Which SUV for Third Row Comfort? ($40k- $100k)

Lchulbul on 09/08/2025 - 15:45
Last edited 13/08/2025 - 14:32 by 1 other user

Hi Fellow Members, I have a question to which I couldn't find a credible answer so far

  • Which SUV can I buy where third row seats are good for teen/adults for a medium to long drives?

People mover is not an option mainly because of appeal.

Budget is not that hard constraint TBH, but I don't want to spend extra if not needed. This would be our second car, mainly for shirt trips with extended family, mostly once per week or sometimes twice. But focus is longer trips every two months or school breaks.

I have shortlisted three cars so far based on inputs from Grok and online search, which I will be doing a test drive. Just wanted to run through your expert opinion to help decide me better pls.

Shortlisted so far in order of research favourite:

  • Isuzu MU-X
  • Prado
  • Ford Everest

Tldr; 4wd not needed. Weekend car. Third row main concern. Preferably under $100k.

Thanks and have nice weekend.

UPDATE
Seems like general opinion is towards a people mover, I will check an Alphard or something if Isuzu MUX doesnt cut it through.
But this helped me not to test ALL three options. If one is not good enough, no point chekcing "body on frame" others.

UPDATE - 2 [13/08]
Thanks for amazing insights guys. I wasn't expecting this big discussion and help. Really appreciate that.
We will be going for test driving :

  • Carnival
  • Alphard
  • One SUV from wife's choice

Thanks.

Poll Options

  • 3
    Isuzu MUX
  • 121
    Kia Carnival
  • 5
    Mercedes GLS
  • 8
    Alphard
  • 5
    Hyundai Palisade
  • 18
    Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2
    Prado
  • 3
    Ford Everest
Automotive Car Ford Everest Isuzu SUV Toyota

Comments

  • 87percent on 09/08/2025 - 15:47
    +16

    Look at people movers.. like Kia Sorrento, 009

      • fantombloo on 09/08/2025 - 18:18
        +2

        Just as a broken clock tells the right time twice a day, this dude gets it right quite often too.

        (OP: 10 second clip pertinent, watch the whole thing for lots of good advice on this exact topic)

        • mapax on 09/08/2025 - 19:15
          +1

          @pegaxs trigger warning

          • pegaxs on 09/08/2025 - 22:24
            +1

            @mapax: I knew it was either that Cadogan c#%knead or that Kilmer f&=kwit… thanks for the warning.

      • p1 ama on 10/08/2025 - 00:36
        +32

        People mover not the vehicle of choice.

        Wants to move people, does not want a people mover.

        Get over yourself, nobody cares what car you drive (unless perhaps it's a truly exotic car), so buy what's practical instead of what you think gets you into the social clique at school pickup. FWIW, people movers are great, spacious, comfortable, practical, and the sliding doors are great for when you're trying to get out of the rear seats in tight parking spaces. Giant SUVs are for dorks, and always seem to be driven by morons who can't drive. Why would you want to be associated with them?

        If you want to be cool, you can get both a Kia Carnival and a Mazda MX-5 for your $100k budget and go out and have some real fun over the weekends.

        • cloudy on 10/08/2025 - 10:38
          +2

          nobody cares what car you drive
          Giant SUVs are for dorks, and always seem to be driven by morons who can't drive

          Sounds like you don’t care unless they drive giant SUV?

          • p1 ama on 10/08/2025 - 12:31
            +3

            @cloudy: Well yes, because a moron in a giant car is likely to do much more damage than in a tiny car.

            • cloudy on 10/08/2025 - 14:03
              -6

              @p1 ama: A moron in anything over 1000 kilos that can go over 100km/h is gonna do a lot of damage.

              I think you see the hypocrisy in the statement I pointed out.

              • p1 ama on 10/08/2025 - 18:57
                +7

                @cloudy: You're being dense on purpose - I never said that a small car is "not dangerous", but rather, that large cars are more dangerous than small cars. So what you're saying is just a non-sequitur.

