New here -questions about 3rd row seats

[forawesome]

Hi everyone!

I'm new here, but I'm really looking closely at buying a 4Runner in the not too distant future. I'd like a truck-based SUV, and the 3rd row seat option means I can haul around the family, too.

But tell me a little about the 3rd row seats-- when did those become an option? I have to buy used in order to afford a 4Runner, but I can't seem to find any with 3rd row seats any earlier than the '05 model year, and even then they are next-to-impossible to find. Went to a dealership today, and they did not have *any* 4Runners with the 3rd row seats, new or used. So I couldn't see how useful they really are.

So I come to you-- how useful are the 3rd row seats? From pics on Autotrader, it looks like they completely block the rear side windows when folded up, so I will probably store them in the garage until needed. But it looks like the 3rd row seatbelts have to stay put and clog up the tailgate area. Are the 3rd row seats worth it, in the long run, or is there a reason nobody seems to want them? :biggrin2:

If the 3rd row seats are, in fact, useless, can anyone point me to some alternative truck based SUV's with a 3rd row seat? I know this is a 4Runner forum, but the 3rd row seat is really a must have.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Pirate VI]

They started offering them in 2004. I have them, and didnt want them, I wouldnt have ever thought that I would need them, but bought my 4Runner used, and it had them. I keep them under my bed, and if I know I will use them I carry them down and put them in, I would never fold them up and block the view like that. They have come in very handy if there are 6 or 7 of us going out we take one car instead of 2. We always have college students in the back, and it is not the most comfortable probably, but it works. The seatbelts dont take up too much room when you are not using them, they can go into some straps on the side and they are not in the way. The only thing is you dont get those cool mirrors back there. The 2nd row seat is different too, instead of folding down creating a flat cargo area, they tumble forward and the cargo area is not perfectly flat, and they take up a little bit of room. The good thing is they recline like a front seat does, and the 2 row 4runners don't do that. At first I would have rather had a 2 row, but now i like being able to have the 3 row, and it has really come in handy.
I would say wait and keep looking, one will pop up for sale eventually. I think the 4runner is probably the best truck based suv out there for everyday use, I dont know what else you could go to besides an expedition or a tahoe, but i would stick with the 4runner.

 

[Jacobzky]

get it if you really really have to. and wants a 4runner.

you would get the third row if you really have to, not the best 3rd row seats out there but it works good for the kids or medium sized person and good for those 10-30 minute trips as there is no leg room.

 

[forawesome]

Thanks for the info! I think the 3rd row seats are definitely something that will sit in the garage until the grandparents arrive for a visit, etc, but they will be nice to have. I'll keep my eyes peeled.

How is visibility with the 3rd row seats in position and unfolded? Can you still see out the rear window? I test drove a Jeep Commander, but the visibility was awful with the 3rd row up. Like, driving blind. Is the 4Runner any better?

 

[Koz]

One option that that really makes a big difference in driving dynamics is the X-REAS suspension. You can not have both (3rd row & XREAS). If you are getting the SR5 it won't matter. The seats are not available in the Sport because of this. Most Limited models come with the XREAS, as an option. You will mostly find the 3rd row on SR5s.

Koz

 

[Pirate VI]

Thanks for the info! I think the 3rd row seats are definitely something that will sit in the garage until the grandparents arrive for a visit, etc, but they will be nice to have. I'll keep my eyes peeled.

How is visibility with the 3rd row seats in position and unfolded? Can you still see out the rear window? I test drove a Jeep Commander, but the visibility was awful with the 3rd row up. Like, driving blind. Is the 4Runner any better?

You can keep the seats in position but folded down instead. This way there is all of your rear visibility. In the up position they probably take up a little more visibility than just the second row seat backs. When there are people sitting in those seats the visibility is not too good. I only have those seats in/ seat back up when there are people sitting back there, so i cant remember exactly how bad they are just folded up with no one there.

 

[forawesome]

Got it-- it seems like they don't get in the way too much; I think with any 3rd row seating, you're going to get poor visibility when people are actually sitting back there.

I was thinking that when the seats are not in use, but I want to have them in the back "just in case", it might be possible to fold them, remove them, and then lash them to the back of the 2nd row seats with cargo straps. I still haven't seen the seats in person, but from pictures, it looks possible, and seems like it would allow for the most useful cargo space.

 

[michael90630]

I have recently purchased a 2007 SR5 with 3rd row seating, 4x4 with side curtain airbags. These options were pretty much mandatory for me on a 4WD. It was impossible to find anything in the Southern California region. So I started checking in Las Vegas, NV and Phoenix, Scottsdale AZ dealerships.

Finally I found one in Northern California with the color (Blue) I wanted.

I like having the option of putting in the two 3rd row seats when needed. I have taken them out and stored them. So far I have not used them but in my last 4Runner (1995 model year), I missed having this option especially when I had to take a second car for the extra 2 persons.

Yes when it's folded up, it does block the side view somewhat. Storage is reduced also but for daily driving and the small amount of stuff one might put inside (e.g. groceries, my tennis bag/equipment), it is adequate. With gas prices high, I figured it might be better to reduce this un-necessary weight and store them off the vehicle (each seat I believe is approx. 24 lbs.).

Bottom-line for me, if I am going to pay the higher premimums of having a larger vehicle with low gas mileage, higher insurance, purchase cost etc. I prefer to have the 3rd row option notwithstanding the minor inconveniences.

 

[Uneek]

IMO, the biggest benefit of the third row seats, isn't so much the third row seat itself, but the ability for the second row seat to recline.

 

[Dr. Taha]

Looking for Taupe leather 3rd row seats missed from my 08 4runner near Savannah , GA..

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