SUVs With Three Rows: How To Choose The Best Family Car
So… you’re interested in a family car with three rows? Excellent choice!
After years of reviewing cars for families and testing every possible feature a vehicle can offer, I believe a three-row SUV is (almost always) the way to go. They offer flexibility and space that can match your family’s needs for years without issues.
That being said, with so many three-row SUVs on the market, which ones are the best? How do you know which features will meet the needs of your family? Is a full-size or a large mid-size SUV the better option? I’ll answer all these questions (and more), today.
If you’re new here- I’m Kelly the Car Mom and helping families find the best car for their needs is my thing. I’m a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), mom of three (almost four), and if there is one thing I know better than anything else - it’s family cars. I want to help you narrow down everything you need to consider when deciding on a vehicle.
So let’s go ahead and break down everything you need to know when considering an SUV with three rows, plus my top picks to recommend to families.
What is an SUV with Three Rows?
An SUV with three rows is just that, a three-row SUV. When it comes to considering a two-row versus three-row SUV, begin by considering just how many seats you need in a car. Depending on the three-row SUV you choose, there are 6-8 seats available.
Start by considering if you want a bench seat or captain’s chairs in the second row. Bench seating allows for three car seats across in the second row (with access to the third row using car seat-friendly tilt) while captain’s chairs give a walkway into the third row since there are only two outboard seats.
From there, it’s time to consider how many seats you want in the third row. Manufacturers will either include two or three seats in the third-row bench. I always recommend two full seats instead of three small seats because it allows for a lot more flexibility in car seat installation options.
Once you’ve decided which second and third-row seat options you need, it’s time to move on to the actual size of your three-row SUV. You can better break down the cars to consider by looking at large mid-size SUVs and full-size SUVs:
Mid-Size SUV:
A mid-size SUV offers a balance between space and maneuverability. While the mid-size category is a large umbrella statement, the large mid-size SUVs are cars that offer a third row with enough space for you to use everyday. The third row can also be folded down when not in use, allowing for extra cargo space when needed.
If you’re debating between a mid-size or full-size SUV, the four vehicles I recommend taking for a test drive are: Honda Pilot, Volkwagen Atlas, Chevrolet Traverse, and Toyota Grand Highlander. These vehicles are the biggest in the large mid-size SUV category, so if these cars do not work for your family, no other mid-size will and it’s time to move up to a full-size SUV.
If you’re interested in a large mid-size SUV, but still don’t know if it would be right for your family, check out my post - Mid-Size vs. Full-Size SUVs: How To Choose What's Right For YOUR Family.
Full-Size SUV:
Full-size SUVs are the largest cars available on the market, giving the most space for passengers and cargo. These vehicles are built on a truck platform, giving them more towing capacity and a sturdier build. They usually come with more powerful engines and advanced features but are less fuel-efficient and harder to maneuver in tight spaces compared to mid-size SUVs.
Full-size SUVs are ideal for families who always use the third row because they allow for enough trunk space to haul everything you need. While you might expect three-row SUVs to offer extensive trunk space, this is often not the case. As a result, many families fold down the third row to create more room for cargo. However, for larger families, this isn't a solution since they need all the seating capacity. It's essential to consider where everyone will sit while ensuring there's enough space for everything you need to transport.
If you’re narrowing in on a full-size SUV, but still want to do more research on the right model, check out my guide - The Full-Size SUV Showdown - for a breakdown of every possible aspect you need to know before going to a dealership and test driving.
Kelly, What is the Appeal of an SUV with Three Rows?
When you start looking into an SUV, the first decision you'll encounter is whether to consider a two-row or three-row SUV. Yes, two-row SUVs are typically less expensive and get better mileage, but for families with 2+ children, the option for a third row cannot be stated enough!
The biggest reason why anyone wants an SUV with three rows comes down to space. With more kids, you need a larger trunk, room for car seats, the option to bring friends in the car, etc… A three-row SUV provides the extra space and flexibility that growing families need, making it easier to transport everyone and any cargo comfortably.
What to Consider When Shopping for an SUV with Three Rows
Price
Safety
Third Row Access
Ceiling Vents
Price:
The price range for three-row SUVs in 2024 varies significantly depending on the model and features you choose. The most affordable options start around $28,000, while the higher-end models can exceed $100,000.
With more size, you're getting a more expensive vehicle, so SUVs with three rows are considerably more expensive than sedans or even a two-row SUV. The first thing to consider is if you’re shopping for a luxury or more standard three-row SUV. I want to make it clear there are a TON of options available if you are not in the luxury market that are still excellent three-row family cars. Car shoppers often confuse luxury as a better vehicle when this is not the case. Manufacturers are just using higher-end materials and adding all the bells and whistles into the car to make it a higher price point. You can still get a really lux standard vehicle by just looking at higher trim options.
