2017 Honda Pilot
The 2017 Honda Pilot is a recent redesign as well. Again, it trims down on the squarish appearance and puts more emphasis on comfort. You’d think that means it’s less capable off the beaten path, but not so. The Honda i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system keeps traction on most surfaces and its 5,000-pound towing capacity is plenty for most weekend warriors.
The Pilot also has available second-row bucket seats. But because the third row has space for three smaller passengers, the total seating only drops from eight to seven with that option. If you’re in the market for one of the best SUVs with third row seating, take a hard look at the Honda.
2017 Mazda CX-9
Some may be less than enthusiastic about a Mazda thanks to a history of underpowered vehicles. The 2017 Mazda CX-9 might change that for you. Its 250-horsepower SKYACTIV-G engine begins to earn the “zoom-zoom” motto again. Attention to detail is just as important here, earning the CX-9 high marks all around for quality materials, innovative designs, and excellent standard and available equipment.
Yes, the Mazda CX-9 has a third-row seat. It falls short on the legroom with only 29.7 inches for the backseat riders. And while the third-row space is a little cramped, we love everything else about the 2017 CX-9.
2017 Kia Sorento
There’s a great competitor that’s often overlooked: the 2017 Kia Sorento. It’s quite a vehicle, especially dressed up in the fancy trim levels like the SX and SXL V6. You’ll find a 290-horsepower V6 under the hood there, instead of the standard-equipment 185-horsepower 4-cylinder, and an optional AWD system that’s truly capable too. Who knew?
A couple of the trim levels only come in five-passenger configurations: the Sorento L and the Sorento EX. All others are equipped with seating for seven. Third-row legroom is respectable too, measuring up to 31.7 inches. Long drives won’t be cozy but it’s probably all rightfor short jaunts.
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