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Post by ilovelucydog on May 10, 2018 2:46:57 GMT
I'm looking at buying a new SUV. I need a 3 row for hauling kids but won't use the third row often. I've been looking at the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. Some reviews say the Highlander isn't up to date on technology in terms of a fancy LCD screen, etc and some reviews say the Pilot's LCD screen isn't very responsive to touch. I love that the Pilot has Apple Play but it's not a deal breaker. I'd love opinions on these 2 cars or on others that you all like.
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,667 
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on May 10, 2018 2:54:55 GMT
We rented a Pilot to carry 7 people, and we found the back row to be really uncomfortable for a long drive. It would have been okay for smaller children, I think.
All that is to say that you should actually crawl into that 3rd row before you buy. We ended up with an Odyssey, which I know is not an SUV, but it has been a wonderful people (and furniture) hauler!
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,366
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on May 10, 2018 2:56:43 GMT
We have a Toyota Sequoia. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It's a 2005 and is still running well. We use it to tow our big ass boat and for road trips.
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Post by red88 on May 10, 2018 2:59:22 GMT
I'm in love with this! I currently drive a Cross Trek that I totally love. I don't really need a third seat, but I'm dying to go check this one out. |
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Post by librarylady on May 10, 2018 3:10:33 GMT
My sister purchased a Ford Explorer, loves it and she recently told me it has 3 seats (offered to lend it when the grandkids visit).
It has a large screen for the navigation system. She got the options with "wave foot and the back opens" and was happy to
discover during the winter that the steering wheel was heated.
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Post by shamrock on May 10, 2018 3:18:38 GMT
I’m on my 3rd or 4th Pilot (we lease.) I actually just got a new one. Obviously, we have been very happy with the Pilot! The 3rd row isn’t the roomiest, but it’s no worse than in other SUVs we’ve looked at. We keep the 3rd down down most the time. I haul more groceries and baseball gear than carpools these days. We’ve done long car trips in it. It drives great. I’ve never had a complaint about the touch screen. Apple Car Play works great! I went from an Oddessy to the Pilot. So happy to be out of the minivan- it just was good for when my kids were little and had a hard time with doors.
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Post by bunnyhug on May 10, 2018 3:29:48 GMT
I’m on my second Yukon/Denali, and I’ve also had an Escalade, a Navigator, an Expediton, a couple Explorers and a Land Rover—I’ve been happy with the third row in everything but the LR—it was really squishy!
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Post by ilovelucydog on May 10, 2018 3:43:31 GMT
That Subaru looks AMAZING! And good to know about the Pilot touchscreen. Thanks you all! I'm loving the feedback.
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Post by myliesmom on May 10, 2018 3:44:39 GMT
I have a Mazda CX-9 and have been really happy with it!
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Post by elaine on May 10, 2018 3:55:45 GMT
I love my Buick Enclave! Second row is captains chairs. It is such a smooth comfortable ride.
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Post by MissBianca on May 10, 2018 4:28:42 GMT
My friend has a highlander and loves it but she has 3 kids under 10. I looked at one when we were replacing my Audi Q7 and the kids said the 3rd row seat is extemely uncomfortable, they are all teens with long legs.
I did not look at the Pilot but the kids cross country coach has one and he loves it.
I looked at the new Q7, the sequoia, enclave, the new Range Rover 7 passenger, a 5 passenger Alfa Romeo, something by Mercedes-Benz but I can’t remember what it was and the new VW Atlas. I actually put a deposit down on the Atlas but they had some production issues so we found a Land Rover LR4 that was a short term lease and so far I really love driving it.
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Post by cmpeter on May 10, 2018 4:37:29 GMT
I’m super happy with my Acura MDX.
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Post by dewryce on May 10, 2018 4:41:01 GMT
We are on our 3rd Highlander, two currently sit in the driveway. So needless to say, we love them. They rank highest in consumer reports reviews for their class and have for a while.
