Which Cars Have Third-Row Seats?

Vehicles mostly have room for five passengers, the driver, and three other passengers. Vehicles with two-row seatings cannot accommodate a family of six or seven members. 

However, when minivans began to grow in popularity, many automakers recognized the need for vehicles to offer additional seatings. 

This article discusses which cars have third-row seats and why they are needed.

Why The Need For Third-Row Seats

Minivans offer more space and storage room for both passengers and cargo, an ideal family-friendly vehicle. However, not everyone may want a minivan so vehicles with third-row seats are a good replacement for minivans. The popularity of minivans has led many automakers to manufacture vehicles with third-row seatings.

As automakers began offering third-row seating, the popularity and utility of this feature exploded, and now most modern SUVs (both midsize and large), as well as several models of smaller crossovers, offer third-row seatings with increased seating and storage.

Vehicles with a third row of seats can be handy for large families, parents with many children, teachers, or grandparents. Anyone who regularly transports more than two or three people should consider a vehicle with a third row of seats.

Cars That Have Third Row Seats

Many cars have third-row seats that allow additional seating capacity beyond the traditional two-row seats found in most passenger vehicles. 

Here is a list of some popular car models that have third-row seating:

Toyota Highlander

This popular mid-size SUV has a roomy interior and can seat up to eight people.

Honda Pilot

This mid-size SUV also has a spacious interior and can seat up to eight people.

Chevrolet Tahoe

This full-size SUV has a large cabin and can seat up to nine people.

Toyota Sienna

This minivan has a versatile interior and can seat up to eight people.

Kia Telluride

This mid-size SUV has a spacious interior and can seat up to eight people.

Subaru Ascent

This mid-size SUV has a roomy interior and can seat up to eight people.

Ford Expedition

This full-size SUV has a spacious interior and can seat up to eight people.

Nissan Armada

This full-size SUV has a large cabin and can seat up to eight people.

Hyundai Palisade

This mid-size SUV has a roomy interior and can seat up to eight people.

What To Consider When Deciding To Buy A Vehicle With Third-Row Seats

Remember, the number of seats does not equal the quality of space. It is worth noting that a vehicle with third-row seats does not necessarily mean that it is useful.

Sometimes, third-row seats in compact or midsize SUVs may get cramped, and may not be suitable when transporting children. Consider mid-size SUVs that have enough for children to feel comfortable.

Compare vehicles with third-row seats based on seating space, comfort, access, sheer dimensions, and features suitable for your family’s needs and safety.

Check the sheer dimensions of vehicles that offer third-row seats. If you plan to install child-safety seats in the back, you may have to find out which three-row SUVs have latch anchors at the back. 

Evaluate access to the third row in the vehicle as well. Some cars facilitate easy access to the third-row seats via sliding second rows operated by one-touch buttons, while others make it a multistep process of lifting levers or tumbling seats. 

Check to see if the second-row seats have sliding door adjustments, instead of fixed seats, as they allow passengers in the second and third rows to negotiate a compromise on legroom.

Keep in mind that the availability of third-row seating may vary depending on the trim level or specific model of the car. It is always a good idea to check with the manufacturer or a dealership to confirm the seating capacity of a particular vehicle.

Ensure Safety With Third-Row Seats

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association, state laws differ on which passengers must wear a seat belt depending on where they are seated in the vehicle.

Most states have seat belt laws that require drivers and passengers in a vehicle to wear a seat belt when they are occupying a front-row seat. Some states also require children under a certain age to wear seat belts, regardless of which seat they are sitting in. Ensure the safety of your family and passengers by complying with seat belt laws in your state.

Cars with third-row seating installed by manufacturers are highly safe. As with any other seat, third-row seats undergo extensive safety testing to ensure that passengers sitting in the third-row face no greater risk of injury in the event of a collision, assuming they are seated and wearing seat belts.

Beware of companies that produce and market aftermarket third-row seats. Automakers do not recommend aftermarket third-row seats. It is questionable whether third-row seats can be secured to the vehicle's frame in one that may not have room for that. It is also costly to install third-row seating properly as an aftermarket option.

Summary 

The popularity of minivans has led many automakers to manufacture vehicles with third-row seatings.

Vehicles with a third row of seats can be handy for large families, parents with many children, teachers, or grandparents. Anyone who regularly transports more than two or three people should consider a vehicle with a third row of seats.

Before deciding to get a vehicle with third-row seats, consider seating space, comfort, access to third-row seats, sheer dimensions, and features suitable for your family’s needs and safety. Ensure the safety of your family and passengers by complying with seat belt laws in your state.

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