What SUVs have 3rd Row Seating?

Large families usually require vehicles that offer extra space. Since small crossovers and sedans cannot provide this, SUVs with 3rd row seating are ideal options. Three-row SUVs offer additional seats, versatility, and child seating solutions. These vehicles are also great for carpooling during family vacations or road trips. 

In this article, we will take you through some of the best SUVs that have 3rd row seating.

What SUVs have 3rd Row Seating?

After a thorough online research, we’ve come up with a list of the best SUVs that have 3rd row seating. These vehicles are all 2020 and 2021 models, and apart from their seating capacity, we spell out top features that make them the best SUVs with third-row seating.

Best Value SUVs with 3rd Row Seating

2021 Chevrolet Traverse

This is a midsize SUV that offers great roominess for both passengers and cargo. It seats eight passengers comfortably and boasts of a large cargo capacity. The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse comes in seven trim levels with the LS being the most popular trim. 

Its 3.6 liter V6 engine provides 310 horsepower with an estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg (city) and 27 mpg (highway). The Travers also comes with up to 5,000 pounds of towing, which makes it efficient in towing items like personal watercrafts or camping trailers for a family adventure. 

It is equipped with user-friendly infotainment technology, which users appreciate due to its ease-of-operation. Some of the connectivity features include In-Car WiFi, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Chevrolet Traverse trims have standard safety features while the upper trims offer most of the safety tech features. 

Other features included in this model are the:

• Start/Stop system 
• Alarm 
• Proximity keyless entry
• Remote keyless entry

2021 Ford Explorer

The recently-redesigned 2021 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV that seats seven passengers with an optional four-wheel-drive, which means it has good off-roading capabilities as well. Its cabin is vast and modern and provides large cargo capacity. Moreover, this Ford Explorer comes with a maximum towing capacity of 5600 pounds, enhancing its versatility on the road. 

Ford’s 2.3 liter I4 turbo engine churns 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It delivers an estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

This model has five trim levels that have many standard features. However, the upper trim levels offer standard tech features such as driver safety amenities, hybrid engine, massaging seats, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen.

Standard features include:

• Start/Stop system
• Pedestrian detection
• Forward collision warning
• Power trunk/liftgate
• Rear parking sensors
• Remote engine start
• In-Car WiFi
• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay

2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is another great three-row SUV that has a large and elegant cabin that offers spacious leg-room to eight passengers. The Palisade shares lots of similarities with the Kia Telluride, another SUV with third row seating. And while this vehicle is not as sporty as its rivals, it offers the most comfort. 

The Hyundai Palisade comes in four trim levels, the most popular being SEL AWD, which has a 3.8 liter V6 engine. Palisade’s estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg for city driving and 26 mpg for highway driving. It generally allows a quiet ride and only letting in little wind noise during highway speeds. 

This model has numerous standard features and driver assist features. These include:

• Start/Stop system
• Pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning
• Rear parking sensors
• Lane keep assist
• Alarm
• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay

2021 Kia Telluride

This model tops the list of third-row mid-size SUVs. It provides a spacious interior that features soft seats for comfortable long drives. Its upscale and elegant materials make it a major pick in this category. With its many virtues, drivers can overlook the Telluride’s less in-cabin storage. 

The 2021 Kia Telluride is available in four trim levels, the most popular being the SX AWD. This trim has a 3.8 liter V6 engine that generates a total of 291 horsepower. Its maximum towing capacity is 5000 pounds, which is quite competitive compared to rival models. The estimated fuel economy for this vehicle is 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Performance aside, the Kia Telluride provides a smooth and quiet ride. This is a plus for this model in light of other SUVs with noisy engines at high speed. 

Additionally, this telluride offers plenty of standard features and safety tech that make it a smart buy for families. Some of the exceptional features include:

• Power doors
• Pedestrian detection
• Forward Collision warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Start/Stop system
• Remote engine start
• Android auto
• Apple CarPlay

2021 Kia Sorento

This is another of Kia’s mid-size three-row SUV that combines passenger space and efficiency in one package. Its cabin is roomy, modern, and comes with configurable seats.

2021 Kia Sorento is offered in eight trim levels with the SX FWD being the most popular style. It is equipped with a 2.5 liter I4 turbo engine that provides 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine delivers around 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

This SUV also features an economical optional hybrid that can drive up to 30 miles on electricity alone and offers an estimated fuel economy of 39 mpg. 

