In the market for a 3rd row vehicle.

I can't speak for your situation.

We have a Sequoia.
Runs like a beast.

For what it is worth, we were able to get 3 car seats in an Isuzu Trooper's 1 row bench seat.
We weren't forced to ditch it until #4 was on the way.
We were in the process of cleaning the Trooper when we tried the 3 car seats and discovered that the newer vehicle wasn't a necessity but a luxury (so we kept the trooper for another 18 months).

Pilot interior is a lot like the crv which we have. It’s very nice and easy to use. Probably very reliable.

We also have a palisade, so far it’s great now past 100k miles who knows lol

Minivan

I’ve been researching this for months. I’m looking to buy new.

Grand Highlander is overpriced and often selling for more than MSRP. I’ve checked out the GH in-person and driven the Lexus TX that is built on the same platform. They are fine vehicles but I feel like there are better in that mid size class for the same money (or less in some cases). No arguing with the Toyota reliability though.

Pilot is a fine vehicle but lacks some of the features that the best in class in the segment offer. You do get the benefits that it’s a Honda from a reliability standpoint.

The Hyundai Palisade has won best mid size SUV for like four years running. It has a functional third row. It’s getting a full remodel in 2026. This is what we would have bought but it doesn’t have power folding mirrors in the US version so a very tight fit for our garage. Otherwise, it checks every box for us (and I would expect you based on your requirements).

Chevy Traverse just hit the market in a “mini Tahoe” remake. It is the largest mid size SUV without needing to go up to full size. The second row is highly functional for car seats with the way in slide forward without folding to access the third row.

A Suburban vs a Pilot isn’t a typical comparison. You either need a full size vehicle or you don’t — start there. Generally speaking, mid size SUVs are more functional now with third rows than they used to be. I find a full size vehicle to be more of a hassle unless you actually need something that large for a specific purpose.

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Get a used mini van. Pay cash.

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never ever pay cash. you will not get a better deal. or you insist u can use cash from a bank loan with better terms and pay cash if you must then pay down simple interest of bank money . or get a simple interest loan from dealership. pay off with your cash later so you are not penalized

they hate cash buyers overall.

get the price down as low as you can, get good terms/rate.

finance it.

pay note a couple months then you can pay it off.

I have 3 kids and just shopped this segment; I got the Lexus TX. I would've got the grand highlander, but I got a great deal on the Lexus, and I slightly prefer how the TX is packaged compared to the GH.

These two vehicles, along with the traverse, are almost as big as a minivan.

If I needed to tow, or need to fit full size adults in a third row, I'd go for one of the body on frame full size SUVs.

Financing large amounts of money at high rates is expensive. Who would have known…

We had a handful of minivans. Plymouth Voyager, Grand Caravan then an Odyssey. Now have a 2017 Pilot. Pilot rides great but the Odyssey was my favorite. Drove it for 185,000 miles. Aside from regular maintenance only had to change out AC condenser and one transmission solenoid. It had more room than Pilot.

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I got the Lexus TX. I would've got the grand highlander, but I got a great deal on the Lexus

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Hey are you willing to share how good a deal did you get out? I’m deciding if I want to go with the TX or grand highlander