Safe mid size SUV (w/folding 3rd row)?

[mamaofthree]

We're tired of the Sienna. Realistically, we should keep it a few more years, but we may get tempted by something else. What are my options for a mid size SUV? We want something where we can do three across the second row, but still have a 3rd row for emergency carpool situations.


Kimberly

[christineka]

Honda Pilot. (I've been checking this out lately.)

[DaniCPST]

We got tired of our Sienna too and got an Acura MDX(2007+). I can do anything three across(even with a Regent in the mix) and I still have the third row if I need it. LATCH in all 3positions in the center row and top tethers for all locations. It gets fab crash test ratings and is a blast to drive for a grocery getter. We haven't looked back once...

[mamaofthree]

Oooh yeah, my brother has one, and its nice. We are very loyal to Honda and Toyota, but I'm open to other vehicles if the price is right too. Do you know if the Pilot has 3 sets of LATCH on the middle row? Thanks!!

Kimberly

[SafetyKitsPlus.com]

My friends are still making fun of me but I bought a 2007 Hyundai Veracruz. I have 3 daughters and they fit 3 across even with one in a car seat and there is a third row. This vehicle comes with a 10 Year 100,000 mile warranty. I got mine with the saddle leather and the limited trim and I love it. I think it was road and track or motor trend that liked this car better than the Lexus RX. It was a great economical choice for me and my family. My wife drives the Honda Odyssey.

Hyudai Veracruz
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/images/vehicle/veracruz/gallery/asset_upload_file513_15561.jpg


Hyundai Veracruz (http://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicle/veracruz/veracruz.aspx)

[SillyLily]

I had a Buick Rendezvous and it was nice. You can pick up a used one for super cheap. The Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia/Saturn is really nice, and the third row seat is much more usable than a lot of the fold down seats.

A lot of people like the Honda Pilots, but I wasn't impressed. It seemed kind of outdated to me. The mazda CX9 is really nice and peppy, and has a third row seat. I almost bought a CX7 (no third row) because it was a lot of fun to drive (not nearly as fun as my car, though!). I think the Chrysler Pacifica has a third row, but I don't know much about the car.

[jen_nah]

I personally don't like the 3rd rows in the Pilot or Highlander. They are tiny plus no cargo room behind the 3rd row when in use. Plus the Pilot rides rougher then my Tahoe. I am not sure about the MDX as I have not seen one with the 3rd row up.

The GM crossovers GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave and the new Chevy Traverse (coming out in late Aug.) all have full 3rd rows that can actually hold an adult passenger comfortably plus have cargo room behind the 3rd row when in use. It only has LATCH in the 2nd row outboard but top tethers in all 2nd row positions plus a top tether in the 3rd row. Several members on here have the GM crossover and have gotten many different set up with 3 across. Here is great post with many pictures of 3 across in it just to give you an idea. http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=20869&highlight=Outlook

The Mazada CX-9 too appears to have plenty of room too but I have heard they do not allow carseats on the 3rd row. So, It would have to be older kids that are not in carseats/boosters.

[TechnoGranola]

We got tired of our Sienna too and got an Acura MDX(2007+). I can do anything three across(even with a Regent in the mix) and I still have the third row if I need it. LATCH in all 3positions in the center row and top tethers for all locations. It gets fab crash test ratings and is a blast to drive for a grocery getter. We haven't looked back once...:yeahthat: I've got an '08 MDX and it's fantastic. Very nice and luxurious, and drives like a sports sedan. The '09 Pilot would be one to look into as well; it's on the same platform as the '07+ MDX. Although not the same horsepower as they put a smaller engine, I believe, but it's got some awesome new features.

The GM lambda 3 (Enclave, Acadia, Outlook) have decent seating inside, but it drives like a slug (especially compared to the MDX). If you're trying to get away from the van feel, these GM's drive very much like a van and not at all like a sports sedan.