I think the LCD screen is fine, but I haven't compared it to others. The rear camera for it is much clearer than my sisters Volkswagon, bonus. And the screen in front of the steering wheel has lots of screen options, which I never use but husband likes. My favorite is the speed limit indicator. Mine, the 2017 doesn't have a third row because I didn't want it. DH's, 2009 I think (but looks brand new even though we purchased it used), does and it's super easy to open and collapse. Don't know about comfort, I'm old and don't sit back there.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:57:18 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2018 4:53:32 GMT
I have a 2018 Highlander. I'd compare technology, I think it's great, with a large screen and very intuitive. I don't care much for their app suite, although all I'd want to add is spotify, i was looking at a friends Ford truck and I think he could mirror a bunch of apps from his iPhone to the Ford screen. My 2013 Ford Edge has very limited options for technology and the Bluetooth sucks, so I think it's a case of technology changing quickly.
The 3rd row is cramped, you have to make sure to slide the 2nd row seats forward to get leg room back there. We will rarely use it, so will mainly keep them folded down for extra cargo room.
We also have a Sequoia which is very comfortable, spacious and nice 3rd row.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,025
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on May 10, 2018 5:50:21 GMT
I can't comment on the current Pilots but we had a 2004 and just upgraded in Jan. I put 190k miles on it and it was still going strong! My SIL now drives it (upgrade from the 1998 Mercedes with over 300k miles she was borrowing from my parents)!
We went with a New to us Odyssey and just love it! A must for carpool. I constantly have 3-5 kids I'm hauling and it is so easy for them to get in and out of.
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3 Row SUV
May 10, 2018 10:53:19 GMT
via mobile
Post by sabrinae on May 10, 2018 10:53:19 GMT
I have a Pilot and love it. Mine is older now, it’s a 2006 and still going strong with 190,000 miles. I’ve had it since 2008. Its required very little other than routine maintenance. I spent about 3,000 on it 3 years ago to replace the water pump, thermostat and some belts and maybe the radiator but that’s all we’ve done besides tires and oil changes and brakes. The third row isn’t the roomiest but it’s fine for kids or smaller adults.
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cindosha
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,118
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Post by cindosha on May 10, 2018 11:03:52 GMT
I have a Chrysler town and country. I LOVE it. I know they don’t make them anymore but I will drive this car until it dies.
Cindy
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Post by Linda on May 10, 2018 11:26:06 GMT
we have a Ford Flex - seats 6 (3 rows) - we love it
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keithurbanlovinpea
Pearl Clutcher
Flowing with the go...
Posts: 4,313
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Post by keithurbanlovinpea on May 10, 2018 11:50:13 GMT
If you plan to use the rear for cargo, be sure to look at the space you actually get when you fold away the 3rd row. And as others have said, see if the 3rd row effectively houses whoever will be sitting there
That said, I'm a Lexus fan so the GX series is my go to but I buy used because new is $$
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3 Row SUV
May 10, 2018 12:04:23 GMT
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Post by teddyw on May 10, 2018 12:04:23 GMT
I’m super happy with my Acura MDX. Me too |
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luckyjune
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,788
Location: In the rainy, rainy WA
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Post by luckyjune on May 10, 2018 12:53:28 GMT
We are driving our second Pilot. We bought one of the first to roll off the line years ago and our college kids have that one at school. We are currently driving a 2012. I love Pilots. I never feel like I'm driving a car that seats 8. Our next car will probably be something smaller (empty nesters) but Pilots have worked really well for our family. Excellent road trip vehicle.
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amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,635
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Post by amom23 on May 10, 2018 12:54:59 GMT
We just recently downsized from a Yukon XL to a Chevy Traverse. After looking at several different vehicles in that size range we went with the Traverse because the 3rd row was slightly bigger than the others.
