3rd Row Opionons?

[hrantvarozian]

So I got a 2016 Trail Premium about 2 years ago and I love it. Now my wife is starting to come around especially because I told her that 4runners have a 3rd row option.

Does anyone have the 3rd row option? If so, do you like it? Also, does the 3rd row option come only on the SR5? Can I get a 4WD SR5 model with the 3rd row?


Thanks for your input.

 

[luderiffic]

The 3rd row is nice to have but a PITA to get back into especially when you have car seats in the 2nd row. Small sized adults fit fine, large ones will struggle with head room. Also, the AC is almost non existent in the 3rd row. Everybody is freezing but its hot in the back.

 

[90Duck]

Can I get a 4WD SR5 model with the 3rd row? .

Yes.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I have the third row and don't like it, mainly because I don't have kids or any reason to transport 7 people. Having taken them in and out they are definitely sturdy and very nice though. The SR5 and Limited both have third row seat options. The main thing that I don't like is that you lose a lot of cargo space with the added height of the third row. I do like the second row folds flat when you have the second row instead of the seat bottoms flipping up, that is a nice feature, they also slide forwards and backwards

 

[mustangr2]

So I had a deposit on a trd pro and changed because my daughter was on the way and figured the the third row would more useful to have. I figured an sr5 would more than capable off road for what I would probably use for. I like having as an option but I would only use in a pinch or short trips. It is not a great third row. I think if you really need a third row and need to use all the time great than you probably better off going with different option. They are way better options. I would look at the highlander, Subaru ascent, or the new Kia telluride.

 

[headpaneer]

I selected an SR5 Premium 4X4 with the third row, thinking that I would be driving my daughters and friends around with enough frequency to warrant losing the cargo space and added $$. I was coming from a marriage and a Sequoia and we had that thing packed with kids often. Alas, In almost three years with the 4Runner, the third row has been utilized maybe six times. It was very handy, though for some short jaunts. Like others have said, the space is tight and difficult to access. My youngest will be driving later this year. I may convert the 4Runner and ditch the third row in another year or so. Then again, as 97BlackAckCL mentioned, the flat surface with the second row seats folded is pretty convenient.
Just head down to your local dealer and try it out. Good luck with your decision!

 

[mgbringo]

We had one in our 2014 SR5 and rarely used it. Difficult to use and tight to sit in it. Less room also in back.

We traded it on a 2018 Limited without third row. Don't miss it.

 

[Jeff_DML]

3rd row was my wife's requirement and I am using once a week to take 6 middle school kids to their school. We had a highlander previously and the 4runner seems equivalent to me.

As for cargo space loss, the floor is raised maybe 5 inches or so so not bad to me.

 

[salong53]

The 3rd row is the only option I wish my 4runner didn't have. I've owned it 3.5 years and have never used the 3rd row, but there have been dozens of times I could have utilized the extra cargo height lost to the 3rd row.

 

[hrantvarozian]

Thanks all. Appreciate all your feedback.

No way will I go with a highlander. That thing felt like a mini-van when I test drove it once.

I think the 4runner with the 3rd row is the best option, especially because it will be our second 4runner.

I figure if we were to go on a road trip to mammoth or something with multiple families, we can just load up my car with all the cargo (especially since I have the roof rack). And load up the 3rd row car with passengers.

Although I would feel bad for the poor kids who get stuck in that 3rd row on a road trip from LA to Mammoth. I'll make it up to them by letting them ride shotgun in my car on the way back.

 

[Jeff_DML]

...
I figure if we were to go on a road trip to mammoth or something with multiple families, we can just load up my car with all the cargo (especially since I have the roof rack). And load up the 3rd row car with passengers.

Although I would feel bad for the poor kids who get stuck in that 3rd row on a road trip from LA to Mammoth. I'll make it up to them by letting them ride shotgun in my car on the way back.

As I posted above I like the 4runner 3rd row but having them sit there all the way to Mammoth would be torture. But I think majority of 3rd row SUVs would be too.

 

[hrantvarozian]

As I posted above I like the 4runner 3rd row but having them sit there all the way to Mammoth would be torture. But I think majority of 3rd row SUVs would be too.

