WHAT Do YOU Look For In A Three-row SUV? What Are The MUST Haves?

This week I took delivery of the all-new Subaru Ascent. For those of you not in the loop, the Ascent brings back a proper three-row sport-utility vehicle to the Subaru brand.

This follows up on the Tribeca, which was well known for anything but its third row. In fact, some publications dubbed it the "flying vagina," due to its peculiar styling related to its front grille.

I actually like Subaru vehicles. While I don't dig their styling, for the most part, I do love the fact they can take a beating and keep on ticking. And their all-wheel drive churns through the white stuff.

Hopping into the Ascent though I was left a bit, well, cold. The interior decidedly feels dated.

And it's not exactly cheap when you start optioning it with the particulars most folks want these days (e.g., panoramic roof, navigation, upgraded stereo, etc.). Essentially, you're looking at a $40,000-45,000 vehicle with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

So, before I weigh in fully on the all-new Ascent, I just wanted to ask: What exactly are YOU looking for in a three-row SUV? What are the MUST haves? What are the NICE to haves?

scenicbyway12 - 10/4/2019 4:26:38 PM

0 Boost

No 3rd-row seat.

Car4life1 - 10/4/2019 4:41:25 PM

-1 Boost

Power, I refuse to have a vehicle that heavy with anything less than 6 cylinders, preferably 8

jeffgall - 10/4/2019 5:12:21 PM

-1 Boost

Power (agree with the comment on 6+ cylinders), cargo space behind the 2nd row, a 3rd row that can fit an adult for at least short rides, interior fit and finish, exterior style, ability to tow a boat,

jeffgall - 10/4/2019 5:13:30 PM

-2 Boost

The Ascent has dull styling and poor interior execution. There are so many better options out there.

trboaccord - 10/4/2019 5:55:50 PM

-2 Boost

The ascent is simply a bloated Forester without enough room to compete with 3rd row Suvs

TomM - 10/4/2019 6:11:12 PM

-5 Boost

First - IT Must be Body on Frame construction to be able to handle heavy duties. Makes no sense buy a SMALL 3 seat at all - they can't hold adults in the back.
Second - A proper Large V-8 - NO Turbochargers
Third - I would prefer all around Independent suspension - which will come in the next GM product.
Fourth - although NOW law - I have found the rear view camera to be fantastic - and would not buy something this big without it.
Fifth - even though I probably would not use it for towing much - I would want it equipped for that - Heavy Duty Radiator, Trans Cooler, etc.
IF NEEDED - I am willing to spend the money to get a better Driver's seat - with enough legroom to handle a person of MY height who also has limited mobility on the right side of my body.

That means a NEW Escalade coming - but I am not in that market. For moving People - I still believe the Mini-Van is a better choice.

MDarringer - 10/4/2019 6:39:56 PM

-1 Boost

real--not imaginary--3rd row capacity

V6 or V6 + hybrid no CVT

Reliability over a 150K mile span

Section_31_JTK - 10/4/2019 7:08:47 PM

-1 Boost

Something with the interior room of the Honda Pilot, with the classic good looks of the Chevy Tahoe, the handling of a Porsche Cayenne, the power of a turbo V6, and the efficiency of a turbo 4 - all for less than $50k.

mre30 - 10/5/2019 8:38:00 AM

0 Boost

Space, reasonably good looks, at least a V6 and excellent packaging.

I'm not in the market for a 7-row - but the VW Atlas is a pretty good package. Its probably the best packaged (i.e most efficient interior space utilization) SUVin the marketplace today.

Parts of it come across as a little cheapo though.

I'm actually surprised that VW didn't do an Audi or fancy Bentley version. A fancy Bentley Atlas instead of a Bentley Bentouareg would have done much better in the USA. Benatayga is just too small and too ugly.

Agent00R - 10/5/2019 10:23:10 AM

-1 Boost

Having driven the Atlas for a bit, I can tell you this: Its ride quality is dreadful. But that is only eclipsed by its horror show of an interior.

MDarringer - 10/5/2019 10:32:31 AM

-3 Boost

It's typical VW: half-assing it for the US market and then overcharging.

mre30 - 10/7/2019 8:39:16 AM

+1 Boost

The ride quality of the Atlas is really bad...but VW Group could easily layer on other stuff from their parts bin to make a compelling $100,000 Audi Q9 or better Bentley Bentayga.

The BMW X7 has this large luxo three row segment all to its self. Curious to see how the MB GLS will do. GLS looks bland, like a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander. The Mayback GLS can't come soon enough.

MDarringer - 10/5/2019 3:08:39 PM

-4 Boost

Too ugly

skytop - 10/5/2019 2:58:17 PM

-2 Boost

Cheapness pervades Subarus. For example, see the roof rack? It is not stainless steel but instead cheap plastic. After 6 months from new, the black plastic oxidizes and become a dull light grey worn finish that is hideous looking since it is at eye level when standing next to the vehicle.

MDarringer - 10/5/2019 3:09:56 PM

-1 Boost

It's interesting to juxtapose how terrible Subarus are with the rabid esteem that the adoring fans give them.

Section_31_JTK - 10/5/2019 5:53:26 PM

+2 Boost

The Ascent roof rack is metal.