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Post by peace on May 10, 2018 12:59:25 GMT
I work for VW so I am biased: Volkswagen Atlas The third row is very roomy AND they have 6 year/72k miles warranty. Just throwing that into the mix. |
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MsKnit
Pearl Clutcher
RefuPea #1406
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Jun 26, 2014 19:06:42 GMT
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Post by MsKnit on May 10, 2018 13:13:01 GMT
I'm in love with this! I currently drive a Cross Trek that I totally love. I don't really need a third seat, but I'm dying to go check this one out. My sister! Only we have an Outback. Hoping to get a couple of more years out of my Escape. The Cross Trek is in the running. However, I am in love with the Ascent. We don't need a third row. The Outback is big enough. But...man! |
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Post by belgravia on May 10, 2018 13:16:59 GMT
My friend has a highlander and loves it but she has 3 kids under 10. I looked at one when we were replacing my Audi Q7 and the kids said the 3rd row seat is extemely uncomfortable, they are all teens with long legs. I did not look at the Pilot but the kids cross country coach has one and he loves it. I looked at the new Q7, the sequoia, enclave, the new Range Rover 7 passenger, a 5 passenger Alfa Romeo, something by Mercedes-Benz but I can’t remember what it was and the new VW Atlas. I actually put a deposit down on the Atlas but they had some production issues so we found a Land Rover LR4 that was a short term lease and so far I really love driving it. I got a Land Rover LR4 in November after I wrote off my Range Rover in an accident. I got the LR4 with the intention to pass it down to my daughter when she starts driving in a year or so. I really love it, maybe even more than my Range Rover. They're out of production but there's pre owned ones around. |
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TXMary
Pearl Clutcher
And so many nights I just dream of the ocean. God, I wish I was sailin' again.
Posts: 3,410
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Post by TXMary on May 10, 2018 13:32:29 GMT
I have a 2018 Chevy Traverse High Country that I absolutely LOVE!! This is my second Traverse. Chevy completely redesigned them for the 2018 model and they knocked it out of the park! Amazing vehicle with tons of bells and whistles and lots of technology. I love the 360 degree camera that lets you see the entire outside of the vehicle. I have never sat in the way back but adult nephews do and they said it's roomy.
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Post by buddysmom on May 10, 2018 14:10:43 GMT
We have a 2008 Lexus 470 SUV with 3 rows of seats. It has 170K miles on it with virtually no problems.
My DH insists on keeping the third row of seats in the car-they are hooked to the side somehow. We have used them maybe twice in ten years.
At the time, we thought we would be taxiing kids around, etc but they got their own cars so it was not needed. Plus they are not really practical as they are hard to get around and really only for smaller kids.
If you go onto the forums most people keep them in their garage.
My DH will not (but that's for another thread...)
The big problem is that it creates a large blind spot when they are on the side. Plus they say that the extra weight decreases the gas mileage.
So I think unless you will be using it a lot and the kids are small, it might not be practical to get the third row.
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Post by MissBianca on May 10, 2018 16:53:28 GMT
My friend has a highlander and loves it but she has 3 kids under 10. I looked at one when we were replacing my Audi Q7 and the kids said the 3rd row seat is extemely uncomfortable, they are all teens with long legs. I did not look at the Pilot but the kids cross country coach has one and he loves it. I looked at the new Q7, the sequoia, enclave, the new Range Rover 7 passenger, a 5 passenger Alfa Romeo, something by Mercedes-Benz but I can’t remember what it was and the new VW Atlas. I actually put a deposit down on the Atlas but they had some production issues so we found a Land Rover LR4 that was a short term lease and so far I really love driving it. I got a Land Rover LR4 in November after I wrote off my Range Rover in an accident. I got the LR4 with the intention to pass it down to my daughter when she starts driving in a year or so. I really love it, maybe even more than my Range Rover. They're out of production but there's pre owned ones around. I got mine because of the Audi/VW diesel buyback offer. I was Gen 1 so it couldn't be repaired. We drove from Eastern CT to Long Island to get this LR4, it's a 2016 and only had 11,000 miles on it, So we jumped on it. The only thing I don't like is the 3rd row is hard to fold up and down but I don't use it much so for the most part either one seat stays down or they are both down. But it rides so much better than the Q7, I do about 1000 miles a week so I spend a lot of time in the car so it had to be really comfortable. |
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Post by CarolinaGirl71 on May 10, 2018 17:14:41 GMT
I love my 2016 Honda Pilot with captain's chairs in the middle row. Our third row seat is rarely used, but it has seemed ok for adults when we have used it a few times.
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shawna
Shy Member
Posts: 47
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Post by shawna on May 10, 2018 17:26:43 GMT
I have an Explorer and love it. We drove it cross country from PA to WA with two kids and two dogs and lots of luggage and we were all pretty comfortable. It's a 2012 and have not had any major issues with it.
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