Which Vehicles Have 3 Rows of Seats?
If you want a vehicle with three rows of seats, your options are 3-row SUVs, 3-row crossovers, minivans, and full-size vans.
Each vehicle type caters to a specific customer profile, with distinct tradeoffs. Let's lay out the pros and cons so you can decide which is right for you.
2023 Chevrolet Corvette
Three-row SUVs offer a nice mix of power, space, versatility, and off-road capability.
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Towing capacity: with the Expedition able to tow 9,300 lbs and other full-size 3-row SUVs not far behind, you get way more pull than most minivans or crossovers deliver.
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Cargo flexibility: while not as roomy as a minivan or van, many 3-row SUVs have tons of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
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Off-road capability: higher ground clearance and AWD make these SUVs better offroad than minivans—or most crossovers.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. Here are some reasons you might look elsewhere:
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Fuel efficiency: if miles per gallon is your top concern, look into a 3-row crossover.
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Maneuverability: most of these SUVs are big. If you drive downtown and don’t like tight parking, stick with a crossover.
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Cost: if you’re looking for the cheapest 3-row vehicle, get a crossover. 3-row SUVs come in a wide range of prices, with the lowest (e.g., Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade) on par with a minivan, and the most expensive costing well into the six-figure range.
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Comfort: some SUVs, especially truck-based models, offer a stiffer ride than car-based crossovers or minivans.
When weighing a 3-row SUV, ask yourself:
1. Do I frequently tow heavy loads or drive off-road?
2. Do I need a balance of passenger space and cargo flexibility?
3. Am I comfortable with higher fuel costs?
If you answered "yes" to all of these questions, a three-row SUV might be your best bet. Here are some popular ones:
1. Do I frequently tow heavy loads or drive off-road?
2. Do I need a balance of passenger space and cargo flexibility?
3. Am I comfortable with higher fuel costs?
If you answered "yes" to all of these questions, a three-row SUV might be your best bet. Here are some popular ones:
SUV | Size | Maximum cargo space (cu. ft.) | Cost (used)* |
Chevrolet Suburban | Full-size | 144.7 | $36k–$54k |
Ford Expedition | Full-size | 104.6 | $20k–$40k |
GMC Yukon | Full-size | 122.9 | $58k–$98k |
Kia Telluride | Mid-size | 87 | $35k–$53k |
Toyota Highlander | Mid-size | 84.3 | $36k–$52k |
VW Tiguan | Compact | 65.7 | $27k–$38k |
For more info on SUVs with 3rd row seating, read our comprehensive guide to 3-row SUVs.
3-Row Crossovers
Three-row crossovers give you car-like handling, decent off-road capabilities, and better-than-SUV fuel economy.
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Fuel efficiency: if MPG is your priority, 3-row crossovers outperform SUVs and minivans. Many models average 20-25 mpg in city driving, with some hybrids pushing that even higher.
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Maneuverability: built on car platforms, these vehicles are easier to handle in urban environments. If you frequently navigate tight city streets or crowded parking lots, a crossover might be your best bet.
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Comfort: most crossovers provide a smoother, more car-like ride than truck-based SUVs. If smooth drives are important to you, crossovers will deliver.
As with the other categories featured here, crossovers have their trade-offs:
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Towing capacity: while better than sedans, most crossovers can't match the towing prowess of SUVs. If you regularly tow heavy loads, you might need to step up to a full-size SUV.
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Off-road capability: most crossovers have AWD and do well in light offroad conditions, but can't stand up to heavier offroading like the Jeep Wrangler,
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Cargo space: while spacious, crossovers typically offer less maximum cargo volume than minivans, vans or full-size SUVs.
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Passenger capacity: the third row in many crossovers is tighter than in full-size SUVs or minivans. If you frequently carry adults in all three rows, you might want to look at larger options.
When considering a 3-row crossover, ask yourself:
1. Is fuel efficiency a top priority?
2. Do I prefer car-like handling but need more space or off-road capability than a sedan offers?
3. Am I willing to sacrifice some towing capacity and off-road ability for better maneuverability and efficiency?
If you answered "yes" to these questions, a three-row crossover just might be in your future.
Here are some popular models to consider:
1. Is fuel efficiency a top priority?
2. Do I prefer car-like handling but need more space or off-road capability than a sedan offers?
3. Am I willing to sacrifice some towing capacity and off-road ability for better maneuverability and efficiency?
If you answered "yes" to these questions, a three-row crossover just might be in your future.
Here are some popular models to consider:
Crossover | Combined fuel economy | Maximum cargo space (cu. ft.) | Cost (used)* |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 36 | 84.3 | $41k–$60k |
Mazda CX-9 | 24 | 71.2 | $39k–$49k |
Honda Pilot | 23 | 83.9 | $38k–$52k |
Minivans
Minivans offer practicality, comfort, and family-friendly features. If you can handle the “uncool factor” and love convenience, they’re amazing.
However, minivans aren't for everyone. Here's why you might look elsewhere:
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Interior space: minivans reign supreme in the passenger and cargo room category. With easily removable or stowable seats, they offer more flexible cargo options than most SUVs or crossovers.
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Ease of access: sliding doors and low step-in height make getting in and out a breeze, especially when wrangling kids or loading car seats. If you're frequently loading and unloading passengers, you can’t beat a minivan for convenience.
