Top 10 Best Cars With 3 Rows of Seats to Buy in 2022
Last updated on July 19th, 2024 at 04:25 am
Comfort is something that we cherish a lot. With growing family sizes and a desire to travel, comfort has become increasingly important to car buyers. This is most likely why top manufacturers provide capable SUVs that are not only comfy but also suitable for the complete family. As a result, here are eight comfy three-row cars in the USA.
Due to its adaptability and practicality new cars with 3 rows of seats have become so popular that there are solutions for any requirement or preference – from tiny to full-size, entry-level to luxury, highway cruiser to off-roader, and everything in between.
The three-row SUV market is a small but highly competitive segment of a much larger market. It’s a plus because they can handle bad weather without breaking a sweat and give long-distance comfort. The overall vehicle ranking shows how well they compare in terms of legroom and rear cargo capacity, whereas the order presented in this list represents how well they compare in terms of legroom and back cargo space. This list includes vehicles from the model years 2021 and 2022. Those who require even more space can consider a full-size SUV.
With so many options on the market, we’ve compiled a list of every 10 best cars with 3 rows of seats currently available. We’ve included information on their price, fuel economy, cargo space, towing capacity, and any other noteworthy features.
The beauty of affordable cars with 3 rows of seats is that it can seat up to eight people, transport all of the hockey or football gear that high students can throw at it, and still get better gas mileage than full-size SUVs. We ranked the current available mid-size crossovers below.
10 Affordable Cars With 3 Rows of Seats
#1. 2022 Volkswagen Atlas
Specifications:
- Vehicle Type- SUV
- Engine Type- Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
- Seats- 7 Person
- Horsepower- 235
- Torque (lb-ft)- 258
- Efficiency (MPG)- 21 City / 25 Hwy
- Transmission- Automatic w/
The Atlas is the first midsize rival to offer adult-size passenger room in the third row, as well as usable stowage behind it. The Atlas is the finest choice in terms of usable room, functionality, and value for moms looking for the largest SUV available without going full-size (think Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban). Modern technology, sleek appearance, adequate driving characteristics, substantial (but not excessive) power, and optional AWD are all included.
The Atlas’ third-row legroom is almost 33.7 inches, which is best in class when compared to rivals, and it’s nearly 21 cubic-feet of load space is only surpassed by the Kia Telluride. With the rear seats in place, the Chevrolet Traverse has 23 cubic feet of storage, but it’s a small vehicle.
Pros
- Styling that appears at ease in its big-boned skin
- Interior with plenty of space
- A great compromise between a pleasant ride and precise handling
Cons
- Off the line, jumpy
- Cabin could need a little more character
- Fuel economy is poor
#2. 2021 Kia Telluride
Specifications:
- Vehicle Type- SUV
- Engine Type- Regular Unleaded V-6
- Seats- 8 Person
- Horsepower- 291
- Torque (lb-ft)262
- Efficiency (MPG)- 20 City / 26 Hwy
- Transmission Automatic- w/OD
Premium equipment and electronics are standard on top Telluride levels, but Kia’s largest SUV is a fantastic value and a great family car regardless of configuration. The cabin is roomy and comfy, and the vehicle’s modern, muscular appearance appeals to young families that aren’t interested in the dwindling minivan category. The Telluride is also a good value, since it comes in under $50,000 with all of the options and the top trim level. A reassuring addition is Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Pros
- Cabin is impressive and lovely
- Unbelievable worth
- For families, it is capable and comfortable
Cons
- The fuel economy might be improved
- It’s not a lot of fun to drive,
- The interior could need more small-item storage
#3. 2020 Volvo XC90
Specification:
- Vehicle Type- SUV
- Engine Type- Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
- Seats- 7 Person
- Horsepower- 250
- Torque (lb-ft)- 258
- Efficiency (MPG)- 21 City / 30 Hwy
- Transmission- Automatic w/OD
The Volvo XC90 is a fantastic premium vehicle. The high-quality inside materials, as well as the numerous convenience features, stands out. Only the list of standard safety functions comes close to matching this. For the 2021 model year, the XC90 will be largely unchanged. All models get a few tech upgrades, such as front parking sensors and two USB-C ports on the center console’s rear. The Recharge sub-brand now houses the plug-in variation, which was previously known as the T8.
The XC90 is a crossover between midsize and large SUVs, as well as mainstream and luxury manufacturers. It’s a more expensive option, but purchasers in this market will generally browse around for a long time. It has 31.9 inches of third-row legroom, which is a standard specification in the segment.