The '08 Highlander was our top choice along side the MDX, but once we drove the MDX it sold us. The Highlander has a softer ride and is definitely more boring looking. Plus, there are NO tether anchors in the 3rd row (MDX has 2 in the 3rd row for both seating positions). I did like that the Highlander had vents overhead for the 2nd row, which is really nice for RF seats. But, the centre vents in the rear of the MDX seems to be keeping the kids warm/cool enough. And my older DD, who is no longer in a booster, LOVES the 2nd row heated seats in the MDX in winter or to warm you up for a bit on cool, rainy days.

Don't waste your time looking at the BMW X5 because the 3rd row is like a rumble seat and my 4'9" child couldn't see over the 2nd row in front of her, and DH couldn't put the 2nd row all the way back without crushing his knees.

[TechnoGranola]

Here's a decent article comparing 6 of the mid-size SUV's with 3rd row http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4220226.html For each vehicle, they actually have a video showing you trunk space with and without 3rd row up. Keep in mind that the Pilot they tested is NOT the new '09 which is on a new platform. Thus, not sure how the new Pilot compares with the rest now.

[jen_nah]

True the GM crossovers don't drive like a sports sedan b/c well it's not a sports sedan. Plus they are longer then most crossovers (longer then a Tahoe). They are getting a new motor in the '09 model which is going to be more fuel effiecent (which currently is one of the top picks for crossovers) plus more horsepower/torque.

I can't say anything bad about the MDX as I have never driven a new one (have to old bodystyle and not impressed) but will have to check one out but I know I won't be buying one. We are loyal American brand manufactures.

[TechnoGranola]

True the GM crossovers don't drive like a sports sedan b/c well it's not a sports sedan.See, that's the cool thing about the MDX, it isn't a sports sedan either but DOES drive like one! ;)

I'd totally be interested in checking out the new engine in the GM's when it comes out. I had actually never, ever thought I'd even test drive a GM, so they are obviously doing something right as the lambda 3 intrigued me enough to get out and drive one! I definitely think anyone interested in an SUV with 3rd row, should take one out for a test drive.

How a vehicle drives is not at the top of everyone priority list though. I am just amazed at how the MDX corners (doesn't lean like other SUV's) and how when you have to break fast the whole vehicle moves lower rather than just the front end dipping forward. It's very responsive and handles exceptionally well.

[Jeanum]

I haven't researched the details to know if it has center LATCH, etc. but I want to mention the Honda Pilot has been redesigned for the 2009 model year, and some specs/details of the new version are online at http://automobiles.honda.com/2009-pilot/

[2 blueberry eye girls]

I have a 06 pilot and I love it. The 2rd row does have top teethers in all seats. the middle seat would need a seat belt and not a latch bc you are unable to share the latch with the other seats. I am able to get a Britax Wizard, Britax Regant and Graco Safe seat in the 2rd row. Or instead of the Regant a Graco Nautilus. In the 2009, when you have the 3rd row up, you have 3cubic feet of trunk space. Which in mine we have like a foot. We only need the 3rd row when we have family visit. Also if you have 2 car seats, in order to get to the 3rd row, the car sets need to be in the middle and behind the driver in order to be able to get to the third row. I know the toyota suv had the option of removing the middle seat to get to the third row, which I was hoping the 09 honda pilot would have but does not. I get about 20mi to the gallon while driving half highway half city. Or about 350 on one tank. It all depends on driving habbits but thats what i get and I am very happy with that. Good luck in your decision and any car you are serious in, take the car seats with you and strap them in to see if that vehical will work with your seats.

[BABYGIRLLYNDSEY]

We have a 01 Suzuki XL7 that is totally small but great for zipping around town. We bought a 05 Ford Explorer in February. I can get three convertible seats comfortably. The Radian fits like it was made for that car. There are tether spots in all five seat positions (middle and third row) and latch in the middle seat outboard positions. We like it and all of us fit if we use our third row.

[jdchic3]

Oh my goodness! I love that popular mechanics comparison! I'd still have a tough time picking between the Mazda and the Lambda trio though!

[jen_nah]

Oh my goodness! I love that popular mechanics comparison! I'd still have a tough time picking between the Mazda and the Lambda trio though!

