I test drove an 03 this past weekend and sat in all three rows of seats. I was surprised the third row was actually usable for adults. Granted, it would need to be a short trip, but it wasn't too bad. For perspective, I am 6'0, 210 lbs.

 

Thank you timbrwolf9.
Right now we have 99 sienna. I am trying to convince my wife for a MDX and I am just arming myself with all the info I can gather. Thaks for the info.

 

We regularly put our two grandsons in the third row with their car seats. Although we don't normally seat more than two adults in row 2, we have, and the seats are very comfortable. The rear A/C unit might blow right on the middle passenger, which may or may not be appreciated.

 

The third row is not bad at all. I have sat back there for short bursts (6'0" 215lbs).

Your 5 year old would love to have the back seat all to him/herself. I don't know if I would attempt to put a car seat back there (never tried) but the third row in the '04 model claims to have 40% better access so that might be an option.

The middle row is not a problem with three adults or two adults/carseat. Been there, done that. It's very wide and comfortable.

 

Your 5 year old would love to have the back seat all to him/herself. I don't know if I would attempt to put a car seat back there (never tried) but the third row in the '04 model claims to have 40% better access so that might be an option.

No problem -- easy to install 3rd row car seats with 2nd row folded and liftgate open. Kids love to enter through the liftgate, climb up and over into their seats, and then wait for you to lean over the upright 2nd row seatback to snug 'em into their car seats. The tether anchors for the 3rd row are particularly effective.

 

With five youngsters, I can rightfully speak to this issue. We've used all three rows of seats from day one. We have a car seat in the middle of the second row and another car seat and a booster seat in the third row. I've learned to take the rear child's seats out through the rear hatch and sometimes put the kids in their seats the same way. So it works great and accessibility is relatively easy. The kids are also into switching seats middle to back and vice versa. We switch the car seats to our other car once in a while but its a sedan and doesn't have all that space.

 

It works great! Three in the middle is comfortable and 2 in the back is fine for not too long trips.

 

I have had 5 adults and 2 car seats in the rear for a couple of times, no problems. I also was surprised to see how I fit in the 3rd row 6'2 215 lbs. I sat there for a 1 hour trip once without any back pain . That is the last time I let my brother in law talk me into doing that.

 

The reason I bought the X is it can accommodate 7 persons, even though we are only 4 in the family. I live about 25 miles south of nation's capital and every time I have visitors from out of state is is SOP to bring them for a tour/sightseeing. I hate having to go on a convoy, especially if it's more than 2 cars. There was a time when there were 9 of us in the X ( a mix of medium size adults and small kids) and there was no complaining at all.
As for having car seats in the 3rd row, that may require some practice and maybe 'acrobatic maneuvers'

 

I have three teenagers. Usually, two sit in the second row and one in the third. And, usually, they fight over who gets the third row (with each wanting it).

Personally, I find getting into the third row not bad, but getting out to be a bit hard. Then again, as its my vehicle, I seldom have to do that! :2:

 

sat there in 3rd row seat with my brother for an hour long trip. my father was driving no one sat in 2nd row. was nice. fun.

of course im only 5'6" and 130 pounds