Many three-row SUVs claim to offer expanded seating capacity, but more often than not, their third rows are only suitable for children or short trips. Thin cushions, limited legroom, and cramped headspace make them uncomfortable for adult passengers.
However, a few SUVs stand out by offering genuinely usable third-row accommodations with decent legroom and comfort. This summary reviews a range of 2025 models that excel in this area, evaluating them based on third-row legroom, overall interior quality, and practicality across all three seating rows.
1. Honda Pilot: Family-Focused Utility
The 2025 Honda Pilot offers a respectable 32.5 inches of third-row legroom, making it a solid option for families who occasionally need adult-sized space in the back. Most trims provide seating for eight, while higher-end versions replace the second-row bench with captain’s chairs.
Though not flashy, the interior is intuitive and roomy, with excellent visibility and ample safety features. Its driving dynamics are composed rather than exciting, but its practical, family-friendly nature and generous storage options make it a top contender for households prioritizing usability.
2. Rivian R1S: Rugged Luxury Meets EV Innovation
The Rivian R1S blends off-road capability with luxury in an electric package, offering 32.8 inches of third-row legroom. While the rearmost seats are best for kids, the front two rows deliver ample comfort and space. For 2025, Rivian updates include better suspension, refined infotainment, and upgraded batteries.
With a range of up to 410 miles and seating for seven, the R1S remains a compelling choice for eco-conscious families who need practicality without sacrificing style or performance, though its third-row usability for adults remains somewhat limited.
3. Infiniti QX80: Stylish Redesign, Strong Presence
The redesigned 2025 Infiniti QX80 offers 32.9 inches of legroom in its third row, making it functional for children and occasional adult use. With seating for seven or eight and an upscale, modern cabin, the QX80 strikes a balance between technology and comfort.
It boasts a powerful engine and impressive towing capabilities, appealing to families with diverse needs. However, the ride can feel uneven at times. Still, this refreshed model competes well in the full-size SUV space, bringing newfound polish and sophistication to Infiniti’s flagship.
4. BMW X7: Premium Comfort with Family-Friendly Features
The BMW X7 offers 33.3 inches of legroom in the third row, sufficient for kids and acceptable for short trips with adults. Its first two rows are plush and spacious, making it a strong choice for long-distance travel.
The X7’s luxurious cabin, solid ride quality, and family-friendly tech give it a premium feel, though the infotainment system has a learning curve. Cargo capacity and versatility remain strengths, ensuring this SUV meets the needs of upscale buyers who want comfort without sacrificing everyday practicality.
5. Land Rover Discovery: Trail-Ready with Real Seating
The Land Rover Discovery brings together rugged capability and third-row usability, offering 33.5 inches of legroom in the back. While tight for tall adults, the third row suits kids or short trips with grown-ups. The Discovery is one of the few SUVs that combines genuine off-road capability with everyday usability.
Interior quality is solid throughout, and seating is comfortable in all rows. It’s not the fastest SUV, but optional engine upgrades add power. This model is ideal for adventurous families needing both capability and comfort.
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6. Dodge Durango: Muscle Meets Versatility
Offering 33.5 inches of legroom, the 2025 Dodge Durango’s third row is serviceable, especially for shorter passengers. Though not as refined as some rivals, the Durango’s spacious cabin and robust towing capabilities make it appealing for those with performance needs.
It supports five- to seven-passenger configurations and features muscular engine options. However, its dated interior and poor fuel economy are notable drawbacks. Despite these flaws, the Durango holds value for buyers prioritizing power, versatility, and a functional—if not plush—third-row experience.
7. Toyota Sequoia: Tough and Hybrid Efficient
The Toyota Sequoia offers 33.7 inches of third-row legroom and features a hybrid powertrain that blends fuel efficiency with strong performance. While the first and second rows provide ample comfort, the third row is more appropriate for children because of its tighter dimensions and high cargo floor.
Upper trims come with upscale touches such as wood-grain accents and massaging front seats, adding a sense of luxury. However, the Sequoia’s limited cargo capacity and bulky handling make it less ideal for city driving. Even so, its rugged design and hybrid power make it a reliable choice for adventurous families.
8. Mercedes-Benz GLS: Luxury with Room to Spare
With 34.6 inches of third-row legroom, the Mercedes-Benz GLS ranks high for comfort and accessibility, aided by power-sliding second-row seats. Its upscale interior features two large displays and an available 29-speaker sound system. The first two rows provide ample space, while the third works well for shorter adults or kids.
Smooth ride quality is assured thanks to adaptive air suspension, and engine options range from refined six-cylinders to powerful V8s. The GLS offers a premium experience that caters to families wanting luxury and flexibility.
9. Chevrolet Tahoe: Roomy and Refreshed
The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe includes 34.9 inches of legroom in the third row, offering genuine comfort for adult passengers. Available in configurations for up to nine passengers, the Tahoe benefits from a dashboard refresh and a sizable 17.7-inch touchscreen.
The interface is intuitive, with physical buttons for common controls. Ample power, confident road manners, and a generous interior make it an appealing full-size option. However, higher trims approach luxury pricing, which isn’t always matched by interior materials. Still, the Tahoe delivers practicality in spades.
10. Land Rover Range Rover: Elegance with Extra Flexibility
With a spacious 35.8-inch third row (in long-wheelbase trims), the Range Rover provides the most legroom among this group. Though best reserved for children or short stints for adults, it offers rare flexibility in a luxury SUV. Premium materials, serene ride quality, and strong engine choices define the experience.
Its plug-in hybrid and twin-turbo V8s offer efficiency and power, while air suspension enhances comfort across terrain. High pricing and a complex infotainment system are downsides, but overall, the Range Rover offers versatility wrapped in elegance.
These 2025 SUV models demonstrate that third-row seating doesn’t have to be a cramped afterthought. While some options are better suited for kids or short trips, others offer real usability for adult passengers—especially models like the Tahoe, GLS, and Range Rover.
From hybrids to luxury offerings and off-road-capable rigs, the segment is evolving to provide more flexible, comfortable solutions for families. For buyers seeking true three-row functionality, evaluating legroom, seat design, and overall layout is key to finding the right balance between comfort and capability.
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