SUVs with 3rd row seating are an interesting option for anyone who has a large family. Going on a family vacation can turn out to be problematic if you have four kids and a dog that always travels with you. SUVs with 3rd row seating are a great a solution. While not all SUVs have the third row seating option, there are a number of excellent choices.

The beauty of SUVs with 3rd row seating is certainly in the extra passenger room, but also the flexibility of using the seat when needed, and removing or folding it when not. What you gain in seating you may lose in gas mileage however. To avoid unpleasant and costly surprises, be sure to consult the EPA rating for the model you are interested in.

Let’s examine some of the choices in SUVs with 3rd row seating.

From General Motors there is the Chevrolet Tahoe, which gets the distinction of being one of the most widely sold SUVs with the third row seating option. The V-8 equipped Tahoe comes also in two or four wheel drive, and today’s version is a tough vehicle that will stand up to almost any use. For luxury buyers there is the Cadillac Escalade, a highly appointed vehicle based on the Tahoe.

The Tahoe’s big brother is the venerable Chevrolet Suburban. Arguably one of the most long lived SUV nameplates, the Suburban has offered third row seating since as far back as the 1950’s. The Suburban has been dubbed the Texas Cadillac due to their popularity on the ranch. With a strong tow rating the Suburban can handle a large trailer load and seat 8 or 9 people comfortably. These SUVs offer the added bonus of strong resale value.

Ford offers SUVs with 3rd row seating in a few sizes as well. Both the Expedition and the smaller Explorer have this option. The newer Ford Flex has a third row seat which is split for folding 50/50, making it even more versatile. It will seat up to seven passengers. In the 2011 model these seats can be faced backwards for tailgating. Ford has a wide range of choices to compare in their SUVs with 3rd row seating.

From Chrysler the SUVs with 3rd row seating include the Dodge Durango, a full-sized model, now built on the platform shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Jeep does not offer the third row seating at this time. Durango has the optional hemi engine available making it one of the most powerful 7 passenger vehicles around..

Dodge Journey is the mid-sized offering from Chrysler. The Journey has second row tilt and slide seating and will handle seven passengers, while reaching 27 miles per gallon of fuel on the highway.

Land Rover offers buyers the Land Rover LR3 luxury SUV, with standard third row seating. The LR3 pricing begins in the mid $35,000 range and can be quite well equipped, while Land Rover also has the LR4 at mid $45,000 base price and seating for seven.

The Honda Pilot is another highly rated mid-sized SUV with 3rd row seating that can handle adults too. The Pilot is also known for its high safety rating.

SUVs with 3rd row seating come in many varieties; compare and you can surely find the one that fits your lifestyle.

In terms of its appearance, the 2012 Volvo XC90 has a very elegant look about it. It is extremely modern and has a very spacious design that makes it look even bigger than it is. It is a car that manages to get a great combination of handling and comfort along with the space that all modern SUV cars require.

There are a couple of versions of the 2012 Volvo XC90. There is an executive version where you can get a few extra luxury features. There is also the R-Design version that gives it a more sporty outlook and this version is better in terms of the car’s specifications.

There is a very large area for passengers to sit in. The best part about this car’s design is the fact that there is no clutter. The 2012 Volvo XC90 comes with standard 3rd row seating and everyone seems to be able to have so much space to sit, as a result. There is also a five seat version of this SUV available.

In the 2012 Volvo XC90 the driver certainly is in a great seating position. He is high enough to be in total control and close enough to the pedals and the steering wheel so that he can relax and drive carefully at the same time. Too many driver’s seats are the same as passenger seats, but a driver is the one driving. So the driver gets a seat geared towards driving in this car.

The 2012 Volvo XC90 was created to be a passenger car. That is why it has a unitary body and chassis. The chassis has spring struts in the front and it has a Multilink axis at its rear end. This gives it a very stable, controlled drive and an alert steering system.

