Houses aren’t the only things getting bigger these days. In cities across America, more car buyers are demanding vehicles with third row seating to accommodate their growing need for extra space. If you’re in the market for a new car, you might want a third row for growing children, pets, or extra storage space for groceries and other items.
The following five vehicles are not only excellent choices for their ability to provide comfortable third-row seating, but also for their high quality in other important areas as well. We considered not only third-row legroom, but safety, road noise, and reliability ratings as well.
2016 Toyota Highlander
This popular sport utility vehicle (SUV) is comfortable for drivers and passengers alike. A nice interior, quiet ride, and powerful V6 engine are a few of the Toyota Highlander’s selling points.
- Rear Legroom: 38.4 inches
- Safety Highlights: Side-mounted airbags, antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control
- Reliability: 3.5 stars out of five (between “about average” and “better than most”) according to J.D. Power and Associates’ Predicted Reliability rating
2016 Ford Expedition
This model is one of Ford’s biggest, especially when you consider the EL version, which makes the best use of its third row space to provide a roomy ride for big kids and adults.
- Rear Legroom: 39.1 inches
- Safety Highlights: Front and rear parking aid including rear camera, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control
- Reliability: 3 star (“about average”) Predicted Reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates
2016 Chevy Suburban
Well known for being the alternative to a minivan for families looking for a vehicle with lots of seating, the Chevy Suburban seats nine, has a powerful V8 engine, and provides a relatively quiet highway ride.
- Rear Legroom: 39.7 inches
- Safety Highlights: Lane departure warning, post-collision safety system, blind spot monitoring and stability control
- Reliability: 2.5 star (between “about average” and “the rest”) Predicted Reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates
2016 Honda Pilot
This vehicle offers roomy rear seats and a functional interior. Smart storage solutions and a smooth ride come standard, along with better fuel economy than many of its competitors.
- Rear Legroom: 38.4 inches
- Safety Highlights: Lane departure warning, side-mounted airbags, antilock brakes, and traction control
- Reliability: 3 star (“about average”) Predicted Reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates
2017 Lincoln Navigator
If you’re in the market for a solid, used luxury third row SUV, the Lincoln Navigator offers a smooth ride and a good value in comparison to its other luxury peers. An 8,000-pound towing capacity, keyless entry, parking sensors, and second row bucket seats all come standard.
- Rear Legroom: 39.1 inches
- Safety Highlights: Blind-spot monitoring, xenon lights, antilock brakes, and side-mounted airbags
- Reliability: 4 star (“better than most”) Predicted Reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates
