I've got a RAV4 that will seat 5 OK. But we sometimes need a 6th seat. So I was thinking about a Highlander.

Question is....is the 3rd row seating a real option for adults, especially older (60+ adults) ?
And if so, is the 2nd row Captains Seats better than the Bench ?

Not really on first question. We’ve got a 2019 and it would be tough for an older person to climb in and out. The second row captain’s seats are quite comfortable.

Third row seating would be okay for a shorter adult but an older adult would likely have a difficult time climbing between the captains seats. The second row seats are very comfortable for an adult even up to 6'2".

If you end up needing space behind the 3rd row for something such as luggage on a road trip, the space behind the 3rd row is quite limited.

We never looked at the middle bench options but now looking back at it, I think that's the way I should've gone. Or even better yet, I'm thinking we would've been better off with the Sienna or Odyssey.

Not a Toyotie, but after two years with my Durango I was convinced that the third row would be usable only by small children.
And the earlier comment about limited cargo space with the third row in use is dead on.

I’m in the same situation. With two parents and two kids, there’s no room for a guest. I always end up taking my Tacoma separately. We are seriously considering selling the RAV4 and getting a newer Highlander. The kids can get in the back.

a van may suit your needs better

We have a 2020 Highlander with captains chairs and third row. Access to the third row is better than any other vehicle we looked at, but my knees make it hard for me to get in and out. My wife and our two teenage granddaughters have no problem.

quote:

Originally posted by nasig:
a van may suit your needs better

This is exactly what I told the kids when they asked the same question, they bought the Highlander.

When I went to "check the back seat out" It was difficult to get in and for a while when getting out there was a point that I thought I would never be able to get out. No kidding, and my son was ready to catch me as I popped out of the back.

As. far as sitting, it was fine if I didn't mind riding with my knees under my chin while sitting on a park bench.

The back seat is a friggen joke and totally useless.

Bob

Thanks for all the input. I'll can that idea.

quote:

Originally posted by nasig:
a van may suit your needs better

Two reasons why I wish we went with the van:

-sliding side doors
-easier getting in/out

The reason why I did not go with the van:

-very large and it would have had trouble fitting into the garage. I do not park cars outside and never will. Don't understand why you'd leave a $40k vehicle outside to protect junk inside of the garage.

We have had 2 Ford Flex's, and love them. Amazing amount of passenger room and decent room behind 3rd row for luggage when seats are up. It has a well like a minivan, giving more space to store. It also has all wheel drive and 365 HP, so it gets up and goes! Both were extremely reliable also. Best part is they are not well loved and you can get deals on them usually.

quote:

Originally posted by sigseller2000:
We have had 2 Ford Flex's, and love them. Amazing amount of passenger room and decent room behind 3rd row for luggage when seats are up. It has a well like a minivan, giving more space to store. It also has all wheel drive and 365 HP, so it gets up and goes! Both were extremely reliable also. Best part is they are not well loved and you can get deals on them usually.

Another Flex owner here. My wife drives a 2013 SEL FWD with 120k miles on it.
I'm 6'0" & can fit in the third row, though I probably wouldn't want to for an extended drive. But, my knees aren't in my chest, either. It has a full footwell so you sit like you would in the 2nd row. And, there's A/C vents for the 3rd row, so it's not stuffy there.

Used, they're a bargain. I've seen newer Flex Limited for pretty attractive prices. As long as you can get over the box-on-wheels styling.

It drives very car-like & we average about 19-21mpg with my wife's commute (no highway).

I do wish we have the 2nd row bucket seats, as it makes the 3rd row tough to use with kids in carseats. But, it's a straight swap (if you can find a set).

We currently have a a 2020 with captains seats. I really do not like the captains seats because you miss out on an extra seat. We have our car seat in one and if we want to haul other folks we have to think about what we have in back and remove the items for the third row to be deployed. The issue was my wife wanted the higher trim and they one come with captain seats.
The third row for most medium size SUVS is tight. Crawling in and out would be difficult for someone with mobility issues. Having a good side step would help.

Forgot, we have captains chairs with a center console which has a refrigerator, which is kick ass. The seats power fold via a button on the pillar, so getting in and out is easy.

Don't forget to try the Mazda CX-9

The seats are comfortable but the climb in the back will never be easy on old folk. The most comfortable car I’ve ever owned for multiple adults is a mini van. Easy in and out, seats are good, you can get the proverbial sheet of plywood inside one.

no way would be my answer based on transporting my 90yo mom and her friends in her highlander. Literally anything short of a minivan will be tough IMO. They don't do well on my expedition for example.

I'm still trying to get past 60+ being "older" folks.

I have an older Highlander and I'm over 60. I cant imagine anyone over 55 enjoying getting in and out of the 3rd row seating. Frankly, I question the 3rd row seating concept in Highlanders or similar vehicles.

We have a 2019 highlander. The 3rd row is pretty much only comfortable for kids. We have the captains seats and love them, but it does take a seat away. That being said going 3 wide in a. Highlander would not be fun for an extended period of time anyway.