Top Ten Third Row Solutions for Petrolheads

Introduction

Petrolheads have a plethora of sporty options for 2 seat and 4/5 seat automobiles, but with 3 row vehicles, the options appear lacking. That is why i compiled a list of recommendations to save petrolheads everywhere from driving a boring advertisement for birth control and suggest some people movers for petrolheads. (No particular order)

#1. Ford Flex

This AWD (optional) 3-row wagon/crossover flys under most people’s radar, but this is essentially a three-row station wagon. The optional AWD is a must have, and you have good engine choices of either a 3.5L Duratec V6 (producing 262 hp and 248 lb/ft torque from 09’-12’ or 287 hp and 254 lb/ft torque from 13’-present) or a 3.5L Ecoboost Twin-turbo V6 producing 355 hp and 350 lb./ft torque and gaining an additional 10 hp from 2013 onwards. Unfortunately, all this horsepower is hampered by a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission. Another thing to note is that with 4,000 lbs. of towing capability, the Ford Flex could probably tow a race car of sorts. The Ford Flex is not the ideal car for every petrolhead, but it’s features are quite enticing.

#2. Toyota Previa

If you don’t already know, the Toyota Previa was a Mid-Engined, Rear or All-wheel drive minivan sold by Toyota from 1990 to 1999 which can easily seat seven people. In stock form, the Previa is powered by a wimpy 133 hp inline four, or an optional supercharged inline-four producing 158 hp (and 190 lb./ft torque), offered from 1994 onwards in North America.

#3. BMW X5

Most of BMW’s automobiles are very driver focused, and even though this in an SUV, that still applies. The engine choices are the best part of the X5 with a single turbo 300hp inline six, a 308 hp hybrid 4 cylinder, or a 445 hp V8. Unfortunately, there is no manual option and even worse is that X5 M does not have a third-row option.

#4. Volvo XC90

Similar to the X5, the XC90 is an attractive, fast luxury SUV, but has an edge on the X5 in several areas. The XC90 comes in at a slightly more affordable option to the X5, and has fresh updated styling. The XC90 T6 has a 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged 4 Cylinder making 316 hp and the T8 Hybrid has the same twin charged 2.0L 4 Cylinder but the hybrid drive brings the numbers up to 400 hp and 472 lb./ft torque. Still no manual option or performance model just as with the X5.

#5. Range Rover Sport

I know I am including a lot of luxury SUVs in this list, but you just can’t leave out the Range Rover Sport. The Range Rover Sport is upmarket of both the X5 and the XC90 and provides even more performance while remaining the most capable off-road. 7 seats is an option on all of the Range Rover Sport Range, unfortunately not on the SVR, and that means you can either have a 340 hp V6, or a 510 hp V8. Upkeep on the Range Rover is difficult, but if you appreciate automotive technological advancement, the Range Rover Sport is your ride.

#6. Dodge Ram Van "Dojivan"

It may seem a bit unconventional to petrol heads to buy a big work van, but aside from being incredibly useful for carrying car parts and tools, this Dodge van has been adapted for drifting in Japan. The Ram Van has the benefit of a big V8, RWD, and a lower ride height. So just like the Previa, this an amazing drift van, but the Ram Van has a big honking V8. Below is an explanation of Japanese Dajivans.

#7. Old 3 row American Wagons: Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser, Ford Country Squire, Chrysler Town and Country, etc.

Before minivans and SUVs stole the show, three-row wagons were the king of family cars. These wagons are classy and practical all in one. If you want to buy a family car that looks cool, and old 60s or early 70s wagon should do the trick. Also, many of these wagons can be had with a V8 and manual, unlike some of the modern options on this list. Its also quite easy to engine swap one of these wagons compared to modern cars. Just think of how cool you will be with a three-row wagon American muscle car.

#8. Bismoto Honda Odyssey

The standard Honda Odyssey is anything but cool, with one of its selling points being a built-in vacuum cleaner. Fortunately, there is a modification company who can give you some 1,000 hp hot sauce for this bland burger of a car. The strangest thing about this machine is probably the fact that its 1029 hp V6 puts all that power through the front wheels. Overall, this car is crazy but retains its practicality as a family hauler. Just make sure to strap in your kids before you break out dem mad skidz boiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

#9. Mercedes R-Class

The Mercedes R-Class is similar to the Ford Flex in concept but adds the option for more performance and luxury. Sales wise, the R-Class was a flop, and many people have never even heard of it, but this just gives it a sort of exclusivity. The R63 AMG is the craziest R-Class with 507 hp 6.2L V8, and extremely rare. Look for this to either be a future classic, so get one while its an under the radar steal.

#10. Mercedes and Volvo old 3 row wagons (rear facing seats).

Not just old American third-row wagons are cool, as Europe had some good offerings back in the day too. Both Mercedes and Volvo offered an extra rear facing bench seat in the back, before safety standards made rear facing seat less attractive. Unlike the American land yachts, these wagons are reasonably compact, while still giving you that extra row of seats. Of course, you would not like to use those seats normally, but the situations where you need the extra seats are going to be rare but the seats are still helpful. These wagons are a better option than a boring minivan or crossover, just on the fact that they are so much better looking, not to mention their better handling. Engine swap one of these, and then I believe you deserve a prize. Examples are the Mercedes w123 and Volvo 240, 740, and 940.

Bonus: Subaru Viziv 7

Soon we may have another good third-row option for petrol-heads with Subaru’s first three-row SUV since the Tribeca. Unlike the Tribeca, the Subaru Viziv looks handsome and brings a refreshing take on the segment of third row SUVs. If the production version of the Viziv turns out anything like the rest of Subaru’s products, this will be a good car for petrolheads. I can’t wait to see where this can take the Subaru brand which has only grown in the last few years. #blogpost

Honorable Mentions: Mazda 5, Volkswagen Atlas, Dodge Durango, Toyota Landcruiser, Chrysler Pacifica, Mazda CX-9, Ford Excursion, Audi Q7, Ford Transit, and tons more I likely forgot (comment below).