formulad97
New member
I've got a question about your 3rd seating. How do you like it , and is it practical.. I have two kids in car seats at this time and possible another one on the way... Will it work out with three small ones? thanks guys
Hey fifth gen owners
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treyb
New member
I have an SR5 with a 3rd row. We also have two kids, one still in a car seat/booster and I would not suggest using the third row for long-term/everyday use. The third row is fine for putting two kids back there on the rare occasion when you need the extra room, but for everyday use, I would suggest something a bit bigger, like the Sequoia. It is difficult to get in and out of the 3rd row seat and it is really only accessible from one side because of the the way the 2nd row seats move forward). Just my $.02
Ducmonsta
New member
Third row has no anchor points for car seats. You'll have to use the seat belts. Some people aren't comfortable with using the seat belts as the anchor system. One of my kids are in a booster seat so it's okay for me to use the "adult" seat belt. I'm also okay with using the "adult" belt for holding down a regular car seat. Also, unless you are 6ft or taller, it is a little difficult to get your children into the 5 point harness of the car seat. I've learned it is easier to get my oldest in her seat belt through the rear window. With your 3 kids, I'm not sure how many of them are in boosters or car seats. You'll just have to work out a game plan as to where each seat will be for ease of use.
It's difficult to access from the driver's side as the seat does not slide very far. Only access to 3rd row comes from passenger side.
I have found (with 2 kids), it's great for the occassional jaunt. You would not want an adult to sit in the 3rd row for long periods of time.
It's difficult to access from the driver's side as the seat does not slide very far. Only access to 3rd row comes from passenger side.
I have found (with 2 kids), it's great for the occassional jaunt. You would not want an adult to sit in the 3rd row for long periods of time.
The third row seat is only useful if you have the occasional need to carry children in booster seats. I would not let any other sized person sit back there.
Car seats don't belong back there and are difficult to access, and older children might be too big. My 4 year old fits back there perfectly in her booster on the occasion that we have too many passengers. Also it's easiest for me to lift her up and stand her up in the trunk with half the 3rd row laying down and let her walk into her seat that way rather than going through the 2nd row. Plus she thinks it's fun!
Car seats don't belong back there and are difficult to access, and older children might be too big. My 4 year old fits back there perfectly in her booster on the occasion that we have too many passengers. Also it's easiest for me to lift her up and stand her up in the trunk with half the 3rd row laying down and let her walk into her seat that way rather than going through the 2nd row. Plus she thinks it's fun!
Fernandina4runner
New member
I only use the third row when my 20 yo brother in law is along as the 5th wheel. He says it's horrible, but it's better than riding in the middle. We only use ours on short trips, generally less than an hour.
I still think that it's worthwhile just for that one purpose. I don't know if I would buy another 4runner with the third row.
I still think that it's worthwhile just for that one purpose. I don't know if I would buy another 4runner with the third row.
Ukie
New member
3rd row seats are fine for kids who do not need a car seat anymore and are independent enough to drive alone in a back. Booster seat might be fine too.
I can't imaging putting a car seat in a 3rd row - too difficult to access to fasten and no LATCH to secure a car seat itself.
Also using one of 3rd row seats as a passenger seat you eliminate you cargo space to 50% which is not what you want for longer/fun/family trips.
3rd row is fine for occasional riders regardless of age but is not a good solution for a family with 3 kids.
How far are your kids from using a booster? you may think about 2 booster seats + 1 car seat placed in a second row.
I can't imaging putting a car seat in a 3rd row - too difficult to access to fasten and no LATCH to secure a car seat itself.
Also using one of 3rd row seats as a passenger seat you eliminate you cargo space to 50% which is not what you want for longer/fun/family trips.
3rd row is fine for occasional riders regardless of age but is not a good solution for a family with 3 kids.
How far are your kids from using a booster? you may think about 2 booster seats + 1 car seat placed in a second row.
DannyLlama
Elite Member
It's only 2 seats in the third row BTW, hence the "7 passenger" advertisement and not 8.
Pensacola33
New member
I decided to crawl back there(literally) and sit in the third row. It was not comfortable since my head touched the roof and I'm only 5'9". I suggest the seats be used for children and not infants.
Titanpat57
Senior Member
Minivan= End of life as you know it...
STLDAVE
Member
I think Antman is on the money here.
How often will it REALLY be used? I thought it would be useful when I bought my Honda Pilot, but in eight years I probably used it less than a half dozen times.
If you're really going to use it a lot, you probably need a minivan. If not, it will just be reducing the size of the cargo area.
ColoradoFrosty
New member
Agree with Antman as well... but we use our 3rd row on weekends when we have the grand-kids around. Probably 2-3 times a month maybe.
