Yes, the 4runner will haul 3 kiddos just fine. If needed, There's a car seat brand called "Diono" of car that's narrower. Had one for our old Murano before we finally grew a brain and bought a Sienna.

We haul 3 kids in the 4runner to all of our adventures. Only one left in a booster seat, and she's done with it in 23'.

We were those people that said we'd never own a minivan also. That was an idiotic statement. Minivans are quite literally the best car ever. Ours is a 2017 sienna with the Blu-ray system in it. Bestest money ever. Talk about a trip-mobile. Kids load them selves. Buckle themselves. Kids don't door other cars. Tons of space. More on the roof if needed. Great gas mpg. All wheel drive. Does the quarter in like 14.1 seconds...... and the best part is wife and I can listen to what we want and they have their headphones. I can't recommend a good minivan enough. It'll change your life.

Everyone that has a 7-8 passenger cuv is just kidding themselves if they use that 3rd row. Not to mention the zero trunk space when you do. Get a minivan unless your priority in life is looking cool if you actually need that many seats. Which even that is a misnomer, cause unibody cuv's aren't that cool anyway, in my book at least.

But yes. The 3rd gen doubles as a daily if needed.

This is exactly us, just a few years behind (5/3/3 yo kids right now). Easy 3-across in the van second row these days, the youngers can almost buckle themselves - then it will be gravy. With the third row folded down, the back area is almost too big...

BUT! The 4Runner has taken all of us on many fun adventures. A headrest post mounted iPad holder (puts the screen between the front seats) works well enough as rear seat entertainment, though the adults have to listen to the same audio...

-Charlie