I basically regretted my minivan nearly instantly. Certain it’s tremendous handy nevertheless it’s not horny. So, I surveyed 900+ mothers to ask them what they determined to purchase as a substitute of a minivan. The outcomes have been narrowed down to offer you a lot of minivan alternate options.
Minivan Alternate options aka Third Row SUVs
Right here’s what they both purchased as a substitute or traded from a minivan into.
Though lots of the mothers talked about the Nissan Rogue, I solely included autos with a 3rd row or a minimum of an elective third row. I determine for those who want a automobile the scale of a minivan it signifies you want greater than 5 seats. All of the automobiles on this record have 7 or 8 seats. These automobile recommendations are in no explicit order aside from the primary two minivan alternate options. The highest two recommendations have been every talked about greater than the others.
Honda Pilot
It’s unbelievably comfy, the seats reconfigure simply. Plus, it’s loaded with a ton of options.
For mothers with full fingers, there’s a hands-free energy tailgate. It’s obtained all of the tech most would need like a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter 280-horsepower V6 engine mixed with a 6-speed computerized transmission and it’s accessible in all-wheel-drive. Most significantly the Honda Sensing security and driver-assistance options are normal on all trim ranges and embrace a collision mitigation system with forward-collision warning, street departure mitigation, lane-keeping help, and adaptive cruise management. Learn our 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport evaluation.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is well-appointed SUV. They’ve fairly a couple of variations together with a hybrid. Right here’s a have a look at the XSE model.
Toyota 2021 Highlander XSE
- 3.5L V6 engine; 8 pace computerized
- Sport-tuned suspension and AWD dynamic torque vectoring
- Daring styling with mesh entrance grill, twin-tip exhaust, and 20″ wheels, and 2-tone pink and black seats.
- 3-door sensible key system with push-button begin
- Energy liftgate
- 8-inch contact display with JBL audio system
- Seating for 7; SofTex-Trimmed seats, heated energy entrance seats • 3-zone local weather management
- Toyota Security Sense (TSS 2.5+), a set of lively security techniques.
MSRP beginning at: $43,355 MSR as Outfitted: $46,526 MPG: metropolis 20/hwy 27/ mix 23
Enjoyable Truth: You possibly can match two kayaks on prime of the Highlander.
Volvo XC 90
It was no shock to me that the Volvo XC90 made the record. If I may afford it, that is the minivan various I might purchase. I obtained to check it one yr on the Texas Truck Rodeo and it was fabulous.
One mother stated, “I really feel so safe when my teenagers ask to take the automobile out after darkish. It’s actually like a tank!”.
I like the way in which the seats are constructed they type of hug your physique. It seats 7, is AWD, and it’s a hybrid.
That is an costly SUV and the beginning value is $64,750 MSRP.
Volkswagen Atlas: Greatest Minivan Different for those who want plenty of area
The Volkswagen Atlas SUV is one other considered one of my private favorites. It has some of the spacious third-rows accessible and may comfortably sit an grownup. How do I do know this? I used to be put again within the third row of an Atlas on a press journey as soon as. I used to be irritated for a minute after which realized it was no massive deal due to all the area.
- Base-Value Vary: $32,575-$48,245
- Out there in a 3.6L V-6 (276 hp, 266 lb-ft)
- Gas Economic system 16 metropolis/ 23 hwy/ 21 mixed
- Max Towing Capability: 5,000 kilos
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorrento is laid out properly and the worth is extra affordable than a few of the others. We spent per week on this automobile a couple of years in the past and we loved it totally. It’s extraordinarily comfy and well-outfitted for those who get the upper trim ranges. These begin out at $29,390 however the base mannequin is simply too fundamental for nearly everybody. You’ll undoubtedly should go up a minimum of one trim stage.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is the biggest SUV Subaru makes so for those who want that third row and desire a Subaru, it’s this one. It solely comes solely in AWD which is helpful.
The Ascent has comfy seats, it’s handsome, and you may get a Harman Kardon stereo in it.
It supplies a easy trip, but exact dealing with. The third-row seat is tight.
