TX!

Chevrolet Suburban is way longer. In fact Lexus only very recently started making 3 row SUVS, The first 3 row Auto was the 1935 Chevy Suburban. there are several on the road with between 500k and one million miles. No longevity should not be only factor in buying a car. You should enjoy it and be good fit your family.

Lexus has barely been in the 3 row business.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Consider a sedan.

Which sedan has 3 rows?

They only intend to use the third row for small dogs so don’t actually need a third row.
I’d add to the list a Lexus, maybe even without a third row. Couldn’t the dogs just ride in the back? My small dogs would hate a third row where they’d fall on the floor vs a big flat cargo area.

OP here: I think we are going to look at the Lexus TX, so this is a good suggestion. We have two relatives with the two-row Lexus and it cannot hold all of our luggage if we have 4 suitcases for a longer trip, even if we are just going to the airport and not taking dogs. It can only hold 3 large rolling suitcases. Also my dogs are used to riding either harnessed and tethered to a seat or in an actual dog car seat. Unfortunately they shake and cry even in the front seat and would flip out either in a crate or loose in a trunk. I realize other dogs are more flexible, but for my purposes, pls trust that I really do need seats for them for the times we are all in the car.

It’s hard to beat a Lexus if you plan to keep it a long time.Report back what you think of the TX!

Anonymous wrote:I used to have a Honda Pilot and loved it. I’m someone loyal to brand though and will only buy Hondas or Toyotas. So for me I would go test drive a Pilot and a Highlander.

Was coming to say Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander. We’ve have Highlander - sits seven adults (cramped in that third row) for short ride. Easy third row up and down - not great leg room, but the dogs won’t care! And there’s still a little trunk space. Good luck.

Following this thread as we have been looking at the Highlander and Pilot too. Let us know what you end up deciding, any features, and price point too please!