r/Autos 6d ago

3rd Row Seat Options?

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?

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u/tramul 6d ago edited 6d ago

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

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u/Drzhivago138 2018 F-150 SuperCab/8' 5.0 HDPP, 2009 Forester 5MT 6d ago

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.

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u/tramul 6d ago edited 4d ago

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

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u/Drzhivago138 2018 F-150 SuperCab/8' 5.0 HDPP, 2009 Forester 5MT 6d ago

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.

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u/tramul 6d ago

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.

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u/Noredditforwork 6d ago

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u/tramul 6d ago

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