- Value Vary: $33,345-$46,495
- Engine: 2.4L turbo H-4 (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)
- Gas Economic system: 20-21 metropolis/26-27 hwy/22-23 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 5,000 kilos
Mazda CX-9
Mazda’s three-row SUV has been put onto the Prime Security Decide + record that means it’s tremendous protected. It’s outfitted with Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE system which incorporates superior sensible metropolis brake help with pedestrian detection, sensible brake help with collision warning, adaptive cruise management, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane-keeping help, high-beam headlight help, an adaptive entrance lighting system, and traffic-sign recognition.
One mother stated it was, “Sporty and zippy with three rows of seating.”
- Value Vary: $35,335-$48,475
- Engine: 2.5L turbo I-4 (250 hp, 320 lb-ft)
- Gas Economic system: 20-22 metropolis/26-28 hwy/23-24 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 3,500 kilos
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai is simply knocking it out of the park recently and that features the Palisade. It’s one of many extra fairly priced SUVs which makes it robotically a favourite amongst Mothers. Each the second row and third row have elective captain chairs and are operated on the push of a button and fold flat. Examine present Palisade choices and costs.
- Value Vary: $33,710-$48,935
- Engine: 3.8L V-6 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- Gas Economic system: 19 metropolis/24-26 hwy/21-22 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 5,000 kilos

Jeep Grand Cherokee L
One of the crucial well-liked SUVS of all time is the Jeep Grand Cherokee so it’s no shock that so many mothers beneficial it now that it’s obtained a third-row possibility bumping it as much as six seats. It’s obtained 4 wheel drive off-road functionality in a nicer-looking bundle.
- Costs begin out at $36,995
- Towing capability is 6,200 lbs
- 19 metropolis and 26 freeway MPG.
Nissan Pathfinder
My very own mom beloved her Nissan so I used to be not shocked to see this one make the record. The Pathfinder is roomy and the second row was designed with some seat-folding tech that makes accessing the third row a bit simpler.
- Value Vary: $33,075-$46,400
- Engins: 3.5L V-6 (284 hp, 259 lb-ft)
- Gas Economic system: 19-20 metropolis/26-27 hwy/21-23 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 6,000 kilos
Ford Explorer
The Explorer is principally the best-selling SUV of all time. (Even I used to have considered one of these.) The brand new variations are constructed on an all-new rear-wheel-drive versatile structure for an improved trip, dealing with, and functionality. The usual engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder unit producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Once more for those who get a brand new one there’s higher security on them, the Co-Pilot360. This contains computerized emergency braking with pedestrian detection, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping help, post-impact braking, and a rearview digital camera with a lens washer. The lens washer is a lifesaver when driving by soiled snow.
Mothers love the push buttons for 2nd and Third row that convey them up or down. Plus, the Third row stows fully flat. When the 2nd row folds it’s stage with the Third row to make all of it flat!
- Value Vary: $33,470-$55,725
- Engines: 2.3L turbo I-4 (300 hp, 310 lb-ft); 3.0L turbo V-6 (365-400 hp, 380-415 lb-ft); 3.3L V-6 hybrid (318 hp, 332 lb-ft)
- Gas Economic system: 16-27 metropolis/23-28 hwy/19-27 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 5,600 kilos
Kia Telluride
Kia Telluride is in-built America and it has Third-row seats that go flat. The center seats is usually a bench or captain’s chairs. It’s a stunning automobile and really reasonably priced. There’s been a waitlist to get considered one of these for some time now due to the worth: tons of options versus the worth.
Mothers appear to essentially admire the Telluride value ($33,415-$43,715) and the options.
- Engine: 3.8L V-6 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- Gas Economic system: 19-20 metropolis/24-26 hwy/21-23 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 5,000 kilos
Cadillac XT6: Greatest Bougie Minivan Different
One mother with teenagers stated, “By no means would have considered driving a Cadillac, nevertheless it has every part we want. House for future faculty journeys, loads of room with a movable reclining second row. And USABLE with ample leg-room third row.”
The XT6 is a 3-row luxurious SUV with the choice of getting captain’s chairs on the second row. It’s so protected it’s on the Prime Security Decide+ record. The XT6 has a definite look due to its nice massive grille flanked and headlights of your selection. Security options embrace ahead collision alert, computerized emergency braking, pedestrian detection, entrance, and rear park help, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview digital camera with distant wash. The worth begins out at $48,595.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is the posh model of the Chevrolet Traverse, in that they each share GM’s C1 platform. It’s pretty spacious and nice for hauling cargo due to the fold-flat second-row seats. It might probably go from zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds making it supreme for these mothers with a lead foot. It has a Third-row possibility accessible.
