You are right. you can get the 3rd row in the Rav4. what I meant to say was the limited didn't have the 3rd row option. the base V6 rav4 is pretty bare bones compared to the XLS we bought. Anyways, I agree with you on the spare tire on the rav4. Also, it swings out on the traffic side in N.America, little dangerous when parked on a busy street and accessing the trunk.