If you're interested in a three-row SUV for your family, there are still great ways to save on the price and get a quality family vehicle. I LOVE helping families find their perfect car in the right price range, so I have many resources available to help no matter your budget or concerns.
If you’re just starting to narrow down your budget, I’d recommend using my FREE Car Payment Estimator to crunch numbers. It will break down everything the dealership considers when giving out that final price, so you are prepared to walk in with confidence.
From there, it’s time to narrow down your family car options that work within your budget. My guide to The Best Family Cars for Under $400 a Month is meant to show you that your ideal car is out there at a price you can afford. I reference this guide to so many families I consult with and highly recommend looking into it as a baseline for solid cars to consider.
Lastly, when you’ve narrowed down your family car options and are ready to go test drive, my course - How To Save At The Dealership - will ensure you walk in with confidence and negotiate the best possible price. I offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t save at least the price of the course because I’m that confident you will walk away saving more.
Safety:
Let’s talk about one of the most important aspects of any family car: safety.
Typically, because three-row SUVs are larger vehicles in the event of a collision they hold up better. Combined with all the tech on the market, three-row SUVs are safer than ever before.
If safety is your number one concern, look for models that have earned high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and other safety organizations to ensure you're getting a vehicle that will protect your family in the event of a collision.
I have an entire post dedicated to the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Picks you can look at to help narrow down your car selection.
If safety is your top concern, here are the three-row SUVs I recommend taking for a test drive:
Mazda CX50 - Top Safety Pick +
Honda Pilot - Top Safety Pick
Hyundai Palisade - Top Safety Pick
Kia Telluride - Top Safety Pick +
Jeep Wagoneer - Top Safety Pick
Mazda CX90 - Top Safety Pick +
Nissan Pathfinder - Top Safety Pick +
Volkswagen Atlas - Top Safety Pick + 2023 Car Mom Car of the Year
Volvo XC90 - Top Safety Pick
Third Row Access:
Yes, an additional row is great, but if your kids can't get back there easily, it makes this extra space feel like a waste. This is where third-row access comes into play.
When it comes to getting into the third row, the conversation starts with captain’s chairs vs. bench seating. The second-row bench is the classic seating option with three seats going across the length of the car. Captain’s chairs eliminate the middle seat giving you a walkthrough into the third row.
For a lot of families, while the captain’s chairs would make third-row access easier, that middle seat in the second row is a crucial space you cannot just give up. Instead, consider cars that have a Car Seat-Friendly Tilt. This allows you to push the outboard seats of the second row forward (with a car seat installed) so you can access the third row.
If third-row access is your top priority, here is a list of vehicles to take for a test drive:
Mid-Size SUVs:
Full-Size SUVs:
Ceiling Vents:
I know what you’re thinking, “Why should I care about ceiling vents?” If your kids are in car seats, ceiling vents are a huge deal. For a lot of SUVs, manufacturers will put second-row vents on the back of the center console. While it’s more convenient for them, this is not the optimal location. It makes airflow much harder to get in the second and third rows.
Instead, look into cars that have ceiling vents. This allows for airflow to hit your child directly, especially if they are rear-facing. It cools down the car quicker, especially if you live in a state that has hot summers like we do in Missouri.
If third-row access is your top priority, here is a list of vehicles to take for a test drive:
Mid-Size SUVs List:
Chevy Traverse(look into the 2024 redesign and beyond for best family features)
Full-Size SUVs List:
My Favorite SUVs with Three Rows:
While this is by no means a list of every three-row SUV on the market, these are my favorites that I have tested and seen a lot of flexibility in for a wide range of families. If you’re looking for an SUV with three rows, use this list as a guide to narrow down your options before going on a test drive.
Kelly’s Mid-Size SUV Top Picks:
Honda Pilot(look into the 2023 redesign and beyond for best family features)
Chevy Traverse(look into the 2024 redesign and beyond for best family features)
Full-Size SUVs List:
If you want to see my pros and cons of each full-size SUV, check out my Full-Size SUV Showdown.
Lincoln Navigator (Essentially the luxury version of the Expedition)
Ready to Find Your SUV with Three Rows?
SUVs with three rows are the ideal option for families that want to ensure their car can haul whatever they need without fail. These vehicles offer the perfect blend of space, safety, and flexibility, making them well-suited for busy family life. Whether you need to transport multiple car seats, carry sports equipment, or take family trips, a three-row SUV can handle it all with ease.
Do you have any questions about SUVs with three rows? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest car-buying tips for families, check out my recent posts:
