10 Top Three-Row SUVs with DVD Players

2018 Honda Pilot Interior Rear Seat Entertainment ・ Photo by Honda

Rear-seat entertainment systems, like the times, are a-changin’. Back in the day, rear-seat entertainment systems consisted of looking out the window, supplemented on long trips by “the license plate game.” In more recent decades, rear-seat entertainment matured with the advent of the SUV era. SUVs acknowledged and embraced their role as family haulers. Simultaneously, entertainment evolved from the videotape — a poor choice for a vehicle — to DVDs. DVDs and their successor technology, Blu-Ray discs, are light, easy to transport, and offer good picture quality.

The disc revolution led to a tidal wave of in-vehicle DVD systems. But now DVDs are old news and video streaming is the thing. Some new SUVs are eschewing built-in DVD players in favor of systems that can accommodate a number of inputs including streaming, USB, and HDMI. If you want to watch a DVD in these vehicles, bring your own portable DVD player and hook it up to the system. Of course, it is easier if the DVD player is already there, so here are 10 three-row SUVs with DVD players.

Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango is a very well-regarded SUV that begins with a rugged, rear-drive chassis. It is at home in the suburban sprawl with plenty of room to haul kids to school and, of course, on road trips where DVD entertainment really comes into play. The standard engine is FCA’s workhorse 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that generates 293 hp. Equipped with the V6, Durango can tow a best-in-class 6,200 pounds. Two V8 engines up the ante further.

Durango offers a class-exclusive Blu-Ray video rear-entertainment system with two high-resolution nine-inch screens, one on each front seat back. Each screen allows passengers to watch content on Blu-Ray or standard DVDs, or play their gaming systems. Both HDMI and RCA inputs for each screen are integrated into the front seat backs. Wireless headphones are included, as is a wireless remote.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada is a classic body-on-frame SUV in the tradition of the Chevrolet Suburban. Its big V8 engine delivers nearly 400 hp, and its three rows of seats accommodate a crowd of up to eight passengers. That crowd needs to be entertained, and happily, the big SUV can fill the bill.

The Platinum and Platinum Reserve models have a standard DVD entertainment system with dual eight-inch head-restraint-mounted monitors, USB and HDMI ports, two VTR jacks, two wireless headphones, and a remote control. The wireless headphones offer three types of virtual surround modes (cinema, music, and game) to deliver optimal sound for each media. The elaborate system matches the other amenities in the top-trim models, which turns the Armada into a luxury suv. 

Photo by Nissan

Lexus LX 570

While we’re speaking of big, upscale SUVs, it is a perfect time to mention the Lexus LX 570, which is all of those things and more. This eight-passenger behemoth is stuffed with just about every luxury amenity you can dream of: a big, powerful V-8 engine, four-wheel drive, parking assist system, and adaptive cruise control.

The DVD entertainment system is optional, but at least it is very sophisticated. It features two large, headrest-mounted LCD screens, which can be tuned to the same source or two different sources. That means one passenger can watch a DVD while another plays a video game. The system also includes a wireless remote, two headphones, HDMI inputs, and a AC power outlet. The rear-seat entertainment system is supplemented by a 12.3-inch dash-mounted infotainment system, and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system also is available.

Photo by Lexus

Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse midsize SUV was completely redesigned for the 2018 model year, and the vehicle added size making for a more accommodating interior. The split-folding second-row bench seat and the available second-row captain’s chairs have sliding features to enhance versatility. Seating can accommodate up to eight. Keyless unlock/start and three-zone automatic climate control are standard on all models.

Very similar to the system in the Chevrolet Equinox, its smaller brother, the Traverse’s system has a DVD player with dual headrest-mounted eight-inch screens and offers multiple inputs, including SD, USB, and HDMI. It also enables wireless connectivity to compatible portable devices. The system includes a remote control, a pair of two-channel wireless infrared headphones, and an available app to allow parental control of the system. Like most GM vehicles, Traverse has an OnStar 4G LTE wi-fi hotspot.

