new vehicle with 3 rows of seating?

Question

My bride and I are in the market for a new vehicle. We would like something with 3 rows of seating and preferably either

(1) 4 bucket seats with a bench in the 3rd row

OR

(2) 2 buckets and 2nd and 3rd row benches WITH EASY ACCESS TO THE THIRD ROW.

Basically, we'd like the ability to move freely from the front row to the second row and possibly the third row. We don't want to have to climb over ANY part of a second row seat to get to the third row. We looked at the Honda Pilot and climbing into the 3rd row is a major pain in the ars. One other criteria, the wife says, NO VANS. So, what are our options?

Answer 1

Ford Freestyle & Expedition (including Expedition EL) are both available with quad buckets.
However there is going to be a center console in the first row, but then I don't know of ANY vehicle....other than a van that won't have that.

Answer 2

I do know that the rear end impact was tested on a Kia Rondo at 70 MPH, and 3rd row passed with flying colors. The Rondo has to be the most fuel efficient vehicle with a 3rd row. I would buy one.

Answer 3

The GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook twins have very good systems. If I were to buy a crossover, these would be my choices. Even with a split bench, access to the third row is very easy. I believe it is easy to do with just one hand.

Answer 4

Suburban and Yukon have 2nd row bucket seat options. Most minivan models do also.

Answer 5

An excursion or a suburban

Answer 6

honda pilot, or toyota sequoia