I could not agree more. The only thing that is going to keep me from the Mazda is them not allowing the use of child restraints on the 3rd row. I am not sure if this applies to boosters too but there is no top tether for a harnessed seat in the 3rd row.

I guess I will have to read the manual of one when we decide to get another suv/cuv. First we are getting a sedan that will be mine for about 2yrs then become dh so he can park the truck. Now if he would just make up his mind on what vehicle he wants I would be happy.

[mamaofthree]

This thread is becoming very informative. It's nice to hear real opinions of how the diff vehicles drive and how roomy they are/aren't.

The Acura MDX is out- out of our price range. I like to buy new, or almost new. I see lots of Mazda CX9's around, never knew they had a 3 row option. Not even being able to use boosters in the back wouldn't work though. If we got a Pilot, it would be the new 09. I really want to check one out IRL. My brother has an 06, and yeah, no cargo room with the 3rd row up. The photos on the Honda website do look like there's more room in the new ones, and like theres a cargo lid over the floor. I'm curious how deep it is.

We've checked out the GM crossovers. Liked them, but didn't love them. If they improve fuel efficiency that would make me look again though. Dh didn't like how you can't see well out the small back window. I didn't notice, because I'm so short that I really have to stand up in the van to back up. I guess I'm used to not being able to see well out of any vehicle without maneuvering myself around a lot.

It seems like some crossovers/SUV's have 3 rows, but can't be used for 3 across situations. Doesn't the new Highlander have a tiny middle seat in the second row? And the new Chevy will have 2 seats in each row? I'd rather keep all three kids in the 2nd row, and have the third row available for carpooling emergencies. BUT, I do want a decent third row just in case we have another child. Not in the plans at all right now, but we could change our mind or have a surprise. Then again, maybe I should just buy something with 2 rows (this is what dh wants, I'm not sure I could downsize that much), save money on the vehicle and gas, and just get something bigger later on if I needed to or wanted to. Aaahhhh, too many options!

Kimberly

[jen_nah]

And the new Chevy will have 2 seats in each row?

The new Chevy verison will be available with a 2nd row bench just like it's cousin models. The 3rd row is a full 3 passenger 3rd row but no headrest in the center position. The l/s belt comes from the ceiling like in the Pilot/Highlanders. This way it's up and out of the way when the 3rd row needs to be folded down.

I too was very disappointed to hear the CX-9 couldn't have child restraints on the 3rd row. I do want to find out if this pertains to boosters also. If I could use boosters on the 3rd row that would be fine for me since my youngest is about to be 5. They would be in the 2nd row majority of the time anyways in Regents. But, With grandparents visiting I move them to the 3rd row in Parkways in my Tahoe. This way grandparents are not having to climb over car seats which is not easy for them anymore. LOL!

I can't even believe I am looking at a Ford Escape hybrid as my next vehicle. I have 2.5yrs before I buy "my" next vehicle so we will see what comes about with gas prices plus what is introduced to the market. The next vehicle we buy later this year will be a sedan (Malibu or G8) which I will drive for 2yrs and then it will become dh's.

[lorinick]

Oooh yeah, my brother has one, and its nice. We are very loyal to Honda and Toyota, but I'm open to other vehicles if the price is right too. Do you know if the Pilot has 3 sets of LATCH on the middle row? Thanks!!

Kimberly

Acura is Honda. Just a more expensive devision and Lexus is Toyota. Acrua MDX is nice Toyota highlander and the Pilot. How about the Ford Edge?

[mamaofthree]

Acura is Honda. Just a more expensive devision and Lexus is Toyota. Acrua MDX is nice Toyota highlander and the Pilot. How about the Ford Edge?

Hah, i never knew that! I guess I just never paid any attention to Acura or Lexus cause I can't afford them, lol. I can barely afford Hondas or Toyotas, but I love them and they are reliable. I'm scared to stray to American made, even though they are cheaper.

