Third Row Seats in Trail/TRD Pro

[Ducmonsta]

So the more I think about it... the more I'm "ok" with the idea of an SR5 Premium with Trail/TRD Pro bits. However, I don't wanna give up this fight just yet. In DeMello's 2015 build he had to cut some interior plastics and mentioned swapping the second row seats would have been the way to go.

Say, I want to do this swap as cleanly as possible. If I could get away with NOT cutting the rear plastics and swapping the second row seats as well - that would be ideal.

So, here's my question: how far back can I go to pull a set of third row seats (and accompanying pieces)? Am I stuck at 2014+? Or can I go back to 2010? To boil the question down even further: did the 2014+ 5th Gen have any changes to the second row back as far as interior is concerned?

TIA.

Here is what you will need to get the 3rd row into a 4R that wasn't designed to have it.
- You'll need the seats themselves, obviously.

- All of the cargo interior panels, and I mean ALL of it. The sides (c and d pillar) are different because you'll need 3rd row seat belts. The bottoms because of the height difference in cargo room. It's a different configuration for "rear armrests".

- You'll want the 2nd row seats too because with the 3rd row option, the 2nd row slides forward for easier access. I don't recall the 2nd row of a Trail ever having that option. This also means you'll need to change the floor configuration for that 2nd row. The standard seats for 2nd row fold and flip.

Bottom line, it's not worth considering putting the interior together for the 3rd row option if it didn't come with it.

 

[KVA]

I have the limited w/ third row and it has worked great for the kids and even have gotten 6'+ into the back as you can move the front seat up and the middle seat. That combo is optimal for getting folks to fit.

Also, a few of our trucks on here don't look like limited 4x4's any longer so the possibilities are there vs. trying to add a third row - some of the best builds on this site are made up of limited 4x4's.

 

[Swarty]

Dual zone is my only regret...

That sounds like the way to go. I bought an LE specifically for the dual zone climate control and smart key system (among the 3rd row and leather, which I know are available on the SR5). If the TE had the dual zone and smart key, I would be in one.

And don't feel bad about wanting something because of how it looks. That's why 99% of us mod things.

Any AC with a temp gauge would be so nice. I'm always realizing I'm too hot/cold 20 minutes after I've gotten sweaty or lost feeling to my extremities...

 

[ic0517]

Kids will fall asleep in the car.

Trying to get a sleeping kid out of the third row of even a Toyota Sienna minivan without waking them up is not easy. Can't imagine the third row of a 4Runner.

You can fit three kids that are old enough to be out of car seats in the second row of a 4Runner, but the middle isn't that comfortable. I thought the Honda Pilot and whatever the Acura thing was were much worse (second row middle). In most vehicles, the middle seat is just terrible, the few exceptions I found was Nissan XTerra, Toyota Avalon and the 4Runner. 2013 Highlander stunk. Toyota redesigned the Highlander since then, I only got to sit one for a few seconds [cause the TRD Pro was already sold ]

I dunno, if I was in your position, I would just get the wifey a Highlander. Then when time is up on the FJ, replace it with a 4Runner.

 

[mattgold]

Here is what you will need to get the 3rd row into a 4R that wasn't designed to have it.
- You'll need the seats themselves, obviously.

- All of the cargo interior panels, and I mean ALL of it. The sides (c and d pillar) are different because you'll need 3rd row seat belts. The bottoms because of the height difference in cargo room. It's a different configuration for "rear armrests".

- You'll want the 2nd row seats too because with the 3rd row option, the 2nd row slides forward for easier access. I don't recall the 2nd row of a Trail ever having that option. This also means you'll need to change the floor configuration for that 2nd row. The standard seats for 2nd row fold and flip.

Bottom line, it's not worth considering putting the interior together for the 3rd row option if it didn't come with it.

Yeah - that seems to be about what I was thinking. I also agree that it could very well be cost prohibitive.

Here's the X-factor... There is a 2011 at a junkyard not too far from me. Third row seats, interior - just a smashed front. If it's doable - I would go offer $1000-$2000 for the second row seats and back... and probably be able to make back a portion selling my stuff.

