Question: 3rd Row Seat Entry

[fowlerrudi]

Hello there, I am a long time Tacoma owner (had 3) and this is my first 4 runner forum posting - I am usually in the Tacoma forums.

I want to get a 2006-2008 4 Runner Limited and my wife and I believe we would like the 3rd row seating for future kids, however I am not certain how the 3rd row seats are accessible. Do you get in from the back or do the 2nd row seats fold forward?

Also, I hear from internet research that you can't add factory 3rd row seating to a 4 runner that didn't have provisioning for it in the first place.

I've heard of aftermarket alternatives but am not particularly interested in that route. Thanks for your help!

Thanks, -Rudi

 

[MileHi 4R]

I have an 08 with the 3rd row seats. The middle row of seats will tilt forward for entry to the 3rd row. I really don't have much use for mine and have them removed all the time and stored in the garage.

I believe that you are correct - you can't retrofit the seats into a 4Runner that didn't have them from the factory.

 

[GatorGreg]

Rudi, yes as MileHigh just stated the 2nd row (either half) will tilt and tumble forward to allow access to the 3rd row. However, GG Jr. likes to just climb out the back. You should keep in mind that the 3rd row has very limited leg room so it ain't no Sequoia but it is adequate for kids on short to mid length trips (GG Jr. and his cousin actually fell asleep back there on a recent 2 hour drive home from Kennedy Space Center). Also, with both sides of the 3rd row being used, there is very little space for cargo behind the 3rd row.

That said, having the 3rd row makes the T4R/GX an extremely versatile vehicle. For example, on my GX (which has essentially the same 3rd row system as the T4R) I use it all the time to ferry my brother's family of 5 to and from the airport whenever they come to visit. I'll take out the left side of the 3rd row and use that area for their luggage and my nephew will sit on the other half of the 3rd row.

On most days I usually just have the right half of the 3rd row installed but folded up to the side and I leave the left side in the garage. You'd be surprised how often having that 6th seat comes in handy. In addition to kids, small women (the 5' tall variety) can sit back there for short lunch trips, etc. But if you are planning on some Brady Bunch style road trips - I'd take a look at the Sequoia, much better 3rd row room.

Also, one fringe benefit of having the T4R with 3rd row is I believe it also comes with reclining 2nd row seats. The regular 2nd row seats in the T4R do not recline. Not a big deal but it's a nice feature to have for passengers in the 2nd row on long road trips.

But good luck finding a T4R w/ the 3rd row - they are pretty rare.

 

[zgs007]

I have a 3rd row in mine as well. I can tell you that I use them rarely because of the leg room. Children can fit in them easily. Another thing that has been an issue is in the hot weather, there is no direct vents in the 3rd row, unlike the Lexus GX. Even though it has rear vents in the center console, you have to leave the A/C on high the entire ride for any air to get back there. My nephews complain about that all time. I've been told the ride in the back rows are bumpy as well.

 

[Jeffrey_VB]

Also, one fringe benefit of having the T4R with 3rd row is I believe it also comes with reclining 2nd row seats. The regular 2nd row seats in the T4R do not recline. Not a big deal but it's a nice feature to have for passengers in the 2nd row on long road trips.

In the 18mos I have had my 'Runner, I don't think I have ever used my 3rd row seats, but the reclining 2nd row seats have been used quite a few times.

 

[fowlerrudi]

Thanks for the great info folks! I contacted a dealer today and they said the following (is it true?):

I was just speaking with my Manager and he said the book I was using to see if Toyota puts a 3rd row seat in the limited 4Runner is apparently a misprint, you can only get a 3rd row seat in the 4 Runner SR5 and finding a used one with that is rare. most used vehicles are previously rental vehicles and they don't put the 3rd row in them.

 

[GatorGreg]

Thanks for the great info folks! I contacted a dealer today and they said the following (is it true?):

I was just speaking with my Manager and he said the book I was using to see if Toyota puts a 3rd row seat in the limited 4Runner is apparently a misprint, you can only get a 3rd row seat in the 4 Runner SR5 and finding a used one with that is rare. most used vehicles are previously rental vehicles and they don't put the 3rd row in them.

Hmmm...I'm looking at an '07 brochure and it features a full size 2 page pic of a Limited interior (looks nice!) including the "available third-row seat". The asterisk goes on to explain that the third row is available on the SR5 and Limited. So AFAIK it is/was available on Limiteds, just not the Sport Edition. But yes they are rare, so good luck ever finding one.

 

[fowlerrudi]

I'm up for the challenge!

 

[scottm]

I compared used 4Rs at my local dealer, the one with 3rd-row also moves the 2nd-row forward a bit. Neither seat looked comfortable, I'm going to pass on a 3rd-row equipped 4R. Of course, I have the Land Cruiser if I need extra seating.

I've modified the non-reclining seats in older Land Cruisers to recline, can that be done on these non-reclining seats? I guess I'll find out when I find my 4R.

 

[fowlerrudi]

Oh, I never thought of that. I should check the brochures for rear seat room on 3rd row optioned 4runners. I know the regular ones had tons of room for an adult in the back.

 

[GatorGreg]

I compared used 4Rs at my local dealer, the one with 3rd-row also moves the 2nd-row forward a bit. Neither seat looked comfortable, I'm going to pass on a 3rd-row equipped 4R. Of course, I have the Land Cruiser if I need extra seating.

I've modified the non-reclining seats in older Land Cruisers to recline, can that be done on these non-reclining seats? I guess I'll find out when I find my 4R.

You could be right but my '07 brochure just lists the 2nd row leg room as being 34.6", with no distincition made for whether or not it has 3rd row. If the 2nd row in the T4R with 3rd row was not reclined it may have given the illusion of less room? The angle of the 2nd row seatback is very high at the first catch, at least in my GX. You have to recline it a couple notches for it to be comfortable.

BTW, I noticed that the 2nd row in the upcoming 5th gen will have reclining 2nd row seats according to one of the leaked documents.

 

[scottm]

On the one I looked at it was a completely different seat, thinner seat back, and the seat back seemed to be further forward than the non-3rd-row second seat, relative to the back of the door frame. The front of the seat bottom was closer to the center console. The dealer actually pointed out the different seat and less room, cudos for him actually knowing details. Unfortunately, he was asking $5k more than I expect to pay.

 

[scottm]

Just in case I sound excessively critical, the best ride in my Cruiser is in the 3rd row seats, with the 2nd row tumbled and stowed. The kids can watch videos, play with RC cars, and they're wonderfully far away on long trips. I've ridden back there, it's a slice of heaven on a long trip.