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Fuel efficiency: while not as efficient as some crossovers, minivans generally offer better fuel economy than full-size SUVs. Many models average 19-22 mpg in city driving.
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Comfort features: minivans often come loaded with family-oriented amenities such as built-in vacuums, rear-seat entertainment systems, and configurable seating arrangements.
However, minivans aren't for everyone. Here's why you might look elsewhere:
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Styling: if you're after a "cool" factor, minivans often fall short in the public eye. For some, this is a deal-breaker.
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Towing capacity: while better than most sedans, minivans typically can't match the towing capabilities of SUVs.
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Off-road capability: minivans are designed for paved roads. If your adventures frequently take you off the beaten path, an SUV or crossover might be a better fit.
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All-wheel drive: while some minivans offer AWD, it's not as common as in SUVs and crossovers. If you need AWD for winter driving, your minivan options may be limited.
When weighing a minivan, ask yourself:
1. Is maximizing interior space and flexibility my top priority?
2. Do I frequently transport children, elderly passengers, or people with mobility issues?
3. Am I more concerned with practicality and family-friendly features than with sporty styling or off-road capability?
If you answered "yes" to these questions, a minivan might be in your future. Here are some popular options:
1. Is maximizing interior space and flexibility my top priority?
2. Do I frequently transport children, elderly passengers, or people with mobility issues?
3. Am I more concerned with practicality and family-friendly features than with sporty styling or off-road capability?
If you answered "yes" to these questions, a minivan might be in your future. Here are some popular options:
Minivan model | Seating capacity | Maximum cargo space (cu. ft.) | Cost (used)* |
Honda Odyssey | 8 | 158 | $38–$50k |
Toyota Sienna | 8 | 101 | $46k–$55k |
Chrysler Pacifica | 8 | 140.5 | $37k–$54k |
Full-Size Vans
If you want the ultimate in hauling people, you can’t beat a full-size van with 4 rows of seating. Or, if you remove the fourth seat, you’ll still be able to haul 8–10 passengers plus gobs of cargo.
Here are the trade-offs of full-size vans:
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Passenger capacity: full-size vans are the champions. Many models can seat up to 15 passengers, far surpassing the capacity of SUVs, crossovers, and minivans.
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Cargo space: even with 4 rows of seats, full-size vans offer substantial cargo room. Remove the fourth row, and you've got a cavernous space.
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Towing capacity: many full-size vans can tow 10,000 pounds or more.
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Customization: these vans often come in different roof heights and lengths to accommodate different needs for cargo and passengers.
Here are the trade-offs of full-size vans:
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Maneuverability: they’re large and clunky for maneuvering and parking.
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Fuel efficiency: most full-size vans are worse gas hogs than minivans, crossovers, or even many large SUVs.
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Driving experience: you’ll feel like you’re driving…a full-size van.
If you’re eyeing a full-size van, ask yourself:
1. Do I regularly need to transport more than 8 passengers?
2. Do I need a lot of cargo space?
3. Am I comfortable driving and parking a large vehicle?
If you answered "yes" to these questions, you might be a candidate for a full-size van.
Here are some popular models to consider:
1. Do I regularly need to transport more than 8 passengers?
2. Do I need a lot of cargo space?
3. Am I comfortable driving and parking a large vehicle?
If you answered "yes" to these questions, you might be a candidate for a full-size van.
Here are some popular models to consider:
Van model | Max seating capacity | Max cargo space (cu. ft.) | Starting MSRP |
Ford Transit | 15 | 487.3 | $41,665 |
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 15 | 533 | $45,300 |
Chevrolet Express | 15 | 284.4 | $37,000 |
RAM ProMaster | 15 | 462.9 | $38,300 |
Buy Your Next Vehicle on PrivateAuto
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You can filter PrivateAuto’s vehicles for sale in your area to see what sellers are asking for. Then, with our innovative offer feature, you can make an offer that works for your budget, sit back, and see if it gets accepted!
1. We're the number one website to find cars for sale by owner. We have 100% private-party cars for sale, so you won’t be wading through dealership listings.
2. Browse listings with clean history reports, service records, and all relevant documentation.
3. We use technological solutions for every stage of the deal. You get security, speed, and convenience without paying fees.
4. Pay for your car instantly with no fees. PrivateAuto Pay has Venmo-like immediacy and convenience—without Venmo’s transaction limits. It’s the only way to instantly, safely, and conveniently transfer more than $5,000 in the USA.
You can filter PrivateAuto’s vehicles for sale in your area to see what sellers are asking for. Then, with our innovative offer feature, you can make an offer that works for your budget, sit back, and see if it gets accepted!
Three Row Vehicles FAQ
Do any compact SUVs have 3rd row seating?
The Volkswagen Tiguan is the only vehicle in the compact SUV segment that offers 3rd-row seating.
Which Honda has 3rd row seats?
Does the Toyota RAV4 have third-row seats?
What Toyotas have 3rd-row seating?
Does the Land Cruiser have three rows?
Does CRV have the 3rd row?
Which 3-row family vehicle has a V8 engine?
Does the Chevrolet Traverse have three rows of seats?
Which 3 row SUV has the most comfortable seating?
Does the Mercedes-Benz EQB have three rows of seats?
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