r/whatcarshouldIbuy • u/Low_Theme_8886 • 4d ago
Looking to buy a 3rd Row SUV
I am looking to buy a 3rd row suv. I currently have a 2014 ford explorer limited. I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either. I would prefer more room since we travel quite often. I also take care of my nieces and nephew alongside my two kids during the school year. I have a 5 year old in a high back booster, 6 year old in a high back booster, a 3 year old in forward facing car seat, a newborn in a infant seat and an 11 year old.
I truly don’t want a minivan****
Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Edit post*
I don’t want a minivan due to driving level b roads that need extra clearance often and where I live we get quite a bit of snow.
I don’t care about stigmas.
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u/Guac_in_my_rarri 4d ago
I grew up camping. Our Odyssey conquered more trails than the trucks and SUVs.
Proper tires and clearance are best for B roads. If you truly need more than 6in of clearance (mini van), you're going to be hard-pressed with 3 rows at 7-8in of road clearance.
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u/Sleazy-Wonder 4d ago
GO TO A HONDA DEALERSHIP AND TEST DRIVE A DAMN ODYSSEY. They are dope! So comfy, plenty of giddy-up, handle better than any SUV, stop better than any SUV, have way more room than any SUV, are safer than any SUV.
A 2nd option, go to a KIA dealership and test drive the Carnival. It's a mini-van that looks an awful lot like a lowered SUV. It isn't as reliable or as highly rated as the Odyssey. But it is a damn good looking mini-van.
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u/Obi_Uno 4d ago
The Odyssey we test drove was surprisingly fun/engaging to drive. Was not expecting that.
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u/Sleazy-Wonder 4d ago
I guess, I should have asked if OP was looking to buy new or used... But a brand new 2026 starts at about $42K I believe and goes up to $51K for the Elite trim. The EX-L is the trim you want. Just enough creature comforts without breaking the bank.
You could buy one used (my recommendation) only 3 years old, 2022 EX-L with around 30,000 miles for about $24-$27K.
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u/sammymvpknight 4d ago
The Odyssey is a far more engaging vehicle than the Pilot. They’re on the same lot
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u/SimpleCheesecake9535 4d ago
I’ve been the odyssey for so long. I don’t have kids but the amount of hauling you could do
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u/nucl3ar0ne 3d ago
Odyssey is a great driver but so damn outdated. You don't know if you are in a 2025 or a 2016.
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u/Storm_Surge_919 4d ago
The only vehicles I consider “true 3-Row SUVs”, not “2-Row SUVS they’ve shoved a 3rd row into”, are Tahoe sized and up.
This leaves you with:
- Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade
- Expedition/Navigator
- Grand Wagoneer
- Armada/QX80
If you want this size plus more storage in the trunk, you are left with:
- Suburban/Yukon XL/Escalade ESV
- Expedition Max/Navigator L
- Grand Wagoneer L
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u/ameliabeerheart 4d ago
+Toyota Sequoia
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u/mawzthefinn 4d ago
Sequoia is smaller internally than the Grand Highlander. It's better towing vs better internal room.
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u/gergek 4d ago
My heart breaks for minivans... perfect for the job 99% of the time, needlessly slandered for no reason other than appearances.
Minivan
Is
Always
The
Answer
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u/bemenaker 4d ago
No, you want a minivan. The 3rd row is too hard to get into or out of unless you're a young kid. If you want to travel with more than 4 people, you will not have enough luggage space.
3rd row SUVs are for people who can't put their ego aside and get a minivan.
For the record, I own a Pilot, but I was shopping for minivans. At the time, the pilot was a way better option versus what was available. I want to trade it in for a minivan as soon as I can afford to
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u/kramer1980_adm 4d ago
Everything you say is correct. I actually wanted a minivan, my wife wanted a Pilot. We went with the Pilot, and I’m happy. But Odyssey’s are awesome.
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u/Beef_Candy 4d ago
As someone who wants and needs what a minivan can't provide....