Soooo... Are all 5th Gen interiors the "same" from the second row back? Or were there changes that would effect this at the facelift (2014+)?

-M

 

[96r50]

I think they used a different fabric in 2014+ but I'm not entirely certain on that.

 

[Swarty]

I'd reconsider...

Have not. Planning on going this week.

But third row - whatever vehicle I end up in - is a must (wife's rules). I was originally looking at the Highlander because it was closer to the size of my 3rd Gen T4R - but I like the new 4Runner better and think I'll appreciate the additional size as the brood grows.

I'd consider this more thoroughly if both your kids are young.
I have 2 kids and have never needed a 3rd row... Not to mention how impossible it is to use the third row with car seats. You have to remove them to let people in the back, it's not reasonable for daily activity. I also don't believe that there are LATCH systems in the 3rd row although I could be wrong.
I've yet to see any car seats that can sit in center and and side spots together. They are pretty much all too wide.
Just seems more reasonable to take a second car on the rare occasions you need to move 7 people.
I definitely would have missed the luggage space much more than I will ever desire the extra seats.

 

[Miguelon]

I wish I didn't even have to ask this... but since I last had my 3rd gen; one kid is here and another is on the way.

I really want to get into a 2015 4Runner and love the look of the Trail/TRD Pro front bumper/hood. Problem is, only SR5 and Limited are "offered" with the third row seating. I'm not 100% against swapping the bumper, hood and wheels - BUT - I'd much rather to try to find a way to add the third row seating to the model I want.

So here's the meat and potatoes... It *says* third row seats are only available on SR5 and Limited models - but I'm not sure if they say that because the necessary provisions aren't there (doesn't seem likely) OR if it's because they don't have third row seats with the matching fabric (more likely).

Anyone have any input?



Thanks!

-M

I faced the same issue and decided that it would be easier to add most anything I wanted to the Limited with 3rd row stock.

 

[Ducmonsta]

I'd consider this more thoroughly if both your kids are young.
I have 2 kids and have never needed a 3rd row... Not to mention how impossible it is to use the third row with car seats. You have to remove them to let people in the back, it's not reasonable for daily activity. I also don't believe that there are LATCH systems in the 3rd row although I could be wrong.
I've yet to see any car seats that can sit in center and and side spots together. They are pretty much all too wide.
Just seems more reasonable to take a second car on the rare occasions you need to move 7 people.
I definitely would have missed the luggage space much more than I will ever desire the extra seats.

This is absolutely the case until the kids are in boosters. Then it's really easy to get them in and out. There isn't a latch system for the 3rd row, but on the rare occasion I had to use the 3rd row with a car seat, I used the 'lock the seatbelt' method to hold the car seat. It's not ideal but it was also very rare that I had to do it and we never travelled far.

Both of my kids are now in boosters and it's wonderful to have them all the way in the back while 2 other adults sit in the 2nd row. Usually it was the grandparents.

 

[Jhalko]

This is absolutely the case until the kids are in boosters. Then it's really easy to get them in and out. There isn't a latch system for the 3rd row, but on the rare occasion I had to use the 3rd row with a car seat, I used the 'lock the seatbelt' method to hold the car seat. It's not ideal but it was also very rare that I had to do it and we never travelled far.

Both of my kids are now in boosters and it's wonderful to have them all the way in the back while 2 other adults sit in the 2nd row. Usually it was the grandparents.

Spot on, my kids aren't there yet, but my wife is very short, when the grandparents visit we can squeeze one between the car seats, one shotgun, and the wife in the third row. It's great for short trips to dinner or to head up to my brothers house versus taking two cars.

And when I sleep in the back camping I didn't have to build a platform to make it work!

 

[ATL4R]

I bolted in the 3rd row in my trail. All holes are there and pre-threaded. There's one hole you need to drill on each side to secure the base of the seatbelt.

It's very straightforward. There is some trimming of plastic, which is virtually unnoticeable when complete (unless you go looking for it). My triming process was very crude (pocket knife) and I'm fine with it.

I used black felt as the carpet in this area and it works fine and cost about $6.

