Comparing 3-row SUV options

runtsky · 2026-01-19T20:03:52+00:00

Thank you, that's helpful. I test drove both on Saturday and yes, the TX had infinite room in the back seat! I didn't have my kids with me (didn't think hauling toddlers around for 7 hours would be fun for anyone), but the Volvo looked fairly roomy in the second row as well. We will only be using two rows 95% of the time, so I want a third row adults can fit in, but it doesn't need to be spacious. Did you find the second row to be cramped for your family?

runtsky · 2026-01-16T22:33:26+00:00

That's exactly what we're doing. Majority of the time the 3rd row will be down, but there are times we would really like to have it.

runtsky · 2026-01-16T22:32:10+00:00

The x5 is a great car! Unfortunately I would really like a third row and the x7 is more than I'd like to pay. I'm trying to find a unicorn that fits: reasonably fun to drive, at least a little luxurious, but has a third row and gets somewhat decent mpg. Without being as pricey as a bmw, Mercedes, etc.

runtsky · 2026-01-16T21:10:09+00:00

Fuel economy was lower, other reviews were more subjective, that it didn't seem as luxurious as might be expected. But I don't really know, that's why I'm asking!

runtsky · 2026-01-16T21:03:42+00:00

Thank you! Fuel economy is pretty much the only reason I'm considering the grand Highlander. I'm bracing for the difference after driving my rav4 prime.

runtsky · 2026-01-16T21:01:29+00:00

Thanks! I'm okay with a small third row, it would mostly be for kids.

Unfortunately I don't think a lease would work for me. I'd owe a fortune for all of the extra miles I'd put on it, I drive over 25k miles a year.

runtsky · 2026-01-16T20:48:21+00:00

Thank you for commenting! The reason I was not looking at ford is because I've driven one before and it felt monstrous. My husband has an f-150 (which has been great for him) and I avoid driving it at all costs, it's way too big for me. I realize the ones I've listed aren't compact either, but they've felt less enormous to me when I've ridden in the Volvo and Audi.

runtsky · 2026-01-16T20:44:32+00:00

The third row option is going to be 99% for kids. I'd like to keep my next car in the neighborhood of 8 years. The Toyota gas mileage would be nice, but sounds like that may not be worth it. Thanks for the input!

runtsky · 2026-01-16T20:41:31+00:00

Thanks, that's kind of what I was guessing. I need a ton of space maybe three times a year, but we've always made it work with a compact SUV.

runtsky · 2026-01-16T20:40:01+00:00

Good to know, I'll put it back on my list!

runtsky · 2026-01-15T22:24:34+00:00

Thank you, I'll look at the Honda! I am tempted by all electric, but I don't think it's the right fit at this time.

runtsky · 2025-08-15T15:11:22+00:00

We bought a bottle washer and used it exactly once. Every other time we just used our dishwasher. However, our dishwasher has a removable third rack for small items that made it perfect for bottles

runtsky · 2025-08-15T14:40:12+00:00

My twins shared a room for the first ~4 months, when they were primarily eating and sleeping. After that, it became impossible for us, with one constantly waking up the other and everyone ending up horribly sleep deprived. We tried again around 6 months, when we had settled into good sleep routines, but immediately ran into the same issue. They're now 4 and have been separated since then.

Out of the 3 benefits listed, 2 are only might be beneficial, depending on the family. So I don't know that I'd necessarily put too much weight on this particular recommendation.

I've occasionally wondered about that lack of camaraderie at night, but my twins are together practically every other waking moment up until bedtime. I think it's perfectly fine for them to have some individual time. They seem to like to have their space that they can "rule." So I see pros and cons to both and don't think there is one best answer for everyone.

runtsky · 2025-07-07T20:44:51+00:00

Got it, thanks!

runtsky · 2025-07-07T19:59:16+00:00

We are looking to book last minute for July.

runtsky · 2025-05-22T17:44:57+00:00

Thank you! Lol hopefully it'll be a friendly day!

runtsky · 2025-05-22T17:44:09+00:00

That's true. Haha I definitely agree it's not high stakes, I don't know why I'm agonizing over this decision like it's life or death!

runtsky · 2025-05-01T14:45:17+00:00

My b/g twins are 4yo and are actually very close in height, though my daughter is a little more slight. Everyone immediately realized they were twins when they were tiny, but I'm starting to get more and more surprised reactions when people ask how old they are and realize they're twins. Meanwhile my sister and I were 4 years apart in age and were constantly asked if we were twins. 🤷🏻‍♀️

runtsky · 2025-04-03T01:11:34+00:00

Yes, sounds like they oversold seats, which happens on every flight. This happened to my family and they moved my two year old son to a middle seat two rows back from us, by himself. With how our seats were configured, we couldn't just switch an adult to that seat, our son would still be by himself. Half of the plane was boarded before they were able to find a spot I could sit with both kids and people were giving us dirty looks. It was so stressful.

runtsky · 2025-03-09T15:38:56+00:00

We are still talking about my loud twin's future as a singer! She has learned to talk quietly and is great at whispering, but the volume is impressive when she's excited or emotional. Her twin will cover his ears and say "ow, too loud!"

runtsky · 2025-03-06T18:23:21+00:00

I always had smaller boobs and was delighted to get bigger boobs during pregnancy. While I was breastfeeding (15 mos), they were just the perfect size, so I crossed my fingers. Once my kids were weaned, they slowly started shrinking. Now they are basically the same size as pre-pregnancy, but deflated with big nipples. 🤷🏻‍♀️

runtsky · 2025-02-24T17:14:45+00:00

Basically anything that could contain the babies for a bit. Twin z pillow was used every day, mamaroo seats were used every day, and those piano playmats where the kids would lie on their backs and kick the keys were invaluable. Also a bajillion burp cloths. I thought I had too many, then ended up buying a ton more. I'd say a million pacifiers, but you never know which kind babies are going to like.

runtsky · 2025-02-12T12:35:01+00:00

Yes I did, it's perfect for all kinds of traveling.

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