3rd Row Seat Options?

[u/tramul]

We're expanding the family and looking into 3rd row seat options. Currently our list consists of the Toyota Grand Highlander, Land Cruiser, Buick Enclave, and Tesla Model Y. I'd love the new 4runner, but who knows when that's coming out. While creature comforts are nice, we really only care about reliability and getting us where we're going on road trips. Trying to avoid the larger gas guzzlers if we can. Any recommendations for or against these models?

[u/IHateBankJobs]

Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, Chrysler Pacifica

[u/MTBooks → u/IHateBankJobs]

Almost like they missed a whole class of automobiles whose purpose is to move a large group around.

[u/tramul → u/MTBooks]

SUVs provide more flexibility with some of the weather we experience. Mud and snow being the main issues.

[u/MarkVII88 → u/tramul]

The new Sienna vans have electric AWD and Pacificas can be had with mechanical AWD. What's the problem???

[u/tramul → u/MarkVII88]

Ground clearance. They'll bottom out in mud

[u/OD_Emperor → u/tramul]

It's okay to say you don't want a minivan.

[u/tramul → u/OD_Emperor]

I can assure you I'm not too cool for a minivan. I actually pushed for one for months as I think they're most practical. Mrs isn't ready to be a minivan mom, but, as I mentioned, ground clearance is my biggest concern. When factoring everything, a small suv seems to be the best option for us.

[u/OD_Emperor → u/tramul]

Even if that's the case I can't blame you. I wouldn't want one either. Don't know why others are being so condescending about it honestly.

[u/tramul → u/OD_Emperor]

I didn't even ask for alternatives is what's getting me. Because they don't understand my needs, I'm in the wrong I guess. I just wanted reviews on the vehicles I noted and received nothing but minivan purists telling me I'm wrong 😂 I'm not trying to impress anyone so a minivan wouldn't bother me, but it isn't practical for our lifestyle.

[u/Picklechip-58 → u/tramul]

You'll find the Kia Carnival a great option.. it's the most non-minivan-looking minivan out there. Ot kooks great and tge 10-year/100,000 mile warranty, it's hard to ignore

[u/tramul → u/Picklechip-58]

I appreciate the input, but I'm requesting info on the models noted, not minivans.

[u/tramul → u/[deleted]]

Ground clearance is primary concern and led us away from minivans, but not entirely closed off. I'd choose the new 4runner but no telling when it'll come out. Highlanders 3rd row is nonexistent.

[u/tramul → u/tramul]

The down votes are crazy 😅 just because something is awd, doesn't mean it can handle all terrains. Ground clearance is a major factor where I live and for our lifestyle.

[u/tramul → u/IHateBankJobs]

While not opposed to minivans, we're leaning towards a smaller wheelbase and higher ride height

[u/Drzhivago138 → u/tramul]

If you're going for shorter-WB 3-row CUVs vs. a minivan, bear in mind that that means there's less third row space too. Something like an Enclave or Grand Highlander is effectively a minivan with regular doors.

[u/tramul → u/Drzhivago138]

They have better offroad capabilities too, though. We aren't lucky enough to have pavement everywhere so mud and snow are a concern.

[u/Drzhivago138 → u/tramul]

Some minivans have AWD. Even on those that don't, FWD+snow tires does just as well if not better than AWD+all seasons in snow. The ground clearance is a few inches at most for these larger CUVs vs. minivans. (E.g. 8" on a Grand Highlander vs. 7" for a Sienna Woodland Edition)

If you really are doing heavy enough off-roading in mud that ground clearance is a serious concern, you should be looking at BOF SUVs with low-range 4WD, not crossovers.

[u/tramul → u/Drzhivago138]

I looked at Sienna and it was closer to 6.5". Besides, you can add larger tires and/or a lift kit to the Grand Highlander and others to get even more.

It isn't heavy offroading, but enough to put a minivan to a real test, which is something I'd rather not have to risk. A couple inches can be the difference between getting stuck and getting home.

A note: I'm not completely against minivans, but the models I've listed are what we're primarily interested in and just searching for reviews on dependability. They seem to cover the size, mileage, and reliability we desire while being able to handle some bad terrain conditions when needed.

[u/Noredditforwork → u/tramul]

You mean a lift kit like this? https://www.journeysoffroad.com/2021-4th-gen-sienna-lift-kits.html

[u/tramul → u/Noredditforwork]

A lift to get it up to roughly the same ride height as a stock grand highlander? That and wheelwell size.