If you can find someone willing to sell you their rear seats and seat belts, I'd say go for it! I acquired mine for around $600 total and am very happy I did it. They don't get a ton of use but are handy when I do carpool for kids school. I keep two car seats in the 2nd row.... The center seat back of the second row folds down allowing fairly easy access to third row... It's no Sienna, but gets the job done.

When folded down, the third row barely takes up as much room as the sliding tray it replaced.

I'll try to take some pics this weekend.

Note I did this when my vehicle was 3 years old... Probably would have been a little more hesitant if I had just driven it off the lot

I wish I didn't even have to ask this... but since I last had my 3rd gen; one kid is here and another is on the way.

I really want to get into a 2015 4Runner and love the look of the Trail/TRD Pro front bumper/hood. Problem is, only SR5 and Limited are "offered" with the third row seating. I'm not 100% against swapping the bumper, hood and wheels - BUT - I'd much rather to try to find a way to add the third row seating to the model I want.

So here's the meat and potatoes... It *says* third row seats are only available on SR5 and Limited models - but I'm not sure if they say that because the necessary provisions aren't there (doesn't seem likely) OR if it's because they don't have third row seats with the matching fabric (more likely).

Anyone have any input?

Thanks!

-M

 

[jdemello]

I wish I didn't even have to ask this... but since I last had my 3rd gen; one kid is here and another is on the way.

I really want to get into a 2015 4Runner and love the look of the Trail/TRD Pro front bumper/hood. Problem is, only SR5 and Limited are "offered" with the third row seating. I'm not 100% against swapping the bumper, hood and wheels - BUT - I'd much rather to try to find a way to add the third row seating to the model I want.

So here's the meat and potatoes... It *says* third row seats are only available on SR5 and Limited models - but I'm not sure if they say that because the necessary provisions aren't there (doesn't seem likely) OR if it's because they don't have third row seats with the matching fabric (more likely).

Anyone have any input?

Thanks!

-M

Just to add my 2cents.

I had a a situation where for my work and what we do I really needed the trail so that we could make sure our products fit those models because we get the most request for those. But we also bring the family to events and a 3rd row for my blended family of 6 was a must.

We got a 2015 trail edition. I looked into buying all the parts used and thanks to toyota and all their crazy part numbers *roll eyes you have to buy the rear seats in pieces and not as a whole unit. When the price tag got into the 3k zone for just the plastic, side pieces and false floor before I added seats I got discouraged and stopped with that front. I then looked at trading someone.
I think timing was good picking weeks before Christmas Offering someone 1000.00 plus swapping out parts. I had no shortage of those who had a sr5 and didn't use the seats and would love the pull out tray I had and a 1000.00 in their pockets.

Most of the swap bolts right in. The plastic did need to be cut but honestly you can't see it and if you have a decent interior guy he can make it look factory with some trim pieces in certain areas. I still need to do this so my 3rd row cloth matches my pleather trail seats.

The donor car interior will get some plastic trimming as well. The one I used didn't mind the cuts, others might.

I didn't swap the 2nd row and all the plastic because the seats are completely different and I didn't want to loose my brand new 2nd row with 800miles on them. I'll update my pictures once i have the interior work done. Overall it looks pretty good and is very functional.

To those with small kids, I wouldn't try to put a baby seat back there, our two girls are now 7 and it's perfect for them and should be for anther couple years. They have half boosters and it works good. Our 3 year old goes on the passenger side so that the driver side seat can be folded and the girls can jump in the back. Our 12 year old goes in the folded seat once it's in the right position. The 2nd row actually works pretty well for accessing the rear even with not having the right 2nd row.

Good luck!

 

[Toyfour14]

It sounds like you want the look of the Trail. You haven't mentioned the need for the rear locker or other Trail capabilities.

Buy the SR5 and replace the hood.

How does one replace the SR5P hood with a Trail hood?
I noticed this website doesn't have it. http://www.toyotaonlineparts.com/to...-cat/hood-and-components-scat/?part_name=hood

When the hood is ordered does it come with the scoop and is it painted my current color? Does anyone know the best place to order this part!

 

[T4R_Firefighter]

Just to add my 2cents.