Kimberly

[mamaofthree]

The new Chevy verison will be available with a 2nd row bench just like it's cousin models. The 3rd row is a full 3 passenger 3rd row but no headrest in the center position. The l/s belt comes from the ceiling like in the Pilot/Highlanders. This way it's up and out of the way when the 3rd row needs to be folded down.



Thanks for that info!! Now I can keep that one on my list. I missed it when I first checked out their website cause all the photos show the captain's chairs.

I was looking at Fords too, only cause I had a connection and thought I could get one for cheap. Now my connection got a new job.

Kimberly

[TechnoGranola]

Okay, I just read the child restraint section in the 2009 Honda Pilot manual.

For LATCH:
Your vehicle is equipped with LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) at each of the second row seats and the passenger’s side third row seat.

So, BOTH lower anchors and tether anchors are supplied for THREE seating positions in the 2nd row and for the passenger side 3rd row seat. :thumbsup:

Then, the 3rd row also has tether anchors only for the other 2 seats in the 3rd row. And they are located at the back of the seats so you don't have to have a tether strap running through your cargo area. :thumbsup:

Wow, the '09 Pilot is looking GREAT!

[jdchic3]

Alright, so when someone here test drives the CX-9 and reads the manual they need to report back to the rest of us!

[jen_nah]

Okay, I just read the child restraint section in the 2009 Honda Pilot manual.

For LATCH:


So, BOTH lower anchors and tether anchors are supplied for THREE seating positions in the 2nd row and for the passenger side 3rd row seat. :thumbsup:

Then, the 3rd row also has tether anchors only for the other 2 seats in the 3rd row. And they are located at the back of the seats so you don't have to have a tether strap running through your cargo area. :thumbsup:

Wow, the '09 Pilot is looking GREAT!

But, Can all 3 be used at the same time? If I remember correctly the CR-V has LATCH in all 3 positions but can't be used all at the same time.

I can't wait for someone to report back what they find out. Even though I won't be getting one.

[mamaofthree]

Then, the 3rd row also has tether anchors only for the other 2 seats in the 3rd row. And they are located at the back of the seats so you don't have to have a tether strap running through your cargo area. :thumbsup:

Wow, the '09 Pilot is looking GREAT!


They aren't always on the backs of the seats in all vehicles? I can't imagine why not. I love that about my van. Are the Pilots on lots yet? I want to go test drive one.

Kimberly

[TechnoGranola]

They aren't always on the backs of the seats in all vehicles? I can't imagine why not. I love that about my van. Are the Pilots on lots yet? I want to go test drive one.

KimberlyThey are on the ceilings and on the floor in some vehicles.

[TechnoGranola]

But, Can all 3 be used at the same time? If I remember correctly the CR-V has LATCH in all 3 positions but can't be used all at the same time.

I can't wait for someone to report back what they find out. Even though I won't be getting one.Yes, you can use all 3 at the same time in the 2nd row. See the quote below, copied and pasted from the manual.
When you install a child seat in the second row seating position, use the lower anchors as shown in the illustration.You can install up to three child seats at a time with LATCH.

Do not attach two child seat connectors to a single lower anchor at a time.

The reason you cannot install 3 LATCHed seat at the same time, in the CR-V, is because there are only 5 anchor point. One of the outboard ones, doubles as a centre anchor. You would have to share an anchor to have 3 installed, and sharing is not allowed in the CR-V (not sure if any manufacturer allows sharing).

[jen_nah]

Yes, you can use all 3 at the same time in the 2nd row. See the quote below, copied and pasted from the manual.


The reason you cannot install 3 LATCHed seat at the same time, in the CR-V, is because there are only 5 anchor point. One of the outboard ones, doubles as a centre anchor. You would have to share an anchor to have 3 installed, and sharing is not allowed in the CR-V (not sure if any manufacturer allows sharing).

Well that is cool that they have put LATCH in all postions that can be used all at one time.

I couldn't remember if the CR-V had 5 or 6 actual hooks. I know many have 6 but they do the cross over so even though there are 6 hooks all 3 LATCH positions can't be used at once.