I agree. But I'm not about to torture myself by owning a mini-van just so a 10 year old can ride in comfort.

 

[ebbs80]

Thanks all. Appreciate all your feedback.

No way will I go with a highlander. That thing felt like a mini-van when I test drove it once.

I think the 4runner with the 3rd row is the best option, especially because it will be our second 4runner.

I figure if we were to go on a road trip to mammoth or something with multiple families, we can just load up my car with all the cargo (especially since I have the roof rack). And load up the 3rd row car with passengers.

Although I would feel bad for the poor kids who get stuck in that 3rd row on a road trip from LA to Mammoth. I'll make it up to them by letting them ride shotgun in my car on the way back.

I know most on this thread didn't seem too in favor of the 3rd row, but I actually love mine as an available option. This is my first Runner, having been in it since the first week of November 2018. It's a 2017 Limited we got a smoking deal on thanks to an early lease submission that was over mileage after the first year.

Our kids are 13, 8 & 7 years old. So they're the perfect age to be able to climb in and out on their own... IF we even have the 3rd row up as opposed to the cargo space. Even though there's only 3 kids, it's awesome to only have one in the middle then let the remaining two climb in the back and make all the noise we want.

Also I agree, the Highlander is an AWD minivan with standard doors and not that much added space in the 3rd row. It's nice to have it but not rely on it.

 

[Layson]

I know most on this thread didn't seem too in favor of the 3rd row, but I actually love mine as an available option. This is my first Runner, having been in it since the first week of November 2018. It's a 2017 Limited we got a smoking deal on thanks to an early lease submission that was over mileage after the first year.

Our kids are 13, 8 & 7 years old. So they're the perfect age to be able to climb in and out on their own... IF we even have the 3rd row up as opposed to the cargo space. Even though there's only 3 kids, it's awesome to only have one in the middle then let the remaining two climb in the back and make all the noise we want.

Also I agree, the Highlander is an AWD minivan with standard doors and not that much added space in the 3rd row. It's nice to have it but not rely on it.

Same here, we don't use the 3rd row that much but it is nice to have when you need it.

 

[jimmied]

We use our when needed and the kids like it. 5yo normally in second row. 10 yo loves third row when we use it. 12yo doesn’t mi d either. She’s 5’3 and hasn’t compla8ned for quick trips around area. It’s nice to have to pick up extra friends for kids. Short trips with smaller adults are fine too if needed. Nothing beats the odyssey we have in terms of room but uggghhh. Mini van we have owned wince 2013 and still hate having a minivan but damn it’s awesome for moving people.

 

[Redsoxx1918]

I agree. But I'm not about to torture myself by owning a mini-van just so a 10 year old can ride in comfort.

Lol.....I hear ya.


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[bredoblet]

I know most on this thread didn't seem too in favor of the 3rd row, but I actually love mine as an available option.

I have two kids, and often haul them and two friends on trips and excursions. With adults up front, I had to opt for a third row out of fairness so both kids could bring someone (we need to stuff six in the rig). As I have no need of the seventh seat, I installed an ARB drawer with fridge slider.

 

[Ukie]

3rd row is a nice feature to have. It's a decent solution when you have to occasionally haul couple kids on short distance rides (less than an hour). Is it fun to ride in 3rd raw? My kids say yes. Is it the most comfortable seat in the car? Definitely no. I believe it lacks adequate airflow and kids tend to get car sick when riding on 3rd row (specially summer). Over last 8 years I've used 3rd row maybe 2 dozen times, no more.

 

[safdSA]

I recently got a 3rd row SR5 and really like it. I have two kids and they have friends. It's not very roomy back there, but I'm not taking super long distance treks with people in the way back so it's fine. I like it being there when needed and the space when folded down is more than enough.

 

[RustyAb]

I have two kids, and often haul them and two friends on trips and excursions. With adults up front, I had to opt for a third row out of fairness so both kids could bring someone (we need to stuff six in the rig). As I have no need of the seventh seat, I installed an ARB drawer with fridge slider.

Damn that looks nice. Is that customized to fit in the place of the 3rd row seating? or actually designed for it. Either way, I am digging it