10) 2019 Honda Pilot
3rd Row Legroom: 31.9 in. | $31,450 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
The 2019 Honda Pilot earns a spot in the top half of the list in our crowded ranking of midsize SUVs. It was also a finalist for our 2019 Best 3-Row SUVs for Families award. Depending on the model you choose, it seats either seven or eight.
In addition to having a spacious third row, the Pilot is easy to drive and comes with an array of standard safety technology. For 2019, every Pilot is equipped with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and lane-keeping assist. It was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Holding the Pilot back from a higher ranking is a predicted reliability score that is below average.
10) 2019 Honda Pilot
As with most midsize SUVs, the Pilot’s first two rows are spacious and comfortable. Somewhat unusual for the class, the Pilot’s third-row is also adult-friendly. An available one-touch folding option makes it easy to slide and fold the second row forward to ease access to the third-row.
Cloth upholstery comes standard, with leather seating available. Honda includes four complete sets of LATCH hardware for parents trying to install child seats correctly. The Pilot's available rear seat entertainment system is mounted on the ceiling, so it can be viewed by passengers in the third row.
While the Pilot has a robust infotainment system, with support for a Wi-Fi hot spot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, it only has two or three USB ports in the cabin (depending on the trim level), which can lead to quarrels between passengers needing to charge mobile devices.
9) 2019 Ford Explorer
3rd Row Legroom: 33.3 in. | $32,365 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
With three powerful engine choices, the 2019 Ford Explorer stands out from its peers. Opt for the 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6, and the Explorer has no problem carrying a full load of up to seven, plus their luggage. In fact, all three engine options are competent for daily tasks.
Where the Explorer separates itself from the pack is with generous interior space. Unlike most midsize class rivals, the Explorer has enough room for adults in its third-row.
In our ranking of midsize SUVs, the Explorer earns a spot in the bottom tier of the list. You have to step somewhat far up in the Explorer’s trim level lineup to get features that are standard on many competitors. Unless you opt for one of those higher trims, you’ll also get an interior that feels cheaper than the interiors of competitors. Those issues would be OK if the Explorer had a low starting price, but it has one of the higher base MSRPs in the segment.
9) 2019 Ford Explorer
The 2019 Ford Explorer seats seven when equipped with a second-row bench seat or six when you opt for second-row captain’s chairs. The two third-row seats have enough legroom for adults, though some find them to be a bit firm on long drives.
Opting for the captain's chairs has a couple of benefits for third-row passengers. Their ability to slide forward and backward makes getting to the third-row easy, plus moving them forward creates more space for passengers in the back row. There are two complete sets of LATCH hardware in the second row, plus one in the third row, to help correctly install child seats. With all of the seats in use, there is still 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the last row. That’s above-average for the class.
The Explorer comes standard with a basic infotainment system centered on a small 4.2-inch screen. Uplevel models are equipped with Ford’s powerful and intuitive SYNC 3 infotainment system, which supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It comes with as many as three USB ports.
8) 2019 Land Rover Discovery
3rd Row Legroom: 33.5 in. | $54,795 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
The 2019 Land Rover Discovery is a refined luxury SUV with the ability to carry as many as seven people through challenging off-road or inclement weather conditions that would stop most rivals in their tracks. It earns a midpack spot in our ranking of luxury midsize SUVs.
It’s also one of few seven-seat vehicles that is available with an efficient diesel engine. Four-wheel drive comes standard on all Discovery models, as does Land Rover’s electronic Terrain Response system that configures various vehicle systems for different driving conditions. An automatic Terrain Response system and air suspension are available.
2019 Discovery models feature navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 10-speaker audio system, and Land Rover InControl Touch Pro infotainment system that comes with a 10-inch touch-screen. Support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is available.
8) 2019 Land Rover Discovery
There’s seating for five in the 2019 Land Rover Discovery’s base setup. For $2,195, you can add a third row of seats, upping the vehicle's capacity to seven. The third row offers plenty of room for adults, with ample head and legroom. Leather upholstery comes standard.
