Suggestions: Mid-size SUV w/3rd row...

[GemStater]

Here’s a fun challenge for you all.

The wife’s checklist of preferences:

1) Must NOT be a minivan
2) Must NOT be a truck based full-sized SUV
3) Must have 3rd row seating for 6-7
4) Must be AWD
5) Good safety ratings

Here’s my checklist of preferences:

1) $20-25k price range
2) 5-10 years old
3) 75k miles or less
4) Proven reliability; without known oil consumption, timing chain, transmission problems or other costly repairs.
5) Cost of general maintenance not crazy expensive and DIY friendly in many cases.
6) Engine and drivetrain can easily make it to at least 200k miles and beyond without major problems or need for replacement

Does such a vehicle exist?

 

[The_Jeff]

Toyota highlander

 

[The Critic]

Non-hybrid Highlander, but the 3rd row is a joke.

 

[skyactiv]

Your screwing yourself being anti minivan in this case.
Here is a video criticism of the Toyotas third row.

 

[wemay]

Highlander
Santa Fe V6
Sorento
CX-9
Traverse

 

[The Critic]

Traverse

Not so sure about that one...

 

[tyman]

Highlander
Pilot
CX-9

These.

 

[Danno]

Sorento - our 2016 SX with V6 has been flawless. Usually the V6 comes with 3 rows, but this will need verification. Lower 4 cyl usually have trims have 2 rows.

 

[tyman]

Non-hybrid Highlander, but the 3rd row is a joke.

This. Unless it's going to be kids that are small, the 3rd row is non-existent.

 

[paulri]

My 2006 3rd row is ideal for my 5' tall 13yo daughter. By herself. 2 in front row, 3 could scrunch in middle row; if you have to have 7, it would have to be 2 very small kids in that back row. I would definitely take one for a test drive to see how much space you really have. I LOVE this vehicle other than that, but then again this is primarily just my DD.

Non-hybrid Highlander, but the 3rd row is a joke.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Tribeca? Probably the best AWD of anything that isn't truck-based, and their 6-cylinder engines don't have the problems their fours did.

Sorry you don't want a minivan, but the AWD Sienna seems like it's the best choice for your needs.

There's also the Dodge Journey

 

[02SE]

I'd say 4Runner Limited W/3rd row. While it is a BOF vehicle, it's not based on a full-size. It meets all your qualifications.

 

[JHZR2]

My MIL just got a Highlander XLE V6 AWD with exactly 30k miles for Christmas. FIL paid $21k for it. No damage and good history.

 

[03hemi]

durango!

 

[GemStater]

Thanks for the posts. We do in fact currently own a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan. I love it for what it is. But... the wife wants to move-on from the minivan experience. I’ve tried many times to circle her back to a minivan but she simply won’t have it. So yes, I 100% agree on the minivan. There’s a lot of value to be had in a minivan. I’ll keep working on her but she really likes Highlanders.

What about the engine and trans in the Highlander? Seems like I’ve seen or heard some years are to be avoided?

 

[CKN]

2016-2017 Hyundai Santa Fe-XL. Can probably get a "Limited" (Leather, etc.) for that budget.

I'm an owner BTW.

 

[GemStater]

2016-2017 Hyundai Santa Fe-XL. Can probably get a "Limited" (Leather, etc.) for that budget.

I'm an owner BTW.

Didn’t realize the Santa Fe has a 3rd row option. What’s the reliability record like for these? Good I assume if you’re recommending it...

 

[CKN]

Didn’t realize the Santa Fe has a 3rd row option. What’s the reliability record like for these? Good I assume if you’re recommending it...

Yes-the reliability is good. It has a 6 cylinder (3.3) with 290ish horsepower. Those two model years I mentioned are a little confusing. There was the REGULAR Santa Fe with two rows (5 seater). Then the Santa Fe XL (extra long) that seats 6 or 7 depending if you have a bench in the second row or captain seats. If you snag one with less than 50,000 miles-it will have a POWERTRAIN warranty.

 

[CKN]

I'd say 4Runner Limited W/3rd row. While it is a BOF vehicle, it's not based on a full-size. It meets all your qualifications.

Rides choppy like a BOF on a very short wheelbase.

 

[BISCUT]

My MIL just got a Highlander XLE V6 AWD with exactly 30k miles for Christmas. FIL paid $21k for it. No damage and good history.

Bingo!