I basically regretted my minivan virtually instantly. Positive it’s tremendous handy however it’s not horny. So, I surveyed 900+ mothers to ask them what they determined to purchase as a substitute of a minivan. The outcomes had been narrowed down to provide you a lot of minivan options.
Minivan Options aka Third Row SUVs
Right here’s what they both purchased as a substitute or traded from a minivan into.
Though most of the mothers talked about the Nissan Rogue, I solely included automobiles with a 3rd row or not less than an non-obligatory third row. I determine when you want a automobile the dimensions of a minivan it signifies you want greater than 5 seats. All of the vehicles on this listing have 7 or 8 seats. These car options are in no specific order aside from the primary two minivan options. The highest two options had been every talked about greater than the others.
Honda Pilot
It’s unbelievably snug, the seats reconfigure simply. Plus, it’s loaded with a ton of options.
For mothers with full arms, there’s a hands-free energy tailgate. It’s acquired all of the tech most would need like a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter 280-horsepower V6 engine mixed with a 6-speed automated transmission and it’s accessible in all-wheel-drive. Most significantly the Honda Sensing security and driver-assistance options are normal on all trim ranges and embody a collision mitigation system with forward-collision warning, highway departure mitigation, lane-keeping help, and adaptive cruise management. Learn our 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport overview.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is well-appointed SUV. They’ve fairly a number of variations together with a hybrid. Right here’s a take a look at the XSE model.
Toyota 2021 Highlander XSE
- 3.5L V6 engine; 8 pace automated
- Sport-tuned suspension and AWD dynamic torque vectoring
- Daring styling with mesh entrance grill, twin-tip exhaust, and 20″ wheels, and 2-tone purple and black seats.
- 3-door sensible key system with push-button begin
- Energy liftgate
- 8-inch contact display screen with JBL audio system
- Seating for 7; SofTex-Trimmed seats, heated energy entrance seats • 3-zone local weather management
- Toyota Security Sense (TSS 2.5+), a set of lively security techniques.
MSRP beginning at: $43,355 MSR as Outfitted: $46,526 MPG: metropolis 20/hwy 27/ mix 23
Enjoyable Truth: You’ll be able to match two kayaks on high of the Highlander.
Volvo XC 90
It was no shock to me that the Volvo XC90 made the listing. If I might afford it, that is the minivan various I might purchase. I acquired to check it one yr on the Texas Truck Rodeo and it was fabulous.
One mother mentioned, “I really feel so safe when my teenagers ask to take the automobile out after darkish. It’s actually like a tank!”.
I like the way in which the seats are constructed they form of hug your physique. It seats 7, is AWD, and it’s a hybrid.
That is an costly SUV and the beginning worth is $64,750 MSRP.
Volkswagen Atlas: Finest Minivan Various when you want numerous house
The Volkswagen Atlas SUV is one other one in every of my private favorites. It has one of the vital spacious third-rows accessible and might comfortably sit an grownup. How do I do know this? I used to be put again within the third row of an Atlas on a press journey as soon as. I used to be irritated for a minute after which realized it was no huge deal due to the entire house.
- Base-Worth Vary: $32,575-$48,245
- Out there in a 3.6L V-6 (276 hp, 266 lb-ft)
- Gasoline Financial system 16 metropolis/ 23 hwy/ 21 mixed
- Max Towing Capability: 5,000 kilos
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorrento is laid out properly and the value is extra affordable than a few of the others. We spent every week on this car a number of years in the past and we loved it totally. It’s extraordinarily snug and well-outfitted when you get the upper trim ranges. These begin out at $29,390 however the base mannequin is simply too primary for nearly everybody. You’ll positively need to go up not less than one trim degree.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is the biggest SUV Subaru makes so when you want that third row and need a Subaru, it’s this one. It solely comes solely in AWD which is useful.
The Ascent has snug seats, it’s handsome, and you will get a Harman Kardon stereo in it.
It supplies a clean trip, but exact dealing with. The third-row seat is tight.
