2016 vs 2017

[philsey]

The 4runner HVAC sucks? That's news to me.

It's one of the best, if not the best I've ever had.

Signed,

A nolonger hot and sweaty Houstonian

That's not what we said. I'm only repeating what I've read on here multiple times re the third row, and that is that the 3rd row in 4Rs has very poor (or none) HVAC for the 3rd row. 5 ppl + hot day = whiney kids.

Let's be realistic here: a 3rd row in a 4R is an afterthought, period. Lousy HVAC, poor ingress/egress, very limited storage when in use (talk about counterintuitive).

@OP you are certainly free to do what you want, but with 3 kiddos and all the crap you drag along for them, I still say you better pack the whole crew and their trappings in for a drive.

Why no Sienna or Odyssey?

 

[jrbpit]

I live in SW Michigan but the dealership we had info from and visited was one from IN.

1. Durango- numerous reports of water pump failures. Having to get them relaced every 40-65,000 is not acceptable.

2. Pilot- the 9 speed tranny has issues. Google it. Going in or out of gear on its own. One guy's pilot ran through the garage. Insane maintenance schedule. And if I remember correctly you can't buy the diff fluid to even do the change yourself as well at the 15,000 interval.

3. Explorer- numerous reports of throttle body issues causing the vehicle to just stall out in the middle of making a turn or on the hwy.

4. Gmc Acadia-made smaller than previous years.

The Sequoia and Chevy Tahoe are nice, just out of our price range.

She DOES NOT want a mini van.

We don't have a dog.

The hvac sucks in the 4runner? How bad is it that people are listing it as a concern? You'd think by 2017 Toyota would have hvac figured out.

We haven't test drove with everyone loaded up. My 1yo amd 3yo have big heavy ass car seats. And we have been making it work with 3 kids in my wife's little Elantra so really anything is better. Soon enough the 3yo is in just a booster and my 9yo would be able to ride in the front seat soon enough. So the 3rd row could be folded down for grocery runs or what not.

Totally get she does not want a minivan. But let me tell you, as a father of 4 you get much much more utility out of a minivan than you do a SUV. With 3 kids you can get more kids & stuff in it than a SUV. They drive better and are so much easier to get the kids in and out of. We had a 99 Chevy Astro, awesome van. Then we got a 2007 Nissan Quest. Beat the Quest pretty good and it kept on rolling. Kids are bigger now, one is out of the house and we are really only hauling one kid around now. The others have their own wheels. I know some women totally get freaked out by a minivan, they think they are being forced into some mommy existence they don't want any a part of. But let me tell you, for two or more kids the mini van is the best choice.

 

[The Waco Kid]

That's not what we said. I'm only repeating what I've read on here multiple times re the third row, and that is that the 3rd row in 4Rs has very poor (or none) HVAC for the 3rd row. 5 ppl + hot day = whiney kids.

Let's be realistic here: a 3rd row in a 4R is an afterthought, period. Lousy HVAC, poor ingress/egress, very limited storage when in use (talk about counterintuitive).

@OP you are certainly free to do what you want, but with 3 kiddos and all the crap you drag along for them, I still say you better pack the whole crew and their trappings in for a drive.

Why no Sienna or Odyssey?

Thanks for clarifying. I can see how that's true.

I'll see myself out.:bolt:

 

[Cymon]

[MENTION=153166]Cbzr1107[/MENTION]

I am one of the few on this forum that have a third row and find it very useful. I only have 2 kids but we do use it all of the time when we have the grandparents in town or are visiting family. Because the 2nd row in the 3row 4runners can slide forward and back as well as tilt (the same as the highlander) I actually found when sitting in the 3rd row of the 4runner with car seats in front, that the knee room was better than in the highlander 3rd row (highlander has better headroom). The advantage of the highlander 3rd row is that it can recline allowing for more headroom. I also feel it is way more modular than the highlander the 40/20/40 split in the 2nd row, although the highlander with captain chairs is very nice.

Here is some advice/things I've learned with using the 3rd row.

1) Get a cartop carrier. As people have mentioned, with the 3rd row up you loose all storage (although all 3 row midsize crossovers skimp in this area). The good thing about the 4runner is you can roll down the rear window and "stuff" things in. There is storage when only one of the 3rd row seats is up. Usually we'll fit 6 people in with 2 adults up front, 2 car seats and and adult sitting in the middle seat in the 2nd row and have the right back third row seat up for one other "nimble adult" (this could be for your 9 year old). The easiest way to get in to the third row with car seats in the 2nd row is through the trunk as the 2nd row won't fold forward with car seats in it (this is an issue with any non-captain chair 3-row SUV). Either way you loose a lot of storage space so I've found our Yakima Skybox to be extremely useful when we are using the 3rd row.

2) Remove the 2nd row head rests where the car seats are. This definitely opens up the the space in the 3rd row and makes it a lot less claustrophobic. If you don't have 3 across in the 2nd row this is also where you can fold down the middle seat in the 2nd row and it "feels" more like captains chairs in front of the 3rd row occupant. It also allows more airflow to the back, as others of stated, not having dedicated HVAC to the rear is one of the biggest issues in the summer.

