What is the smallest vehicle with 3rd row seating?

[kbkids]

We'll be getting rid of the minivan soon, and I'm just curious what my options are. We've had a minivan for 10 years now, and it's going to be hard to give up that 3rd row seat. We only use it occasionally, but when the kids have friends over, we need it. I love the smaller SUVs, but I want something with some options. The 3rd row seating can be cramped - that's fine - would just like the option of having it when I need it. Any suggestions?

 

[golfgal]

We have a Mazda MPV mini-van. They don't make them any longer but you can still find low mileage 2006's. It is a pretty small mini-van so it might work. They moved to the Mazda CX-9 which is a cross-over vehicle. That is probably what you would want to look for. Toyota makes a Hybrid Highlander which is a small SUV--I don't know if 3rd row seating is an option but it might be.

 

[MomofKatie]

A friend has a KIA Rondo- it is about as small as my Pontiac Vibe, but has a 3rd row seat. I think the seating capacity is 7.

 

[NCRedding]

I drive a Volvo XC-90 with 3rd row seats. It is fairly small by SUV standards--or at least it feels that way when I am parked next to a Yukon.

 

[creativeamanda]

The Hyundai Veracruz has 3rd rwo seating available. We actually have been looking at one for a couple of months now, but I don't want another car payment.

 

[momto2girls]

I drive a Volvo XC-90 with 3rd row seats. It is fairly small by SUV standards--or at least it feels that way when I am parked next to a Yukon.

I'm planning to get rid of my Honda Odyssey soon and I'm planning to get the Volvo XC-90.

 

[ead79]

My mom has a Honda Pilot, and it has optional 3rd row seating.

 

[DMickey28]

I have a Chrysler Pacfica with a third row. Ours is down 95% of the of the time but it's there. It sits 6 but you can get a bench seat in the middle instead of the captain chairs.

 

[kbkids]

I have a Chrysler Pacfica with a third row. Ours is down 95% of the of the time but it's there. It sits 6 but you can get a bench seat in the middle instead of the captain chairs.

We've got an Odyssey now, and our 3rd row is down most of the time too. I'm so afraid I'm going to miss the roominess of it, but I think I just want something smaller. Hope I'm not making the wrong move.

 

[mom2aredhead]

We have a Mazda MPV mini-van. They don't make them any longer but you can still find low mileage 2006's. It is a pretty small mini-van so it might work. They moved to the Mazda CX-9 which is a cross-over vehicle. That is probably what you would want to look for. Toyota makes a Hybrid Highlander which is a small SUV--I don't know if 3rd row seating is an option but it might be.

The Mazda CX-9 is a great vehicle, as is the smaller CX-7 BUT (big BUT) they require premium fuel because of the higher performance engine. (Remember the Zoom Zoom commercials?) That would be a dealbreaker for me with the price of fuel...

I currently have an Explorer, but I actually preferred my Ford Freestyle (now called the Taurus-X) much more. There was still cargo room behind the 3rd seats when they were being used, lots of storage cubbys, super easy to install car eats (don't know if that's an issue for you or not) but it's definitely more car than SUV.

 

[kbkids]

The Mazda CX-9 is a great vehicle, as is the smaller CX-7 BUT (big BUT) they require premium fuel because of the higher performance engine. (Remember the Zoom Zoom commercials?) That would be a dealbreaker for me with the price of fuel...

I currently have an Explorer, but I actually preferred my Ford Freestyle (now called the Taurus-X) much more. There was still cargo room behind the 3rd seats when they were being used, lots of storage cubbys, super easy to install car eats (don't know if that's an issue for you or not) but it's definitely more car than SUV.

Nope, car seat days are over. That's part of why I'm looking to get away from the minivan. We're a sports family though - constantly running to practice and games with all the equipment. And like I said earlier, extra kids toted around sometimes. I really hate to go to a full sized SUV because of the gas mileage though. We were looking at the CRV, but I really think I'll miss that 3rd row.

 

[NotUrsula]

The Toyota RAV4 has an optional 3rd row, as does the Mitsubishi Outlander.

 

[PghLybrt]

I have a Subaru B9 Tribeca. I have a third row seat, although i only used it twice! (I didn't want it but instead of getting a car in they gave me one off the lot). I love the puddle lights they have, sounds silly but they saved me from stepping in quite a few of them and its nice to have the lights on when i am getting out at night at the house.

 

[minniecarousel]

My Toyota Highlander has the third row. I even managed to sit back there once. Not too much of a problem getting in, but getting out - I couldv'e used someone pushing from behind!

Third row shouldn't be a problem with kids. I think the newer Highlanders are a bit longer now too.

 

[elgerber]

The Toyota RAV4 has an optional 3rd row, as does the Mitsubishi Outlander.

When I was getting rid of my mini-van we looked at the RAV4, and while I wouldn't sit in the 3rd row, and wouldn't want anyone else to for long periods of time, I was surprised at how much room there was in there!!!

 

[weregoingtodw]

Try the Mazda 5.

 

[pixiechick]

I have a Chrysler Pacfica with a third row. Ours is down 95% of the of the time but it's there. It sits 6 but you can get a bench seat in the middle instead of the captain chairs.

Do you like the Pacifica? Any thoughts you have are appreciated!

We're looking at replacing DH's Tribute (which he hates!) We really like the Pacifica, although they're not making them for 2009. We'd probably get a 2007.

 

[nannerbadnanner]

Try the Mazda 5.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I just bought a Mazda5 which I love. It seats 6 or 4 with lots of luggage, but its the size of a sedan. Its definitely far smaller than the Pacifica or Pilot or other things that people are suggesting.