Seven-seat Discovery models include four complete sets of LATCH hardware for the easy and proper installation of child seats. There’s an additional tether anchor atop the center of the second row.
Every Discovery comes with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a driver drowsiness monitor, lane-keeping assist, it rear cross traffic alert. It can be upgraded with tri- or quad-zone automatic climate control, a head-up display, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a host of advanced safety and driver assistance features. Support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is optional.
7) 2019 Buick Enclave
3rd Row Legroom: 33.5 in. | $40,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10
The 2019 Buick Enclave is a spacious seven-passenger, three-row SUV that blurs the line between mainstream and luxury midsize SUVs. It holds a midpack spot in our ranking of midsize SUVs and was a finalist for our 2019 Best 3-Row SUV for Families award.
Powered by a 310-horsepower V6, the Enclave provides a silky-smooth, quiet, and refined ride. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with all-wheel drive available. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is about average for a midsize SUV.
The Enclave comes with an array of standard equipment, including tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and active noise control to neutralize road and engine sound. Though there are many active driver assistance and safety systems available for the Enclave, most are costly options.
7) 2019 Buick Enclave
The 2019 Buick Enclave seats seven in three rows, with a pair of captain’s chairs forming the second row. Its third row is spacious enough for most adults, though tall passengers might find headroom a bit tight. The cabin is quiet enough that rear-seat occupants aren’t left out of conversations.
Every Enclave gets heated front seats, including the base model, which is the only trim level to come with cloth seats. All upper trims get leather upholstery throughout the cabin. Standard equipment includes an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system that supports a 4G LTE data connection, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Buick includes six USB ports, which are spread throughout the cabin – with a pair of ports dedicated to the third-row.
There are multiple full sets of LATCH hardware included for the installation of child seats. Unlike many three-row crossovers, the Enclave’s second row can slide forward to allow access to the third row even when child car seats are installed in the middle row.
6) 2019 Chevrolet Traverse
3rd Row Legroom: 33.5 in. | $29,930 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse is the winner of our 2019 Best 3-Row SUV for Families award. Up to eight can be accommodated and the Chevy SUV features a third-row that’s spacious enough for adults. The Traverse earns a midpack spot in our ranking of midsize SUVs.
Chevy offers a choice of two engines for the Traverse. Most models include a 310-horsepower V6, linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. The Traverse RS uses a 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. Buyers looking to frequently carry full carloads of passengers or cargo will likely find the V6 a more satisfying choice.
Every Traverse comes standard with Chevrolet’s Teen Driver system. It lets parents set limits on speed and the volume of the audio system and does not allow safety systems to be disabled. Parents can get a report card about their teens’ time behind the wheel. Beyond that and a rearview camera, all other advanced safety and driver assistance technologies are optional extras.
6) 2019 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse can be configured for either seven or eight passengers, depending on whether you choose a second-row bench seat or a pair of captain’s chairs. Cloth upholstery and the bench seat come standard on lower-trim models. Upper trims get captain’s chairs and the availability of leather seats.
Complete sets of LATCH hardware are found on outboard second-row seats, while the third row includes upper tethers in all three positions.
Chevy offers a rearview camera mirror on the Traverse. When your rear vision is blocked by the heads of passengers, you can flip to an unblocked video image of what's happening behind the crossover. Standard equipment includes an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, plus support for a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 4G LTE data stream, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. There are six USB ports scattered throughout the cabin.
5) 2019 Volkswagen Atlas
3rd Row Legroom: 33.7 in. | $30,895 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
The three-row 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is the largest SUV in VW’s lineup. It has seating for seven, a generous amount of cargo space, and a host of advanced safety systems included as standard equipment. It currently holds a slot in the top half of our ranking of midsize SUVs.
