3-Row SUV for Midlife Crisis

The Critic

The Critic

Joined
Aug 30, 2004
Messages
33,797
Location
CA
My wife woke-up one day and decided she wants an early midlife crisis vehicle. Here are her desired requirements, in order of importance:

- 3rd row that can comfortably sit an average-sized male adult for a road trip.
- 2nd row Captain Chairs
- Panoramic moonroof
- A seemingly upscale interior
- An exterior color that is similar to Audi's Nardo Gray
- Reasonably good acceleration (e.g. under 7 second 0-60)

Price point: Less than $100K

Condition: New or less than 1 yr old/15K miles

Other preferences that would be nice to have but are not critical: brown interior color, available 10 yr extended warranty from OEM, reasonable reliability and parts availability, rear entertainment system for kids.

Vehicles we have looked at:

TX 500h Luxury: workable, but her desired color combination is rare and the market has priced it accordingly.
GLS450: 3rd row is too small
Yukon AT4 Ultimate: doesn't like exterior appearance or interior quality.
Escalade: exceeds budget

Looking for suggestions.

Thanks.
 
Great topic, looking forward to reading contributors thoughts.

I was not familiar with the TX 500h. Just did a hasty search on the TX 500h, wow very nice. Only question is how much more or less the third-row space does have compared to other SUVs on your list. I think the new/ under 1-year old protects you from the GM 6.2l bearings issues that reportedly was corrected in 2025.
 
The recently facelifted Suburban or yukon xl. There's also an updated expedition max which I think has a color more close to that called dark matter if I recall but its only been out for a few months I think. I wouldn't bother with anything short wheel base.
 
JavierH19 said:
The recently facelifted Suburban or yukon xl. There's also an updated expedition max which I think has a color more close to that called dark matter if I recall but its only been out for a few months I think. I wouldn't bother with anything short wheel base.
Click to expand...

Isn't a Yukon At4 OP doesn't like the quality of- a facelifted suburban?
 
UncleDave said:
Isn't a Yukon At4 OP doesn't like the quality of- a facelifted suburban?
Click to expand...
The at4 is an ugly off road looking trim that to me looks bad and something I'd never buy. The non at4 looks fine to me. I don't see how the interior quality is bad on these, maybe she wants to steer him past the budget by liking an escalade or navigator. I complain that my non sport escalade premium luxury doesn't have enough chrome and flashiness to it and it has the most you can get. Maybe I'm just old but I love chrome. I can hardly stand these modern blacked out designs. I could never get something like the at4 or sport escalade.
 
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THIS popped up in my area when just looking to see what it is. Very nice vehicle, good price on this one but I'm sure CA prices are different.
 
Rivian R1S? :unsure:

Otherwise, any 3-row Toyota/Lexus would be the safest choice.

There's also the Durango Hellcat :D

WOW "reasonably good" 0-60 is under 7.0 seconds!

Also, the only thing that will satisfy the first criterion of an adult-size third row is a minivan, sorry :sneaky:
IDK when Mercedes stopped putting a third seat in their wagons, but otherwise, an E63 wagon would've been a contender.

Maybe an ID Buzz might work for you
 
Easy choice..... https://lucidmotors.com/gravity

lucid-gravity-desktop-01_2x.webp


Next...

Sat in one over the weekend, they are gorgeous. Price point is close enough to what you are looking for.
 
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I don't like that figure because I'm cheap. I don't like the Korean twins either....Me, I think a full blown out Atlas and pocket the $40k...

I usually would not say Atlas but...not thrilled with GM or Ford
 
I configured a 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3L Turbo S Premium Plus - Platinum Quartz Metallic w/Tan Nappa Leather. MSRP $58,150 as shown.

https://www.mazdausa.com/shopping-tools/build-and-price#/25C90/25C90SPP/summary

1751929527072.webp


Mazda had some teething issues with the 1st-yr MY2024. The MY2025 is faring much better.

For reference, my relative wanted a PHEV, with the capability to pull a tear-drop trailer. She leased a '25 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium, and so far has put on 6k miles since December 2024, when she acquired it. Only black mark was a single recall event - nothing major.

The CX-70 and the CX-90 are built on the same platform, with the CX-70 having alot of cargo space in lieu of the 3rd row.
 
JavierH19 said:
The at4 is an ugly off road looking trim that to me looks bad and something I'd never buy. The non at4 looks fine to me. I don't see how the interior quality is bad on these, maybe she wants to steer him past the budget by liking an escalade or navigator. I complain that my non sport escalade premium luxury doesn't have enough chrome and flashiness to it and it has the most you can get. Maybe I'm just old but I love chrome. I can hardly stand these modern blacked out designs. I could never get something like the at4 or sport escalade.
Click to expand...
I hate interior chrome. Outside chrome can be ok on the right vehicle.

Inside chrome makes my eyes bleed on sunny day.

Blacked out look can be ok or stupid.
 
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