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We have a 3rd row SUV but none of the ones that you're looking at. We have a Chevy Traverse and love it, not sure how it compares in price to the ones your looking at tho.

I don't know anything about the ones you listed, but we have a Kia Sorento and LOVE it. We got a 2011 right after they released the 2012s, and we got a great deal on it. It's very affordable, and has excellent safety ratings (which was very important for us). My friend and her husband just bought one because they liked ours so much. Now that the 2013s are out, you could probably get a great deal on a 2012.

We have the Volvo XC90 which has a great third row.

I was between the Pilot, Highlander, Acura, and Volvo.

I have an Audi Q7 which has a third row of seats. My husband and I both drive Audis and we've been really happy with the make. My sister has a Highlander and she really likes it as well. We both decided to get SUVs with a third row because we're both trying to expand our families and we have big dogs. So the third row is basically the dog spot for both our families and we hope to get some babies for the second row soon! One thing, though, an SUV with a third row (at least in my experience) does not give you as much space as a minivan! I've had human (adult) passengers in the third row and it's not incredibly comfortable for them. But it's doable on occasion (and it sounds like that's all you'd need the third row for too). Good luck on your decision!

@Thehistoryofus: How do you like the Volvo X90? I am thinking about getting a new SUV in a few years and its on my short list. Have you driven it in snow, if so, how did it handle? thanks!!

We are also looking for a 3rd row SUV and I am not ready to drive a minivan!

A relative got the Acura MDX and had SOOO many problems with it, she actually was able to return under the Lemon Law! So based on her experience, I have gotten turned off to that particular model even though there are so many great reviews.
Another cousin rented the Traverse while family was all in town. It was roomy enough in the 3rd row and DH liked it, but still not the car for me. Actually is fine, but I think it "looks like a minivan".
We test drove the Toyota 4-Runner with a 3rd row seating and liked it a lot but think it's just too much for a Toyota. If that makes sense? Plus, we're looking for a 4WD or AWD so the price kept hiking.
After all these test drives, I think I've gotten DH on my original plan which is to get the Volvo XC90. It has a 3rd row, but not the most comfortable. We don't need a 3rd row so it's just there to be a nice option if we have to bring grandparents to dinner or carpool, etc. We're looking for a slightly used one to save some $.
And I have to agree with @twodoghouse: 3rd row SUVs are still not as spacious as a minivan, so if space is what you really want then that is something to consider.

@mrs. wagon: Ditto on the 3rd row usage. I would actually like the Volvo XC60, but DH just wants to have the option of bringing people when needed in a 3rd row. We're capped at 2 kids too!

@shopaholic: I have sat in the back third row in my XC90 and it wasn't bad and I'm 5'10". I also like that just one seat can be up and it gives you the extra cargo room.

We also have used the built in booster seat for my niece! She loved it!

@mrs. wagon: That was our thought process as well. We plan on having two kids plus two dogs (which obviously don't need as much space in our vehicle) so an SUV works for us too. Plus my husband is SUPER ANTI MINIVAN.

Have you driven the three you're thinking about already? Sometimes I'm surprised that a car just feels good to drive. Better than another we've been considering and that has helped me make up my mind when we've bought our last two cars!

Both Hyundais and Toyotas are great cars - I'd have such a tough time choosing! We have the four runner and love it - it's a few yrs old but in awesome condition and runs perfectly!

@shopaholic: Our other car is a 4runner and I have to tell you....the car is awesome. Ours is older now (2004), but I've never had one single problem with it. My DH is a mechanic and he said he rarely, if ever, sees one come into the shop. So, it's totally worth it from a maintenance cost. You're paying more upfront maybe, but you're getting a lot of car. The only downside, at least for us, is the terrible mileage. I mean, it's really bad. We have the V8 though, so I know that makes it worse. The thing is a tank though - it's really pricey because it's on a truck bed, and not a car bed. I've towed other cars with mine. Lol

@shopaholic: It's true! My 2004 literally only has 45,000 miles on it (I was only driving it to the train station daily really), and it's literally never been in the shop. The mileage is like 15city/18highway though, which definitely hurts if you drive more than I do. $60k is CRAZY, I totally agree with you. Mine was $40k, but it was the base sport model.

@mrs. wagon: Yey! I'm glad you liked it! We got a leftover 2012 (the touring mid-range model), and while the MSRP was REALLY high, we got the car for $30k, which I think is really good. Haggle the crap outta them. I'm not good at it at all to be honest, but, we told them how much we could afford monthly, and they just made it happen. They even let me put the downpayment on my credit card (just so I could get the points and pay it off right away!). They were really awesome to work with. Good luck!!!

We're going to drive some this weekend, so I like reading everyone's feedback. Besides the Toyota Highlander and the GMC Acadia, we are also going to look at the Nissan Pathfinder. I believe that it is newly designed this year and after looking at it online, it's one of our top choices. It doesn't have bucket seats that we have been thinking we wanted, but we're not sure if it's a deal breaker. Good luck!

@mrs. wagon: So exciting. Just reading the thread but can't comment since I'm looking at compact SUVs but I'm picking up my 2013 Honda CRV on Thursday or Friday, too. (It's coming right off the truck.) Can't wait to go pick it up.

A few months ago, I was researching the CX-7 but didn't like that it's MPG wasn't as high as other competitors. My sister bought a new Mazda6 two years ago. She loves it.

Congrats!

@mrs. wagon: Ah I'm so excited for you!