The rear has the Multilink system and this allows it to have a very good rear suspension. The different suspension links mean that there are plenty of controlled wheel movements that can be made in addition to great comfort for the riders. There is a very long wheel base on the 2012 Volvo XC90 as well as a wide track, which gives you even better control while driving.

The 2012 Volvo XC90 has an all wheel drive capability. This is the name given to the electronic system that allows for the engine power to be distributed between the front and back of the wheels automatically. As a result, whichever area needs the best grip from the tires can get it quickly. This makes very little understeer and oversteer while driving, so that you have the best control and ride possible.

There is also a Pre Tension feature on the 2012 Volvo XC90. It means that you will have higher take off speed and even better traction on wet surfaces.

There are a few other neat features to the 2012 Volvo XC90 as well. There is a roll stability system that allows the vehicle to sense when it might roll over. It then stabilizes and reduces the risk of roll over accidents.

The 2012 Volvo XC90 is built for families, but it can also be modified to be more sporty. So, you really can get the best of both worlds in one vehicle. It is also the safest car around, so you will never have to worry about slightly slippery or treacherous conditions. The 2012 Volvo XC90 can handle anything thrown its way.

Performance

The Lexus GX 470 is a powerful SUV with a V-8 engine that can give you the fuel efficiency needed with price of gas the way it is. This SUV is equipped with a 4.6 liter engine that will give you 301 horsepower capabilities. The combination of this with the weight of the Lexus GX 470 will give you above average acceleration. In terms of luxury off-road vehicle it has great gas mileage at 15 city miles and 20 highway miles. This may not look to good, but for this type of car they are actually good numbers. The part of the performance that makes the Lexus GX 470 better than most of its competition is it’s phenomenal off road ability. The four wheel drive and limited-slip center differential is only outdone by the Crawl control feature. This is an optional feature that helps in braking at low speeds and at the same time controls acceleration.

Safety

One safety feature that makes the Lexus GX 470 a top pick by safety experts is the 10 airbags including third row roll-sensing airbags. It also has a great camera system and can feature up to five cameras. These cameras are highlighted by the backup camera and also feature a front and side monitoring system. The Lexus GX 470 has a great brake system including anti lock brakes, brake assist, and Electronic brake force distribution. If you choose some of the premium safety add-ons you will get high-intensity discharge headlamps and Dynamic radar cruise control. The Lexus GX 470 has many other additional safety features that are worth looking at.

Interior and Exterior

The Exterior gives you the class that you expect from Lexus and the ruggedness you want in an SUV. Many drivers of the Lexus GX 470 feel a little overwhelmed by the volume of interior controls but do eventually adapt and grow to love all the capabilities they offer. These interior features include remote keyless entry, heated front row seats, dual zone automatic climate control, and a premium nine speaker sound system. The cargo space is really good when you fold down both the third and second row seats.

Overall Outcome

The Lexus GX 470 is a very good luxury SUV with 3rd row seating. It leads the rest of these type of vehicles in the off-road features and to many drivers it is average when it comes to standard driving. It does have a beautiful interior and descent exterior but has the features to make the Lexus GX 470 worth your money and time.

The Acadia comes equipped with a V6 gas engine, while both the Nissan and the Infiniti SUVs come with V8’s. This is reflected in the engines’ displacement values. The Nissan and the Infiniti have matching 5.6L/ 339 while the smaller V6 on the GMC has only 3.6L/220. The power discrepancies in these 8 passenger vehicles are reflected in the price gaps between all of the cars. The Acadia is the most economical and the Infiniti, the most luxurious of the 8 passenger SUV vehicles. The horsepower and torque generated by each of these SUVs with 3rd row seating is also reflected in the prices. The GMC has 288 horsepower at 6300 RPM; the Nissan has 317 horsepower at 5200 RPM, and the Infiniti, 400 horsepower at 5800 RPM. The torque generated by each car is 270 at 3400, 385 at 3400, and 413 at 4000, respectively.