3) Test drive with the car seats in the vehicle and with people sitting in the third row...especially you and your wife taking turns. Test all of the configurations and how the car seats fit. Get in and out of the car and all three rows in all of the possibilities you can think of. Do not buy without doing this or else you will end up either being miserable because its not exactly what you imagined or you will be out $1K in buying new car seats that fit the way you want them to.

If you have any other questions feel free to PM me. I know a lot of people on here will say that its a waste, but honestly if it wasn't for the 3rd row I would probably be at a Dodge dealership right now with my Durango back in the shop with another issue. Mine is a mall crawler 95% of the time, but if you check out my thread linked in my signature I have also taken it out and used it as a family exploration vehicle and done some wheeling as well.

The last most important part is, if it is what you wife wants, just get it. Happy wife, happy life!

EDIT: Forgot to add...2016/2017 Exactly the same!

 

[KruzSR5]

We have 3 kids just out of boosters and 30lb dog and ditched our 08 Odyssey for a 17 SR5p w 3rd row. Yes it is tight compared to the cavernous van which served us well but I hated.

This is the wife's car and we will hold onto hopefully even longer than the van. Those other choices mentioned are going to offer more features and better ride quality but I believe you need to enjoy your car as well and the van was a turd.

Looking forward to something a little more fun, durable, and capable if we ever need it.

 

[MeanoTorino]

My thoughts, and yes this is my first post. I have been searching for a SUV for a year. I have rented countless numbers of them to make sure that I know the exact one I like, as it's really hard to tell a vehicle by just a test drive. The last vehicle I rented was a SR5 4runner with 3rd row. My wife was dead set on getting the 3rd row. Now we only have two boys (8y,12y), but she liked to be able to use the 3rd row when they have friends over. We are coming out of a 2004 Ford Explorer EB with 3rd row. That being said we decided not to get the 4runner with 3rd row, as it seems like it was only meant for really small children. My 12 year old is tall and he was really cramped back there. If you want a 3rd row SUV and that row will be used often I would suggest an Explorer (Sport 360hp ) or Durango. Both of those vehicles were flawless in my rentals and I rented both multiple times. They also have much nicer interiors and more power than the 4runner. All of this being said, we will be picking up a 2017 4runner tomorrow in Magnetic Grey (TRD Off road). What sold us was the simplicity of the interior, body on frame, higher ground clearance, and the resale value. We are not getting the 3rd row, and the premium sounds was the only option. I had already talked my dealer down on a 16 trail, but we did not like the color. I tried to get one transferred in the color I wanted and they said it was too late in the model year. I was able to pick up the 17 for $600 more than the comparable 16 Trail (well under MSRP). They had the same options except the 17 came with the cargo cover. They will come off the price of the 17 year models if you haggle with them. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Cymon]

How tall is everyone? I feel like only giants are trying to get in back there. I'm 5'10 and I fit in the third row fine. It's not 6 hour Roadtrip comfortable but not bad for an hour or so if you move the second row up about 2 inches. My wife is 5'6" and has sat back there for 3-4 hour road trips to Disney and Tampa when family is in town and doesn't complain (and she would be the first to do so).

Do people test and take advantage of the 2nd row that moves up? There is good legroom in the 2nd row, so if you move it up a couple notches the legroom isn't that bad. Not as good as a Durango, about the same as a highlander, but better I thought better than a explorer because the legroom in the 2nd row of the explorer isn't that great, and full size rear facing car seats don't fit well (my only experience was a 2014 explorer so I can't compare to the latest model year).

 

[e60ral]

How tall is everyone? I feel like only giants are trying to get in back there. I'm 5'10 and I fit in the third row fine. It's not 6 hour Roadtrip comfortable but not bad for an hour or so if you move the second row up about 2 inches. My wife is 5'6" and has sat back there for 3-4 hour road trips to Disney and Tampa when family is in town and doesn't complain (and she would be the first to do so).

Do people test and take advantage of the 2nd row that moves up? There is good legroom in the 2nd row, so if you move it up a couple notches the legroom isn't that bad. Not as good as a Durango, about the same as a highlander, but better I thought better than a explorer because the legroom in the 2nd row of the explorer isn't that great, and full size rear facing car seats don't fit well (my only experience was a 2014 explorer so I can't compare to the latest model year).

i'm 6'3" an the drivers seat is pretty bad, i can only imagine how horrible the 3rd row would be

 

[Cymon]

i'm 6'3" an the drivers seat is pretty bad, i can only imagine how horrible the 3rd row would be

So giants it is...fair enough!

 

[Vinsil]

My wife is 5'8" and felt the third row was too cramped. I know everyone has different views on that but the third row was so...after thought from Toyota we just didn't want deal with the down sides. My neighbor has one and likes it.

