3 Row Midsize SUV reviews

[yg99]

Had a minivan for decades and looking to switch to a SUV.

Any reviews/recommendations for a 2016 model.

So far, I've narrowed it down to Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Highlander & Pilot.

[Mocha]

That's not very narrowed down. Why isn't the pathfinder on the list?

[yg99]

It was. Just don't like it.

[JoeyShmoe]

Had a minivan for decades and looking to switch to a SUV.

Any reviews/recommendations for a 2016 model.

So far, I've narrowed it down to Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Highlander & Pilot.

I've never owned an SUV so I can't help you with a review/recommendation (although I'm a big Honda fan), but keep in mind that SUVs come with barely any trunk space if you use all 3 rows

[skyguy918]

I've never owned an SUV so I can't help you with a review/recommendation (although I'm a big Honda fan), but keep in mind that SUVs come with barely any trunk space if you use all 3 rows

-1, at least the way you actually wrote it. Obviously the larger SUV's have a ton of space even with all 3 rows up (eg a Suburban has more space than any minivan). But even if we're only talking about the smaller 3 row SUV's, as per the OP, it's still not necessarily true. The 2 American cars in his list are around 25cf. That's not the nearly 40cf you'll get out the most spacious minivans, but it's right around what you'll get out of the least spacious ones.

Even the SUV's with the least trunk space when all 3 rows are up are no worse than a midsize sedan. Having a 3rd row or big trunk (but not both at the same time) is actually a pretty good niche. I might be looking for that myself pretty soon. I'll only really need the 3rd row for carpool, which is a time I don't really need trunk space. And when I need a lot of trunk space (shopping, family trip), I don't need the 3rd row.

[Marko Rubio]

Had a minivan for decades and looking to switch to a SUV.

Any reviews/recommendations for a 2016 model.

So far, I've narrowed it down to Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Highlander & Pilot.

treverse is the worst from your list (but cheapest)

[skyguy918]

treverse is the worst from your list (but cheapest)

Maybe similarly equipped, but not based on the most basic models. It's actually more expensive than the base Pilot or Highlander:
http://www.edmunds.com/car-comparisons/

[yos9694]

Just remember that unlike a minivan, these crossovers with 3 rows don't have easy access to the back row. You either have to move the second row seat (for dignified adults) or climb over it (carpool favorite).

[skyguy918]

Just remember that unlike a minivan, these crossovers with 3 rows don't have easy access to the back row. You either have to move the second row seat (for dignified adults) or climb over it (carpool favorite).

Not if you shell out the big bucks for the Pilot Elite

[JoeyShmoe]

-1, at least the way you actually wrote it. Obviously the larger SUV's have a ton of space even with all 3 rows up (eg a Suburban has more space than any minivan). But even if we're only talking about the smaller 3 row SUV's, as per the OP, it's still not necessarily true. The 2 American cars in his list are around 25cf. That's not the nearly 40cf you'll get out the most spacious minivans, but it's right around what you'll get out of the least spacious ones.

Even the SUV's with the least trunk space when all 3 rows are up are no worse than a midsize sedan. Having a 3rd row or big trunk (but not both at the same time) is actually a pretty good niche. I might be looking for that myself pretty soon. I'll only really need the 3rd row for carpool, which is a time I don't really need trunk space. And when I need a lot of trunk space (shopping, family trip), I don't need the 3rd row.

A) I was talking about the SUVs in question, Suburban wasn't mentioned. B) OP specified that he/she needs 3 rows, not 2 rows and either trunk space or a 3rd row. I know that with a family of 4 kids KE"H I wouldn't be able to survive without all 3 rows and a nicely sized trunk.

[JoeyShmoe]

Additionally, as a Chaveirim member, I'd advise you to double check and confirm that your car has a spare tire. I believe that both the Enclave and Traverse (not positive about the latter) have no spare if you don't ask (and pay) for it, as is the case with a lot of other cars. Also, please don't rely on "run flat tires" on those cars, from personal experience I can tell you that they're useless (at least in the cheaper model cars).

[yuneeq]

That's not very narrowed down. Why isn't the pathfinder on the list?

+1
It's a great car, maybe you should reconsider.

[skyguy918]

A) I was talking about the SUVs in question, Suburban wasn't mentioned. B) OP specified that he/she needs 3 rows, not 2 rows and either trunk space or a 3rd row. I know that with a family of 4 kids KE"H I wouldn't be able to survive without all 3 rows and a nicely sized trunk.

I need 3 rows too. Doesn't mean I need all of them up all the time.

I think it's a bit unfair to the OP to assume they don't have some general clue of their needs and how those needs fit with the models mentioned. So if you have experience with a specific model from the OP's list - eg the Highlander trunk is really tiny with the 3rd row up, as small as a sedan - that would be constructive.

If your point is that midsize SUV's don't have as much space as minivans, great. Also, duh!

[yochiek93]

treverse is the worst from your list (but cheapest)

+1 terrible car

[Nic]

I am in the same boat. I also have the ford explorer on my list.

[yos9694]

Not if you shell out the big bucks for the Pilot Elite

OK. Just pointing out what was for me the major reason i ended up with a minivan, despite the nerdiness compared with an SUV.  With car seats and boosters set up in row 2, it would be a major pain in the neck to collapse the seat to make access, and I would go crazy if I had muddy/slushy/snowy footprints from the climbing.

[Moshke]

How is the Nissan pathfinder according to others in trunk space ?

[skyguy918]

OK. Just pointing out what was for me the major reason i ended up with a minivan, despite the nerdiness compared with an SUV.  With car seats and boosters set up in row 2, it would be a major pain in the neck to collapse the seat to make access, and I would go crazy if I had muddy/slushy/snowy footprints from the climbing.

Yeah, for sure. If you need the third row all the time, you gotta be crazy not to get a minivan, especially if you have any carseats.

ETA: And BTW, I mentioned the Pilot because the 'Elite' trim has 2 captain seats in the second row, as in most minivans.

[Work-for-ur-muny]

treverse is the worst from your list (but cheapest)

Gas guzzler.