The GMC Acadia has a SIDI fuel injection system, which is known to correlate to more engine power and better fuel economy and fewer carbon-based emissions. The Nissan Armada has an Electronic Fuel Injection system, a comfortable system known for consistent fuel delivery as well as reduced emissions and superior fuel efficiency relative to carbureted cars. The Infiniti has direct fuel injection. All of these 8 passenger vehicles are acceptable in this department and superiority here is subject to personal preference.

The quality of these 8 seat passenger vehicle’s fuel injection systems is motivated by safety as well as by fuel economy. The GMC Acadia gets 17 miles per gallon in the city while the Nissan Armada gets 13 and the Infinity QX56, 14. On the highway the GMC gets 24 miles per gallon, the Nissan 19, and the Infinity gets 20. In this category, the GMC wins. In terms of gasoline capacity, the Nissan actually wins. It has a 28 gallon tank while the GMC has a 22 gallon tank and the Infiniti a 26 gallon tank. These details are unsurprising in light of the different vehicle’s engines.

The warranties provided for these vehicles with 8 passenger seating are fairly standard. The Nissan and GMC have manufacturer’s limited warranties on “Bumper-to-Bumper” for 36,000 miles. The Infiniti’s is a bit longer at 60,000 miles. GMC makes up for this by providing a 100,000 mile warranty on the powertrain/drivetrain, compared to 60,000 and 70,000 on the Nissan and Infiniti, respectively. The GMC Acadia also has corrosion protection for 36,000 miles and Roadside Assistance for 100,000 miles. The Nissan and Infiniti lack the corrosion feature, but the Infiniti offers unlimited access to Roadside Assistance.

Both of these 8 passenger vehicles offer spacious leather interiors. The Nissan emphasizes its sound system, which is voice-activated. The Nissan also offers safety features like the Rear Sonar System, which is helpful for navigating tight spaces. The Infiniti emphasizes its own Bose Premium Audio System, which uses the same Music Box technology as the Nissan. The Q56 does feature more advanced safety technology than the Nissan with its Around View Monitor that can provide a birds-eye view of the car using exterior cameras. The GMC has a touch screen radio that seems adequate but falls short of the Nissan and Infiniti. For safety, GMC offers a rearview camera system similar to what is offered in the Nissan. A nice feature that the GMC does have is its Head-Up Display that reflects information off of the windshield.

All 3 of these 8 passenger vehicles are good choices for their price range and provide the modern features that you need.

The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz is little unchanged from its 2010 model. Hyundai decided to do away with the premium stereo, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and navigation system for the base GLS models, which used to come standard in the premium package.

The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz offers consumers loads of luxury but not at prices that are typically on par with their entry-level luxury competitors. For instance, it has a great upscale leather interior, wood-trim, and you have the ability to upgrade to a cool two-tone color scheme along with a long list of standard features. However, the 2011 Hyundai Veracuz does lag behind its competitors in terms of exterior styling, innovation, and high-tech features. It also has a less spacious cargo area in comparison to its competitors; although 87 cubic feet should be sufficient for most consumers. It has a 260-horsepower, 3.8 liter V6 that allows for a smooth ride; additionally the Veracruz offers one of the most quiet cabins in its class. Plus, the Hyundai has a generous extended warranty program; one of the longest in the industry.

The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz is a crossover sport utility that can comfortably seat seven passengers and it is available in the GLS and Limited sub-models. The GLS sub-model comes standard with heated seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear-parking sensors, daytime running lights, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, a six speaker stereo with CD player, satellite radio, and a USB/IPOD interface. If you upgrade to the premium package, and that comes with a sunroof, a windshield de-icer, auto-dimming mirrors, and a power liftgate just to name a few.

The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz Limited sub-model boasts everything that is included in the GLS’s premium package along with 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, four-way power passenger seat, power tilt and telescoping steering column, and eight-speaker Infinity stereo with a six-CD changer. With the Limited model, you do have the option to purchase as an upgrade the Navigation package that includes a navigation system and a ten-speaker Infinity stereo system.

