3 kids in a 5th gen?

[yella]

Had a 3rd gen, sold it to buy a minivan ( got divorced ), getting tired of the van. Its a Caravan, dont judge, that I have owned for 6 months and already getting tired of the repairs. I do as much of my own work as I can, and this thing spends more time apart than it does together.

So. i’m looking at an early model 5th gen to replace it. Kids are 11,7,2. So only one in a carseat.

Does anyone drive around with 3 kids with success? I understand cargo space is lost with the 3rd row being used; are you able to put just one seat up at a time in the 3rd row?

For trips, i would just get a hitch carrier or roof box.


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[pensfan414]

I fit three kids across the middle quite well. Ages 7,5,5. I also have a third row that my oldest sometimes uses as well. You can put just one seat up.

 

[GO3KIDS]

Yes, in fact I went through a divorce a few years back and the wife got the minivan and I got the prius. The prius served it's time but as I needed a third-row vehicle for the kids friends. I thought about going back to Mini-van land as I've owned a couple Ford Windstars, and the Sienna. I realized for a few less MPG I could get an SUV and go places that I could have never gone before. The 4 Runner with the 3rd row was the answer. I've owned it for almost 2 years now and I don't regret it besides at the gas pump compared to a prius.

The third row is split 2 seats, so you can one seat down for gear and a kid in the other. I used this feature quite a bit. Most of the time the 3rd row is folded down with a rubber protector that will roll up with the 3rd row comes out.

There is almost no room with the 3rd row is up, jackets and soft gear can squeeze in there, I got a net to keep it in when the hatch opens. So I started looking for other storage. I went with the Gobi Stealth Roof rack, which gives be tons of storage while having all 3 rows up. I have a RTT on top now for camping trips, but I've got a storage box I can put up, bikes, skis/snowboards. Then sometimes I'll rent a trailer for some trips and put all the gear in the trailer.

All in all it's a great daily driver to haul the kids to school, and weekend warrior family adventures. Feel free to reach out and I'll share some pics of the setup.

Had a 3rd gen, sold it to buy a minivan ( got divorced ), getting tired of the van. Its a Caravan, dont judge, that I have owned for 6 months and already getting tired of the repairs. I do as much of my own work as I can, and this thing spends more time apart than it does together.

So. i’m looking at an early model 5th gen to replace it. Kids are 11,7,2. So only one in a carseat.

Does anyone drive around with 3 kids with success? I understand cargo space is lost with the 3rd row being used; are you able to put just one seat up at a time in the 3rd row?

For trips, i would just get a hitch carrier or roof box.


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[yella]

Pictures are always welcome.

I have an enclosed trailer too. So if we go camping or a trip somewhere, if I really wanted to I could just load up the trailer.

But I am talking more of the everyday driving around.

I think Id rather give up a little space and fuel mileage, and have a better vehicle.

My oldest can also sit in the front if I have the back full of stuff.

 

[Anonymous4Runner]

Had a 3rd gen, sold it to buy a minivan ( got divorced ), getting tired of the van. Its a Caravan, dont judge, that I have owned for 6 months and already getting tired of the repairs. I do as much of my own work as I can, and this thing spends more time apart than it does together.

So. i’m looking at an early model 5th gen to replace it. Kids are 11,7,2. So only one in a carseat.

Does anyone drive around with 3 kids with success? I understand cargo space is lost with the 3rd row being used; are you able to put just one seat up at a time in the 3rd row?

For trips, i would just get a hitch carrier or roof box.


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I'm not familiar with the 3rd row for 5th gen, but ASSUMING they are similar/same as the 4th gen, then yes you would be able to put up one or both seats and put the hook over the handle bar keeping the seats upright. Regardless of any 5th gen model, your kids will have ample space in the 4Runner.

I would go to a Toyota dealer and check out the interior to visualize how your kids would fit in the vehicle. Or look at Carvana's pictures of 4Runners they have, they normally have 360 view of the vehicle itself so that can also give you a better idea of how much space is available with/without 3rd row. Regardless you have plenty of options in terms of storage from cargo area to roof cargo as you mentioned + trailer/hitch carrier. It's a 4Runner which will be a significant upgrade from your van.

Welcome to the family and I hope you find the right vehicle that works best for you and your family!

 

[norinco]

My 2018 SR5 4Runner has the 3rd row option.

There is no air conditioning vents in the 3rd row and we get a lot of complaints during the summer from whichever kid is seated back there.

 

[llDemonll]

If you need a third row buy a Lexus GX or stick with the minivan and buy a Sienna, they're loaded with features and space.

 

[Jeff_DML]

If you need a third row buy a Lexus GX or stick with the minivan and buy a Sienna, they're loaded with features and space.

I am happy with my 3rd row 4runner. I only have 2 kids but use the third row to haul around their friends. Anyways seems like a good option for the OP to me.

EDIT: Oh, I have gone camping with 3 boys but one sits up front usually since more comfortable. Back with 3rd row down is big enough for all our camping gear.

 

[BillSwan]

My 2018 SR5 4Runner has the 3rd row option.

I thought Gen 5 SR5 does not ever have 3rd row option, I thought it was only available for different trims - like Limited and SR5 Premium.

 

[llDemonll]

SR5 premium has 3rd row option

 

[Ukie]

I thought Gen 5 SR5 does not ever have 3rd row option, I thought it was only available for different trims - like Limited and SR5 Premium.

SR5 with premium package has 3rd row seating.

 

[yella]

My current van obviously has more room than my 3rd gen. The 5th gen has more room than the 3rd. Obviously I will be giving up some room going from a van; thats fine. I more wanted to hear from people who do have 3 kids , or more, and use the 4R as their vehicle. To learn from their experience.

If the replies were “ohhh goddddd noooo” then maybe I would rethink it.


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[craaaazzy]

have u considered a 100 series land cruiser (or in my case, LX470)? I've got both a 2015 4-Runner and 2005 LX and the space in the LX is much larger and more comfortable. the 3rd row can also be utilized if you need to carry their friends or be removed and you have loads of space. downside is the reduced MPG and of course, it's an older vehicle. upside though is that it's built like a tank and initial cost to get into one would be lower than getting into a used 5th gen.

but to answer your question, yes 3 kids will fit in the 2nd row. won't be super comfortable for long trips but don't think they would complain too much.

 

[flyrv9]

I don't think putting your kids in a hitch carrier or a roof box is a good idea! Just kidding - somebody had to say it.

 

[Backwood]

I have 2 kids and no 3rd row... but I have driven with 4 kids and my wife on occasion when I have the niece and nephew over as well. All aged between 10-13 years old.

Not ideal... But doable. I think if I had to carry 3-4 kids everyday I would get 3rd row or another vehicle personally... Nobody wants to be cramped on long drives.

 

[Compromised4Runner]

I think the sr5 (like mine) and the sr5p are the only trims with the 3rd row option. Limited might have it, but can say for sure. Right now your kids can fit in the second row. When they get bigger, that won't be very fun.

Your knees are pretty high up in the third row. It is more like sitting on a mat than a seat. Since you are in CA, you don't have to worry about vents in the 3rd row. Under 29C it isn't an issue.

No matter what you end up test driving, I strongly recommend you take the kids and car seat to the dealership. Only one way to really test it.