If you’ve been searching for the perfect car with 3rd-row seating then you may have heard a thing or two about the Toyota RAV4.
There often seems to be some confusion about whether there is a RAV4 with enough seating for big families, and what other popular SUVs with third-row seating are available today. We have gathered all the information you need to know about the RAV4s seating and if it can suit your needs.
The answer to this is unfortunately not straightforward. There are a variety of models from certain years that have 3rd-row seating, meaning it is often hit or miss if a RAV4 year/model will have the seats you require. This is because of less consumer demand for extra seating during previous releases.
The compact design is a big selling point of the RAV4 but other SUVs in the same price range sport much roomier interiors.
Many come with 8 person seating, this means that the RAV4 is not the best vehicle to seat more than 5 people and may not be the most comfortable vehicle if you have a larger family or need more seating in your car.
For some, the third-row RAV4’s are a highly sought-after vehicle with structural perks and comfortable seating. However, you may struggle to fit adults into this tight space, and children’s car seats won’t have much elbow room once installed.
The older models of the RAV4 will have third-row seating available and can be found quite readily on the market. However, it is still a small SUV so won’t provide high capacity if this is what you’re searching for. This feature was not a popular choice in vehicles during these years and was discontinued because of this.
The bonus to these models contains some impressive features such as a V6 engine and highly rated safety features. The 2009 model contains advanced airbag systems, vehicle stability control, and traction control. This led to the title of Top Safety Pick for its year by the Institute for Highway Safety.
Unfortunately newer RAV 4’s have had the addition of extra seating deemed unnecessary and after 2012, they stopped making RAV4’s with third-row seating available.
The seating capacity for 2012+ models is 5 (including the driver) and even that can be a squeeze due to the small footprint this vehicle has. This limited capacity is to be expected for a vehicle of this size as Toyota has focused on providing larger space in their range of other full-sized SUVs.
The newer models do sport some stylish and convenient features such as fabric upholstery and leather-wrapped shift stick and steering wheel.
There are also 6-way adjustable powered drivers seats which is an ideal feature if you regularly drive long distances or enjoy going on road trips as well as 10 cupholders in the cabin to provide plenty of storage.
The newest models can even feature Toyotas Star Safety System, Bluetooth, and infotainment options, meaning you can make up for the lack of third-row seating with impressive modern features and fittings.
Third-row seating has become a popular option amongst families who require extra seating without compromising on storage. The rise in popularity has seen a lot of car manufacturers focusing on ways to improve the mid-size crossovers and SUVs to make them more practical and efficient, without compromising on visual appeal.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the other full-sized SUV vehicles Toyota has to offer that do come with third-row seating.
With a larger price tag than the RAV4, the Toyota Sequoia can easily seat 8 passengers with towing features, V8 engines, and 4-wheel drive. With all models sporting the 3rd-row seating alongside newer models having a complete redesign.
The third generation will arrive in the all-new 2023 model with a powerful twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain.
Toyota has given the 2022 4Runner its first major update since 2010 featuring 5-speed automatic transmission and the addition of a third-row being available on all terms excluding the TRD Pro. Every model has a 270-hp V-6 making for a reliable ride, with the only downside being its mpg of 16 or 19 on the highway.
The new Highlander features impressive cargo space with optional folding of the third-row seating as well as a more impressive fuel economy than the 4Runner at 35mpg hybrid and 29mpg in the gas-only version.
The low roofline has caused some issues for taller users, however, if you are looking for a vehicle to easily cart the kids around then you may not find this to be an issue.
The lack of headroom is made up for by its impressive range of modern specs including an 8.0 touchscreen featuring 4G LTE, Wi-fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Android Auto even on the base trim as standard.
The Limited and Platinum models sport a giant 12.3-inch display making this a seriously impressive 8-seater vehicle by Toyota.
Some of the most commonly reported issues with the Toyota RAV4 include powertrain-related problems as well as automatic transmission issues and transmission noise issues.
The most popular and highly rated year for the RAV4 seems to be the 2016-2018 models. This is from the fourth generation that removed the mounted rear spare tire and featured a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission in petrol, diesel, and a petrol hybrid engine.
Although the RAV4 has impressive fuel economy and technology, the engine noise and comfort level turn some people off to this family-friendly vehicle.
The RAV4 has a good 5-year resale value and will depreciate by around 40% after 5 years out of the showroom. This makes it one of the best vehicles for overall long-term value from Toyota.
When purchasing a new or used vehicle it can be difficult to differentiate between models and years in order to properly choose the best features and design for your needs.
Third-row seating is a highly popular option amongst families wanting extra space without losing out on the trunk space they require. The older models of the RAV4 can be an affordable way to get the perfect vehicle for your family.
