Owners With 3rd Row Seats

Jeffrey_VB

Jeffrey_VB

New member
How many owners here have the 3rd seats? What are your opinions on the 3rd row? Do you guys use them a lot? Take them out?

I have had Runner for two weeks and the third row has been folded up since day one.
 
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They are unused 99% of the time and are either folded up and hung on the sides or taken out completely of the SR5. They are left in the truck just in case. They come in handy when I have to pick up my parents or cousins who need a ride in SF but I rarely drive the SR5 now. My wife usually uses them more than I do picking up younger cousins whenever we go to Daly City. It's weird driving both trucks to the same location when picking up family. Our parents' neighbors in SF must think we're nuts parking two runners in my old condo complex (Ocean Ave. and Dorado Terrace SUCK when it comes to parking - I'm sure SF members here know what I'm talking about). I have to admit they are handy when you need them but when you need cargo space they take up way too much space. The right seat also blocks the rear right window when folded up (as if the blind spot was bad enough already) but you adjust to it. Another thing I hate about the 3rd row is the package does not come with a tonneau cover for obvious reasons. You can probably add one but would have to install the end hooks on the D pillar plus secure the seat belts out of the way with the clips on the side. So most of the time they are just a dead ~50 .lbs in the back. It's a love hate relationship with the 3rd row seats I guess. A relationship that soon ended when I got my Sport. My buddy in SoCal just picked up a LIMITED V8 in Galactic Gray and wondered whether to get the 3rd row option at first. I talked him out of it since the only good they'll do you is transporting little kids or midgets. He had neither, so he just picked up the LTD without them. The one he picked up came with more nice gizmos too (NAV, etc.). Ok, end of my rant.
 
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I have 3 kids, so they come in handy. I keep one in (the 3rd row passenger side seat) and take out the other. On long trips, I can put stuff on the driver side and my daughter can sit on the passenger side. The passenger side is the side that's easiest to get out of because that's the seat that folds up to get out.
 
As a soon to be 4runner owner, my wife and i have been going back and forth on getting the 3rd row seats. Its just us two at this point, and we're only planning 2 kids plus a dog maximum. She wants extra seating to help with beach travel, but honestly i dont think there is enough room for adults, any opinions on the seating size? Any input would help immensely, We're going to the dealership to order either a Limited or SR5 since the Sport supposedly doesnt offer the 3rd row
 
If you try to put anyone above the age of 10 in a third row seat, they will hate you forever.

They are small and uncomfortable.

I have them, and took them out. They are, in my opinion, a useless feature.
 
Methodical said:
If you try to put anyone above the age of 10 in a third row seat, they will hate you forever.

They are small and uncomfortable.

I have them, and took them out. They are, in my opinion, a useless feature.
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I concur. Anybody over 4.5' and 80lbs should not be riding in the 3rd row seats. If you have a Sequoia, the 3rd row will come in handy, but with the 4Runner, I would leave it out.
 
I have pulled my ones out and stored them. However, the reason I got them was to have the option of 3rd row if and when needed i.e. when family members with kids visits us. Yes it is only suitable for kids.
 
I use them a lot for the kids (3 boys under 10)... The manual states they are for passengers under 5'0" tall only.

There are a few times when I have had 5 kids in the car (friends) going to sporting events or going skiing. They are very handy when you need them, fold up and/or remove easily when you need the room. The only downside is that you cannot fold the 2nd row flat with the 3rd row. The 2nd row tumbles forward which reduces the overall flat space capacity by about 10 inches.
 
boston_kevin said:
I use them a lot for the kids (3 boys under 10)... The manual states they are for passengers under 5'0" tall only.

There are a few times when I have had 5 kids in the car (friends) going to sporting events or going skiing. They are very handy when you need them, fold up and/or remove easily when you need the room. The only downside is that you cannot fold the 2nd row flat with the 3rd row. The 2nd row tumbles forward which reduces the overall flat space capacity by about 10 inches.
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Man am i ever happy i found this board prior to ordering those
 
I wish I had them -but not for the seats. it is my understranding that if you have them the 2nd row seats recline. Since I have two kids and we drive to all destinations this would be well worth the price of the seats even if the seats were in storage the whole time. As a result we take my wifes 07 Honda Odyssey everywhere and it is ok but I dont like driving it near as much as my Runner. It is just a shame you cant get reclining seats without the third row...
 
Yea, the recline feature makes up for the hassle of not being able to fold them flat. I think if you don't get the 3rd row, the 2nd row slides back and forth, but I can't confirm that. Trade offs...
 
I have the 3-rd row seating also. Wasn't looking for this option I just found a good deal that came with them. I kept them folded up for the first week then removed them. Just wife and I and a big dog. Easier to have the dog back there without the seats. I have to get a mat now though because you have 2 trenches on the floor where the seats hook in. Not too friendly for the dogs feet.
 
boston_kevin said:
I The only downside is that you cannot fold the 2nd row flat with the 3rd row. The 2nd row tumbles forward which reduces the overall flat space capacity by about 10 inches.
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Well, it all depends. The second and 3rd row fold flat equally, so if you can load flat items on top of both rows.
 
How easily do the third row seat come out and reinstall? My salesman said they come out pretty easy, but that they are a pain to re-install.
 
statman24 said:
Well, it all depends. The second and 3rd row fold flat equally, so if you can load flat items on top of both rows.
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Depends on the height of what you are moving. I restore pinball machines from time to time, and on some machines I miss that extra 10" up front. Putting one of these on the backs of the seats is not an option due to height and tearing the seats.
 
Jeffrey_VB said:
How easily do the third row seat come out and reinstall? My salesman said they come out pretty easy, but that they are a pain to re-install.
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They are very easy to remove, install is not bad either. You just need to do it once or twice to see how everything lines up. I can remove and install both seats in about 2 minutes or less.
 
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