When it comes to finding the perfect family car, cars with 3rd-row seating offer an excellent balance of space, versatility, and comfort. Whether you need extra room for passengers or cargo, these vehicles can meet all your family’s needs, making them a top choice for road trips, daily commutes, or adventures. In this guide, we’ll explore the best cars with third-row seating and why you should consider them for your next vehicle purchase.
What Is 3rd-Row Seating?
3rd-row seating refers to an extra set of seats in the back of a vehicle, commonly found in SUVs, crossovers, and minivans. These seats can accommodate up to three passengers and can often be folded down to create more cargo space when needed. Cars with third-row seating are perfect for larger families or anyone who needs more passenger capacity without upgrading to a larger vehicle like a van.
Why Choose Cars with 3rd-Row Seating?
There are numerous reasons to choose a vehicle with third-row seating, especially if you need more room for your family or group. Let’s break down the top benefits:
Increased Passenger Capacity
The main appeal of cars with 3rd-row seating is the ability to accommodate more passengers. Whether you’re transporting kids, friends, or extended family members, these vehicles typically offer space for 7 to 8 people, making them ideal for family trips and large groups.
Versatile Cargo Space
One of the standout features of many 3rd-row cars is their flexible cargo options. The 3rd-row seats can often be folded down flat, allowing you to expand the cargo area when needed, giving you more space for luggage, groceries, or gear.
Comfort for Long Drives
Long road trips can be uncomfortable in smaller cars, but cars with third-row seating provide additional space and legroom, which can make travel much more comfortable for passengers—especially adults or older children sitting in the 3rd row.
Family-Friendly Features
Many SUVs and minivans with third-row seating come equipped with advanced safety features (such as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert), entertainment systems, and climate control options, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone.
Top Cars with 3rd-Row Seating in 2024
If you’re looking for the best options available in 2024, here’s a list of the top cars with 3rd-row seating that offer excellent value, comfort, and features:
2024 Toyota Highlander
Price: Starting at $36,000
Features:
- Seats up to 8 passengers
- Hybrid option with up to 36 MPG
- Advanced Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+
- Flexible cargo space: 16–48.4 cubic feet
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Why Choose It?: Reliable performance, excellent fuel efficiency, and family-friendly features make the Highlander a top pick for mid-sized SUVs.
The Toyota Highlander remains one of the most popular midsize SUVs, offering a spacious interior, advanced tech features, and a solid reputation for reliability. With a 3rd row that comfortably fits children or smaller adults, the Highlander also provides a smooth ride, impressive fuel economy, and Toyota’s standard suite of safety technologies.
2024 Kia Telluride
Price: Starting at $39,000
Features:
- Spacious 3rd row suitable for adults
- Cargo space up to 87 cubic feet
- 291-horsepower V6 engine
- Luxurious interiors and modern tech features
- Why Choose It?: A combination of affordability, comfort, and advanced safety features make the Telluride a favorite for families.
The Kia Telluride is a luxury-inspired SUV with a spacious 3rd row that provides ample comfort for adults. It features premium interior materials, a quiet cabin, and excellent infotainment options, making it one of the top contenders in the midsize SUV category. With its family-oriented design, the Telluride is perfect for both long trips and daily use.
2024 Honda Pilot
Price: Starting at $37,500
Features:
- Ample legroom in the third row
- Strong 280-horsepower V6 engine
- Honda Sensing suite for advanced safety
- Rear entertainment options available
Why Choose It?: The Pilot is perfect for families seeking a spacious and reliable SUV with great safety ratings.
Known for its reliability, the Honda Pilot offers a comfortable 3rd-row that is easy to access and spacious enough for adults. With its strong V6 engine, roomy interior, and Honda Sensing safety features, the Pilot is a fantastic choice for families needing a midsize SUV with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
2024 Ford Expedition
Price: Starting at $54,000
Features:
- Roomy 3rd-row seating for adults
- Massive cargo space: 20.9–104.6 cubic feet
- Powerful 375-horsepower EcoBoost V6 engine
- Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system
Why Choose It?: Ideal for larger families or those needing towing power, the Expedition offers unmatched space and performance.