                There are plenty of reasons (physical and psychological) why larger cars can cause more damage, e.g. being more elevated means that when they hit pedestrians, they are more likely to be run over (as opposed to being pushed onto the hood which can absorb the impact), they are more likely to cause injury to other drivers, more likely to roll in serious accidents, not to mention that being in a large car makes drivers act in a more reckless way as they feel they are more "protected".

        • chulbul on 10/08/2025 - 18:23
          +1

          Budget is not an issue actually, I put the range to keep it sane otherwise the list could go long.

          I am not sure about that generalisation ABT huge SUVs but would take your word for that.

          Def will look into people movers - especially carnival and Alphard.

          • Succulent on 11/08/2025 - 01:16

            @chulbul: Just curious what is your line of work where someone can buy a second car in a week time, but having no issue with the budget?

            • chulbul on 11/08/2025 - 17:09

              @Succulent: Sorry I didn't get the question?
              But I work for port authority.

              • chulbul on 11/08/2025 - 17:16

                @chulbul: Moreover, we budgeted for some other expense but decided not going with that. So have some money at dispersal to be spent on a nice car.

                Not that I am earning too much, if that was the gist

      • RTX9090Ti on 11/08/2025 - 11:17

        Why not just catch a bus, can fit your neighbours too.

    • mooseca on 09/08/2025 - 17:04
      -1

      Lol are you getting negged because OP has edited the post to say no people movers

      • chulbul on 09/08/2025 - 17:29
        -2

        I up voted everyone, no disrespect for any opinions.

    • azero on 11/08/2025 - 12:05
      +1

      Alphard / Vellfire if you want to have adults in the 3rd row. Specially if you care about what others think and dont want the stigma of a people mover.

      • SnoozeAndLose on 12/08/2025 - 11:43

        A cheaper version are Noah or Voxy or Equind or Nissan Serena, all japanese import and great car.

        Lots of import dealers provide 5 5-year warranty

  • QF99 on 09/08/2025 - 15:59
    +9

    You probably want to avoid body on frame vehicles like the ones you have listed, their 3rd row are usually compromised and won't be too comfortable for a teenager/adult. Since you aren't doing any off-roading, a people mover would allow adequate room for legroom in the 3rd row. Something like a Kia Carnival would work, but since you don't want one of those possibly a Toyota Kluger or similiar, but bring your family to the dealership to see for yourself if the 3rd row is roomy enough.

    • QF99 on 09/08/2025 - 16:02
      +3

      With the third row of seats up a body on frame vehicle won't have too much space either to fit much luggage. Take a look at the boot of the new prado, there isn't much room when the seats are folded up.

    • Benoffie on 09/08/2025 - 16:18
      +3

      Yes, people miss this. Compare the boot space between the RAV > Kluger > Fortuner for example.

      Soon realise that if you need people space + stuff space, none of these are it

      • chulbul on 09/08/2025 - 17:09
        +1

        Well noted. Thanks

    • chulbul on 09/08/2025 - 17:32
      +1

      Makes sense. I was just trying if any SUV could be comfortable. Will update the thread in a week or so when i make the purchase.
      Thanks for the pointers.

      • Benoffie on 09/08/2025 - 18:33
        +2

        If you dont care about boot space, both the Fortuner and Kluger are actually not bad rides in the back but still pita in terms of access (via the row in front etc)

  • owli on 09/08/2025 - 16:19
    +22

    Get over yourself and learn to embrace the people mover. The back seat of a carnival is so nice even for 6foot+ giants.

    • chulbul on 09/08/2025 - 17:11
      +6

      Well noted sir. Need to convince wifey 😂

      • MS Paint on 09/08/2025 - 17:44
        +3

        Tell wifey to check out the Bisimoto Honda Odyssey.

      • lgacb08 on 09/08/2025 - 18:01
        +14

        just get her to sit at the third row of any of the above for 30 min test drive and she'll speak for herself.