- Worth Vary: $33,345-$46,495
- Engine: 2.4L turbo H-4 (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)
- Gasoline Financial system: 20-21 metropolis/26-27 hwy/22-23 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 5,000 kilos
Mazda CX-9
Mazda’s three-row SUV has been put onto the Prime Security Decide + listing that means it’s tremendous secure. It’s outfitted with Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE system which incorporates superior sensible metropolis brake assist with pedestrian detection, sensible brake help with collision warning, adaptive cruise management, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane-keeping help, high-beam headlight help, an adaptive entrance lighting system, and traffic-sign recognition.
One mother mentioned it was, “Sporty and zippy with three rows of seating.”
- Worth Vary: $35,335-$48,475
- Engine: 2.5L turbo I-4 (250 hp, 320 lb-ft)
- Gasoline Financial system: 20-22 metropolis/26-28 hwy/23-24 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 3,500 kilos
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai is simply knocking it out of the park these days and that features the Palisade. It’s one of many extra moderately priced SUVs which makes it mechanically a favourite amongst Mothers. Each the second row and third row have non-obligatory captain chairs and are operated on the push of a button and fold flat. Examine present Palisade choices and costs.
- Worth Vary: $33,710-$48,935
- Engine: 3.8L V-6 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- Gasoline Financial system: 19 metropolis/24-26 hwy/21-22 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 5,000 kilos

Jeep Grand Cherokee L
One of the crucial well-liked SUVS of all time is the Jeep Grand Cherokee so it’s no shock that so many mothers really useful it now that it’s acquired a third-row possibility bumping it as much as six seats. It’s acquired 4WD off-road functionality in a nicer-looking bundle.
- Costs begin out at $36,995
- Towing capability is 6,200 lbs
- 19 metropolis and 26 freeway MPG.
Nissan Pathfinder
My very own mom cherished her Nissan so I used to be not shocked to see this one make the listing. The Pathfinder is roomy and the second row was designed with some seat-folding tech that makes accessing the third row a little bit simpler.
- Worth Vary: $33,075-$46,400
- Engins: 3.5L V-6 (284 hp, 259 lb-ft)
- Gasoline Financial system: 19-20 metropolis/26-27 hwy/21-23 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 6,000 kilos
Ford Explorer
The Explorer is principally the best-selling SUV of all time. (Even I used to have one in every of these.) The brand new variations are constructed on an all-new rear-wheel-drive versatile structure for an improved trip, dealing with, and functionality. The usual engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder unit producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Once more when you get a brand new one there’s higher security on them, the Co-Pilot360. This contains automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping help, post-impact braking, and a rearview digicam with a lens washer. The lens washer is a lifesaver when driving via soiled snow.
Mothers love the push buttons for 2nd and Third row that convey them up or down. Plus, the Third row stows utterly flat. When the 2nd row folds it’s degree with the Third row to make all of it flat!
- Worth Vary: $33,470-$55,725
- Engines: 2.3L turbo I-4 (300 hp, 310 lb-ft); 3.0L turbo V-6 (365-400 hp, 380-415 lb-ft); 3.3L V-6 hybrid (318 hp, 332 lb-ft)
- Gasoline Financial system: 16-27 metropolis/23-28 hwy/19-27 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 5,600 kilos
Kia Telluride
Kia Telluride is inbuilt America and it has Third-row seats that go flat. The center seats is usually a bench or captain’s chairs. It’s a stunning automobile and really reasonably priced. There’s been a waitlist to get one in every of these for some time now because of the worth: tons of options versus the value.
Mothers appear to actually admire the Telluride worth ($33,415-$43,715) and the options.
- Engine: 3.8L V-6 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- Gasoline Financial system: 19-20 metropolis/24-26 hwy/21-23 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 5,000 kilos
Cadillac XT6: Finest Bougie Minivan Various
One mother with teenagers mentioned, “By no means would have regarded as driving a Cadillac, however it has the whole lot we’d like. Area for future faculty journeys, loads of room with a movable reclining second row. And USABLE with ample leg-room third row.”
The XT6 is a 3-row luxurious SUV with the choice of getting captain’s chairs on the second row. It’s so secure it’s on the Prime Security Decide+ listing. The XT6 has a definite look because of its nice huge grille flanked and headlights of your selection. Security options embody ahead collision alert, automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, entrance, and rear park help, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview digicam with distant wash. The worth begins out at $48,595.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is the posh model of the Chevrolet Traverse, in that they each share GM’s C1 platform. It’s pretty spacious and nice for hauling cargo because of the fold-flat second-row seats. It may go from zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds making it preferrred for these mothers with a lead foot. It has a Third-row possibility accessible.