The Atlas was also a finalist for our 2019 Best 3-Row SUV for the Money award.
For 2019, every Atlas comes with automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and a rearview camera. Parking sensors and a surround-view camera system are available. It has one of the best warranties in the industry, with bumper-to-bumper coverage for six years or 70,000 miles.
Despite the size of the Atlas, it drives like a smaller vehicle than it is. Power is supplied by either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 235 horsepower or a 276-horsepower V6. The four is adequate for most daily tasks, but the V6 is far superior if you’re going to tow or carry a full load of passengers or cargo.
5) 2019 Volkswagen Atlas
The three-row 2019 Volkswagen Atlas comfortably seats up to seven. In many midsize SUVs, being sent to the back row is like a sentence for the ill deeds of your past. That’s not true in the Atlas, which has plenty of room for adults in all three rows.
Getting to the third row of the Atlas is easy, thanks to large rear doors and a second row that both slides and tilts forward to clear an easy path. Volkswagen outfits the interior of the Atlas with cloth, synthetic leather, or genuine leather upholstery. VW provides plenty of options for parents needing to fit child seats. There are three complete sets of LATCH hardware in the second row (unless you opt for captain’s chairs) and three top tether anchors for the third row.
The Atlas comes standard with a 6.5-inch touch-screen infotainment system that supports Android Auto, Mirror Link, and Apple CarPlay. Upper trim models get an 8-inch infotainment screen, navigation, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Volkswagen offers a digital cockpit for the Atlas, which consists of a wide-screen customizable display that takes the place of a traditional instrument cluster.
4) 2019 GMC Yukon XL
3rd Row Legroom: 34.5 in. | $52,200 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10
GMC offers the Yukon full-size SUV in two lengths. While the rear-seat room in the standard wheelbase model is nothing special, the legroom and third-row space provided in the long-wheelbase Yukon XL is impressive. The Yukon XL can seat up to nine, though most models are configured for seven or eight.
There are two potent powertrain options for the 2019 GMC Yukon XL. Lower and mid-trims get a 355-horsepower V8 with a six-speed automatic. The higher-end Yukon SLT and Denali employ a 420-horsepower V8 linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, with four-wheel drive available.
Standard safety features include a rearview camera, parking sensors on the front and back bumpers, and GM’s Teen Driver system. Many advanced driver assistance and active safety systems are available, including low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.
In our ranking of large SUVs, the aging Yukon finds itself at the bottom of the list.
4) 2019 GMC Yukon XL
Not only does the 2019 GMC Yukon XL have three rows of seats that are adult-friendly, but there's also enough cargo space for a large amount of luggage even when using all three rows of seats. Like most vehicles on this list, cloth upholstery comes standard, while leather is available.
While all GMC Yukon interiors offer pleasant designs and good quality, it’s the Denali model that’s competitive with luxury models, including the 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV that shares its long-wheelbase platform with the Yukon XL. Three complete sets of LATCH hardware are fitted to the rear bench seat (or two with captain’s chairs). Three additional LATCH top tethers are located on the third-row seat.
Standard family-friendly features include five USB ports and an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system with support for a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 4G LTE data connection, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Two types of rear-seat entertainment systems are offered, including a ceiling-mounted system that can be viewed by third-row passengers.
3) 2019 Chevrolet Suburban
3rd Row Legroom: 34.5 in. | $50,800 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10
The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban is a corporate sibling of the three-row GMC Yukon XL, so its dimensions are nearly identical. It comes with three rows of seats and the ability to carry seven to nine, depending on whether you choose first and second-row bench seats or captain's chairs.
According to our ranking of large SUVs, the Suburban has a spot in the middle of the pack. It was a finalist for our 2019 Best Large SUV for Families award.
It is powered by a choice of 355- or 420-horsepower V8s with either a six- or 10-speed automatic transmission. Both rear- and four-wheel-drive models are offered. While the bigger V8 packs more of a punch and allows for towing loads as heavy as 8,300 pounds, it requires significantly more expensive premium fuel.