Consumers can either purchase the The 2011 Hyundai Vercacruz with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The standard transmission is a six-speed automatic. This powerhouse crossover SUV is powered by a 3.8 liter V6 engine that can deliver up to 260 hp and 257 pound-feet of torque.

In terms of safety the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz comes standard with front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS brakes, stability and traction control, along with active front head restraints. It is important to note that the Veracruz had great crash test scores, which would set a driver’s mind at ease while on the road.

The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz gives you a lot for your money in terms of styling and the powertrain and performance is adequate. All in all this cross-over sport utility gets a passable mark, B-.

Starting with the exterior, the 2011 Buick Enclave has the following standard features: 19 inch all season blackwall tires, automatic on/off headlamps, front fog lamps with projector technology, daytime running lamps with automatic exterior lamp control, Solar-Ray deep-tinted glass on quarter panel and rear lift gate, and front and rear wipers with intermittent wash. The style of the 2011 Buick Enclave is elegant yet sporty.

At a curb weight of 4780, 115 feet of cargo volume and near 202 inches in overall length, the 2011 Buick Enclave is roomy inside. The height and width 72.5 x 79 inches. Plenty of room for even your tallest of passengers to stretch out. The car is built for performance as well with a 3.6L V6 engine with direct injection. It is available with a six speed automatic transmission, and dual chrome tipped exhaust. The 2011 Buick Enclave also features power steering and 4 wheel independent suspension with traction control with a turning radius is 118 inches.

What kind of comfort does the 2011 Buick Enclave offer? Standard interior on all models includes 3rd row seating with an optional design for 8 passengers. The vehicle is equipped with an all around air bag system for added safety of all passengers and Automatic Crash Response. Interior features also include programmable remote power locks, and cruise control. The 2011 Buick Enclave was really designed with comfort and safety in mind. To give peace of mind, the Enclave comes standard with automatic tire pressure monitoring, and a theft deterrent system.

One of the nicest things about the  is that it comes with a complete OnStar package. The OnStar package includes crisis alert, hands free dialing, stolen vehicle assistance, turn-by-turn navigation and a vehicle diagnostics service. No matter what situation you may find yourself in, the Enclave has been designed to ensure that there is a swift solution available for you and your passengers. In addition to OnStar, all 2011 Buick Enclave models are equipped with XM Satellite Radio for your listening pleasure.

All around the Buick Enclave offers a nice package at an comparable price. Each vehicle in the 2011 Buick Enclave series includes a 4 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, 5 year/100,000 mile drivetrain and powertrain warranty, 5 year/100,000 mile roadside assistance coverage, and 4 year/50,000 mile rust warranty. The MSRP for the Front Wheel Drive model CX is $35,615 and $37,615 for the All Wheel Drive model CX. Whichever way you decide to go, if looking at a crossover, the Buick Enclave is certainly one that you will want to take a closer look at.

The 2011 Kia Sorento Base comes with 175 hp 2.4L DOHC w/Dual CVVT engine, 17” alloy wheels, second row 60/40 split-folding seats, AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sirus Audio System, manual air conditioning, steering-wheel-mounted audio/cruise/Bluetooth Wireless technology controls, dual front advanced airbags, side curtain airbags, Electronic stability control (ESC), 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic brake distribution (EBD). The 2011 Kia Sorento Base has a 20/27 mpg.

All trims of the 2011 Kia Sorento LX come with side curtain airbags in the first and second rows. Passengers can enjoy the third row 50/50 split-folding seats exclusively with 276 hp V6 AT and AWD trims, while the drivers can appreciate the 3,500 lbs towing capacity. Note that only the 2.4L AWD and 3.5L AWD has full-time AWD with lockable center diff. The 2011 Kia Sorento LX has a 21/27 mpg. All the LX V6 engines have a 19/25 mpg.

