Hi all,
Sorry to bother you all, but my wife & I are considering buying a 2014 Outlander, and I was hoping for some real-world testimonies about the utility of the 3rd row seat. From doing a small amount of research it seems like the 3rd row has been a small seat and is mostly unchanged since the 2013 models, and probably several years at least before that, so really I'd welcome comments from any Outlander owner.

My question is this: we have 4 kids and we plan on putting two of the kids in the 3rd row. They (10 & 8 years old) climbed in and thought it was cool, but noticed it is a short seat, so their legs are angled up (knees are higher than hips). There's legroom so their knees aren't hitting the 2nd row, but the seating position is a bit awkward. The test drive of course is only 10-15 minutes, which is fine, but I'm wondering if it's bearable for kids over 2-4 hours.

Do any of you have any experience with this? We're debating getting the Outlander (great gas mileage, wife would prefer a SUV rather than another minivan) versus a minivan (plenty of room, mediocre gas mileage, and it would be several more years of a minivan).

So sorry to bother you, but I'm concerned about possibly buying the Outlander, then having to try to trade it in or sell it in a year or two because the kids can't handle the small 3rd row seat. Thanks for any advice you guys could offer on this.

 

hi, I have no kids, but I can assure you 2-4hrs in that 3rd row seat is really no joke. I really think that 3rd row seat is more of a 30min journey or any emergency, like you know, someone(family) needs a ride.

With the 3rd row seat up, there is absolutely no room for putting groceries or camping gear/luggage in the back.

If you looking at long term, keeping a car for a long time, not the outlander.what happens when your kids are older?

I have sat in the outlander 3rd row seat and compared it to Acura MDX 3rd row seat, even though the MDX is much bigger and wider, both are equally uncomfortable!

 

I have a 2011 outie and in my opinion, the 3rd row is useless. I won't put my grandkids in them.

 

I considered 3rd row to be of no use, yet for last 3 years I've unfolded it at least 10 times.

Quite handy for short distance hops.

 

Well, thanks to all for taking the time to respond. I think we're going to go with a minivan. The Outlander was a nice option, and maybe when I replace my car in a few years I'll consider it. Thanks again and happy driving!