The Suburban receives a predicted reliability score of 2.5 out of five, which is below average for both the class and industry as a whole.
3) 2019 Chevrolet Suburban
Chevy offers several seating configurations for its largest SUV. What they all have in common is a third-row that’s roomy enough for adults, while leaving plenty of cargo room behind the third row to carry everyone’s luggage. It’s one of just a couple of SUVs that can carry nine passengers.
Most 2019 Chevrolet Suburban customers will opt for eight-passenger seating with front-row bucket seats and a second-row bench seat or seven-passenger seating with a pair of captain’s chairs replacing the second-row bench. Lower trims get cloth seats, while upper trims get leather upholstery. The top-trim Premier Plus edition features mahogany and black perforated leather seats.
There are two complete sets of LATCH hardware for the second-row and three top tethers for the rear seats. LATCH hardware allows parents to easily install child seats using fixed anchors instead of seatbelts.
All Suburbans are outfitted with an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system that includes support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an onboard Wi-Fi hot spot, and a 4G LTE data connection. Five USB ports provide mobile device charging capability.
2) 2019 Toyota Sequoia
3rd Row Legroom: 35.3 in. | $49,050 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
The 2019 Toyota Sequoia features a massive cabin with seating for up to eight, plus an ample array of standard advanced safety and driver assistance technology. In our ranking of large SUVs, the aging Sequoia earns a spot in the bottom half of the list.
The Sequoia has a lot going for it with a powerful V8 engine, a refined ride, an above-average predicted reliability rating, and a longer standard feature list than most rivals. Unfortunately, those positives are offset by its aging interior, antiquated infotainment system, and thirsty engine. It is available in either rear- or four-wheel drive with a six-speed automatic transmission. Many rivals have moved to higher-tech powertrains in the quest for better mileage, leaving the Sequoia behind to visit every other gas station.
Every Sequoia is equipped with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control with full-stop capability.
2) 2019 Toyota Sequoia
Up to eight people can fit into the 2019 Toyota Sequoia when outfitted with a second-row bench seat. That number drops to seven if you opt for second-row captain’s chairs. Cloth seats come standard, with leather upholstery coming on Limited and Platinum trim levels.
Even though the Sequoia’s legroom dimension is larger than many on this list, reviewers report that only a pair of adults will want to use the narrow third row. Large rear doors and second-row seats that slide make getting to the back pretty easy, so no Olympic level gymnastics are required. Sequoias fitted with a second-row bench get three full sets of LATCH hardware, while those with captain’s chairs get two.
2019 Sequoias come standard with a sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker audio system, and an infotainment system with a 6.1-inch screen. It has only one USB port and no support for either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Satellite navigation and a Blu-ray-based rear seat entertainment system are available.
1) 2019 Ford Expedition Max
3rd Row Legroom: 36.1 in. | $52,130 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10
The 2019 Ford Expedition and long-wheelbase Expedition Max set the pace when it comes to the quality and usability of their third-row seats. Eight passengers can be accommodated when the SUV is fitted with a middle-row bench seat. The capacity drops by one when you choose second-row captain's chairs.
In our ranking of large SUVs, the recently redesigned Expedition holds the top spot. It is the winner of our 2019 Best Large SUV for Families award.
The Expedition does more than haul people in comfort. It has a large cargo capacity, especially if you opt for the long-wheelbase Expedition Max, and it can tow up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped. It also has a predicted reliability score that is above average.
It comes with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces between 375 and 400 horsepower, depending on the trim level you choose and whether you use premium fuel.
1) 2019 Ford Expedition Max
All three rows of seats in the 2019 Ford Expedition offer ample room for adults, though only front-row passengers are able to take advantage of available massaging seats. Base models get cloth seats, though all trim levels can be outfitted with leather upholstery.