Generally speaking, each trim of the 2011 Kia Sorento EX has 18” alloy wheels, auto light controls, fog lights, push button start, backup warning system, dual zone automatic temperature control with ionized air filtration and Traction control system (TCS). The 175 hp 2.4L AWD trim has 1,650 lbs towing capacity, while the 276 hp 3.5L trim has 8-way power driver’s seat and lumber support. The 2011 Kia Sorento EX has a 21/27 mpg. All the EX V6 engines have a 18/24 mpg.

Both trims of the 2011 Kia Sorento SX come with 276 hp 3.5L V6 DOHC engine, 1,650 lbs towing capacity, 18” mirror-finish wheels, 10-speaker sound system, dual zone automatic temperature control with ionized air filtration, heated front seats, navigation system, push button start, rear view backup camera, and Traction control system (TCS). The 2011 Kia Sorento SX has a 18/24 mpg.

Everyone will love riding the 2011 Kia Sorento because all the seats will make you and the passengers extremely comfortable no matter how long the drive is. The sound system is awesome. Most SUVs are known to have bad fuel economy, except the 2011 Kia Sorento. Their dual CVVT engine is designed to maximize the performance on the road while conserving gas. You can count on their safety features because they are second to none.

The performance of the 2011 Mazda CX-9 is stated to be “fun to drive.” The 273 horsepower V6 engine is a largest engine put into a Mazda, which gives the appropriate power a seven seater vehicle would need. The transmission shifts smoothly as the car accelerates nicely. The six speed automatic transmission also has a manual mode for those drivers who like the sports car experience. It truly gives the CX-9 some boost compared to other vehicles. With all that power, the 2011 Mazda CX-9 gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway, which for a seven seat SUV is great gas mileage, but is still lower than the Toyota Highlander.

The interior offers no shortage for entertainment, with AM/FM/CD/MP3 compatible equipment all included. A navigation system is also included, adding hassle free turn by turn directions with an added feature of real-time traffic. Keyless entry, leather, LED backlit dashboard, and bluetooth are just some of the other interior features offered with the 2011 Mazda CX-9. One main point Mazda wants to get across is storage. The glove box is a usual storage spot in cars and SUVs but the 2011 Mazda CX-9 has a larger center console along with two rows of fold-able seats. Under-floor storage also accompanies the back, behind the rear seat. As all the seats are occupied, behind the last row still has nearly seventeen and half cubic feet of cargo space.

The exterior of the vehicle offers rain sensing windshield wipers and auto on and off Xenon headlights. The styling of the 2011 Mazda CX-9 is exceptional with its aerodynamic front end and sloping lines down the sides. The LED backlights are simple, bright, and long lasting, but more importantly, giving a quicker response time, which in turn gives a quicker response to drivers behind the CX-9. Privacy glass, or tinted windows, are on the second and third windows, providing sun blockage, keeping light and heat away. Attractive alloy wheels accompany the car on the ground, 20 inch wheels on the Grand Touring model and 18 inch wheels on the Sport and Touring models.

The 2011 Mazda CX-9 does have a five star crash safety rating, but the price is still higher than competitors. The base model is at just over $29,000 while the higher model, the Grand Touring, is priced at above $33,000. It is has a higher price than the 2011 Ford Edge, 2011 Nissan Murano, and 2011 Toyota Highlander.

Overall, the 2011 Mazda CX-9 ranks well against its competitors in the midsize SUV with 3rd row seating category, but the high price can be a turn off some buyers. Definitely a great buy!

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade is actually quite similar to the 2010 and even the 2009 versions of the upscale line. The 2010 variation spans from the 2WD edition to the AWD Platinum edition; while the 2011 begins at the 2WD and ranges to the AWD Hybrid Platinum Edition. Both the 2010 and 2011 2WDs are extremely comparable, except for the 2011′s 18 mpg fuel economy for highway conditions, (the 2010′s is 20 mpg.) While the AWD of both years involve the same, slight difference, as does the AWD and 2WD Luxury and Premium models.

