Any 7 passenger SUV owners out there..

[IZ]

including, the XC90, Q7, Pathfinder, Explorer, etc.?

I was looking forward to finally getting a 4 door Wrangler or Audi Q5 but the wife and I don't know if that'll be enough room for hauling us, the baby, family/friends, dog(s) and cargo.  So we're looking for an SUV with an optional 3rd row of seats that can be stowed.  We're not looking for a bus so the Suburban, Tahoe, Sequioa, Escalade-types are out. 

Any feedback/experience with the above or any other comparable models?
 

[The Bearded Duc]

My sister had a Nissan Armada and she absolutely loved it!!

Some background on her:
Her
Husband - around 280 lbs
Two small children (both with car seats at the time she had it)
Me - when I was visiting
Hauled a 25' boat along with above, no problems.

And she still had plenty of room for storage.

I used to drive it when I went to visit and, honestly, it doesn't feel/drive as big as it is. The Sequoia and Armada are almost equal in wheel base and overall length so it might be out for you as well but I figured I'd add my two cents.

Plus, the Armada comes in at around 3k less for the base model. Try to test drive one, you might be surprised.

[IZ]

I'll take a look tomorrow.  Nissan is a block away. Thanks

[Triple J]

We were given a rental Armada to drive from Boise to SLC for the WSBK races last year. It was friggin' sweet.   I'd at least look at a Tahoe. They really aren't all that big and I believe they get the best mileage for the class.

[Grampa]

dude.... you just need buy and old U-Hail box van and bolt a couch to the floor.


That'll cover the moving all the time thing too.

[IZ]

We were given a rental Armada to drive from Boise to SLC for the WSBK races last year. It was friggin' sweet.   I'd at least look at a Tahoe. They really aren't all that big and I believe they get the best mileage for the class.

We took Randy's Sequioa down to Fort Huachuca once to pick up a Duc.  That was a nice ride.  Lots of space with about 25 cupholders.  All of those vehicles are just too damn big for our needs though.  I'd be happy with a RAV4 or Nissan Juke but the wife is putting the foot down and possible up my azz if I suggest either one of those again!    The Pathfinder and XC90 are really pushing size limits for me.  

[IZ]

BP, I was watching RVs 2011 and got the idea to just buy a toy hauler and live in that!  Hauls kids, bikes, belongings, plus, can live in it! That would make things much easier!

[Punx Clever]

My grandma's new Tahoe is pretty slick.  I enjoyed driving it.  Me, my better half, mom, dad, and grandma plus groceries and a scooter for grandma on the back was no problem at all.  It also cuts 4 of the cylinders in low-load situations to save gas.  Good times!

[IZ]

Ahh..no Tahoe!!

[lethe]

Since you're always moving around, just move to Europe where you can get one of these. 

AUDI Q7 V12 TDI vs. BMW M5

Audi Q7 V12 TDI - iMOTOR drive

[IZ]

I was actually just checking out the Q7 passenger room when I saw your post.   

I think we just need the V6 however. 

[lethe]

I was actually just checking out the Q7 passenger room when I saw your post.   

I think we just need the V6 however. 

Can't get that monster engine here anyway and besides that thing would cost north of a 100k. 
Went looking at stuff ourselves this weekend and might end up going with a Q5. The Q7 is more than we would need both from a price standpoint and size.
Would you really need the third row you think?

[IZ]

We test drove the Q5 a couple weeks ago. fun vehicle and love the panoramic sunroof! I could use it for myself. I am just thinking ahead for the 3rd row option. Expecting baby soon and a lot of family visiting often.

[DW]

Bought an 07 pathfinder this winter for family hauling duty. Drives really nice for it's size, gets about 20 mpg on the highway, and is rated at 6000lbs towing capacity. Plenty of power in the v6. Body on frame construction, but doesn't squeak and rattle like the old ones. I drove several SUVs and found this to be the nicest driving real suv out there in my price range. Ready to go camping now!!!

It is based upon the same platform as the Armada, Xterra, and Frontier. Biggest difference between the Xterra and it is 3rd row seats and four wheel independent suspension.

[mitt]

You need to decide a couple things and that will narrow your choices.

1) frame or unibody construction?
2) transfer case?
3) towing capacity?
4) what types of seats do you want in the middle row - bench or captain?  (captain's chairs narrow down the list quickly)


I have been looking a lot lately also, and I haven't found the perfect 3rd row suv yet. 

For 1 kid and dogs, I don't really think you need a full size suv.  We have 2 kids and a dog and we can fit in a CRV & Xterra with a yakima rooftop box.