[TechnoGranola]

I couldn't remember if the CR-V had 5 or 6 actual hooks. I know many have 6 but they do the cross over so even though there are 6 hooks all 3 LATCH positions can't be used at once.The visual in the manual shows 5, but I haven't sat in a newer CR-V (I was looking at an '08 manual), so I am assuming the manual is correct. :)

[steph]

Honda Pilot or Acura MDX!!!

[MyLittleTyke]

does anyone know anything about the new dodge journey?

[mamaofthree]

And what's the scoop with the Ford Escape hybrid? 34 mpg, and a reasonable MSRP. Why aren't we all driving this? I never even heard of it. I'm gonna be on the lookout for them when I'm on the road.

Kimberly

[TechnoGranola]

And what's the scoop with the Ford Escape hybrid? 34 mpg, and a reasonable MSRP. Why aren't we all driving this? I never even heard of it. I'm gonna be on the lookout for them when I'm on the road.

KimberlyThey came out in '05. They look exactly the same as a regular Ford Escape which there are a LOT of on the road, which is why you might not have noticed them. Of course they have some hybrid badging, but other than that, the look is exactly the same as the regular Escape.

The reason not everyone is driving one? For us, it was because it doesn't tow enough. The V6 Escape tows 3500# properly equipped whereas the hybrid can only tow 1000 #. So, we ended up having to go with the regular gas version. :(

[jewlsvern]

I just went out to my CX-9 and got the manual. It says that car seats can be used in the 3rd row, but there are no LATCH anchors or tethers. It can be used with a seat belt install or on a seat that does not need a tether. So a RF seat can be used, a FF seat without a tether (I don't know if they even have those), or a booster seat.

My nephew rides in a high back booster in our 3rd row. I sat back there with him over the weekend and had plenty of space. In fact it was quite comfortable.

I personally love the CX-9. It was rated SUV/Truck of the year for 2008. It is a very fun car to drive and gets great gas mileage for an SUV. It is very reasonably priced for a 7 passenger SUV. It has a lot of features of the more expensive SUV's. The top one can have GPS, backup camera, and DVD player to name a few.

We have a 2008 CX-9. I can have my husband check to see if the 2009's will have tethers in the 3rd row. He works for Mazda.

[mamaofthree]

We have a 2008 CX-9. I can have my husband check to see if the 2009's will have tethers in the 3rd row. He works for Mazda.


Thanks for looking up the specs. I'd love to know if the 2009 will have tether anchors in the 3rd row!

Kimberly

[jen_nah]

I just went out to my CX-9 and got the manual. It says that car seats can be used in the 3rd row, but there are no LATCH anchors or tethers. It can be used with a seat belt install or on a seat that does not need a tether. So a RF seat can be used, a FF seat without a tether (I don't know if they even have those), or a booster seat.

My nephew rides in a high back booster in our 3rd row. I sat back there with him over the weekend and had plenty of space. In fact it was quite comfortable.

I personally love the CX-9. It was rated SUV/Truck of the year for 2008. It is a very fun car to drive and gets great gas mileage for an SUV. It is very reasonably priced for a 7 passenger SUV. It has a lot of features of the more expensive SUV's. The top one can have GPS, backup camera, and DVD player to name a few.

We have a 2008 CX-9. I can have my husband check to see if the 2009's will have tethers in the 3rd row. He works for Mazda.

Oh that is great to hear that you can install CSR on the 3rd row. Like I said for me it's more about needing to be able to use a booster on the 3rd row.

I really like the look of the CX-9 (sporty looking & looks smaller the other cross-overs). It is on my short list even though dh doesn't really like the look but I will be the one driving it and not him. LOL!!!

[mamaofthree]

Is the CX-9 gonna make a hybrid? I need to know more info about the hybrid battery things. If they cost thousands of dollars to replace that is a serious turn off. Someone mentioned it here or another thread, and I came across it in my googling frenzy. I haven't researched it well yet. Does anyone know? Do the manufacturers disclose it when you buy a hybrid?

