re: "Smaller" SUV's with a 3rd row

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.