Photo by Chevrolet

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is one of the most well-regarded family SUVs in the country. Among the biggest midsize crossovers, the Pilot also offers an interior that rivals some minivans and low cost-to-own versus its peers. The Pilot can be configured to transport up to eight passengers, and the venerable 3.5-liter normally aspirated V6 engine delivers good fuel economy and more than adequate power.

Its interior is one of the best ever from the brand, and to keep the big crew happy, rear-seat entertainment is part of the program. Unlike many contemporary units that use two headrest- or seat-mounted displays, the Pilot offers a single 10.2-inch high-resolution WSVGA (1024x600) ceiling-mounted screen. It can carry programming from the integral Blu-Ray player or built-in streaming apps. The Honda Pilot is an all-around family SUV favorite, and its rear-seat entertainment keeps pace.

Photo by Honda

Toyota Highlander

Like the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander is one of the most well-respected midsize crossovers on the market. It offers a number of robust powertrains, including a hybrid system. The base engine is an economical 185-hp 2.7-liter four cylinder teamed with a 6-speed automatic, while the optional 295-hp 3.5-liter V6 has an 8-speed automatic. The hybrid powertrain adds electric motors to a modified version of the V6. Front drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on all but the hybrid where it is standard.

The Highlander's rear-seat entertainment system is centered around its Blu-Ray DVD head unit. Programming plays through a 9-inch, ceiling-mounted display. It also includes RCA input jacks, remote control, and two wireless headphones.

Photo by Toyota

Dodge Journey

The Dodge Journey doesn’t get a whole lot of love from enthusiast car critics, but the veteran midsize SUV continues to be a sales success, largely on the strength of its value. Base power comes from FCA’s 173-hp four-cylinder engine, but if you do a lot of family hauling, the 283-hp V6 engine is a better choice. Front-drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. The standard third row gives the Journey good seating capacity.

The Journey’s available rear-seat entertainment system has much in common with the system in the Toyota Highlander. It’s part of the Family Entertainment Group that includes premium sound system, second-row ceiling-mounted 9-inch video screen, video remote control, and wireless headphones. Two child booster seats in the second row also are part of the package.

Photo by Dodge

Toyota Sequoia

The Toyota Sequoia is a time-tested full-size SUV that competes with Chevrolet Tahoe and Nissan Armada. Like a fine wine, the Sequoia is a well-aged vehicle that continues to offer seating for eight and good towing capacity. The single powertrain is a 381-hp 5.7-liter V8, 6-speed automatic, and rear- or all-wheel drive. One of its biggest calling cards is the very robust array of standard active safety equipment that includes lane-departure alert and adaptive cruise control.

The rear-seat Blu-Ray disc player delivers video via a 9-inch ceiling-mounted display. It includes two wireless headphones, wireless remote, and rear audio system with 115V AC power outlet. A set of RCA inputs enable you to connect some game sets. The Sequoia is showing its age, but it does offer a raft of family-friendly items.

Photo by Toyota

GMC Yukon Denali

The GMC Yukon is a very well-regarded full-size traditional SUV that has been given the full-boat luxury treatment. It is powered by a 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management, direct injection, and variable valve timing that delivers 355 hp. Optional is a 6.2-liter V8 that also offers active fuel management, disabling unneeded cylinders when underway. The Yukon Denali can accommodate eight passengers and rides like a limousine.

The rear-seat entertainment system uses an overhead display that helps third-row passengers see the screen. It will play both standard DVDs and Blu-Ray discs, and it has wi-fi wireless projection capability, a pair of two-channel wireless digital headphones, auxiliary HDMI/MHL audio/video input, and two USB ports.

Photo by GMC

Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is the ultimate luxury SUV from General Motors. Based on the same mechanicals as the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon, the Escalade offers expressive exterior styling and a shipload of interior luxury amenities to differentiate it from its brothers. The Escalade is powered by GM’s 6.2-liter V8 engine backed by a 10-speed automatic transmission with a wide gear spread. It is powerful enough to enable the massive vehicle to scoot from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds.

The Escalade’s rear-seat entertainment system is very similar to that in the Yukon Denali. It features a 9-inch overhead screen, Blu-Ray playback, and MP3 capability. It comes with two wireless headphones, as well as HDMI and USB ports. With an Escalade, your family will travel in style.

Photo by General Motors