Best 3-row SUV/Crossover?

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irvinehomeowner

irvinehomeowner

Well-known member
I realize there's already an X5 thread but we've had a lux brand and I don't like the additional costs (although BMW will cover 4-years) on top of the premium price.

What value brands is the best?

Considering how much some people like the Acura MDX, I would think it's generic twin, the Honda Pilot would be good.

The only other 3-row cars seem to be American (Chevy Traverse, Ford Flex, Ford Explorer) but I think the Honda is a better buy. We would like to take a look at the new bigger Santa Fe but that's not out until January and we are probably going to buy in December.

Any other recs?
 
One of my coworkers has a Mazda cx9 and she loves it. I've been in it several times and I must say it appears to be a great value. You get alot of bang for your buck. If I was looking for a non-luxury 3 row suv, the cx9 would be at the top of my list
 
ps9 said:
Toyota Highlander?  Subaru Tribeca?  What's wrong with the minivan?
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Still keeping the IHOmobile... this one is for the Mrs.

Would probably prefer Toyota or Honda because they have been reliable for us in the past (she's partial to Honda, I'm a Toy guy from all the trucks).
 
The MDX is an awesome car, plenty of leg room in the second row.  It has a third row as well but don't think anyone over the age of 10 would fit.

The pilot and highlander are also good choices. 

If you are still interested in the X5, we just ordered ours for $9000 under invoice with all the credits we used (Eco, USAA, and Loyalty) we have the sales guy we can refer you to.
 
qwerty said:
One of my coworkers has a Mazda cx9 and she loves it. I've been in it several times and I must say it appears to be a great value. You get alot of bang for your buck. If I was looking for a non-luxury 3 row suv, the cx9 would be at the top of my list
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+1

Don't really like SUVs but the CX9 has gotten good reviews. I know several friends and family who have been pretty happy. Make sure you get the 20" bling wheels--makes the car look pretty nice but may sacrifice ride quality.
 
I don't know why, but Mazda never really crosses my radar.  Although, they've made some great cars over the years, namely the Miata and the old school RX-7.  I agree with others, the CX9 should be on the short list.
 
CX9 (like most Mazdas) have that stupid mouth grill that makes it look like Pixars Cars.  But what do I know, I drive an ugly toy boat.
 
When I saw this thread, it brought to mind the 3rd row seat stealing that's going on these days. It's been on the news throughout the southland. I even read it on the Irvine police blotter the other day.
 
It's near impossible to find a midsize to large SUV with good gas milage.  Hybrid SUVs have better mpg, but they're still not great in that area and come with a hefty premium.  SUVs are just big fat whales with poor mpg.  Comes with the territory.  Minivans are better but still not great either.  I remember a couple years back when gas was well north of $5/gallon, I couldn't even fill up my X5 cuz the gas pump would stop at $100. 
 
SoCal78 said:
When I saw this thread, it brought to mind the 3rd row seat stealing that's going on these days. It's been on the news throughout the southland. I even read it on the Irvine police blotter the other day.
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people are stealing the entire 3rd row?  why??
 
rkp said:
SoCal78 said:
When I saw this thread, it brought to mind the 3rd row seat stealing that's going on these days. It's been on the news throughout the southland. I even read it on the Irvine police blotter the other day.
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people are stealing the entire 3rd row?  why??
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Yep. Tahoes, Escalades, and Highlanders are primary targets. Get a bicycle chain to lock it up. The police are saying the reason is profit. The 3rd row is relatively cheap as a factory option but once it's stolen and you need to replace it, they can fetch twice that price - upwards of a thousand. Thieves have been selling them on Ebay. Cars are being broken into in the middle of the day.
 
Here's an LAPD flyer to look at. Hope this helps. There is a lot more info online about these crimes. Maybe one day the industry will catch up by putting multiple serial numbers on the 3rd row seats.
 

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OCgasman said:
It's near impossible to find a midsize to large SUV with good gas milage.  Hybrid SUVs have better mpg, but they're still not great in that area and come with a hefty premium.  SUVs are just big fat whales with poor mpg.  Comes with the territory.  Minivans are better but still not great either.  I remember a couple years back when gas was well north of $5/gallon, I couldn't even fill up my X5 cuz the gas pump would stop at $100. 
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That's why we are looking at the Pilot, most of these SUVs are 17-18city/24hwy which is reasonable. I think the only hybrid is the Highlander and that one is over $35k (or we could opt for the 4-cyl Highlander but the Limited trim is only for the 6).

Edmund's compare tool puts the Ford Explorer on the cheaper side but it doesn't have all the options the imports have... and I'm still not sold on "American".
 
irvinehomeowner said:
OCgasman said:
It's near impossible to find a midsize to large SUV with good gas milage.  Hybrid SUVs have better mpg, but they're still not great in that area and come with a hefty premium.  SUVs are just big fat whales with poor mpg.  Comes with the territory.  Minivans are better but still not great either.  I remember a couple years back when gas was well north of $5/gallon, I couldn't even fill up my X5 cuz the gas pump would stop at $100. 
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That's why we are looking at the Pilot, most of these SUVs are 17-18city/24hwy which is reasonable. I think the only hybrid is the Highlander and that one is over $35k (or we could opt for the 4-cyl Highlander but the Limited trim is only for the 6).

Edmund's compare tool puts the Ford Explorer on the cheaper side but it doesn't have all the options the imports have... and I'm still not sold on "American".
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Then go back to Austria!!  >:(
 
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