Cars, Minivans, and SUVs With the Best and Worst Third-Row Seats

Large three-row vehicles offer the flexibility to transport the whole family and then some. When not in use, the third row folds neatly away in most minivans and SUVs, creating generous rear storage space. And for times when long items need to be transported along with people, the second- and third-row seats can be folded flat on one side of the vehicle, allowing passengers to sit on the other side.

Not all third rows are easy to access, nor fit for adult passengers, as our testing has shown. To help in choosing the right three-row model for your needs, we highlight below those models that shined in our tests, complete with detailed profiles.

The vehicles are ranked by their third-row score, based on an assessment of seat comfort, access, and whether it is suitable accommodations for adults. Note: This is not the overall score, which is a composite of the road test score, owner satisfaction, reliability, and safety. For those buyers who only use the third-row seat occasionally, it is important to look how vehicles perform overall. In some cases, there are better models that are recommended. In fact, some on the Worst list are great vehicles—just not ideal for third-row passengers.

And we also list the vehicles that are the worst for third-row usage.

Click the model names to access the complete road test, along with pricing, reliability data, and much more.

Ford Expedition

This imposing SUV's 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 delivers more power and better fuel economy than the V8 it replaced. Paired with the standard six-speed automatic, our Expedition returned 14 mpg overall in testing, a 1-mpg improvement. The V6 also has plenty of torque for trailer towing. Regular- and long-wheelbase (EL) versions are available, as well as eight-passenger seating. The third-row seat in the XL is as comfortable as the second row, and it is suitable for full-sized adults. However, the aging Expedition trails the competition because of its clumsy handling, noisy cabin, and low-rent interior. For the 2016 model year, Sync 3 replaces the much-maligned MyFord Touch infotainment system.

See our complete Ford Expedition road test.

Kia Sedona

The Sedona is available in seven- or eight-passenger seating capacities. Under the hood is a smooth and refined 276-hp, 3.3-liter V6 engine matched with a six-speed automatic. The roomy cabin is quiet, but the ride is overly stiff and falls far short of the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna. Handling is rather ungainly, but ultimately secure. The interior is nicely finished and inviting, with a new front console that provides handy concealed storage. The second-row seats neither fold flat nor are removable, cutting into cargo capacity. But the heated second-row seats perform a mechanical ballet that gives plenty of access room to the third row. The narrow third-row seat has room for two adults, but fitting three across won't be fun. The seat itself is rather hard, with a low bottom cushion that reduces thigh support for grown-ups. In the spirit of compromise, sliding the second-row seats forward improves leg room for those banished to the third row. Available safety features include forward-collision, blind-spot, and cross-traffic alert systems.

See our complete Kia Sedona road test.

Honda Odyssey

This versatile and capable hauler combines clever and generous packaging with responsive handling and a supple ride—surprising for a minivan. Its vigorous 3.5-liter V6 and smooth six-speed automatic returned 21 mpg overall in our tests. The Odyssey can seat eight in relative comfort, with varying configurations for cargo and passenger needs. Easy access, excellent child-seat accommodations, and abundant cabin storage add to the family-friendly quotient. Among our few gripes is the tediously complicated dual touch-screen infotainment system. In addition, fit and finish and some material selection are not what one would expect at this price, and AWD isn't available.

See our complete Honda Odyssey road test.

Toyota Sienna

As minivans go the Sienna is a sensible choice, but it isn't very engaging to drive. Interior fit and finish and controls were improved in 2015, and the cabin was made quieter. The Sienna rides very comfortably, but handling is lackluster. The 3.5-liter V6 is lively and returns a respectable 20 mpg overall. The all-wheel-drive version—the only such minivan on the market—sacrifices just 1 mpg. An eighth seat cleverly stores in the back when it isn't installed in place. That update also brought a standard backup camera, an additional LATCH attachment, and a front-passenger seat-cushion airbag. Reliability has been above average. That and the availability of all-wheel drive are the Sienna's biggest advantages over the Honda Odyssey.

See our complete Toyota Sienna road test.

Lincoln Navigator

This more luxurious version of the Ford Expedition is neither as quiet nor as plush as its GM competitors, but it offers a much more comfortable third-row seat. The 3.5-liter turbo V6 delivers smoother, more effortless power delivery than the old V8 that it replaced, and it returned 15 mpg in our testing. Handling is ungainly but secure. The Navigator rides comfortably, but wind noise is excessive. The interior looks dated and fails to hide the Navigator's pickup-truck roots. Both regular- and long-wheelbase versions are available. Few third-row seats accommodate adults as well as the Navigator's. Generous head room, good leg and knee room, and plenty of thigh support make it comfortable for two adults, even for long trips. The seat is a bit too narrow for three adults, but they'll fit in a pinch.

See our complete Lincoln Navigator road test.