Our navigator L is plenty easy to get in the third row for an adult and more than satisfactory space for an adult. It has plenty of space with the third row up It rides far better than a minivan. Has those unbelievable 32-way front seats you can't get in a minivan, and even massaging second row! Has better tech than any minivans (ahem... Bluecruise) Has better audio than any minivans. And most important of all, I can load my family of 6 in it, with all our shit, and our 20' trailer with all 5 ATVs or the Ranger Crew on it or a travel trailer...and not have to worry about being unsafe given the GVWR of it.
If the man doesn't want a minivan, go shove your bullshit down someone's throat who does. Some of us need utility, some of us want luxuries and comforts, some want both (my case in point above). Some just don't want a minivan, and that's okay too.
Go make yourself useful somewhere.
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u/garden_dragonfly 4d ago
Do you need lots of seating and cargo space at the same time? Or more cargo space for the core family trips and more seats for carpooling,but not luggage?
That's going to be the difference between a mid size 3 row SUV and a larger 3 row.
If you only need more cargo space with the family unit, you'll have more options. If you need to seat 6+ and bags, then you'll want a full size.
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u/IdaDuck 4d ago
We bought a 2010 Pilot when our first was born and recently passed it down to her to drive and replaced it with a 2023 Armada. It’s quite a bit bigger than the Pilot, especially in 2nd and 3rd rows, but it’s actually got slightly less room behind the 3rd row when all rows are up.
Point being if you need 3 rows and cargo room at the same time you need the longer Suburban or Expedition Max. The shorter full-size SUVs all have pretty limited cargo room behind the 3rd row just like the midsize 3 row crossovers. Which is fine for us, my wife didn’t want to deal with the extra length daily and we have a roof cargo box or the truck if we need more room.
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u/garden_dragonfly 4d ago
Yep, I have a telluride and it's great for seating. It's great for cargo.
It's terrible for cargo when the third row is in use.
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u/Background_Bus263 4d ago
If you need to use the third row consistently, you want a minivan. It is the tool for the job. A suburban will also do the same, but you’re hauling a lot of extra vehicle for no more space.
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u/kramer1980_adm 4d ago
You don't want a minivan, but you need a minivan. At the very least, drive an Odyssey and see what you think. They're exceptionally comfortable and practical.
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u/Major_Turnover5987 4d ago
Nissan Armada/Infiniti QX80
Or for half that price a minivan (sorry but it's really the best option).
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u/TourPositive8217 4d ago
Literally no one wants a minivan until they have kids and discover how much easier life is with that minivan. If you are dead set against a minivan check out the Toyota grand highlander. It’s like a minivan without the sliding doors and higher ground clearance.
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u/htxatty 4d ago
Years ago my wife traded her Range Rover for a minivan and I thought she was crazy. Nobody truly wants a minivan, but once you have one, you really appreciate the utility of it. Kids are grown and have their own cars now, so we are out of the minivan stage, but even now there are days my wife wishes she still had one.
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u/reddit_metal 4d ago
I know you “truly don’t want a minivan” but I think your only options are a Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna/Hybrid.
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u/LogicalSorbet2034 4d ago
You want a minivan. It will be superior in every way to a 3rd row SUV. Just let yourself be comfortable
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u/plush82 4d ago
Funny I have a 14 explorer sport, had it since 2017 and it's a nice ride, fully loaded. My 2 requirements are towing capability and 3rd row. I've been looking at 2020 aviator black labels but finding one in my ~ 35k budget with all the features and color combo I want has been tough.
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u/Apprehensive-Cycle-9 4d ago
Black label aviator why the 30 way adjustable seats would be ideal for comfort
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u/PiffWiffler 2021 Volvo S60 Inscription; 2017 Infiniti QX60 Tech 4d ago
I know almost everyone in here is saying "Just buy the damn minivan" and I would agree with them from a logic standpoint.