Pros
- Exterior design that is elegant
- There is a reassuring level of safety technology
- For its segment, it has a good fuel efficiency
Cons
- Smooth comfort was compromised at the expense of dynamic qualities
- Off-road capabilities are limited
- For drivers, the user interface might be distracting
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#4. 2021 Chevrolet Traverse
Specifications:
- Vehicle Type- SUV
- Engine Type- Gas V6
- Seats- 8 Person
- Horsepower- 310
- Torque (lb-ft)266
- Efficiency (MPG)- 18 City / 27 Hwy
- Transmission- Automatic
The Chevrolet Traverse SUV features a big cabin with seating for up to eight people and has nearly the same internal capacity as a minivan without the stigma. The Traverse, despite its massive size, drives more like a big sedan than a small truck, thanks to its standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, which gives quick acceleration. The Traverse is the smallest of Chevy’s three three-row SUVs, yet it outclasses most of its midsize competitors. Though it comes from a family of off-road vehicles, the Traverse is better at moving people and cargo than going off-road. All trims have all-wheel drive, but the base L is a dependable transporter, especially for drivers who live in rainy or snowy areas.
Buyers who desire the largest three-row SUV will also receive the most legroom (33.5 inches) in the back and the most load space with all seats in place (23 cubic-feet). With a length of 204.3 inches, the Traverse straddles the line between moderate and giant. The majority of the other entrants come close to 200 inches in length.
Pros
- Engine that is both powerful and efficient
- Interior with plenty of space
- Fold-down seats allow for a lot of cargo space
Cons
- price quickly rises
- The interior materials are a mishmash
- A large C-pillar can obstruct rearward visibility
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#5. 2021 Ford Explorer
Specifications:
- Vehicle Type- SUV
- Engine Type- Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
- Seats- 7 Person
- Horsepower- 300
- Torque (lb-ft)- 310
- Efficiency (MPG)- 21 (2020) City / 28 (2020) Hwy
- Transmission-Automatic w/OD
Ford’s Explorer improvements in recent years have helped it gain ground on European and Asian competitors, but it falls short in the comfort and fit and finish departments, making it difficult to justify the expensive prices some combinations require. The Telluride and Palisade SUVs from Kia and Hyundai, respectively, make a convincing argument for themselves, with far more premium interiors and better value than the Explorer.
The Explorer’s third row is in the middle of the pack among competitors, with 32.2 inches of legroom. The Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, has a spacious 20.6 cubic-feet of cargo capacity behind the third row. Some may argue that giving up third-row passenger room in exchange for cargo space is a bad idea.
Pros
- The ride is largely smooth and confident
- Interior that is both comfortable and functional
- There’s a lot of storage and cargo capacity
Cons
- It quickly becomes prohibitively expensive
- Some interior trim that has a shoddy feel to it
- The third row is only suitable for tiny children
#6. 2022 Acura MDX
Specifications:
- Vehicle Type- SUV
- Engine Type- Premium Unleaded V-6
- Seats- 7 Person
- Horsepower- 290
- Torque (lb-ft)- 267
- Efficiency (MPG)- 19 City / 26 Hwy
- Transmission- Automatic w/OD
The MDX often goes unnoticed in the premium segment due to its sophisticated sporty-yet-understated interior. The fourth-generation 2022 MDX (Acura will skip 2021 entirely) takes the three-row, midsize SUV back into focus with cutting-edge technology that emphasizes practicality and flexibility, including a removable second-row center seat, while maintaining its reputation as a performance-oriented SUV. The 3.5-liter V6 engine remains the same, but an all-new, Acura-specific platform provides more attractive proportions (similar to the TLX sedan and RDX small crossover) and a new 10-speed automatic transmission provides a more sporty driving experience.
The new Acura is also roomier, with 29 inches of legroom in the third row, nearly an inch more than the previous model. In addition, the cargo bay also grew from 15.8 cubic-feet to 18, which is in step with the Hyundai Palisade and Ford Explorer.