        • chulbul on 09/08/2025 - 18:02
          +4

          yep, that's the plan. we will be doing test drive she sitting in third row :)

      • boomramada on 09/08/2025 - 19:35
        +1

        Test drive few and make sure your wifey sit in 3rd row ??

      • 87percent on 10/08/2025 - 10:19
        +2

        If she wants badge pride, check the Lexus LM

  • Euphemistic on 09/08/2025 - 16:22
    +3

    Best way is to go try them yourself.

    And yes, luggage space is pretty limited when 3rd row in use so make sure you check that.

    Happy with our MUX - but the back seats arent used much. I did hop in at purchase time just to test and it was OK for an adult. Cant comment on space for long drives.

    • chulbul on 09/08/2025 - 17:10

      Thanks for that.
      For luggage I would install roof rails I guess.

  • geek001 on 09/08/2025 - 16:36
    +1

    It was a while ago now since I looked at 7 seater cars that could comfortably fit medium sized adults in the last row. I think we ended up deciding between Toyota Kluger and Nissan Pathfinder. They were pretty similar size wise. In the end, Nissan Pathfinder won because I found a late model demo for a good price.

    • V2L on 12/08/2025 - 19:22

      they are definitely not comfortable, I've sat in them

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 09/08/2025 - 17:04
    +1

    Preferably under $100k.

    All 3 cars you mentioned are under 100k like others have said you need to either consider a people mover which would be more practical but ugly af

  • omguleh on 09/08/2025 - 18:21
    +3

    Staria Highlander, seats 8 with room for luggage at the boot.

  • theHMASfriendship on 09/08/2025 - 18:29
    +4

    Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-80/90, Kia EV9 for an electric option

  • Hybroid on 09/08/2025 - 19:00
    +3

    But this helped me not to test ALL three options. If one is not good enough, no point chekcing "body on frame" others.

    That's a poor way of doing things, and the primary reasons why these generic recommenmdation posts are pointless.

    100 people might say Kluger, but you check it out and device it's not the car for you.

    100 people might say don't get a body on frame vehicle, but you might find it suits you well.

    Go check them out, site in them, test drive them and decide for yourself.

    • chulbul on 09/08/2025 - 22:55
      +1

      Yeah I got your point.
      I will check MUX and if that is acceptable, only then will plan checking the others.

  • Ooops on 09/08/2025 - 19:21
    -1

    What you have to remember, if basically the 2 rear seats are sort-of sacrifice seats. Whoever sits there will have a much higher chance of severe injury if someone crashes into you from the rear. There's not much space between the end of the car and the 3'rd row.

    Also, the back might not be necessarily at risk, legs and hips will be the first to go.

    Just saying, consider that as well. I've seen a few bad injuries on the 3rd row.

    • tenpercent on 10/08/2025 - 10:56
      -1

      So I guess you're sitting in the back row?

  • jv on 09/08/2025 - 19:30
    -1

    Which SUV for Third Row Comfort?

    Tesla Cybertruck.

    • theHMASfriendship on 09/08/2025 - 21:20
      +3

      I think they are too elong

      • jv on 09/08/2025 - 22:12
        +3

        Musk you always bring that up?

    • Euphemistic on 10/08/2025 - 00:15
      +3

      Tesla Cybertruck

      Did you think he said third reich comfort?

    • freefall101 on 10/08/2025 - 13:12
      +2

      It's a very kampfy vehicle.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 09/08/2025 - 19:30
    +8

    Just get a Kia Carnival and be happy and comfortable at the same time.

    • darshu on 09/08/2025 - 19:49
      +2

      Yes Kia carnival is popular and spacious.

    • chulbul on 09/08/2025 - 22:48
      +2

      Sure thing. Would check it out.

  • 2jzzzz on 09/08/2025 - 20:31
    +1

    MUX out of those, we just bought a 2025 XT.

    Fancy a Y62 patrol?

    • chulbul on 09/08/2025 - 22:47

      V8 has certain appeal, yeah. Never drove a Nissan so never considered that though.

      • jedimaster on 10/08/2025 - 01:07
        +1

        avoid, huge petrol guzzlers. your wallet will not be happy

      • charlierg on 10/08/2025 - 20:26
        +1

        The V8 Y62 is excellent to drive. Nothing beats the torque… maybe not great for town, but otherwise an excellent vehicle

  • zonra on 09/08/2025 - 20:41
    +7

    I was SUV shopping late last year, if you’re dead set on SUV, check out the new shape Huyndai Santa Fe, more third row space / comfort than the Sorento. Prado is tiny on the inside.
    For the ultimate third row comfort, check out the Kia Carnival, it’s a people mover but looks a quite SUV-esque.

    • jace88 on 09/08/2025 - 22:42
      +4

      Agreed. We went with the new Santa Fe for this reason. Third row comfort is better than you'd expect. In this size and price segment it's competing with Sorento, Kluger, etc… but the Santa Fe felt like the best packaging and least compromised. Only downside with three rows in play is the remaining boot space is limited and you need to be very deliberate in what you bring. I've found I can fit one big full size suitcase, and a medium, and a carry on all stacked on top of each other but not much space left for nick nacks. We also went six seater to create a walkway in the middle to reach third row which works well except it means stuff in boot could potentially roll into the cabin when only using two rows.

      Otherwise the new Palisade might be a good option for you, or a GLS or X7 if you don't mind spending big.

      Outside of this though you're looking at people mover territory. Not that these aren't great but I appreciate some people prefer SUVs.

      • chulbul on 09/08/2025 - 22:46

        GLS is an option. Not too sure if that is roomy enough for third row either.

        • jace88 on 10/08/2025 - 20:33
          +1

          I've never sat in one as it wasn't a contender in my budget but I used to own the same generation GLE and the interior was nice, but redriven did a video recently on how many issues people have had even though it's not that old a car.

          If you want third row comfort and big boot space check out new Palisade. I've seen a few reviews and it is as close to people mover as you can get in a normal SUV.

  • stalker878 on 09/08/2025 - 20:51
    +5

    If you dont mind the styling, the Hyundai Santa fe is very spacious.

    Hybrid model, not too fuel hungry too

    • chulbul on 09/08/2025 - 22:48

      Well noted. Will put that in list.

  • axlfan on 09/08/2025 - 21:29
    +2

    Not recommending but would love to hear thoughts on the Mahindra XUV700

  • apple2016 on 09/08/2025 - 23:25
    -2

    Preferably under $100k

    Not sure of $$$ but GMC Yukon Denali is the best…

    • gromit on 10/08/2025 - 09:12

      The Denali is a steamer, huge american gas guzzler, but at the price of $170k plus I am guessing those that can afford it can also afford the huge fuel bills for this unreliable turd.

  • Drakesy on 10/08/2025 - 00:25
    +3

    Ldv D90

    Cheap as chips
    7 year warranty
    Best in class rear seat space, can easily fit 2 full size adults for long periods in the third row
    Actuallly quite capable off road (there is a 2nd model as well)

  • AusGP on 10/08/2025 - 01:00
    +3

    Kia EV9 has excellent 3rd row legroom - best way is to see it at the dealership.

    On the downside they have ICCU and 12V battery issues that may intermittently brick an unlucky owners vehicle…

  • pwnd on 10/08/2025 - 08:05
    +5

    The Kia Carnival has been mentioned, but I highly recommend test driving one.

    We have it at work and I have the option of taking it home over our Christmas office shut down each year.

    Family loves it. Huge amount of space in all rows, with great appointments in all three (cup holders, charge ports, hand rests etc). It has a low roof line and drives like a car (we also have the Hyndai Staria at work which I took one year. It was close to maxing out some shopping centre car parks. A thing worth considering with a few of the 4wd you have listed, especially with roof rails fitted)

    We were amazed how little fuel the thing used. The diesel engine paired with the eight speed automatic is ridiculous. We were averaging in the 5 - 6 litre range with five passengers and full boot.

