Among the midsize SUVs, there lies a unique category of spacious people haulers that come with a third row in the back. This privileged seating space that was previously reserved for large SUVs and vans offering extra comfort in the form of legroom and carrying capacity for both the passengers and the driver.
However, striking a balance between comfortable seating space and cargo space is difficult for most SUVs. For this reason, some of them will have smaller third-row space compared to others. Therefore, when shopping for an SUV, you will either have to compromise cargo space for spacious legroom or vice versa.
For many SUVs, this extra legroom will measure up to 200 inches, which will eat into the trunk space behind. Despite this, some three-row SUVs will have a perfect combination of stowage and legroom in a posh and comfortable, fuel-efficient manner, while some will struggle to attain this equilibrium.
Below is a list of the top 10 best three-row SUVs with the most third-row legroom:
- Buick Enclave
- Kia Telluride
- Honda Pilot
- Toyota Sequoia
- GMC Yukon XL
- Volkswagen Atlas
- Volvo XC90
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Ford Expedition
- Acura MDX
As listed above, these SUVs come in a mix of models and model years ranging from compact to sub-compact, mid-size, and full-size SUVs.
1. Buick Enclave
When comfort and performance are what you need, the Buick Enclave crossover SUV will never disappoint. It offers a luxurious and spacious interior. This SUV offers a comfortable and luxurious third-row seating with 33.5 inches of legroom and 48.5-inches of third-row hip room.
Even better, access to the third-row seating is even easier, thanks to its large side door openings. The premium Avenir trim takes it even further with more spacious legroom for the comfort of the passengers. Packed with other premium luxury features, the Enclave boasts an interior ambiance that is unmatched by rivals of the same range.
2. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride tops the list of family-friendly SUVs that boast style and comfort. This SUV is a stunner, both inside and outside, with an aggressive and powerful composure. It comes packed with desirable features for a comfortable ride both on and off-road.
This SUV will haul your family with comfort, thanks to its spacious third-row legroom space with 31.4 inches of headroom and a whopping 43.7 inches hip room. This puts the Telluride on top of the list of SUVs with the most third-row legroom.
3. Honda Pilot
This three-row crossover SUV was first introduced in 2003. Its chassis and high-tech premium interior features put it on the top of the line of the most efficient Honda SUVs with ample space in the cabin.
The third row of the Pilot is 31.9 inches of legroom for the extra comfort of the passengers. While it boasts a powerful engine and ease of handling, the Pilot is a people hauler and family-friendly model.
4. Toyota Sequoia
The Sequoia is among the largest Toyota SUVs. That explains why it also comes with the most spacious third-row in the lineup. With 35.3 inches of third-row legroom, this SUV beats its peers like the Land Cruiser, Highlander, and the 4Runner.
It doesn’t stop at that; this large SUV offers the best shoulder space at 66.4 inches, which is paired with its third-row 50.4-inch hip room that can easily accommodate average-sized individuals to sit with comfort and luxury. It also comes equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine with a whopping 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, which helps it to carry the extra weight with ease.
5. GMC Yukon XL
If you are looking for an SUV that is both a stunner to look at and offers top-of-the-line performance, the GMC Yukon XL is what you need. The 2019 models are a work of art both inside and outside. The rugged and aggressive exterior gives this off-road beast a classy stylish look to envy.
Whether you are looking for an SUV for your local city commute or long-distance travel, Yukon XL has got you covered, thanks to its spacious interior. The expanded chassis of this SUV allows for passengers with longer legs to sit comfortably while it can still accommodate more cargo. The GMC Yukon XL has 36.7-inches of third-row legroom and 41.5 cubic feet of cargo volume right behind the third row.
6. Volkswagen Atlas
Initially released in 2018, the 2019 VW Atlas is among the few crossovers with the most third-row legroom. It is based on the signature Volkswagen’s unibody design on which the Passat sedan and other VW lineup are designed.
The Atlas features 37.6 inches of legroom space in the third row and comes with a 60/40-split folding bench on its second row. Even with this configuration, it is easy to access the third row by simply sliding between the seats. A tall passenger can comfortably sit on the third-row seat and still stretch out his or her legs.
This SUV is offered with two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or a 3.6-liter VR6 gas direct injection naturally aspirated non-turbo engine. For even smoother handling, the Atlas comes with a standard front-wheel drive with Volkswagen 4Motion AWD technology.
7. Volvo XC90
Volvo has never disappointed in terms of style and luxury. The Volvo XC90 is one of the vehicles in its lineup that stands true to its word by delivering comfort, ease of handling, and plenty of cargo space.
This family-friendly luxury crossover comes with the most desirable high-tech features and plenty of space inside the cabin. The XC90 offers 31.9-inches of third-row legroom with 46.9 inches of shoulder room on the third row for extra comfort for the passengers.
8. Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse ranks among the largest SUVs measuring more than 17 feet long. There is a thin line between this SUV and a minivan. It comes with plenty of both second and 33.5-inch third-row legroom and cargo capacity. It features a cargo volume of 23 cubic feet behind the third row. The Traverse doesn’t compromise comfort with performance, thanks to its powerful engine under the hood.
The Traverse comes packed with a 310-horsepower DOHC direct-inject 3.6-liter V6 engine combined with a nine-speed automatic transmission for smooth handling and ease of carrying the weight. With its ample clearance from the ground and high-tech suspension, the Chevrolet Traverse SUV offers a comfortable ride even on bumpy roads and hard terrains.
9. Ford Expedition
If you are shopping for an SUV with ample legroom on the third row, the Ford Expedition must be on your shopping list. The 2019 Expedition doesn’t only boast large seating space in the back, but it also comes with a stylish interior to complement the extra comfort offered.
It features 36.1 inches of rear legroom with a spacious hip room of 40.9 inches and the second-largest shoulder room of 64.3 inches. Coupled with the adequate headroom of 37.3 inches, this SUV offers comfort and a luxurious ride for both the passengers and the driver.
10. Acura MDX
The Acura luxury midsize SUV boasts comfortable legroom space on its third row. This SUV combines power and stellar performance and a spacious interior to offer its passenger and driver a comfortable and convenient ride. This SUV has a third-row legroom space of 29 inches. It also features 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row. This puts the Acura high on the list of SUVs with ample legroom.
Comfort, class, convenience and cargo space are the tenets upon which all SUVs are designed. Those SUVs with third-row seating offer more carrying capacity of up to eight passengers. These family-friendly adventure-ready SUVs will not only carry your entire family but also haul all your cargo along.