- Value Vary: $34,800 – $49,495
- Engines: 2.0L turbo I-4 (230 hp, 258 lb-ft); 2.5L I-4 (193 hp, 188 lb-ft); 3.6L V-6 (310 hp, 271 lb-ft)
- Gas Economic system: 19-22 metropolis/26-29 hwy/21-25 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 4,000 kilos
Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln Navigator has an elective 30-way adjustable, massaging entrance seat which a number of mothers extremely beneficial. Mothers additionally love having the ability to use the telephones as keys. The brand new fashions have extra normal security tech, a 20-speaker Revel audio system, and a powered Third now.
- Value Vary: $76,705 – $100,000
- Engine: 3.5L twin-turbo V-6, 450 hp, 510 lb-ft
- Gas Economic system: 16 metropolis/20-22 hwy/17-18 mixed mpg
- Max Towing Capability: 8,700 lb
Ford Expedition
I nearly didn’t embrace this one as a result of it’s what my ex drives and he’s a douche bag, however since most individuals that drive them usually are not, right here ya go! Many mothers beneficial the Ford Expedition and these are the the reason why. The third row is straightforward to cope with due to an influence push button. It has a distant begin, a large sunroof, detachable seats, and many additional area.
Ford Expedition has a strong twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 and an easy-to-use infotainment interface.
- Costs begin at $49,625
- Towing capability of 5,900 to six,000 lbs
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX begins out at $47,200 and as a third row. It might probably seat six and if wanted seat seven, all of the rows go flat as properly. It has a big again space for people who want plenty of area. It has a V6 engine and will get respectable fuel mileage, 19 metropolis / 26 freeway.
Dodge Durango: Greatest Minivan Different if You’d Moderately be in a Sports activities Automobile
The Dodge Durango is a incredible selection if you need a strong SUV. It is available in a number of trim ranges together with two with intense energy. The center row is your selection of a bench or captain chairs. I like to recommend getting the captain chairs.
I not too long ago obtained time within the new 2021 Hellcat model. Right here it’s:
The 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat
- The Durango SRT Hellcat options the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V-8 with 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque.
- 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds
- NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds • Prime pace of 180 mph
- 2021 Durango has an up to date aggressive exterior, new entrance fascia, LED low/excessive headlamps, signature LED daytime working lamps (DRL), grille, and rear spoiler.
- Efficiency-inspired inside includes a new driver-oriented cockpit, together with a brand new instrument panel, wrapped and accent-stitched mid bolster and console, upgraded door panels, and the all-new five-times-faster Uconnect 5, with the largest-in-class 10.1-inch touchscreen.
- MPG: 12 metropolis/17 hwy/13 mix
Enjoyable Truth: No SUV on the planet can tow extra or carry extra with a quicker quarter-mile time than the Durango SRT Hellcat.
MSRP beginning at: $80,995 – MSR as pictured: $90,315. The opposite variations are a lot, less expensive. That is the most costly one they make.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The newer Volkswagen Tiguans have a FWD model with a third row. That is excellent for households that sometimes want a 3rd row. The Third row is tight and principally only for children, nevertheless it’s higher than not having one whenever you want one!
- 23 mpg in metropolis driving, 30 mpg on the freeway -great lumbar help
- Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™
- 8” digital cockpit the place you possibly can see automobile standing, navigation, driving knowledge, telephone info, driver help options, and extra.
- Fender Premium Audio system
- 4 drive modes: Regular, Sport, Eco, and Particular person
- Journey Help (semi-automated driving help) Entrance Help (Ahead Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring), Energetic Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Site visitors Alert, Adaptive Cruise Management (ACC) Cease & Go, Lane Help (Lane Retaining System), and Emergency Help (semi-automated automobile help in a medical emergency).
So there you’ve got it, all our favourite minivan alternate options. Have you ever purchased an SUV as a substitute of a minivan? If that’s the case inform us what to procure and why within the feedback beneath.
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