Kimberly

[jewlsvern]

Mazda will probably not make a hybrid. They do not see them as cost efficient. They do not really get that much better gas mileage. The only reason they have the tribute hybrid is because of the ford escape.

[jdchic3]

I am glad to hear that about the CX-9! I REALLY want one! Is the gauge console as cool looking as the pic online? I too would be REALLY excited to hear about the 2009 model!

[mamaofthree]

They came out in '05. They look exactly the same as a regular Ford Escape which there are a LOT of on the road, which is why you might not have noticed them. Of course they have some hybrid badging, but other than that, the look is exactly the same as the regular Escape.

The reason not everyone is driving one? For us, it was because it doesn't tow enough. The V6 Escape tows 3500# properly equipped whereas the hybrid can only tow 1000 #. So, we ended up having to go with the regular gas version. :(

I talked to my uncle, who used to sell Fords. He said the Escape hybrid is good, very popular but hard to get. Not too many made so you pay sticker price. I really don't see why there aren't more hybrids like this. 34 mpg, thats awesome!! That's a big towing diff though, so I see why some people can't get the hybrid, but do most people that drive SUV's really tow things? I know I don't/wouldn't.

Kimberly

[mamaofthree]

Is it just me or does the CX-9 seem kind of expensive? I think it's the same price as the Pilot? I really want to go test drive these two for comparison. If anyone else does it before me I'd love a full report, lol.

Kimberly

[Melanie]

Alright, so when someone here test drives the CX-9 and reads the manual they need to report back to the rest of us!

I read the manual, but didn't drive it. There are no top tethers in the third row, which is what keeps it from being able to hold car seats. I don't remember it saying anything about not putting boosters there. You wouldn't be able to use one with LATCH obviously. No car seats in the third row was the deal killer for me.

[jdchic3]

Is it just me or does the CX-9 seem kind of expensive? I think it's the same price as the Pilot? I really want to go test drive these two for comparison. If anyone else does it before me I'd love a full report, lol.

Kimberly

It does seem to run about the same price, at least based on the base price. But you're getting a larger vehicle when you get the CX-9. I don't know if you looked at that link to the popular mechanics reviews, but the CX-9 clearly has much more room than four of the other five SUVs.

[TechnoGranola]

It does seem to run about the same price, at least based on the base price. But you're getting a larger vehicle when you get the CX-9. I don't know if you looked at that link to the popular mechanics reviews, but the CX-9 clearly has much more room than four of the other five SUVs.Except that is the pre '09 Pilot in that article. The '09 Pilot is now on the same platform as the new MDX so has changed. I can't speak for whether or not it has more room than the old Pilot or the CX-9, but it's a possibility.

I totally would have considered the CX-9 if it would have towed more than 3500 lbs. It's a very poor tow rating for a vehicle of that size, especially when smaller SUV's can tow 3500#.

[TechnoGranola]

That's a big towing diff though, so I see why some people can't get the hybrid, but do most people that drive SUV's really tow things? I know I don't/wouldn't.I don't know. I know that one of the reasons we were looking at SUV's is because we needed something that would tow, but didn't want a truck that was even worse on gas mileage and not as family friendly since we only have one vehicle. I'd think that if we had no use for towing we would have considered large sedans with better fuel ratings (but since we weren't in that position, I can't really say for sure!).

[jewlsvern]

Is it just me or does the CX-9 seem kind of expensive? I think it's the same price as the Pilot? I really want to go test drive these two for comparison. If anyone else does it before me I'd love a full report, lol.

Kimberly

The base model CX-9 starts at 29,000 roughly. I know nothing about the Pilot as we only drives Mazdas.

[jdchic3]

Another thing is that we'll have to see how much the 2009 Pilot starts out at. It may be higher than the current model.

[michele_lee1972]

We just bought a 2008 Ford Taurus X and I love it. We were looking at the GMC Acadia and the Chrysler Pacifica also. The Taurus is very afordable even with a lot of the "extras". It has the option of either a bench seat or captains chairs for the second row. I opted for the captains chairs so that I could put both car seats in the second row and still access the third row without having to move the seats or car seats. So far it has exceeded all my expectations.

