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2018 Audi Lineup Changes
Cheapest Ways to Drive an Electric Car
8 Best Midsize Sedans
All-New 2018 BMW X3: What You Need to Know
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT: What You Need to Know
10 SUVs Arriving in 2018
2017 Best Cars for the Money
2017 Best Cars for Families
2017 Best Vehicle Brand Awards
2017 Honda Pilot
Third-Row Legroom: 31.9 Inches (Details Below)
The 2017 Honda Pilot is a highly-ranked midsize SUV and one of the best 3-row SUVs of the year. With great family-friendly features, like comfortable seats and tons of cargo space, the Pilot won our 2017 Best 3-Row SUV for Families award.
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2017 Honda Pilot
MSRP: $30,595-$47,070 (Details Below)
The Honda Pilot can seat up to eight passengers across its three rows, and even adults will find the rear row to be sufficient. Overall, the Pilot offers plenty of comfort throughout. Critics compare the Pilot’s upscale interior to those found in SUVs from the company’s Acura luxury brand, reinforcing the vehicle’s great value.
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2017 Buick Enclave
Third-Row Legroom: 33.2 Inches (Details Below)
Though the 2017 Buick Enclave sits near the middle of the pack in our midsize SUV rankings, this 3-row SUV earns praise from critics for its spacious rear seats. The Enclave can accommodate up to eight passengers with its flexible seating arrangements, which includes a sliding second row.
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2017 Buick Enclave
MSRP: $39,065-$49,625 (Details Below)
Critics note that the Buick Enclave is one of the better options when it comes to third-row legroom, thanks in part to the sliding second-row, which yields a little extra space as well as making it easier to climb in and out. They add that the Enclave’s well-insulated cabin provides a hushed and relaxing atmosphere.
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2017 Toyota Highlander
Third-Row Legroom: 27.7 Inches (Details Below)
The refreshed 2017 Toyota Highlander was a finalist for the 2017 Best 3-Row SUV for Families award. This midsize offering has strong safety and reliability ratings, and although it’s on the pricey side, it comes with a lot of standard content, including a full suite of active safety technology.
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2017 Toyota Highlander
MSRP: $30,630-$46,260 (Details Below)
Critics say the Toyota Highlander’s first two rows are generously proportioned. Adults might be a bit cramped in the third row, critics say, but the Highlander has two features that boost its position on this list: a sliding second row for easy access, and Driver Easy Speak to communicate with backseat occupants.
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2017 Ford Flex
Third-Row Legroom: 33.3 Inches (Details Below)
The 2017 Ford Flex uses its box-like profile to its advantage, offering up three rows of seating that are comfortable, even for adults. Though the Flex is a little dated compared to leaders in the midsize SUV class, it offers minivan-like family-friendly features.
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2017 Ford Flex
MSRP: $30,025-$43,030 (Details Below)
The Ford Flex’s interior leans more toward functionality than style, but that’s typical of family-oriented SUVs. Critics say the rear row has plenty of room for adults. The second-row’s optional refrigerated console is a popular feature, and critics say the large windows really help the cabin feel light and airy.
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2017 Volvo XC90
Third-Row Legroom: 31.9 Inches (Details Below)
In addition to high safety ratings, the 2017 Volvo XC90 has a lot to offer. The XC90 has a spacious third row and comes surrounded by plush finishes and lots of high-tech features, making it a good choice for a midsize luxury SUV.
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2017 Volvo XC90
MSRP: $45,750-$104,900 (Details Below)
It’s a bit expensive to get the coveted third row in the Volvo XC90, since it only becomes available with powertrain upgrades. However, the rear row, when equipped, offers up one of the best legroom measurements in the class. The second row comes standard with sliding and reclining seats, making it easier for all passengers to find a comfortable spot.
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2017 Ford Expedition
Third-Row Legroom: 37.7 Inches (Details Below)
The Ford Expedition is a large SUV that’s been around nearly as long as the segment itself, so most consumers are probably aware that it’s on the big side. Critics corroborate that observation, praising the Expedition for its spacious third row that easily accommodates adults, even on long trips.
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2017 Ford Expedition
MSRP: $47,125-$69,895 (Details Below)
It might be customary to stick the kids in the way-back on a long road trip, but with the Expedition adults won’t mind being back there either. In addition to the generous third row, the second row has both sliding and reclining functionality. And, if you need a massive cargo area to satisfy all your passengers, the long-wheelbase Expedition EL has the biggest cargo area in the large SUV segment.
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2017 Tesla Model X
Third-Row Legroom: 32.7 Inches (Details Below)
The only fully-electric SUV on this list, or anywhere for that matter, the 2017 Tesla Model X, is an interesting case. Though the Model X offers less third-row passenger space than some rivals’ models, it offers unique features that help it to make this list.
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2017 Tesla Model X
MSRP: $85,500-$130,000 (Details Below)
Though the Model X doesn’t have the most generous third-row, critics do say it’s large enough for two adults, unless they are over 6-feet tall. Perhaps the Model X’s most identifying feature, its Falcon doors, make for easy access to the rear seats. The three power-adjustable second-row seats all slide and recline independently, which helps with seating versatility.
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2017 Chevrolet Suburban
Third-Row Legroom: 34.5 Inches (Details Below)
The 2017 Chevy Suburban is another long-time contender in the large SUV segment, providing seating for up to eight passengers across three spacious rows. As far as large SUVs go, though, the Suburban’s near the bottom of the list, thanks largely to its sub-par safety and reliability.
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2017 Chevrolet Suburban
MSRP: $49,915-$67,840 (Details Below)
Though critics say the Suburban lags behind competitors in some key areas, they praise this SUV’s interior, particularly its generous third row. They say there’s no problem seating adults back there for short trips. The Suburban is also known for using high quality materials and heavily insulating the cabin, providing a quiet and upscale atmosphere.
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2017 Lincoln Navigator
Third-Row Legroom: 37.7 Inches (Details Below)
Critics say that the 2017 Lincoln Navigator’s interior is a mixed bag. With above-average reliability ratings and decent safety scores, the Navigator isn’t a bad choice overall, though it falls behind the leaders in the luxury large SUV category.
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2017 Lincoln Navigator
MSRP: $63,515-$76,970 (Details Below)
Despite the Lincoln Navigator’s massive size, it seats just seven passengers across its three rows. However, that also means that each occupant has plenty of space. Critics’ reviews reveal that this SUV’s interior quality, namely its materials, are nowhere near as nice as they should be for the price.
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More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Looking for a great deal on a 3-row SUV? Head over to our best lease deals and financing deals pages, where we’ve compiled a list of all the best incentives manufacturers are currently offering.
If you’re looking to buy instead, use the U.S. News Best Price Program, which can save you thousands off MSRP.
These SUVs Offer Plenty of Room for All Passengers
One of the most common drawbacks of most 3-row SUVs is that the third row doesn’t offer very much space. Many of our reviews mention that the “third row is best suited for children.” While this may be workable for some families, not everyone is content with this arrangement.
Eventually, your children will grow, and some parents don’t necessarily want the kids all the way in back. It may be easier to have the smallest children in the middle row, and leave the third row for the big kids and the grownups. Fortunately, there are some vehicles that will accommodate this arrangement.
The following slideshow considers each SUV’s interior score, third row dimensions, and third row features that facilitate comfort and access. We also examine critics’ reviews pertaining to each SUV’s third row.
If you are in the market for a 3-row SUV, click through to learn which vehicles offer the most roomy and comfortable third row.