"Smaller" SUV's with a 3rd row

New Highlanders are pretty nice.

The Enclave is a very good choice. I'm impressed with how comfortable and quiet they are. I think they redesigned them last year, and they have all the newer technology.

I wouldn't call them "smaller" either. They are legitimately large crossover SUVs. I don't think you'd have a problem with three car seats at all.

Acura MDX > those

My wife thought she loved the QX60 (coming from a '11 MDX). After testing both, the MDX blew it away. I think it's an absolutely terrific car. Got 28 mpg from Hammond to BR on the way home today. Could easily clip 30 on longer highway stretches. Our old MDX could barely squeak out 20 mpg.

I'd lean to the Highlander over the Enclave as well, but they are proud of the highlanders.

Get the Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid. It has captains chairs in the 2nd row with easy access to the back.

Volvo XC90

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Infiniti QX60

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We have a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Premium with 3rd row seating.

Great vehicle, no issues whatsoever and basically the same as the Infiniti QX 60.

I drive a sequoia that we would still use on long trips. Looking at something where I can fold half the back seat down and still have room for groceries, stroller, etc.

Wife really doesn't want a Tahoe/Sequoia sized suv

I, too, was looking at the Enclave and QX60 for my wife. Both are very nice vehicles, and I think I would have been happy with either. My wife preferred the larger feel of the Enclave...and that's what we bought. Price wasn't a major factor in our decision...but the Infiniti Option Packages are tricky, forcing you to buy crap that you don't want or need in order to get something else that do (want or need). That, and Enclave's 0% financing will yield a not-so-insignificant price advantage for the Buick. As for roominess, we did a week-long Gatlinburg vacation in June...five adults and luggage, and had no problem. The third seat splits 60/40, and with the "40" side down, we had ample room for the luggage (could not have fit all the luggage behind the third seat, alone), My 16 year-old daughter made a nest on the "60" side, and probably had the most comfortable seat on the trip. That third seat is fairly easy to access, but if you're wanting to put an infant seat back there, you need to try that out before making any decisions, I just don't know how easy getting a child in and out of that seat would be.

We like the styling, quiet ride, and roominess of our Enclave...but don't expect any great mileage. I think we got close to 21 mpg on the trip, but average about 15.7 mpg in the city.

My wife has a 2012 Highlander Limited, and I am not a big fan of the vehicle. More than likely it will be the last Toyota vehicle I purchase.

My biggest complaint is IMHO the electronics suck- everything from the navigation, to mp3 controls, to radio controls, to the ac. I travel a lot for work and drive a lot of different rental cars, and the Highlander is the worst I've seen.

My other complaint is the driver's "side to side" leg room. My right leg is bent leaning against the console which ends up being uncomfortable on long drives.

We have one baby, but we will be upsizing vehicles when we have out next child- probably to a Tahoe. I couldn't imagine two car seats in our current Highlander.