- Worth Vary: $34,800 – $49,495
- Engines: 2.0L turbo I-4 (230 hp, 258 lb-ft); 2.5L I-4 (193 hp, 188 lb-ft); 3.6L V-6 (310 hp, 271 lb-ft)
- Gasoline Financial system: 19-22 metropolis/26-29 hwy/21-25 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 4,000 kilos
Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln Navigator has an non-obligatory 30-way adjustable, massaging entrance seat which a number of mothers extremely really useful. Mothers additionally love with the ability to use the telephones as keys. The brand new fashions have extra normal security tech, a 20-speaker Revel audio system, and a powered Third now.
- Worth Vary: $76,705 – $100,000
- Engine: 3.5L twin-turbo V-6, 450 hp, 510 lb-ft
- Gasoline Financial system: 16 metropolis/20-22 hwy/17-18 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 8,700 lb
Ford Expedition
I virtually didn’t embody this one as a result of it’s what my ex drives and he’s a douche bag, however since most individuals that drive them usually are not, right here ya go! Many mothers really useful the Ford Expedition and these are the the reason why. The third row is straightforward to take care of because of an influence push button. It has a distant begin, a large sunroof, detachable seats, and plenty of further house.
Ford Expedition has a robust twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 and an easy-to-use infotainment interface.
- Costs begin at $49,625
- Towing capability of 5,900 to six,000 lbs
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX begins out at $47,200 and as a third row. It may seat six and if wanted seat seven, all of the rows go flat as properly. It has a big again space for people who want numerous house. It has a V6 engine and will get respectable gasoline mileage, 19 metropolis / 26 freeway.
Dodge Durango: Finest Minivan Various if You’d Fairly be in a Sports activities Automotive
The Dodge Durango is a improbable selection if you’d like a robust SUV. It is available in a number of trim ranges together with two with intense energy. The center row is your selection of a bench or captain chairs. I like to recommend getting the captain chairs.
I just lately acquired time within the new 2021 Hellcat model. Right here it’s:
The 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat
- The Durango SRT Hellcat options the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V-8 with 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque.
- 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds
- NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds • Prime pace of 180 mph
- 2021 Durango has an up to date aggressive exterior, new entrance fascia, LED low/excessive headlamps, signature LED daytime operating lamps (DRL), grille, and rear spoiler.
- Efficiency-inspired inside includes a new driver-oriented cockpit, together with a brand new instrument panel, wrapped and accent-stitched mid bolster and console, upgraded door panels, and the all-new five-times-faster Uconnect 5, with the largest-in-class 10.1-inch touchscreen.
- MPG: 12 metropolis/17 hwy/13 mix
Enjoyable Truth: No SUV on this planet can tow extra or carry extra with a sooner quarter-mile time than the Durango SRT Hellcat.
MSRP beginning at: $80,995 – MSR as pictured: $90,315. The opposite variations are a lot, less expensive. That is the most costly one they make.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The newer Volkswagen Tiguans have a FWD model with a third row. That is good for households that often want a 3rd row. The Third row is tight and principally only for youngsters, however it’s higher than not having one if you want one!
- 23 mpg in metropolis driving, 30 mpg on the freeway -great lumbar assist
- Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™
- 8” digital cockpit the place you’ll be able to see automobile standing, navigation, driving information, cellphone data, driver help options, and extra.
- Fender Premium Audio system
- 4 drive modes: Regular, Sport, Eco, and Particular person
- Journey Help (semi-automated driving help) Entrance Help (Ahead Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring), Lively Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Site visitors Alert, Adaptive Cruise Management (ACC) Cease & Go, Lane Help (Lane Preserving System), and Emergency Help (semi-automated car help in a medical emergency).
So there you’ve got it, all our favourite minivan options. Have you ever purchased an SUV as a substitute of a minivan? If that’s the case inform us what you purchased and why within the feedback beneath.
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