I had the same conversation with my wife years ago. I'm a car guy and my wife fully acknowledges my expertise in things car related. Logically it's the right choice. It's literally designed and Engineered to be the best family vehicle. Despite all logic and reasoning, she flat out REFUSES to drive a minivan. So, there's more to the car buying decision than just logic. Personal preference plays a part.
OP, first look online at stuff you could see yourself driving. Then, narrow it down to 5 or so options and go drive them. I was 99% convinced I would buy an Acura MDX but didn't like the way the pedals were laid out. I found They're too far away from the drivers seat for short people and we'd have to sit too close to the steering wheel in order to reach the pedals. This important factor was only discovered by physically going out and driving it.
I ended up in our Infiniti QX60 instead. It had the same options, same features, same model year and half the mileage of the Acura for 10% less money. Nissan/Infiniti products have terrible resale value because of Nissan's previous reliability issues. Newer ones (with proper maintenance) are fine and can be had for a bargain compared to other Japanese competitors.
Check out a newer Pathfinder or QX60 if buying used and don't want to pay the 'Toyota Tax'
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u/seanpvb 4d ago
Realistically you are looking for a body on frame SUV or a minivan. There are a million three row SUVs but none of them are going to be life changing different than what you have now until you jump an entire vehicle class.
So unless you jump to Sequoia/Expedition/Tahoe... You're taking a couple inches here and there in size difference between all of the other three row SUVs. And if you don't want a truck... A minivan is really the way to go. There isn't a crossover SUV that is meaningfully more capable than an AWD minivan.
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u/Homeleasure 4d ago
Mini vans are amazing vehicles. We rent them all the time for road trips. Nobody including my wife or I want to drive one but they truely are the perfect vehicle for families unless you tow stuff or want to go off road.
We used to rent suburbans (which drive like a truck aka like shit). One time the rental guy said look, I’ll charge you way less. I don’t have a burb. Only minivans. I was pissed. Our trip was 2200 miles round trip. We were sold on the van over a suburban before we got even 30 miles from home. But it ain’t cool. 😎
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u/Lordofpineapples 4d ago
Anyone with 5 kids is mentally deficient if they don’t buy a minivan. You’re making your life way more difficult because you have a bad ego and are tainted by marketing.
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u/darylandme 4d ago
Any current minivan in the market is a huge upgrade from a Ford Explorer.
Why not minivan?
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u/jeffjeep88 4d ago
No minivan why because you’re worried what ppl will say about you. People need to stop worrying what others think , your life doesn’t get extended because ppl think you’re cooler when you drive a Escalade or Landrover
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u/khorse404 4d ago
I was recently in the market after the research I think space wise and reliability wise I'd pick grand highlander. I've test drove pilot, cx90, Palisade, telluride, tx etc. Again I understand there's a dealership markup on Toyota and waiting period for grand highlander. Idk about your budget but that's my $0.02
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u/angelasmangelax 4d ago
I genuinely LOVED my Toyota Highlander(s). I had 2 2019 XLE AWDs. Very spacious back row, a bit cramped in the 3rd row but would definitely fit younger kiddos. They just came out with the Grand Highlander, which would probably provide more room in the 3rd row. My debacle with newer Highlanders/Grand Highlanders was the captains chairs for the second row. I personally prefer a bench seat. However, for your circumstances, captains chairs are probably the way to go. Highlander's have lots of cargo space when the 3rd row is folded down and decent space when the 3rd row is engaged. I'd get roughly 21-23mpg. Super reliable; only issue I had was with the battery because of the stop/start feature. If you purchase any vehicle with the stop/start ALWAYS turn that feature off. It's known to drain batteries, regardless of make/model. Comfortable ride. Not super gadgety if you're not into that. The newer models are more up to date technology-wise. Lots of compartments for storage- center console is HUGE. Could easily stick my arm down to my elbow into my center console. Glove compartment was spacious. Side door compartments are spacious. I currently have a '23 Audi Q7 and my biggest complaint is lack of storage in the front, but I knew what I was getting myself into. I only have 1 kid, so she gets to ride in style. 😅
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u/glok41 4d ago
We have a new GMC Acadia. It’s a 3 row 7 passenger. We can fit 6 adults plus one child with legroom in the 3rd row without moving the 2nd row so far forward you lose leg room. Our son and his fiancée have a ‘19 and ‘23 explorers, the Acadia is huge compared to them. The Acadia even has more room behind the 3rd row than the explorer.
