Sport Utility Vehicles have been the vehicle of choice for adventure-seeking families for more than half a century. Their practicality can’t be beat, especially when you have to move a lot of people—and all of their gear—from Point A to Point B to Point C, and so on. They also have the advantage over wagons and minivans in that they are versatile enough for back roads and off-road, taking them from commuter/carpool to weekend adventure. Here are some of the most popular used third-row SUVs for shuttling everyone around.
Ford Explorer
It’s almost impossible to picture an SUV in your mind and not imagine the Ford Explorer. Since the mid-1990s this SUV has been a staple in family driveways because they get the basics right. Plenty of room for seven passengers plus 21 cubic feet of cargo space. When you have more stuff and fewer people to transport, fold the third and second-row seats to get up to 81.7 cubic feet of space.
Toyota Highlander
When you have up to eight people along for the ride, you don’t want them fighting over USB ports to keep their devices charged. The Toyota Highlander comes with three USB ports in the front and two more in the back to keep everyone connected. The 3.5L V6 engine with Stop and Start technology gives you a nice balance of power and fuel efficiency.
Honda Pilot
Famous for reliability and value, Honda has been gaining traction in the SUV and crossover market over the years. When you need to be heard over the roar of the crowd, the CabinTalk PA system allows you to communicate easily with your passengers in the back. If you need to slip out for a solo adventure, fold the second and third-row seats and get up to 109 cubic feet of space for your trail bicycle or camping gear.
Chevrolet Traverse
Parents magazine and Edmunds named the Chevrolet Traverse one of the Ten Best Family Cars of 2018, and it’s easy to see why. It combines all of the versatility of its peers with attractive styling and an interior designed for comfort—even for the folks in the back. With 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, you have a truly mobile office.
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan’s popular Pathfinder is one of the more fuel-efficient SUVs on the list with an EPA rating of 20 MPG city/27 MPG highway. The Pathfinder offers underfloor storage with flexible seating options for up to 79.5 cubic feet of storage space. When you’re hitting the road with the crew, headrest-mounted screens and tri-zone climate control keeps everyone entertained and comfortable.
Convenience And Capability
All of the third-row SUVs mentioned have towing capability when your weekend plans call for extra-large gear. They also are smartphone-compatible and have an impressive list of safety features to keep you and your crew happy on the road.
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