I'm 6' and 230 pounds, I'd never make back there! My neighbor is 6'4 or so and I'd guess 320 pounds but he uses his for kiddos which is what it's good for. :thumb3:

 

[GreyLife]

i'm 6'3" an the drivers seat is pretty bad, i can only imagine how horrible the 3rd row would be

Im 6"1', 200 lbs and i agree that the drivers seat is pretty bad. The seat itself is pretty good but the ergonomics of the 5th gen is way off. The steering wheel needs to telescope another 2 inches at least because i have to sit with the seat set back for my leg to drive comfortably. If I bring the drivers seat closer to the steering wheel so I can handle the wheel better, my leg is cramped up in an awkward position and my MCL hurts after a while.

But at least with the 5th gen, there is more seating adjustment then the 4th gen.

 

[Cheers!]

I find the driver and passenger seats comfy but I'm only 5'8 and 175 lbs. With that said I have a hard time squeezing into the opening behind the 2nd row to get into the 3rd row seats for my limited. The seats are also not very comfy and thin in padding and such. With the 3rd row up we can not get a city mini GT stroller to fit in the back. Also if you have a car seat forward or rear facing you make the opening to the 3rd row even smaller and probably impossible to get to the 3rd row.

Honestly if you want a SUV and want to use a 3rd row and have trunk space it is pretty much Chevy Suburban or a GMC Yukon XL. Maybe a Toyota Sequoia too? But I haven't ever looked at one closely. I rent a Suburban or Yukon XL all the time when I have family in town.

Lastly you can not fit 3 car seats side by side across the 2nd row. I think you can with a Honda Pilot.

 

[LandCruiser]

The 4runner HVAC sucks? That's news to me.

It's one of the best, if not the best I've ever had.

Signed,

A nolonger hot and sweaty Houstonian

Mine sucked, but that's because the blower motor slowly went out until I had no airflow with a filter in place.

 

[Cymon]

Lastly you can not fit 3 car seats side by side across the 2nd row. I think you can with a Honda Pilot.

Hmm...I do not believe that's entirely accurate. I have Diono Radian RXT's and I've fit two of those (front facing) and a Chico keyfit 30 (infant rear facing) in the 2nd row.

3 Across Installations: Which Car Seats Fit a Toyota 4Runner?

https://www.cars.com/articles/2014/05/2014-toyota-4runner-car-seat-check/

 

[KruzSR5]

I find the driver and passenger seats comfy but I'm only 5'8 and 175 lbs. With that said I have a hard time squeezing into the opening behind the 2nd row to get into the 3rd row seats for my limited. The seats are also not very comfy and thin in padding and such. With the 3rd row up we can not get a city mini GT stroller to fit in the back. Also if you have a car seat forward or rear facing you make the opening to the 3rd row even smaller and probably impossible to get to the 3rd row.

Honestly if you want a SUV and want to use a 3rd row and have trunk space it is pretty much Chevy Suburban or a GMC Yukon XL. Maybe a Toyota Sequoia too? But I haven't ever looked at one closely. I rent a Suburban or Yukon XL all the time when I have family in town.

Lastly you can not fit 3 car seats side by side across the 2nd row. I think you can with a Honda Pilot.

Much different size, category, and $25k more.

 

[The Waco Kid]

Mine sucked, but that's because the blower motor slowly went out until I had no airflow with a filter in place.

That just sounds like it didn't blow... :drum:

I'm here all week.

 

[p nut]

Hmm...I do not believe that's entirely accurate. I have Diono Radian RXT's and I've fit two of those (front facing) and a Chico keyfit 30 (infant rear facing) in the 2nd row.

3 Across Installations: Which Car Seats Fit a Toyota 4Runner?

https://www.cars.com/articles/2014/05/2014-toyota-4runner-car-seat-check/

I can confirm you can fit 3 across with certain car seats. We've also got 2 Radian RXT's. They're fairly slim, so they fit 3 across just fine. They also fold up for air travel, which has come in handy for us (they're just freaking heavy, though!). But having said that, I love the features of a Britax Clicktight which we also have. Arm rest, integrated cup holders, and better height adjustability for the kids, but those will not fit 3 across. Wish they did. Also, removal/install is much easier as well.

...She DOES NOT want a mini van...

Sorry, man, as parents, we sacrifice. You can try to force things, and that's fine. But all will come to realize just how much easier it is in the van. My friend found out the same. Neither him or wife would every consider a van. Until they had a second kid. SUV traded in and bought a minivan. Happy ever since. Here's the thing. All in all, it's probably a 10 year car. By that time, all of your kids will be tall/heavy enough for boosters or maybe no car seat (depending on the current age). Then you can get yourself whatever SUV. Until then, consider a van.

Full-size SUV's like Yukon's, Sequoia's also work, but you mentioned those were out of your price range. But even then, they're much more cumbersome for daily duties (at least for me). The other option, Pilot/Highlander, also could work. I haven't heard of any issues with the 9-sp transmissions. Don't believe all of the horror stories you read on the net, though. Some get blown out of proportion.