[Melanie]

Yesterday DH and I looked at the Mazda 9, Mazda 5 and the 08 & 09 Honda Pilots. We didn't drive any of them...just poked around and looked at space, LATCH, etc. I also didn't really look at price or anything else that I could look up myself when I got home.

Mazda 9 - to me, wasn't as nice IRL as I was expecting. The dash was cool & sporty. The body style is the sportiest. The third row felt smaller than the Pilot. I think it's advertised to have more cargo room than the Pilot, but the room behind the 3rd row is smaller than the 09 Pilot. No LATCH anchors (not even top anchors) in the third row. A booster should work in the third row - but I think I'll want a latchable one when the time comes so doesn't work for me.

Mazda 5 - overall could be great for the right family, but doesn't work for mine. The third row is very small. My 5'4" DD wouldn't be comfortable back there unless the middle seat was all the way forward...and then a car seat wouldn't fit in the seat in front of her. Of course, no real trunk space behind the third row. I loved the sliding doors.

08 Pilot vs 09 Pilot - The 2009 seems to have fixed some of the shortcomings of of the 2008. The 09 sits up a bit higher. IMO, the 09 looks more aggressive and the 08 looks more grocery getter. 08 has LATCH outboard 2nd row seats and top tethers in all 3 seats in 2nd & third rows. 09 still has top tethers for all seats in 2nd & third rows. 2nd row now has 3 sets of lower LATCH anchors (I think someone else said you can use all three at the same time). One outboard third row seat has lower LATCH. 09 has more space behind the third row. The covered storage compartment under the cargo area is also larger. The headrests must be removed to fold the third row in the 08 (they store in a small compartment in the space under the cargo area). The 09 headrests slide down into the seat so they don't need to be removed...freeing up valuable cargo space.

09 Pilot was my favorite by far.

[Melanie]

Here's a decent article comparing 6 of the mid-size SUV's with 3rd row http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4220226.html For each vehicle, they actually have a video showing you trunk space with and without 3rd row up. Keep in mind that the Pilot they tested is NOT the new '09 which is on a new platform. Thus, not sure how the new Pilot compares with the rest now.

Just want to add that the 09 Pilot has more room in the cargo area than the version they tested.

[mamaofthree]

I don't think the 2009 Mazda CX-9 is out yet, but does anyone know if it will have LATCH in the 3rd row at all? Thanks!!

Kimberly

[jen_nah]

I don't think the 2009 Mazda CX-9 is out yet, but does anyone know if it will have LATCH in the 3rd row at all? Thanks!!

Kimberly

The current '08 model does not have LATCH or top tethers alone in the 3rd row. Unless the '09 model has gone through a complete redo which I doubt since it's a new model then no it won't most likely.

[rosey2007]

I would recommend the Hyundai that was mentioned in an earlier post. I have had two Hyundai Elantras and you get a lot for a little money. I have also heard that Hyundai(not the ones from the 80's)is more reliable then many of the other brands of cars out there. The Hyundai Veracruz is Hyundai's highest priced SUV, but you do get a lot for the money. Hyundai also make Kia which might be a good choice for you.

[MandiRN]

Okay, I just read the child restraint section in the 2009 Honda Pilot manual.

For LATCH:


So, BOTH lower anchors and tether anchors are supplied for THREE seating positions in the 2nd row and for the passenger side 3rd row seat. :thumbsup:

Then, the 3rd row also has tether anchors only for the other 2 seats in the 3rd row. And they are located at the back of the seats so you don't have to have a tether strap running through your cargo area. :thumbsup:

Wow, the '09 Pilot is looking GREAT!

I think it's great that Honda added LATCH to the center of the second row. My 04 doesn't have it. I do however think that the 09 is ugly. :twocents: If I wanted a Ridgeline, I'd buy one! I don't need the Pilot looking so much like it.