Pros
- Exciting driving experience
- Wireless second row center seat
- Removed Apple CarPlay and Android
Cons
- There is no touchscreen option available
- Cabin is less quiet than competitors
- Legroom on the second row might be improved
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#7. 2021 Subaru Ascent
Specifications:
- Vehicle Type- SUV
- Engine Type- Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded H-4
- Seats- 8 Person
- Horsepower- 260
- Torque (lb-ft)- 277
- Efficiency (MPG)- 21 City / 27 Hwy
- Transmission- CVT w/OD
The Ascent adds to what Subaru’s devoted owners already enjoy about their vehicles. It’s relaxing, cost-effective, and simple to use. With a capable conventional all-wheel drive system, it can tackle modest off-roading activities fairly well. It isn’t particularly fun to drive on the road, but it excels at ferrying commuters and people around with minimal bother in a sensibly constructed cabin. It also has excellent safety ratings, a large number of active safety systems, and high fuel efficiency for its class. The Ascent’s third row is a touch smaller than some of its competitors’, there’s no V6 option, and its looks are subjective, but it’s a good bargain for outdoorsy families.
Pros
- Excellent crash test results and safety features
- Standard all-wheel drive
- great off-road capability make this a roomy and comfortable vehicle
Cons
- Looks of anonymity
- Not quite as powerful as some V6 competitors
- On the road, it was a dreadful experience
#8. 2021 Honda Pilot
Specifications:
- Vehicle Type- SUV
- Engine Type- Regular Unleaded V-6
- Seats- 8 Person
- Horsepower- 280
- Torque (lb-ft)- 262
- Efficiency (MPG)- 20 City / 27 Hwy
- Transmission- Automatic w/OD
The Pilot remains largely intact for the 2021 model year, with the exception of Honda’s smooth-shifting nine-speed transmission becoming standard across the board. All-wheel drive is offered on all models from the automaker, which is a handy addition for families that live in seasonal areas, especially with driving modes that adjust for Snow, Sand, and Mud (it also has a mildly impressive 7.3 inches of ground clearance). However, while traveling around town, the driving dynamics are lacking, and the design is bland. Regardless, the Pilot’s large cabin, slew of standard safety features, fuel efficiency, and ample small-space storage make it a useful tool for errands or lengthy family road trips.
Pros
- Cabin with plenty of room
- Fuel efficiency is competitive.
- All-wheel drive is offered on all models
Cons
- Interior is dull
- A lane-keeping assistance system that is overly forceful
- With the third row in place, there is almost no useful cargo room
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#9. 2021 Toyota Highlander
Specifications:
- Vehicle Type- SUV
- Engine Type- Regular Unleaded V-6
- Seats- 8 Person
- Horsepower- 295
- Torque (lb-ft)- 263
- Efficiency (MPG)- 21 City / 29 Hwy
- Transmission- Automatic w/OD
The Toyota Highlander has a roomy interior (the middle row is more comparable to rivals than the third), a long list of standard safety features, and excellent safety ratings. When properly outfitted, it also has a surprisingly capable towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. But, in a sector rich with talent, the hybrid powertrain, which is available on all trims, including a new sporty XSE model, is what really sets it apart. For consumers who don’t want to sacrifice fuel efficiency for spaciousness, this makes the Highlander an appealing option among the mainstream competition.
Toyota’s Highlander has modest third-row legroom of 27.7 inches and only 16 cubic feet of load space with the back seats folded down. But the SUV is one of the pioneering minivan-like SUVs in the segment and the new generation sports a new, hipper silhouette so buyers will likely forgive the tighter spaces for one of three reasons: they like what they see, they prioritize fuel efficiency or they just want the Toyota.
Pros
- Hybrid options are available
- Standard features are plentiful
- Ride in peace and comfort
Cons
- A jumble of buttons and on-screen controls might be perplexing
- The third row is extremely small
- the driving experience is disjointed
#10. 2021 Kia Sorento
Specifications:
- Vehicle Type- SUV
- Engine Type- Regular Unleaded I-4
- Seats- 7 Person
- Horsepower- 191
- Torque (lb-ft)- 181
- Efficiency (MPG)- 24 City / 29 Hwy
- Transmission- Automatic w/OD
Kia updated the Sorento crossover for 2021 with new style and two new powertrains (one of which is a hybrid), aiming at buyers looking for a smaller SUV that falls between the compact and midsize classes in terms of size. Given the success of the Kia Telluride, the Sorento could have easily become the odd man out in the Kia lineup, but it manages to carve out a niche in the family-centric segment by offering a three-row, seven-passenger layout with a slightly smaller footprint and lower price than its big brother Telluride. Next year, the Sorento will be available as a plug-in hybrid.
Pros
- Smooth riding, good maneuverability
- Cautious new Hybrid version with standard third-row seats
Cons
- Wireless coverage in the third row is limited
- Only the smaller 8-inch infotainment screen supports Apple/Android controls
