SUV buying help - USA
May 25, 2024 1:18 PM   Subscribe

Help me find SUV models we should be considering. In the US. Details inside.

Dealbreaker: at least 6 seats, so a third row is necessary.

Dealbreaker: we looked at a VW Atlas and a VW Tiguan (the 3 row version). The Atlas is too big. So we need something closer in size to the Tiguan. Basically, looking for the smallest SUV with 6+ seats.

Nice to have: electric or plug-in hybrid > regular hybrid or gas.

Thanks!
posted by Tehhund to Shopping (14 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
The Tesla Model Y has an available third row for $2000, though it's best for children.
posted by Seeking Direction at 1:21 PM on May 25




Mazda 9
posted by hortense at 1:29 PM on May 25 [1 favorite]


Toyota has a Highlander hybrid, and Kia makes a Sorento hybrid and a pure-electric EV9, all of which are (at least a bit) smaller than the Atlas.

The Merc GLB, and its EQB EV sibling, are technically 3-rows, despite being quite compact. I've heard that MB's EV line is selling rather slowly, and there are often deals to be had.
posted by kickingtheground at 1:40 PM on May 25 [2 favorites]


We have sat in (but not driven) the 2024 Toyota Venza and Toyota Highlander. Both were hybrids, and if we needed more room either would be an upgrade from our RAV4 hybrid and our younger daughter's Prius hybrid.
We are still holding onto our 2004 Honda Odyssey, although it needs work. Loved the road trips with the kids along with our overpacking tendencies. We can get 4 x 8 sheets of plywood in there!
posted by TrishaU at 1:45 PM on May 25 [1 favorite]


The Volvo XC90 comes in 6 or 7 seat configurations.
posted by eatcake at 2:13 PM on May 25 [2 favorites]


Okay, I know it’s a minivan, but friends with 3 kids are very happy with their Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid.
posted by rustcellar at 2:54 PM on May 25 [3 favorites]


I recently heard a motor journalist say that the Subaru Solterra was solid.
posted by jacobean at 4:41 PM on May 25


The Solterra does not have a third row of seats, however.
posted by mbrubeck at 6:40 PM on May 25 [2 favorites]


Subaru’s 3rd row car is the Ascent. It’s noticeably bigger than my Forester. But, frankly, any 3rd row SUV is going to be huge, just like the VW Atlas.
posted by Thorzdad at 5:08 AM on May 26


Response by poster: Fair, but the Tiguan has a third row and is smaller than the Ascent or Atlas, so I guess I'm looking for the other Tiguan-sized SUVs with third rows.
posted by Tehhund at 7:05 AM on May 26


I have a Volvo XC90. It is much smaller than my previous 3-row SUV and is a plug-in hybrid.
posted by hovizette at 3:10 PM on May 26 [1 favorite]


Sorry, meant to mention that my previous car was the Ascent, which is pretty big.
posted by hovizette at 3:37 PM on May 26


The Rivian R1S is all electric but pricey, and it has a third row. I have their R1T, and it's a really well-designed truck.

Regular gas, but more reasonably priced and well-liked by a few folks I know who drive them are the Kia Telluride.
posted by bitdamaged at 9:51 PM on May 26


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