Currently we have the older body style Honda Pilot. Love it, has every bell and whistle that a car made before 2007 could have - navigation, heated leather seats, moon roof, and on and on. It also has a third row, which with two car seats in the second row you get the honor of entering through the trunk.
I'm not sure a parent gets a good feeling when you open the trunk to put her daughter in your car for ballet class. Call me crazy.
So now my question to you - does a family of four need an easily accessible 3rd row?
I think yes. Carpools and sleepovers are in our near-ish future. We also have family nearby and it would be so nice to all fit in one vehicle.
Ryan thinks no. There are four people in our family so we need a car with four seats. A third row is an extra bonus but not necessary for our family's next car.
The Contenders:
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| GMC Acadia |
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| Ford Explorer |
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| Chevy Traverse |
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| Ford Flex |
{I'm hoping everyone agrees with me and I can show this to the hubs for proof, m'kay?}
We don't currently have a third row at all (I have a Vue), and we both agree a third row is important in our next vehicle. Your reasons are the ones I think about: car pools, playdates with older kids, family vacations. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteIt is time to put aside your pride and get the minivan. Totally practical and necessary at this stage in your lives. Our van was a lifesaver when you were younger.
ReplyDeleteSorry. Mom
3rd row is definitely necessary. Like you said, playdates, carpools would definitely require some extra seating.
ReplyDeleteThe mommy is always right. ;)
Nope, a minivan is not an option. There is just as much room in a SUV/Crossover and much more style!
ReplyDeleteWith two little ones, I think you need a 3rd! I love the Arcadia and the Flex. The flex is funky, you will stand out! I have the Lexus RX and everybody and their mama drives one around here!
ReplyDeleteI'm with your mom.. we are having the same debate.. things that make the mini van easier.. it is still easier to get in (lower to the ground) you can push a button and the doors slide open, the car seats are easier to install, the 3rd row is even easier to access, and it's cheaper. With huge Britax seats we still found it next to impossible to get to that third row. I don't think minivans are cool or stylish.. but we're keeping our Jeep or getting one.. I can't justify that extra 10k for occasional and still annoying 3rd row access... sorry, K.
ReplyDeleteI love our Flex... and it doesn't bother me that you put my child in through the trunk!!! It's probably fun for her!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I think a 3rd row is needed for all of the reasons you mentioned. It's great when my in laws are in town and we can all fit in one car! I'm bringing home a classmate today and I can easily fit her in the car. I say 3rd row is a must!
we need a thrid row bad!! We have thought about the explorer.
ReplyDeleteWe are in the market for an SUV with a 3rd row also. Sleepovers and Family visits were the same reasons I gave to my husband. I'm considering the Dodge Journey or the Toyota Highlander. I'd love to have an Acadia, but I just can't afford it.
ReplyDeleteAnd a minivan is not an option here either. I wouldn't hate to have one, but hubby says HELL no.
ReplyDeleteWe got ours for it's 3rd row. Our boys at 7 & 8. One sits in a captains chair in the second row & one sits in the third row. I collapse the other second row captains chair & leave that open space. The kids can't touch each other. I have space for my groceries right there, or the dog cage. It's great!
ReplyDeletestopping by from SITS!
Hey girl, we test drove an Acadia and I loved it. We ended up going with the Acura MDX and I love it as well. It does have a third row just incase, but it's not quite as big as the Acadia!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your shopping. New cars are always exciting!
Kristin--we have been having the same debate in our home. I think you have to ask yourself the infamous question, "how long do you plan on keeping the vehicle?" When we asked ourselves that question our answer is almost 10 years. Sooooo having said that our children will be 13/10 years old and a 3rd row will be a necessity. We personally love the Chevy Traverse if you go with the bucket seats in the middle row then it looks on the inside exactly like the mini van with the convenience of kids walking to the third row without having to bring them in through the trunk! We also like the Acadia but I believe the price was more than the Traverse. My husband, too, would tell you we don't need a new vehicle....i disagree! Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I think it would be useful. I have Murano right now and it's gonna be crowded when we have a second kiddo!
ReplyDeleteWe are definitely getting a 3rd row in our next purchase : ) Stopping in to say Hi from Hump Day
ReplyDelete~Melissa
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Yes to the 3rd row. Traded in older minivan for newer compact car. LOVE the gas mileage. Really wish I had more space and there's only 3 of us - myself and 2 kids (ages 5 and 7).
ReplyDeleteStopping by from Hump Day.
Yes for the 3rd row...bonus points if you don't have to make a kid step on the 2nd row (assuming you do NOT get captain's chairs, which is rare these days) to get said kid to the 3rd row. But even without carpools and such it's nice to be able to throw everyone (visiting family or friends, random kidless friend who's going somewhere with your fam) in the car instead of making them drive separately. I REALLY miss my minivan (and I had it when I was a momma of one!) and can't wait til I have another vehicle with a 3rd row!
ReplyDeleteI am following you from the blog hop!
ReplyDeleteWe are a family of 4 and we end up using our third row more than we would have ever thought! It is worth it, one day your kids will drag friends where ever they go and this way you are prepared!
I want third row in my next car too! I really like the Traverse and have been thinking about that one for sure.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely go for 3rd row. I have a Toyota Sequoia and I love the extra space. Well worth it when you have a group.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining our hop on Mommys Online Garage Sale, hope to see you again next week.
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Have a great day.
3rd Row Yes!
ReplyDeleteNO TO THE MINIVAN!
We are thinking next year we will get the 3rd row- but never the mini-van!
Must have 3rd Row! Totally necessary. I *heart* my loser cruiser (minivan)!
ReplyDelete