The 2021 Kia Sorento also has great standard features at an economical value. Some of these features include:

• Pedestrian detection
• Start/Stop system
• Hill descent assist
• Lane keep assist
• Forward collision warning
• Integrated turn signal mirrors
• Fog lamps
• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay

2021 Toyota Highlander

This vehicle is a mid-size crossover SUV that serves as a versatile and practical model for families. It is an eight-seater with a vast cabin that is equipped with user-friendly technology and furnished with quality materials. Its cargo space is vast, but some rivals surpass it in this regard. 

Highlander’s exterior is as lavish as the interior. This SUV provides a quiet ride just like a sedan and comes in 10 trim levels. The XLE AWD is most popular style and has a 3.5 liter V6 engine that provides 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The estimated fuel economy for the Highlander is 21 mpg (city) and 29 mpg (highway). Hybrid powertrains are also available for this model.

Standard features found in the 2021 Toyota Highlander include:

• Start/Stop system
• Pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning
• Lane keep assist
• Integrated turn signal mirrors
• In-Car WiFi
• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay

2021 Subaru Ascent

This midsize SUV is an all-wheel-drive that comes with a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds. It is the largest Subaru vehicle with three rows of seating that carries a total of eight passengers comfortably. Its elegant and versatile interior equipped with premium tech features makes it a win-win for drivers looking for space and practicality in one vehicle.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent comes in four trim levels with the most popular style being the Touring, which is a seven-seater vehicle. The Touring features a 2.4 liter H4 turbo engine that generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Its fuel economy is estimated at 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Although rival models offer better fuel efficiency, the Ascent’s hardiness on off-road and all-weather situations makes it the best option for active families.

While the 2021 Subaru Ascent is not a sporty vehicle, its durability and driver safety technology increase its appeal. Some of its standard features include:

• Adaptive cruise control
• ne keep assist
• Brake assist
• Proximity keyless entry
• Infotainment system
• In-Car WiFi
• Android auto
• Apple CarPlay

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that comes with an affordable price tag, sleek styling, and seating space for seven passengers. The interior offers an upscale cabin that features great tech add-ons. As for the exterior, it exudes elegant European style that makes it stand out on the road.

Volkswagen Tiguan is available in five trim levels, the most popular being the 2.0T S FWD. This vehicle is powered by a 2.0 liter I4 turbo engine, which generates 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Its fuel economy is estimated at 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. While Tiguan’s fuel economy falls behind its rivals, it is a sleek compact SUV that offers three-row seating. 

For drivers who want a sporty design, the R-Line trims come with sporty exterior body kits and interior styling. They also feature a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel and bolstered seats. 

Advanced driver safety assists come standard along with popular smartphone apps. Some of these standard features include:

• Pedestrian detection
• Start/Stop system
• Forward collision warning
• Blind spot system
• Integrated turn signal mirrors
• Brake assist 
• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay

2020 Dodge Journey

The 2020 Dodge Journey is a midsize SUV and still a first-generation model, which was first introduced in its 2008 model year. 

It is a seven-seater three-row vehicle that is available in two trim levels that are available at a reasonable price. The most popular trim is the SE Value FWD, which has a 2.4 liter I4 engine that generates 173 horsepower. Its fuel economy is estimated at 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

This SUV also offers a large cargo capacity, making it convenient for storing your recreational equipment. Additionally, it features unique storage compartments all over the cabin area. 

Other features include:• Infotainment system

• Rear parking sensors
• Brake assist
• Backup camera
• Remote keyless entry
• Proximity keyless entry
• Keyless ignition

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander

This is one of the few compact SUVs that have third-row seating. It offers families extra space at an affordable price. It is a seven-seater vehicle that has an optional plug-in hybrid engine. Most of the features found in the Outlander are usually found in larger luxurious SUVs, making it a compelling option for those intending to buy SUVs with third-row seating. 

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in six trim levels with the most popular being the ES FWD. This trim comes with a 2.4 liter I4 engine that provides a 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Its fuel economy is estimated at 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

In addition to its performance, the Outlander has plenty of standard features, including:

• Pedestrian detection
• Forward collision warning
• Lane keep assist
• Front heated seats
• Integrated turn signal mirrors
• Fog lamps
• Keyless ignition
• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay

If instead, you have a big budget and want to splurge it on a luxurious SUV that has three-row seating, here’s a list for best luxurious SUVs with 3rd row seating:

Best Luxurious SUVs with 3rd Row Seating

2021 Lincoln Aviator 

This midsize SUV offers a roomy interior with three-row seating for six passengers. It offers excellent cargo space and towing capacities with 77.3 cubic feet cargo space (when second row seats are folded) and maximum towing capacity of 6700 pounds. 