    • knasty on 10/08/2025 - 11:27
      +3

      Agree. We bought a Sorento 11 years ago and it's been fantastic, but if I had my time again I would have got the Carnival. If you are going to regularly use the 3rd row it's better in every aspect.

    • chulbul on 10/08/2025 - 18:18
      +1

      Been reading all comments pointing towards carnival. Seems like a must try vehicle for this.
      Thanks.

      • jace88 on 10/08/2025 - 20:35
        +1

        It is. If you don't mind a van then I'd go for this if carrying people and cargo is the priority. Blackdd out chrome looks great and doesn't have same grey import risks as an Alphard. If you do end up going people mover though and budget isn't an issue then look at Lexus LM too.

  • isthatallyougot on 10/08/2025 - 08:25
    +1

    Check out the Nissan pathfinder. I have the 2018 model . I am 6ft2in tall and I have a decent legroom when I sit in the 3rd row.

    • chulbul on 10/08/2025 - 18:16

      Thanks for that information mate.

      • isthatallyougot on 10/08/2025 - 19:02
        +1

        No worries, the newer version of the pathfinder did away with the troublesome CVT issues .

  • eddyah on 10/08/2025 - 08:38
    +1

    needs a poll but yeah youre a dummy if you don't suggest the santa fe.

    • chulbul on 10/08/2025 - 18:28

      Comment well received - added poll and included Santa Fe.

  • helllo on 10/08/2025 - 08:48

    We made the mistake of purchasing a 7 seater without 3rd row air-conditioning. For the comfort of your 2nd & 3rd row passengers, ensure that whatever car you're looking at has adequate vents in the 2nd row and 3rd row or air-vents as standard or as an option. This is a must especially for long trips. After having a prado with 3rd row aircon, we didn't realise it wasn't standard for most 7 seaters when we downgraded to an SUV and it's terrible with lack of airflow when it's either very cold or very hot weather. And car dealers really have no idea, or don't want to disclose as it could kill a sale.

    I'd suggest Hyundai Santa fe, KIA Sorento, BMW x5 among your choices or another similar SUV (if not wanting a larger car) with RWD or AWD, these have good size 3rd row seats & include 3rd row aircon vents

    • jace88 on 11/08/2025 - 00:31

      Interestingly the Santa Fe (and Sorento) both have third row vents with one side having a control over the fan speed which is digital (and also able to be adjusted by the driver on the touch panel). However, the second row seats have air vents but no controls (but they can move and/or close the vent entirely). It is a dual zone AC though so it's driver, and everyone else.

  • Dslrfirst on 10/08/2025 - 09:43
    +1

    Why "TBH" ?

    • Munki Kundi on 10/08/2025 - 11:31
      +1

      "To Be Honest" I think

      • chulbul on 10/08/2025 - 18:29

        Yes correct.

        Budget is not an issue and I will be buying a brand new one only.

  • BartholemewH on 10/08/2025 - 11:09

    Wants room but doesn't list anything full sized. The superceded LC200 is huge in the back, the LC300 less so but still more than adequate.

    Also, won't consider premium people movers but will consider MUX. Lol.

    • chulbul on 10/08/2025 - 18:15

      Well, as mentioned, I got MUX recommended by grok when asked for comparable third row seats dimensions - headroom legroom etc.

      LC300 has small sacrifices been made in third row seating compared to Prado. That's why included Prado.

      And I will not be buying used one, that's why didn't add LC200.

      • BartholemewH on 10/08/2025 - 18:40

        Fair enough. Will look into the LC250, surprised it's meant to be roomier, given it's narrower.

  • benstella on 10/08/2025 - 11:23
    +3

    Hire a car and go on a family trip.
    I did the same when family came from overseas. 6 Adults, 2 kids. Hire Kia Carnival for the first trip. It was ok trip but congested seating. Hyundai Staria on second trip. Massive windows to watch outside. Third row air con. Massive boot space to fit a stroller and food items. Happy kids and parents.
    Depending upon your requirements:
    1. Kia Carnival / Palisade (popular choice)
    2. Hyundai Staria (happy kids, parents or in-laws comfort)
    3. Prado / Kluger (happy wife happy life)
    4. Santa Fe (if box design doesn’t bother you)

    • chulbul on 10/08/2025 - 18:12

      Great list with insights. Appreciate that mate. Cheers.