Large rear doors make accessing the third-row of the Expedition easy, though its truck platform means you have to climb up into the vehicle. The rear seats tilt and slide to ease access. Available power-folding functions for the second and third row make converting the Expedition and Expedition Max from cargo-hauling to passenger-carrying an effortless task.
There are as many as five complete sets of LATCH hardware included in Expedition models (four with captain’s chairs), plus an additional upper tether in the center of the third row. Depending on the trim level you choose, there are from four to six USB ports included in the SUV’s interior. The base model comes with a 4.2-inch SYNC infotainment system. It’s worth the upgrade to a package that includes Ford’s intuitive SYNC 3 system, with an 8-inch screen plus support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Minivans
There’s an alternative to SUVs if your primary focus is on rear-seat space. Nearly every minivan on the market eclipses the legroom available in the largest SUVs. The 2019 Honda Odyssey, for example, has 38.1 inches of legroom, compared to the 2019 Ford Expedition’s 36.1 inches.
In addition to having more legroom, the rear seats in most minivans are far easier to get in and out of than SUVs. They have sliding doors that can be opened fully in crowded parking lots and you don’t have to climb high into the vehicle, as minivans have lower ride heights. Minivans tend to have significantly higher fuel economy than most larger SUVs. The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid can travel up to 33 miles on electricity alone, before switching to an efficient blend of gasoline and electric power.
When it comes to cargo hauling, every minivan currently available has a larger cargo area than even the biggest SUV. Of course, for hauling heavy cargo, a truck-based SUV will be able to carry more weight.
Of course, you give up some features when you choose a minivan. Only the 2019 Toyota Sienna is available with all-wheel drive, while most SUVs can be outfitted with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Buyers who need to tow will likely want the increased towing capacities that most SUVs offer. Some larger SUVs can tow more than twice as much as a typical minivan.
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10 SUVs With the Best Third-Row Seats
- 10) 2019 Honda Pilot - 3rd Row Legroom: 31.9 in. | $31,450
- 9) 2019 Ford Explorer - 3rd Row Legroom: 33.3 in. | $32,365
- 8) 2019 Land Rover Discovery - 3rd Row Legroom: 33.5 in. | $54,795
- 7) 2019 Buick Enclave - 3rd Row Legroom: 33.5 in. | $40,000
- 6) 2019 Chevrolet Traverse - 3rd Row Legroom: 33.5 in. | $29,930
- 5) 2019 Volkswagen Atlas - 3rd Row Legroom: 33.7 in. | $30,895
- 4) 2019 GMC Yukon XL - 3rd Row Legroom: 34.5 in. | $52,200
- 3) 2019 Chevrolet Suburban - 3rd Row Legroom: 34.5 in. | $50,800
- 2) 2019 Toyota Sequoia - 3rd Row Legroom: 35.3 in. | $49,050
- 1) 2019 Ford Expedition Max - 3rd Row Legroom: 36.1 in. | $52,130
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Everybody Gets a Good Seat in These Affordable SUVs
There are many new SUVs with three rows of seats. However, if you’re looking for three rows that are roomy enough for teens or adults, the list gets much shorter. The best third-row seats don't need just to be spacious, they also need to be comfortable and easy to access.
It’s OK to buy an SUV with a small back seat if you’re only going to use it occasionally. If you need it every day, however, you’ll want to make sure it’s a place that’s spacious and simple enough to get to that it doesn’t spawn a stream of complaints from its passengers.
We’ve combed our new SUV rankings and reviews to find the SUVs with the best third rows. Using legroom specs reported by manufacturers and opinions of the top automotive journalists in the country, we’ve determined that these 10 SUVs have the best back rows you can buy. Where there's a tie, the less expensive vehicle won. To keep the list affordable, we’ve excluded the most expensive luxury large SUVs.
Please note that our vehicle scores can change as new information becomes available. The U.S. scores shown here may not precisely match those found in each SUV’s comprehensive review.