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Can anyone recommend a good SUV that has an option of a 3rd row? We currently drive a 2008 BMW 528xi and the lease is up in August. We need a bigger car because we have 2 dogs and are planning on having a baby very soon. The dogs take up the entire backseat and we plan on having the 3rd row just for them, not human passengers. We don't want them to sit in the cargo area due to safety reasons, which is why the 3rd row is necessary.
We're looking at the BMW X5, but are curious to see if there are any others we should consider. And we are not interested in minivans! Thanks for any help!
Do you buckle your dogs in or something? Not trying to be insulting, but how is 3rd row seating safer for dogs than a cargo area?
Yes, they have harnesses that attach to the belts. My friend was hit from the side at a very low speed, but still enough to send her dog flying through the windshield in the cargo area. We always had the belts, but now use them 100% of the time.
I would suggest the Ford Flex, Buick Enclave or even Acura MDX, but since you're fortunate enough to be in the next price range up, I'd definitely recommend Lincoln Navigator or Caddy Escalade. The X5's 3rd row is a joke; trying to fasten the dogs in those elfin seats requires you to be a chinese contortionist!
We're looking at the BMW X5, but are curious to see if there are any others we should consider. And we are not interested in minivans! Thanks for any help!
Acura MDX is very similar in terms of size and specs (engine size, etc..).
chevy suburban or escalade have 3rd row seating they may chew through a bit more gas but they are easy to fix at any independant shop and to find parts for.
dang speedy you beat me too it
Yes, they have harnesses that attach to the belts. My friend was hit from the side at a very low speed, but still enough to send her dog flying through the windshield in the cargo area. We always had the belts, but now use them 100% of the time.
ETA: This is what we use:
Fair enough, I didn't know those even existed.
In that case I'd vote for a Land Cruiser too, provided it fits your budget.
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