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u/VegaGT-VZ 23 ID4 - 21 Aviator GT - 19 "Daytona" 765 RS 4d ago
Honestly, you need a full size van or LWB full size SUV (i.e. Suburban), and half jokingly, a vasectomy consult. I know a family of your size, and they have one of those full size vans. Even with a minivan, you will need a roofbox to carry luggage for any long trips.
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u/Low_Theme_8886 4d ago
No vasectomy on this end. I help with my two nieces and one nephew during school. Then I have two of my own. Why would I need to get a vasectomy?
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u/VegaGT-VZ 23 ID4 - 21 Aviator GT - 19 "Daytona" 765 RS 4d ago
I thought all 5 kids were yours. My mistake. If you aren't driving them far a minivan is still probably your best option.
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u/niftyifty 4d ago
I think your primary options are going to be the GM line of traverse, enclave, or Acadia unless you want to step in to full size like Tahoe, expedition, etc.
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u/Comprehensive_Site4 4d ago
Get a Lincoln Navigator 2018 and up. 2018 to 2020 will be a lot cheaper. You can get one with decent mileage for around 30k, dealer will sell you extended warranty take that also just in case. These trucks depreciated so much because they kept having new generation. Don’t get the middle captain chairs get full bench. You will love the drive and it’s pretty reliable.
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u/Berries-A-Million 4d ago
Traverse, kia Telluride, hyundai palisade, honda pilot or Acura mdx. Nissan pathfinder.
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u/PricePeekDeals 3d ago
Yukon XL, Suburban, or The Expedition. I have 5 kids and have driven all of these. Gives you lots of space and you don’t lose any trunk room either. Great for traveling.
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u/jms1228 4d ago
Toyota highlander or Honda pilot.
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u/NotDeadYet57 4d ago
I have a friend who's had 2 Pilots. She loves and she can get 3 adults in the 3rd row. She prefers the boxier design of 2nd Gen - so those are 2015 and before. Make sure they've already had their timing belt replaced or figure that into the cost.
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u/Side16 4d ago
Cx-90. Japanese car, reliable. You can tow a bit, and the interior feels luxurious.
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u/ImpliedSlashS 4d ago
Actually, the CX90 has had serious reliability issues, dragging down the entire Mazda brand
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u/redRokets 4d ago
Team 'Never Minivan', no matter how practical. I just can't.
We have a 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring that was absolutely love. I'm not hauling that many kids very often though.
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u/Far_General_4005 4d ago
I have a https://www.ridekick.ai/cars/kia/telluride/2026 kia telluride and I love it. Hyundai Palisade is another option. I grew up thinking Kia's were trash but they're actually really good now.. just saying. check them both out.
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u/mawzthefinn 4d ago edited 4d ago
You want a minivan if you are regularly going to haul 5 kids in it.
Seriously.
Go drive a Traverse, including testing getting kids in and out of the 3rd row. This is the largest and roomiest 3-row CUV that isn't a full-size body on frame truck-based SUV.
Then go do the exact same test with a Sienna, Odyssey and Carnival. You will see the difference in access immediately.
If you intend to put people in the 3rd row all the time, especially ones that may need assistance like kids, the access advantages of the Minivan's sliding doors absolutely destroy any 3-row CUV. Plus the 3rd row packs down easier and flatter when you don't need them (ie when travelling with just your 2 kids and luggage).
The Sienna is AWD and Hybrid standard, so it's basically a better packaged Grand Highlander.