Plenty of space to comfortably stretch out
Three-row SUVs and minivans exist for a reason: big families with tall people need space to stretch out. Not every three-row vehicle, however, is suited for these duties. Remember afterthoughts like the now-dead Lexus RX 350L? It had a mere 23.5 inches of third-row legroom—way too small for any adult to sit comfortably. Even worse is the current Mitsubishi Outlander, which offers a paltry 18.7 inches of legroom in the third row. Gah, what’s the point?
Thankfully, there’s good news: there are truly spacious choices on the market today that can comfortably accommodate a normal-sized adult in the third row. Whether you’re ferrying teenagers to sports practice, loading up for a long road trip, or just need room for the occasional extended family gathering, these six vehicles stand out for their generous third-row legroom.
2025 Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln
3rd Row Legroom: 43.5 inches
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator ($99,995) is one of the premium luxury American SUV offerings today, and it’s at the front of the pack when it comes to power, technology, and downright cavernous space for all. The Lincoln Navigator doesn’t just impress with its luxury trimmings and commanding street presence—it also offers a best-in-class 43.5 inches of legroom in the third row. It also happens to have the most third-row legroom in the industry. That’s enough for even the tallest passengers to relax without feeling crunched in the back. Plus, its plush seats and high-quality materials ensure that comfort extends beyond sheer space. Every Navigator is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine good for 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
2025 Toyota Sienna
Toyota
3rd Row Legroom: 38.7 inches
The 2025 Toyota Sienna ($39,185) stands head and shoulders above the rest of the minivan segment thanks to standard hybrid power, available all-wheel drive, and 38.7 inches of legroom in its third-row seats that can comfortably seat the tallest kids and adults. It remains one of the best minivan people haulers out there and a brilliant shuttle for your kids and their teammates when you’ve got a full post-game gang to move. Standard features like 17-inch alloy wheels, dual power sliding doors, an 8-inch color touchscreen (12.3-inch optional), wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, and Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 suite that includes great tech like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning with steering assist make the Sienna a tremendous overall package.
2025 Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL
Chevrolet/GMC
3rd Row Legroom: 36.7 inches
At nearly 19 feet long, the enormous 2025 Chevy Suburban ($62,000) and its twin, the 2025 GMC Yukon XL ($67,200), had better have some serious space inside—and they absolutely do. With a sprawling 36.7 inches of third-row legroom, these full-size SUVs offer more room in the way back than some vehicles provide in the second row. If you need cavernous cargo space and the ability to seat seven or eight adults in comfort, the Suburban and Yukon XL deliver. The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL get a swath of engine choices: a 5.3L V8, a 6.2L V8, and a 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Cadillac
3rd Row Legroom: 36.6 inches
The Cadillac Escalade ESV isn’t just big; it’s all about American grandeur that combines opulence with incredible real-world utility. Longer than the standard Escalade, third-row passengers in the ESV are treated to a whopping 36.6 inches of legroom, way more than the standard Escalade’s 34.9. Even tall grown-ups and your oversized offspring can ride in comfort on long trips, so there should be no grumbling from back there. With its luxurious appointments and high-tech features, the Escalade ESV makes third-row seating a genuine pleasure rather than a punishment like so many other would-be three-row SUVs. All gas-powered Escalades get a 6.2-liter V8 engine under the hood that churns out 420 horsepower and can tow up to 8,100 pounds.
2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Jeep
3rd Row Legroom: 36.6 inches
The 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer ($91,945) is the brand’s big dog, but it’s not just about off-road capability. The Grand Wagoneer redefines American luxury with its refined exterior and upscale cabin. But it doesn’t skimp on practicality either. With 36.6 inches of third-row legroom, this Jeep ensures that adults in the way-back won’t feel like an afterthought. It’s a seriously capable family hauler with plenty of style to match. Standard features include 22-inch wheels, perimeter approach lights, power remote tilt-down exterior mirrors, power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, heated/ventilated 1st- and 2nd-row seats, power-adjustable pedals, 19-speaker premium audio, and 12-inch central touchscreen infotainment system. Every Grand Wagoneer gets a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine under the hood that delivers 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, so it’ll move all three rows of passengers with authority.
2025 Chrysler Pacifica
FCA
3rd Row Legroom: 36.5 inches
The Chrysler Pacifica might be the only model in the brand’s lineup right now (the Voyager is just a lower-trimmed version), but it’s worthy thanks to tremendous space and ride comfort. The sole American minivan in the running has long been a go-to choice for families, and it’s easy to see why. With 36.5 inches of legroom in the third row, it’s ready to handle carpool duty, vacation trips, and everything in between. The Pacifica’s Stow ‘n Go seating system only adds to its practicality, offering flexibility that’s hard to beat. The Pacifica can also be had in plug-in hybrid trim with optional all-wheel drive, making it even more practical. Engine choices include a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission good for 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and the PHEV with a V6 engine combined with electric motors for a total of 260 horsepower.
Final thoughts
There’s not much point in having a three-row vehicle if there isn’t enough space for more than just small kids. Those kids are going to grow, and you will also need to transport adults at times. A spacious third row can make all the difference between suffering and comfort. The good news is that many automakers recognize this need, and there are excellent choices out there. Whether it’s a huge SUV or a hybrid minivan, 36+ inches of rear legroom transform the third row into a desirable spot versus automotive nosebleed seats that are for those who draw the short straw.