For those who need a full-size SUV, the Ford Expedition delivers in a big way. With up to 8-passenger capacity and a powerful turbocharged V6 engine, it offers more room and towing capacity than many other SUVs. The 3rd-row seats are spacious and ideal for long trips, with ample cargo space when the seats are folded.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica
Price: Starting at $37,000
Features:
- Stow ‘n Go seats for flexible storage
- Optional hybrid engine for 82 MPGe
- Advanced Uconnect infotainment system
- Up to 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space
- Why Choose It?: The Pacifica offers unbeatable convenience for families, combining spacious seating with cutting-edge technology.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a family-friendly minivan that offers outstanding flexibility with its Stow ‘n Go seats, allowing the 3rd row to fold completely into the floor. The Pacifica also comes equipped with Uconnect infotainment, advanced safety technologies, and a smooth, quiet ride, making it perfect for families needing both space and convenience.
2024 Subaru Ascent
Price: Starting at $37,500
Features:
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Turbocharged 260-horsepower engine
- Subaru EyeSight safety system
- Cargo space up to 86.5 cubic feet
- Why Choose It?: A versatile SUV for adventurous families, the Ascent combines safety, comfort, and off-road capabilities.
The Subaru Ascent is a 7-passenger SUV that combines rugged performance with family-friendly features. Its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology keeps families safe on the road, while the 3rd-row seating offers ample legroom for adults. With standard all-wheel drive, it’s perfect for families who like to go on adventures in all types of weather.
Comparison Table: Top Cars with 3rd-Row Seating
| Model | Starting Price | Seating Capacity | Cargo Space | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | $36,000 | Up to 8 | 48.4 cu. ft. | Fuel-efficient hybrid option |
| Kia Telluride | $39,000 | Up to 8 | 87 cu. ft. | Luxurious interiors |
| Honda Pilot | $37,500 | Up to 8 | 83.9 cu. ft. | Honda Sensing safety tech |
| Ford Expedition | $54,000 | Up to 8 | 104.6 cu. ft. | Powerful towing capability |
| Chrysler Pacifica | $37,000 | Up to 8 | 140.5 cu. ft. | Stow ‘n Go seats |
| Subaru Ascent | $37,500 | Up to 8 | 86.5 cu. ft. | Standard all-wheel drive |
Key Considerations When Buying a Car with 3rd-Row Seating
When choosing a car with third-row seating, there are several important factors to keep in mind:
Passenger Comfort
Make sure the 3rd-row seats are comfortable for your needs. Some vehicles offer spacious, adult-friendly seating, while others may be better suited for children or occasional use.
Access and Ease of Use
Consider how easy it is to access the 3rd row. Many vehicles offer power-folding seats, while others have manual mechanisms. Sliding second-row seats can make entering the 3rd row much easier.
Safety Features
Look for vehicles with advanced driver-assist technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rearview cameras for enhanced safety, especially when traveling with family.
Cargo Space
Check the cargo capacity with the 3rd row in use, as this can vary greatly between vehicles. Some SUVs and minivans offer generous cargo space even with the 3rd row occupied.
Fuel Efficiency
While larger SUVs tend to have lower fuel efficiency, there are options with hybrid engines or more fuel-efficient designs. Consider this factor if you plan to do a lot of long-distance driving.
Conclusion
Cars with 3rd-row seating are a great solution for families or anyone needing extra passenger capacity and flexibility. With options ranging from midsize SUVs like the Toyota Highlander to full-size SUVs like the Ford Expedition, there’s a third-row vehicle for everyone. When selecting a vehicle, consider your family’s size, the frequency of use, and your preference for features like safety, comfort, and cargo space. No matter which option you choose, a 3rd-row seating vehicle will provide the space and versatility needed for your family’s lifestyle.
