See, at least you use an SUV for what it's made for like towing and off-pavement driving. Unfortunately, there are millions of others who get truck-based SUVs or large CUVs and specifically want the 3rd row though they will never drive offroad or tow anything. At least you take yours on adventures!n8dogg wrote:Hey, I resemble that remark!KuroNekko wrote:
In the US, many have a mindset that bigger is better. Sometimes it is, but not always. The third-row SUV phenomenon always puzzles me. People overvalue those terrible third rows in SUVs and if they were so important to one's family, get a minivan. They are so much better in terms of access and comfort. However, people have this mindset that certain things are good or gotta-haves... like 3rd row seats in SUVs so they think bigger is better.
We proudly owned a mini-van (2004 Toyota Sienna XLE with tow package) for years and we really did enjoy it. But I was towing and bringing more and more toys with it every time we vacationed somewhere with it. I'm sure I was past weight limits with it on more than one occasion. Although I did my best to mitigate it with things like a weight distribution hitch, helper air bags in the rear coil suspension, trailer brake controller and upgraded dual piston front brakes with larger rotors and so on. But alas, I could only do so much with that van. AND we regularly used that third row seat. I only have two children, but they have grandparents and friends and dogs and we love bringing company on our adventures!
The third row really is a joke on most SUV's, they seem to be installed as an after thought. We sat in many, nothing in the mid size would come close to the space of a mini-van. Even in the full size market (Tahoe/Yukon/Expedition), the third row is was cramped unless you went extended length (Suburban/Yukon XL/Expedition EL) and even then we still found them uncomfortable for long hauls. For us it came down to the Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada. On paper, both very comparable. On price, at least for 2013 models, the Armada was $10k less! There is definitely less room behind the third row for cargo, seeing how these models can't be had in extended lengths, but the third row is roomy and comfortable. So we got the Armada Platinum Reserve! It has auto leveling rear air suspension, It tows our little trailer and gear without braking a sweat, it hauls my son and I with our mountain bikes up an on old logging road with ruts that the Sienna never could have, and on and on and on.....
Now I just need a bigger trailer, because bigger IS better!
I had to talk my sister-in-law out of wanting a Toyota Sequoia and getting a minivan. Living in So Cal, she doesn't need AWD or 4x4 and has absolutely nothing to tow but has three kids. She got a Chrysler Pacifica and now gets it why minivans are the superior people-hauler. I just wished they could have waited for the PHEV version given they often take short local trips in it.
As for your Nissan Armada, it sounds like it was the better deal. Toyota trucks are often overpriced with inflated resale value. They are great trucks but I question the halo-status they have on resale value. It's also possible that the Nissan was cheaper given there is a new generation Nissan Armada now which is based on a different vehicle; the Nissan Patrol. Unlike your Titan-based Armada that was made in the USA, the new one is made in Japan and based on a global platform. Maybe these big changes made the older Armada a better deal on the used market? As for the Toyota Sequoia, the 2013 model year still shares the same generation as the current one though it's ten years old now.
Speaking of full-size Japanese SUVs, I really wish Toyota would give us a cheaper, austere version of the Land Cruiser for more adventure and duty usage... like the rest of the world gets. The USDM Land Cruiser seems redundant to the Lexus LX version given they are both luxed up and cost 80K and above. Yeah, I get it why American consumers should have a luxury version but I find the LC and LX too similar, especially when Toyota currently lacks more dedicated offroaders other than the 4Runner (which has gotten big and expensive).
I hope the new Suzuki Jimny becomes a global sales success so Toyota and others realize the universal thirst for cheaper and smaller dedicated 4x4s and give us something fun and affordable.
sold)