I had a a situation where for my work and what we do I really needed the trail so that we could make sure our products fit those models because we get the most request for those. But we also bring the family to events and a 3rd row for my blended family of 6 was a must.

We got a 2015 trail edition. I looked into buying all the parts used and thanks to toyota and all their crazy part numbers *roll eyes you have to buy the rear seats in pieces and not as a whole unit. When the price tag got into the 3k zone for just the plastic, side pieces and false floor before I added seats I got discouraged and stopped with that front. I then looked at trading someone.
I think timing was good picking weeks before Christmas Offering someone 1000.00 plus swapping out parts. I had no shortage of those who had a sr5 and didn't use the seats and would love the pull out tray I had and a 1000.00 in their pockets.

Most of the swap bolts right in. The plastic did need to be cut but honestly you can't see it and if you have a decent interior guy he can make it look factory with some trim pieces in certain areas. I still need to do this so my 3rd row cloth matches my pleather trail seats.

The donor car interior will get some plastic trimming as well. The one I used didn't mind the cuts, others might.

I didn't swap the 2nd row and all the plastic because the seats are completely different and I didn't want to loose my brand new 2nd row with 800miles on them. I'll update my pictures once i have the interior work done. Overall it looks pretty good and is very functional.

To those with small kids, I wouldn't try to put a baby seat back there, our two girls are now 7 and it's perfect for them and should be for anther couple years. They have half boosters and it works good. Our 3 year old goes on the passenger side so that the driver side seat can be folded and the girls can jump in the back. Our 12 year old goes in the folded seat once it's in the right position. The 2nd row actually works pretty well for accessing the rear even with not having the right 2nd row.

Good luck!

Bumping this thread. Any updates? After reading I'm a little skeptical I can pull this off but just wondering if there any photos out there if a trail with this mod.

 

[the-lab]

Little passenger seats has DOT compliant seats, can even face them to the rear like the old station wagons.

https://littlepassengerseats.com/shop/toyota/toyota-4runner-1990-bench/

Thats what I am looking at for wife and her Trail.

 

[Hippestguyever]

I bolted in the 3rd row in my trail. All holes are there and pre-threaded. There's one hole you need to drill on each side to secure the base of the seatbelt.

It's very straightforward. There is some trimming of plastic, which is virtually unnoticeable when complete (unless you go looking for it). My triming process was very crude (pocket knife) and I'm fine with it.

I used black felt as the carpet in this area and it works fine and cost about $6.

If you can find someone willing to sell you their rear seats and seat belts, I'd say go for it! I acquired mine for around $600 total and am very happy I did it. They don't get a ton of use but are handy when I do carpool for kids school. I keep two car seats in the 2nd row.... The center seat back of the second row folds down allowing fairly easy access to third row... It's no Sienna, but gets the job done.

When folded down, the third row barely takes up as much room as the sliding tray it replaced.

I'll try to take some pics this weekend.

Note I did this when my vehicle was 3 years old... Probably would have been a little more hesitant if I had just driven it off the lot

Hey did you ever take pictures on your 3rd row installation??

 

[Xtremluck]

Hey did you ever take pictures on your 3rd row installation??

For anyone interested I have my 3rd row seats up for sale. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...unner-3rd-row-seats-hardware.html#post2908903

 

[HOJeepster]

I wish I didn't even have to ask this... but since I last had my 3rd gen; one kid is here and another is on the way.

I really want to get into a 2015 4Runner and love the look of the Trail/TRD Pro front bumper/hood. Problem is, only SR5 and Limited are "offered" with the third row seating. I'm not 100% against swapping the bumper, hood and wheels - BUT - I'd much rather to try to find a way to add the third row seating to the model I want.

So here's the meat and potatoes... It *says* third row seats are only available on SR5 and Limited models - but I'm not sure if they say that because the necessary provisions aren't there (doesn't seem likely) OR if it's because they don't have third row seats with the matching fabric (more likely).

Anyone have any input?

Thanks!

-M

Get a Highlander if you need a third row :frisky:

 

[mattgold]

Get a Highlander if you need a third row :frisky:

At the time I posted this (3 years ago?) - I did!