re: Need advice on which 3rd row SUV to get

You realize that the Explorer is a 6-7 seat SUV, right? I only bought an Explorer ST last week because I feel the need for speed. Go for captain's chairs in the second row (not important now, but in four years when your kid's friends will be loading into the car. It's *far* easier to have them walk through the gap in the captain's chairs than it is to fold down the second seat to get to the third row.

But to another poster's post, one kid in a sedan is easily doable. Hell, two is easily doable. Don't pay more to accommodate other people's kids (you're not in sports/dance mode yet, obv.)

Ex wife had a 2015 Explorer (which I drove a lot), and just bought a 2024, and I'm fine. I was also fine in a crew cab truck when my kids were toddlers/pre-teens. Based on 30 seconds scanning review sites, the Palisade gets relatively better grades on the interior and seat comfor than the Pilot. Assuming you're going to engage in tortuous drives to Alabama and Florida beaches, it matters. Friend in the north part of the state has bought 2 Palisades in the last 6-7 years, no complaints.

I put Korean made vehicles first, Japanese next, then American. American are not the bottom of the bucket, as they're not German. Anecdotal evidence puts Korea at 9, Japanese at 8.5, American at a 7. YMMV.

May be incorrect on this but read an article that says the new Pilot is a 6 cylinder with VCM - variable cylinder management
Sometimes it is running on 6 cylinders and sometimes it is only firing on 3 cylinders

If that is true, Honda Pilot —— NO THANKS

I have waited a while to include my general smartassery.

Since you are working well into the wants versus the needs just get a GLS 63 AMG. 0-60 in 3.6 and sub 12s 1/4 and arguably more luxury than any other three rower around. No point in being late to play dates and the time savings is precious with a newborn.

For a family especially one with 1 or more kids under 3 anything besides a minivan is a compromise made solely on the reluctance to buy a minivan.

Of the ones you listed the Pilot would be my choice if you plan to drive it forever but you may want to research the quirks of the 9 speed transmission.

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May be incorrect on this but read an article that says the new Pilot is a 6 cylinder with VCM - variable cylinder management
Sometimes it is running on 6 cylinders and sometimes it is only firing on 3 cylinders

If that is true, Honda Pilot —— NO THANKS

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Welcome to 2009. All Pilots have had VCM since 2009 and all Odysseys since 2011 IIRC. Unless the active engine mounts are faulty you will never know it is switching except at the gas pump. Honda/Acura VCM is nothing one needs to avoid.

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Keep in mind that they'll all drive great brand new. Go to the used car lot though and find them with around 50k miles and you'll see the difference. The Honda is the only one that'll still drive like it did day one.

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Try all with 50k miles, then find a Honda with 80k. Like he said, they hold up very well, drive great.

You bought a 2024 qx60 w/ 41k miles on it for $38k? Is that accurate?

Look I concede they’re beautiful vehicles, but they’re total shite. I’ve had 2 qx60s, 2016 and 2020, wanting to believe they’re reliable and premier vehicles.

I tell people at Infiniti dealer every time I have to bring it in for service to get a Highlander instead.

Bought the wife a 2023 Acura MDX last year and she loves it.

My advise, never come to the OT asking for car advice, every swinging dick on here is going to tell you to get what they already own. Do your own research and go test drive what you’re interested in.

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Curious as to why you have this opinion.

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Because Nissan is shite. They're far removed from their great reliability days. The plastic inside their cars is cheap shite too, even in the infiniti brand.