Anyone own a Toyota Highlander?

[GasX]

I am looking to buy a new (used) car and need to be able to fit 3 car seats for small children in it. I really like the Highlander, but am wondering if anyone has experience with access the 3rd row especially with 2 car seats in the 2nd row already. Is this a workable arrangement?


Motor Coached

ATOT Moderator ElFenix

 

[JMapleton]

This belongs in the motor coach forum homie.

 

[MikeMike]

honestly, look at the Acadia, and Enclave... if not that, look at the minivans... the cpt. chairs in the acadia/enclave will allow for better access to the third row.

 

[RKS]

Even if you are able to fit 3 car seats, you are not gonna have room for the "stuff" that goes along with the three kids.

 

[Homerboy]

While totally uncool, a minivan will suit your needs so so so much better. Our neighbors have an Arcadia and 3 kids/car seats. While it works, even they admit they miss their minivan at this point for the ease of hauling the kids around. Function before form.

 

[bignateyk]

The highlander is a great car, but I can't really comment on access to the 3rd row. I own a V6 RAV4, and the highlander is pretty much the same car only a little bigger. I've had rental highlanders a few times and love them.

 

[rivan]

I'll chime in with the others - I've got a Sequoia and if I were looking at the carseats in the third row, I'd get a minivan.

We keep our carseats in the second row - third row access isn't good enough - even in the larger Sequoia - that I would want to get back there & strap a squirming kid in. If the kids are older and can buckle themselves up, that's probably a different story.

Edit: Just re-read your post - assuming the seats flip the same as the Sequoia, you should be able to fit two seats on row 2 and access the third row just fine. I'd put the kid that can strap themselves in on the third row, though. If the second row's *any* narrower than a Sequoia, you'll probably have a tough time getting two carseats on the non-flip part. Of course, it'll also depend on your carseats - the LATCH bases for pumpkin seats occupy more width than booster seats for older kids.

 

[SearchMaster]

I don't own one but looked at one before we ultimately bought the minivan. Space was very tight in the 3rd row, no way I would subject anyone to sit back there with a carseat or subject my wife to having to buckle them in.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: JMapleton
This belongs in the motor coach forum homie.

I like the way you worded that. :laugh:

 

[RKS]

Originally posted by: rivan
I'll chime in with the others - I've got a Sequoia and if I were looking at the carseats in the third row, I'd get a minivan.

We keep our carseats in the second row - third row access isn't good enough - even in the larger Sequoia - that I would want to get back there & strap a squirming kid in. If the kids are older and can buckle themselves up, that's probably a different story.

Edit: Just re-read your post - assuming the seats flip the same as the Sequoia, you should be able to fit two seats on row 2 and access the third row just fine. I'd put the kid that can strap themselves in on the third row, though. If the second row's *any* narrower than a Sequoia, you'll probably have a tough time getting two carseats on the non-flip part. Of course, it'll also depend on your carseats - the LATCH bases for pumpkin seats occupy more width than booster seats for older kids.

We have a Armada and could never imagine having to deal with a car seat in the 3rd row. Usually the space behind the 2nd row is for 'stuff' and our dog. We have fit 9 people in the car before when actually using the 3rd row seats.

 

[imported_Lothar]

Why not just get a Toyota Sienna?

 

[AstroManLuca]

SUVs are fine if you want to carry 4-5 people and lots of gear. If you want three rows of seats, you need a minivan. The only SUV I've ever been in that had a comfortable third-row seat was a Chevy Suburban. HUGELY comfortable car, and TONS of space behind the third row, but obviously it's a behemoth whose gas consumption is more aptly measured in gallons per mile than the other way around and parking requires more effort than a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

 

[shortylickens]

I dont own but I spent the better part of a morning test driving a fully loaded hybrid.
The third row is nice if you absolutely have to shove more people into one vehicle, but I wouldnt recommend it for long trips or most fully grown adults. For bringing Cub Scout to the den meeting its fine.
I would certainly not recommend using a baby seat in the third row, and I think the dealer even mentioned that to me.

You really cant expect much from a seat that is normally folded down. Its convenient when you need it, but not much more.
Having said all that, as far as fold-down seats go they are about the nicest I've ever seen.
Really wish I could afford a full-loaded Highlander.

Actually, thats my advice right there.
Instead of asking us, go find out for yourself. Those things are really nice to drive and (assuming the car salesman knows his stuff) it will be a really educational experience.

 

[desy]

You need a minivan!
parking lots, kids and sliding doors, more room.
I can fill my van and a roof pod for a trip to grandmas
Not to mention now that minivans are no longer in fashion it has kicked the crap out of minivan resale. You'd get a used one at a bargain.