Chevrolet Suburban

What sets the Suburban apart from other SUVs is that it provides three rows of seats—for carrying up to seven, eight, or even nine people—yet it still retains generous cargo space, along with a hefty towing capacity. Add a luxurious and quiet interior and the added traction of four-wheel drive and you get a uniquely capable vehicle. Based on the frame of the full-sized Chevrolet Silverado pickup, the Suburban is one of the last few SUVs with real truck capabilities in a world where nearly every other SUV has adopted carlike unit-body structures. The interior is now beautifully finished and has all the latest technology. The Suburban, and its shorter Chevrolet Tahoe sibling, have chiseled looks and get slightly better fuel economy than before. With a 5.3-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic, the Suburban returned a respectable 16 mpg overall.

See our complete Chevrolet Suburban road test.

GMC Yukon XL

Consider this truck-based SUV a more luxurious Chevrolet Suburban. Third-row seat comfort is much improved in this generation of the Yukon XL. Previous versions had a seat that sat almost flat on the floor, depriving adults of thigh support. Now a raised seat bottom provides better thigh support for grown-ups stuck in the third row. The compromise for that: a high load floor that reduces interior cargo volume when the seat is folded for hauling stuff. Power comes from a 5.3-liter V8 and six-speed automatic that returns 16 mpg and feels a bit sluggish. The Magnetic Ride Control suspension on the Denali improves ride comfort and handling response. The 6.2-liter engine is a meaningful upgrade but doesn’t make this big barge quick. Properly equipped, the XL can tow 8,500 pounds, its only advantage over a car-based SUV.

See our complete GMC Yukon XL road test.

Mercedes-Benz GL

Mercedes' seven-passenger SUV, renamed the GLS, is freshened for the 2017 model year, with revised interior and exterior styling, an enhanced nine-speed automatic, and upgraded air suspension. Our last tested GL was plush and quiet. Inside, you sit high, with plenty of head and leg room. The well-padded front seats are wide and accommodating. And the GL has one of the best rear seats available; it’s nicely contoured, and leg room is abundant. The third-row seat is one of a few with enough room for two adults. While it had a steady and comfortable ride, but the GL proved very clumsy when pushed to its handling limits. New engines include a 255-hp V6 diesel; a 362-hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6; and a 4.7-liter V8 that puts out 449 hp. The flagship AMG GLS63 churns out 577 hp. Available safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assist.

See our Mercedes-Benz GL road test.

Buick Enclave

Even after six years on the market, the large Enclave remains a competitive three-row SUV. We like its firm, comfortable ride and secure handling. The cabin is quiet, and the interior is nicely finished. The Enclave is a rare SUV that has second- and third-row seats roomy enough for three adults each. In fact, the third row is as comfortable as in a minivan. And the second row slides fore-and-aft to adjust third-row space. A single lever moves the second seat forward for impressively easy access to the third row. The third-row seat folds in halves to increase cargo space, and the second row folds easily in 60/40 sections. But the Enclave is beginning to show its age through some of the outdated controls and limited feature content. The 3.6-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission are smooth and unobtrusive, but the engine feels taxed and at times the powertrain has to work hard to move this large SUV.

See our complete Buick Enclave road test.

Chevrolet Traverse

Although it dates back to 2008, the large Traverse is still a competitive SUV. We like its firm, comfortable, and quiet ride and its relatively agile, secure handling. But like its corporate cousins, the Buick Enclave and the soon-to-be-replaced GMC Acadia, it's beginning to show its age. The second row comes with either a pair of captain's chairs or a three-person split bench. Both are comfortable, slide fore and aft, and can seat adults with ease. The seatbacks recline, as well. Even with the second row slid all the way back, the third row is roomy enough to fit three adults. Perhaps the biggest eye-opener is that the Traverse handles surprisingly well, with direct and responsive steering that lends an agility that belies the SUV's bulk. Power is decent from the direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 engine but at 16 mpg overall, fuel economy falls somewhat behind the curve compared to other three-row SUVs.

See our complete Chevrolet Traverse road test.

Vehicles With the Worst Third Rows

Below are the models with the worst accommodations for adults in the third row. Many are quite excellent vehicles and the third rows may be well-suited to children, but for buyers looking for maximum versatility for the whole family should scramble into that rear-most seat before buying.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport	Optional two-kid third-row seat is cramped and a chore to access.
Kia Sorento	A great choice overall, but the expensive optional third row is just for younger kids, suffering from a bolt-upright backrest and tight head room.
Volvo XC90	Third-row seat has a bolt-upright backrest, tight head room, and a low bottom cushion that forces your knees into the air.
Dodge Journey	Difficult third-row access. Once there, the seat is very low and cramped.
BMW X5	Available third-row seat is suitable for kids only with snug buckets. Adults will be miserable.
Hyundai Santa Fe	A tiny, hard to get to third-row seat is the Santa Fe's biggest letdown.
Audi Q7	Impressive SUV with a third-row sized for children.

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