3rd row seating & 2 carseats in the 2nd row

bonnin507

We are looking to get a vehicle w/ a 3rd row, but it's hard to find one w/ bucket seats in the 2nd row.  We keep thinking that we'd need to remove a carseat from the 2nd row in order to get to the 3rd row if the 2nd row is a bench.  Is this true?  or is it possible to have both seat in the 2nd row bench & still get to the 3rd row?

Daisy22

We have a Honda Pilot. We have two options: put all three seats on the middle row or put ds1 on half of the 3rd row then put ds2 and baby next to each other on the middle row. If we do the 2nd option then new baby will be in the middle and DS2 behind the driver seat. I have no problems put everyone next to each other through.

bonnin507

Daisy22:

We have a Honda Pilot. We have two options: put all three seats on the middle row or put ds1 on half of the 3rd row then put ds2 and baby next to each other on the middle row. If we do the 2nd option then new baby will be in the middle and DS2 behind the driver seat. I have no problems put everyone next to each other through.

so then the "access" seat to the 3rd row is free to operate?  or can you actually remove it? 

shopgirl78

I have a Honday Odyssey and the middle "magic" seat removes in the 2nd row.  This allows access to the third row where my DS1 sits.   DS2 is in a convertible and sits behind the passenger.  My DD is in a booster (6.5) and sits behind the driver. 

kagl08

We have a 2012 GMC Acadia. It has bucket seats in the 2nd row and a fairly roomy 3rd row. It's got a minivan inside with an SUV outside. I absolutely love my car! It's very possible to access the 3rd row in my car. We have 2 RFing car seats in the 2nd row and just have to move the passenger seat forward a bit to get to the 3rd row. Once you've done it a few times it's really easy.

I know the Buick Enclave is the same with bucket seats in the 2nd row, just a cheaper model with not as many features.

KRB8

I have a Honda Odyssey with captain chairs in the second row.  Our seats are spaced so you walk between the two captain chairs to get to the 3rd row.  Although, I can move the captain seat that's behind the passenger into the center of the 2nd row.  Then you would have access to the 3rd row as soon as you walk in the door on that side.  Right now we plan on keeping the captain chairs apart.  I don't want DD1 being too close to DD2.  I envision her "hitting" DD2 with toys or something.

TheMutleys

I was going to recommend the Acadia as well.  We test drove one on Saturday and I loved it!  I tested out our carseats in all sorts of positions.  We will probably be getting a 2nd row bench though.  I want the ability to put 3 carseats across the middle in the future.  From all of my research, this is possible with 2 radian carseats and an infant seat. 

I was still able to get to the 3rd row when 1 carseat was installed in the 2nd row.  One part of the bench was still able to move forward.  I do think that IF I had a radian (not my britax) that I might have been able to fit 2 carseats on the other part of the bench and still pull the other section forward to get to the back.

I really love that it has tons of interior space without being bulky to drive.  I know that we'll eventually need an even larger SUV but I'd like to hold out as long as possible.  Haha.  

Daisy22

bonnin507:

Daisy22:

We have a Honda Pilot. We have two options: put all three seats on the middle row or put ds1 on half of the 3rd row then put ds2 and baby next to each other on the middle row. If we do the 2nd option then new baby will be in the middle and DS2 behind the driver seat. I have no problems put everyone next to each other through.

so then the "access" seat to the 3rd row is free to operate?  or can you actually remove it? 

It holds down then pulls up/forward if that makes sense. There is plenty of room for DS1 to get back into his seat himself and if I have to I can lean back there to buckle him in. I like that the 3rd row is a 40/60 split so his carseat will be on the 40 part so the 60 part is still laid down for the stroller and other stuff. And I like that if we need soemthing more to fit in the back like when we go to disney we can put all 3 on the middle row.

NavyPilotWife

Some things to think about:  Are you going to use your third row a lot?  Unless you get a minivan or a large SUV (suburban, XL tahoe, etc), you are going to lose your trunk space with your third row up.  I have a Cadillac SRX with a third row.  I keep it down and have plenty of room for my double BOB and groceries.  With the third row up, I can put an umbrella stroller back there.  It's not even enough space for my in-laws' luggage, when they come to visit.

As far as accessing the third row with car seats, If I put one child in the middle and one behind the driver, I could access it without moving the car seats.   

JenniferL923

I also recommend looking at the Acadia.  I have one, but it has the bench seat in the middle.  I still love it.  The captain's chairs in the middle would be a better option if we were for sure having three, but for now, it works perfect for us.  Plenty of space!

mjcleve

We just bought a Yukon yesterday since we'll need the 3rd row in September.  It has bucket seats and so much space to crawl into the back even with the two carseats in the bucket seats.  Also a ton of storage space in the rear for double strollers and such.  Highly recommend it!