    • Munki Kundi on 13/08/2025 - 09:31

      Brilliant

  • Munki Kundi on 10/08/2025 - 11:31
    +3

    VW ID Buzz!

  • brad1-8tsi on 10/08/2025 - 11:51
    +3

    I drive a Pajero Sport. I've also had 2x Captiva, an Outlander and a few other 3 row SUVs I can't remember because my wife was getting a new company drive every 9-12 months.

    None of the 3 row SUVs had a decent back row and when that 3rd row was deployed luggage space was severely reduced. If you want a weekend away with 6 people and their luggage you need a roof basket to carry the bags.

    We also had 3 people movers (2x Toyota Avensis Verso & a sliding door Honda Odyssey) and they were a game changer. Access to row 3 was greatly improved. Luggage space in both 2 row & 3 row modes increased.

    Handling was better, fuel economy improved and ventilation throughout the cabin improved. It was better overall for hauling 2 kids and their friends or 2 kids and grandparents.

    Kia Carnival would be my pick in todays market. They look great

    • chulbul on 10/08/2025 - 18:11

      Appreciate you sharing your experience and valuable insights mate.
      Seems like Carnival is mass favourite. Will check it out.

  • Rockets84 on 10/08/2025 - 11:53
    +3

    The vast majority of SUV’s have 3rd row seats that are only good for small children, you loose most boot space when the third row is up and getting into the third row is difficult to get into. Yeah people movers aren’t “sexy” but they are far more practical. We’ve had a couple of Kia Carnivals now and my son who’s 6”1’ sits in the third row and we do 800km trips in it with 5 suitcases in the boot.

    • chulbul on 10/08/2025 - 18:09
      +1

      Thanks for sharing that. Would definitely be holding up SUV only hunt and reconsider People mover

    • klaw81 on 13/08/2025 - 10:10
      +1

      People movers aren't sexy but by the same token, I can think of very few SUVs and SUVs that could be considered sexy.

      3rd row seats in most SUV / 4wd setups are a miserable place to be if you're adult-sized, and are very difficult to access to deal with kid's seatbelts etc. It's clear those seats are little more than an after-thought in the design process. People movers actually design with a 3rd row in mind and are usually relatively easy and comfortable to access.

  • dannyboi on 10/08/2025 - 12:11
    +1

    Currently looking at something and have narrowed it down to either the Ford Everest or Kia Carnival. It's not an easy call and we're still undecided.

    I think for outright people and luggage, you can't beat a people mover like the Carnival. It's very flexible, especially with the ability to remove the middle second row seat to create an aisle.
    The Everest is attractive to us more for the ability to access locations we would be interested on road trips and camping trips.

    • chulbul on 10/08/2025 - 18:08

      Thanks for sharing your findings. Much appreciated.

  • LFO on 10/08/2025 - 12:22
    +4

    I love the generalized perception that "people movers et.al" are off, with no appeal, and yet SUVs are nice, practical, elegant, stylish, the lot.

    The power of indoctrination has won.

    • p1 ama on 10/08/2025 - 12:37
      +5

      Yes, truly indoctrination because every "benefit" people list for SUVs are true of people movers or station wagons.

      At some point, it's better if everyone were just honest that they're getting SUVs to fit in or be part of what they perceive to be the "cool" crowd.

      Most SUVs these days are just small hatchbacks on stilts.

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 10/08/2025 - 14:07
    -1

    Are you going off road?

    If not, Hyundai Palisade is best in class

  • R4 on 10/08/2025 - 14:32
    -4

    If you have a car with 3rd row seats, don't put your children in them because if you get a massive rear end hit, they're dead.

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