In a fickle economy and stricter standards in the auto industry, consumers have not yet fallen victim to all the eco-friendly vehicles and fuel-efficient alternatives that are available.

The main reason being is the fact that most families have at least four people to accommodate when it comes to traveling or transporting their family to different functions. The popularity of third row seating vehicles is taking over the more environmental conscious buyer. Here’s a few of these third row seating vehicles that rated highly for 2010 with each one coming under the $25K price tag.

The Kia Sedona has been the most affordable and practical of the minivans for 2010 and offers a short and long wheelbase version with a difference of maybe $2,000 for either. The long wheelbase version is able to make the third row seating fold down to the floor flat. It doesn’t have the most original of designs since it does look like a Dodge Caravan but offers a lot of room for passengers and a wide area for hauling items.

Another Kia worth mentioning is the Rondo. A rather odd-shaped vehicle that once you see it from the outside, wouldn’t think that this had any third row seating whatsoever. It’s not a minivan, which will make some moms and dads happy but it’s not exactly a crossover either since it has a tallness to it. It offers rear hinged doors and makes it easy for getting in and out of driveways. As for tight spaces downtown, this could be problematic depending on your driving skills.

The Toyota Rav4 is another vehicle that has been popular amongst families and even college students that have to carpool on a weekly basis. For about a $1,000 extra you can get within an in base four-cylinder, front-wheel drive and a third-row seat option. It is decently roomy and has good fuel economy for those living in urban areas.

The Mazda5 offers fuel-efficiency, maneuverability and lots of room for families. One of the only models that offers manual transmission, the Mazda5 offers excellent handling, sliding side doors that open easily without power assistance and customers said it had a “small car” feel to it when driving. It’s overall ratings weren’t great but nothing to be alarmed at since it excels in performance and overall satisfaction.

One of the most popular by far is the Dodge Grand Caravan. It’s claim to fame is the “Stow ‘n’ Go” seating. The SE model also offers this unique capability. It combines a second row that folds flat with a third row that folds completely flat into the floor. If you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, other options available are things like a backseat TV, heated seats in the second row and the Swivel ‘n’ Go system (second-row seats are able to turn 180 degrees toward the third row allowing for easy in and out for the passengers as well as ease of communication with everyone present in the vehicle).

As your family grows, you may need more seating room in your vehicle, this is available now as there are vehicle manufactures that are making what is call the third row seating. The cost of these vehicles is not as expensive as you may think, and there are ways to pick carefully on the vehicles with 3rd row seating.

For under thirty-thousand you can find many choices with vehicles with 3rd row seating. Although, you can even get a number of styles, makes and models for under twenty-five thousand dollars. There are even styles that are less than twenty-thousand.

While comparison-shopping for vehicles with third row seating, pay attention to how easy it is for you to fold the seats. Check to see how much reaching will be required to fold the seats, and how flat they will fold. Additionally, while looking at the vehicles you should know how well a passenger will fit back there and how easy it would be to get them out of the vehicle with third row seating.

If the extra seats are for the younger children, you want to make sure that the child seats properly fit, without any movement. You will want to look for enough latch connectors to place the child restraint seats that are set up in the third row.

The top five vehicles with third row seating range from different makes, models, and manufacturers. The Dodge Grand Caravan overall rating is eight point two. This caravan is worth the money duet to the flexible interior and the entertaining options.

Toyota offers their Toyota RAV4, with their rating at an overall score of a seven four. It has a spare tire on the tail as most sport utility vehicles do. However, do not judge the spare tire against this practical, fuel-efficient choice for the families on the go. This is a four-cylinder engine helping with the fuel efficiency.

Kia, offers on their third row seating a Kia Rondo, this has the overall rating point of a seven four. You may be drawn to the Kia Rondo because of its look, but you are going to see that the Rondo also a great choice for its fuel efficiency and its overall seating arrangements with the third row seats.

Mazda came out with their three-row seating with the new Mazda Mazda5, with the overall rating being a seven point two. This is for families looking for fuel-efficient, maneuverable and a lot of space in this vehicle. Offering a fun to drive feel the Mazda5 is one of the best choices and priced great. Although, this is not the highest rated vehicle under the third row seating, This has great handling, and a small car feel while driving it, yet you would think the room for a third row seats would be difficult and uncomfortable, being a smaller vehicle with good leg room and comfort in the third row.

Finally yet importantly, Kia has another vehicle with the overall rating of seven point two. The name is Kia Sedona. This is one of the most affordable mini vans. Yet built by manufacturers so that even the practical minded would not know the difference as to the price you paid for the economic vehicle. This vehicle comes in two lengths. The lengths are a short wheelbase and a long wheelbase. Either one you choose they have the third row seating.