This year’s 2011 Cadillac Escalade marks the beginning of the AWD Hybrid trim, with a retail value of $76,360, an average 6.0L V8, a 332 horse power engine, and about 14 mpg in city driving conditions. The 2WD and the AWD Platinum Editions are also now offered in an environmental friendly, hybrid trim for 2011. This is actually the first time such contemporary, hybrid models are presented by Cadillac.

The history of the renowned Cadillac Escalade goes back into 1999, while the 2009 version remains respectable in four trims. Like the 2011 Cadillac Escalade, the 2009 begins itself at the 2WD trim. The 2009 2WD also holds a 6.2 liter V8, 403 horse power engine, the fuel economy however, somewhat varies from its successors. The 2009 Cadillac Escalade trim starts at 12 mpg for city driving and 19 mpg for the highway, while the 2011 is 14/18 mpg, only a slight difference. As the 2009 AWD produces the exact difference to the polished 2011 trim.

Although the 2011 Cadillac Escalade may pose to be incredibly similar to the 2010 and 2009 versions, the vehicle is almost unrecognizable compared to the earlier models. The 1999 version came in just one trim, the four wheel drive, which is no longer made by Cadillac. Today, a used 1999 Cadillac Escalade is priced at Kelley Blue Book’s estimate of $6,550. The older vehicle comes with an average 5.7 liter, V8, 244 horse power engine, and a 12 mpg in regular driving conditions, or 16 mpg on the highway.

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade is obviously, almost incomparable to the 1999 model, while this prominent vehicle is crafted of superior quality. This year’s Escalade is a wonderful example of how the automotive industry and Cadillac has evolved into today’s modern times. The luxurious, 2011 Cadillac Escalade is currently produced twelve trims, now even with hybrid options to exceed the needs of every consumer.

Inside Features

The 2011 Ford Flex comes among the best SUVs with regards to interior comfort. Unlike most SUVs, a driver is given the independence to modify the inside of the car. The customizable components include flat-folding chairs, a foldable third row along with some other handy options. It is also worth noting that the interior has numerous rather unconventional colors, which may sound great to some, but discourage others.

Exterior Features

Looking at the 2011 Ford Flex, you might obtain the thought that a SUV includes a design that is intended to be distinctive and unique when compared to usual forms which you may be accustomed to. It has a pretty smooth hood but the whole car actually resembles a mini-van in a way. It is unique, but in ways, it does appear familiar.

Ironically, despite the SUV’s futuristic style, the 2011 Ford Flex was really inspired by the old style wood-panelled station wagon cars which were quite popular throughout the 1950′s and the 1960′s. You can observe that in the instantly recognizable parallel lines which appear on each side of the body.

Performance

The 2011 Ford Flex offers 2 engine designs for some extra flexibility. For most people however, it will be better to simply go with the EcoBoost option as opposed to the Powertrain. The reason for this is that you will have a more eco-friendly ride while nevertheless having more power for all your needs.

The EcoBoost engine of the 2011 Ford Flex offers V8 power on the a conservative V6 engine. Depending on the version, this is a 262 or 355 horsepower engine which anyway means you’ll have plenty of fun on the highway. The SUV also comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, which is likely to improve its gas mileage. Six-speed transmissions have become a standard recently, so it’s good to know that the 2011 Ford Flex is not lagging behind in this matter.

Safety Features

For anyone who would like to purchase the 2011 Ford Flex, the safety features are certainly a strong side of the vehicle. The Flex has more stability control and features three rows of regular side airbags. It also did well in crash tests, which is always good news, as safety is definitely one of the fundamental aspects one should take into consideration when purchasing any kind of vehicle.

Bottom Line.

Flexibility – that’s the word that should be associated with the 2011 Ford Flex. It provides you with a feel of the SUV but is also adaptable enough to meet anyone’s needs. If you are the type that likes traditional-type SUVs, the 2011 Ford Flex will probably not be the right option. However, it’s great value for money for those who think otherwise.