We had a beach day yesterday...my brother brought his Santa Fe XL (seen it many times before)... let me just say, (not against this vehicle) I think the whole "need a third row" thing is a giant hoax for the segment this model is in. Load this vehicle up, and what could you possible carry for cargo if you have 7 passengers inside? practically NOTHING...You either go full size Tahoe or Sequoia, van or I would say a new Traverse.

Anyways, materials are decent, no better or worse than other competitors in the segment, switch-gear and materials were of good quality. Second row design and rear cargo were well thought out, there was a power plug and cigarette type plug in the rear. Power hatch. Rear air conditioning Things I did not like, I could not stand the center lay out design which was just not my cup of tea. My sister in-law drives it for the most part, I think there model is a 2014, she claims that it is hard to tell she going 140km/h as it is quiet. No problems or issues to report.

I also don't get how a vehicle with anyone in the third row is safe? In the event of a rollover, or some sort of accident where immediate evacuation is needed, how can one possible get out of the third row?

All that said, a good effort.

 

Cars like the MDX, RXL, Santa Fe 3-row, QX60, Highlander, Pilot etc.. are more for carpooling kids to school, or taking family/extended family/friends around town rather than road trips. Not a big deal. You need more room? Then there are bigger options.

 

So people should spend 10s of $1000s more to move up to a Sequoia or Tahoe for a couple of times a year that they may need to carry 6-7 people plus their gear?

A Mazda CX-9 was our family car for 7 years. Exactly 1 time did I have an issue like you described. But in every-day use for carpooling within a 5 mile radius of my house, yes--I need that 3rd row. And to move up a class would be a ridiculous waste, not only in the original purchase price, but fuel and insurance costs over 7 years.

And before you say "minivan"--I'll let you be the one to convince my wife. (spoiler alert--you won't be able to)

Perhaps you should have scolded your brother for not getting a minivan.

 

There are very few crossover SUVs where the third-row seats are not a joke...at least for adults. Among the rare exceptions were the last-generation Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave, and GMC Acadia triplets....normal-sized adults could actually sit there with some comfort. I haven't tried the third-row seats on the new Enclave or Traverse yet, and the latest Acadia was substantially downsized in 2017.

 

I don't think it's a joke at all. We use ours frequently.

If we are using the 3rd row, there is still enough room behind it for a small cooler, some bags, etc. If we have a need to carry more, I toss the Thule box on top and off we go. Even though we are a family of 4, it would be a huge loss for us to not have that 3rd row. We love it.

 

So how often do you fill up the vehicle with 7 people? Just to go 5 miles every day...for what reasons?

 

Would not be more comfortable just to take your guests out in two separate cars?

 

No way, we did that for years and I'd never go back to that.

For example, we frequently grab my folks and the 6 of us will pack a picnic lunch and take a day long road trip over to one of the islands. The cost of two cars on the ferry, the cost to fuel two cars, the wear/tear on two cars, the cost to bring two cars into the park, and the inconvenience of being constantly separated is not worth it to me. The point is to go do something together, so I want us in one car.

 

What about if parking was limited? What about more emissions with two cars? If you have a 3rd row no matter how small, just use it. My 2003 Explorer had the 3rd row, not the biggest thing in the world, but if we need to move six people and me, why not. Don't want to be stuck in the 3rd row, then shout "shotgun" before someone else

 

Some interesting responses. I will be interested toread what some of the older members have to say, back in the day these midsize cross overs were not really an option....wagons were but most people I remember never had the need, minivans were of course popular when they emerged on the scene. I am surprised the need is with the new generation. Especially when I hear about families of four needing a third row...interesting.

 

It's not always a need, just a nice to have. And it's situational. From your reactions it doesn't sound like you carpool kids around or take ferries to picnic with extended family

 

oh we do all get together....We just take two cars. We did the beach day thing yesterday, there were 6 of us, 2 hr drive..no way would it possible to carry any supplies etc etc...just took two cars.

 

Absolutely agree. It's a convenience that I am 100% willing to pay for.

 

Forget the seat size in the rear. if you load all three rows up, you can carry practically nothing.

 

For 6 or more people and a reasonable amount of stuff, it’s hard to beat a minivan.