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator comes in five trim levels, the most popular being the Reserve AWD, which features a 3.0 liter V6 turbo engine that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Its fuel economy is estimated at 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Drivers can opt for a more powerful plug-in hybrid instead of the turbo engine. 

Apart from its on-road capabilities, the Aviator comes with standard advanced driver assist features and infotainment features that make road trips all the more enjoyable. Some of the standard features include:

• Power doors
• Hands-free doors
• Pedestrian detection
• Parallel and perpendicular automatic parking
• Front and rear cooled seats
• Around view camera
• Heads-up Display (HUD)
• Wireless charging

2021 Genesis GV80

This model is Genesis’ first-ever SUV. It is a luxury midsize SUV that features premium design and quality. Its interior and exterior both radiate elegance at an affordable price tag than cars in the same caliber. 

The 2021 Genesis GV80 is offered in two trim levels, the most popular being the 3.5T Advanced+ AWD. This trim comes with a 3.5 liter V-6 engine that churns 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Its fuel economy is estimated at 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Compared to its rivals, the Genesis GV80 offers an extensive list of standard safety features. Some of the standard features in this vehicle are:

• Pedestrian detection
• Parallel and perpendicular automatic parking
• Start/Stop system
• Around view camera
• Heads-up display
• Front cooled seats
• Hands-free trunk/liftgate
• Panoramic moonroof
• Wireless charging

2021 Tesla Model Y

This vehicle is a fully electric compact SUV that offers an estimate of 326 miles of electric driving range (emissions-free). It is the taller version of the Tesla Model 3, which is a family sedan. And like its look alike, Model Y offers excellent performance and interior comfort. Recharging the Model Y can be done either at home or at roadside stations. 

This five-seater comes in three trim levels with the most popular being the Standard Range RWD. It comes with an electric engine that provides 346 horsepower and fuel economy of 131 MPGe (city) and 117 MPGe (highway).

Tesla Model Y’s upscale cabin offers high-tech features and provides a vast cargo space of over 68 cubic feet. Some of the standard features found in this model include:

• Pedestrian detection
• Power trunk/liftgate
• Adaptive cruise control (with Stop and Go)
• Forward collision warning
• Remote engine start
• Front and rear parking sensors
• In-Car WiFi

2021 Audi SQ7

The Audi SQ7 has striking similarities to the popular Q7, but it has a sporty side to it. This seven-seater comes with a plush and comfortable interior. It offers good leg room for all the passenger seats and vast cargo space of 69.6 cubic feet. There are two trim levels for this vehicle with the Premium Plus being the most popular. 

Audi SQ7 is equipped with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that provides 500 horsepower and 518 lb-ft of torque. The SQ7 delivers an estimated fuel economy of 15 mpg (city) and 21 mpg (highway). 

Standard features include:

• Hill descent assist
• Around view camera
• Front cooled seats
• Heads-up display
• Hands-free trunk/liftgate
• Power trunk/liftgate
• Adaptive cruise control
• Wireless charging

2020 Cadillac XT6

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 is a midsize crossover SUV that offers seating for seven passengers. It is driver-focused with its standard driver safety aids that make it ideal for families. The XT6 may not have great acceleration as its competitors, but its comfortable interior and tech amenities place it highly in the luxury midsize market.

The XT6 is available in two trim levels with the most popular being the Premium Luxury FWD, which comes with a 3.6 liter V6 engine. Its engine generates 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft. The city fuel economy is estimated at 18 mpg while the highway fuel economy is 25 mpg. 

This premium family hauler has compelling standard amenities, including:

• Pedestrian detection
• Start/Stop system
• Curve adaptive headlamps
• Hands-free trunk/liftgate
• Forward collision warning
• Panoramic moon roof
• In-Car WiFi

Conclusion

There you go, the best SUVs that offer three-row seating according to your budget. When going shopping for third-row seating SUVs, check out for engine performance, fuel economy, standard features, cabin styling and material, cargo space, and towing capacity. We hope our article will make it easy for your auto shopping. 

Good luck!