Frankly I got the LE with the 3rd row specifically for hauling kids, well that's what I told my wife anyway. :wink2:
Seriously though, no they are not for long distances, little children in car seats, adults, etc. But it is super convenient when you have a couple extra kids at times, and they really do love riding back there. It's always a squabble on who gets to sit in back.
Do note that in hot temperatures it is very hard to get AC back there with the very small vent in the 2nd row seat. Heck, my '88 1st Gen seemed to have a better heating/cooling system for the rear seat than the 5th with it's micro-vent and no fan. In places like AZ in the summer, I am not sure how people deal with sitting in the 2nd row/back seat.
Frankly I got the LE with the 3rd row specifically for hauling kids, well that's what I told my wife anyway. :wink2:
Seriously though, no they are not for long distances, little children in car seats, adults, etc. But it is super convenient when you have a couple extra kids at times, and they really do love riding back there. It's always a squabble on who gets to sit in back.
Do note that in hot temperatures it is very hard to get AC back there with the very small vent in the 2nd row seat. Heck, my '88 1st Gen seemed to have a better heating/cooling system for the rear seat than the 5th with it's micro-vent and no fan. In places like AZ in the summer, I am not sure how people deal with sitting in the 2nd row/back seat.
Antman
Elite Member
Pat! I thought you were a Manly-man like me?!
Fact is, there is no single, practicle and affordable vehicle that meets the needs of a family, with several kids, more than a minivan. None, zero, zilch, nada.
I can cruise at 85mph, with a weeks worth of luggage and stuff in the back, in 100+ heat with triple-zone A/C (which works incredibly well), relax in leather heated seats, talk to my Nav system, the kids watch a DVD with Grandma in the back while the wife takes a nap. Oh yeah- all that while getting over 25MPG.
I am manly enough to see the wonderful practicality of a minivan for my family, and would not hesitate for a second to sell my beloved 'Runner if something dictated that I could only have 1 vehicle.
I feel more "manly" now at 42 with a bald head and a little belly than I did when I was 27 in awesome shape. The kids did it to me.
Minivan's are manly. Damn the haters!!!:fishing:
Kinnick
New member
We were car shopping a few months ago (two kids in cars seats) and had it narrowed down to the 4runner, Sequoia, and Pilot. The 4runner did not meet our needs due to the fact that the third row is basically not useable with two car seats in the second row. The Sequoia was nice but almost too big and not the best on gas mileage. We opted for the Pilot and it fits our family's needs perfectly. You can put 3 car seats in the second row. We put two cars seat side by side and can still recline the second row seat to access the third row. The third row also has LATCH. We average around 24 mpg cruising at highway speeds on flat roads. 4wd and decent ground clearance will help during our nasty winters. I hope this helps and good luck.
I put two car seats in the third row and then had room for two more adults in the second row. This is the way to go. Fold the second row down, throw the kids in the third row, and you're set.
Of note, I'm a little over 6 feet tall and putting kids into the third row was/is easy for me. Also, my daughter is old enough to put herself into her seat if she needs to (prefer to do myself because she is slow). Also, as others have said, there is no LATCH in the third row so you need to be comfortable installing carseats with the seatbelt.
If you have the third row seats up your cargo area is reduced to near zero. You'll need a roof rack to carry much gear or luggage.
I like the third row option and would buy it again. It's not roomy for an adult, but it's better than the back seat of a sports car. My wife used to drive a Mustang and that back seat was much more cramped than the 4R third row. I think it adds utility and is worth the increase in price as well as giving up the sliding cargo tray.
Of note, I'm a little over 6 feet tall and putting kids into the third row was/is easy for me. Also, my daughter is old enough to put herself into her seat if she needs to (prefer to do myself because she is slow). Also, as others have said, there is no LATCH in the third row so you need to be comfortable installing carseats with the seatbelt.
If you have the third row seats up your cargo area is reduced to near zero. You'll need a roof rack to carry much gear or luggage.
I like the third row option and would buy it again. It's not roomy for an adult, but it's better than the back seat of a sports car. My wife used to drive a Mustang and that back seat was much more cramped than the 4R third row. I think it adds utility and is worth the increase in price as well as giving up the sliding cargo tray.
Natey
Member
I was close to pulling the trigger on a Pilot, too. I got selfish, tho, and bought the one I wanted. If the Honda only had A: better styling and B: 4WD LO, I'd probably be karting my kid around in one.
I am 5'10" and can sit back there
Jaker
New member
It all depends on your proportions. His sitting height is probably very different than your own.I am 5'10" and can sit back there
