πŸš™ Best Family Cars with 3rd Row Seating in 2025

If you’ve got a growing family or simply need more space for carpooling, road trips, or hauling sports gear, a vehicle with third-row seating is essential. But not all 3-row vehicles are created equal β€” some offer better safety, comfort, tech, or value than others. In this guide, we’ll compare the best family cars with 3rd row seats in 2025, including SUVs and minivans, to help you choose the perfect ride for your needs and budget.

βœ… What to Look for in a 3rd-Row Family Car

  • Spacious and accessible third row
  • Strong safety ratings
  • Easy-to-use infotainment and rear climate controls
  • Fuel efficiency or hybrid options
  • Advanced driver-assist features
  • Sufficient cargo room behind 3rd row


πŸ† Top 6 Best Family Cars with 3rd Row (2025 Picks)


ModelTypeStarting PriceSeatsMPG (Combined)Key Strengths
Toyota Grand HighlanderSUV~$44,0007–827–36 (Hybrid)Massive interior, hybrid option, safe
Kia TellurideSUV~$37,0007–821–23Lux feel, excellent value, roomy 3rd row
Honda PilotSUV~$39,0007–822–23Smooth ride, versatile, kid-friendly tech
Hyundai PalisadeSUV~$38,0007–821–23Premium interior, lots of features
Chrysler Pacifica HybridMinivan~$52,000730+ (Hybrid)Plug-in hybrid, sliding doors, massive space
Chevrolet TraverseSUV~$38,0007–821–23Wide third row, great cargo capacity



🚘 In-Depth Model Comparison

1. Toyota Grand Highlander (2025)

  • Why Families Love It: The all-new Grand Highlander offers more legroom than the regular Highlander β€” especially in the third row β€” plus a hybrid powertrain that gets up to 36 MPG.
  • Pros: Adult-friendly 3rd row, advanced safety features standard, hybrid efficiency
  • Cons: Higher price point on fully loaded trims


2. Kia Telluride (2025)

  • Why Families Love It: Still one of the most beloved midsize SUVs, the Telluride combines luxury touches with everyday practicality.
  • Pros: Upscale cabin, roomy 3rd row, user-friendly tech
  • Cons: No hybrid option


3. Honda Pilot (2025)

  • Why Families Love It: A solid all-arounder, the Pilot is easy to drive, super safe, and designed with families in mind.
  • Pros: CabinTalk™ intercom system, versatile seating, wide doors
  • Cons: Styling is more conservative than rivals


4. Hyundai Palisade (2025)

  • Why Families Love It: The Palisade feels like a luxury SUV at a non-luxury price, with heated 3rd-row seats available.
  • Pros: Premium interior, strong V6, smart rear climate controls
  • Cons: Slightly less cargo space than others


5. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (2025)

  • Why Families Love It: It’s the only plug-in hybrid minivan in the U.S., offering electric driving and family-first flexibility.
  • Pros: 30+ electric-only miles, sliding rear doors, built-in vacuum
  • Cons: Higher starting price, limited all-wheel drive availability on hybrid


6. Chevrolet Traverse (2025)

  • Why Families Love It: If you want serious space, the Traverse has one of the roomiest third rows in its class.
  • Pros: Wide-opening doors, large cargo capacity even with 3rd row up
  • Cons: Interior materials are more basic than Hyundai/Kia


πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Which Is Best for Your Family?

  • Best for Large Families: Toyota Grand Highlander or Chevrolet Traverse
  • Best Value: Kia Telluride
  • Most Comfortable Third Row: Hyundai Palisade
  • Best for Urban Families: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (easy parking, EV-friendly)
  • Best for Long Trips: Honda Pilot (smooth ride + smart tech)


πŸ›‘οΈ Must-Have Family Features

Don’t forget to look for:

  • Rear-seat entertainment system
  • Built-in sunshades
  • Hands-free power liftgate
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Tri-zone climate control


Final Thoughts: Room for Everyone and Everything

The best family car with 3rd row seating in 2025 depends on your lifestyle, budget, and space needs. Whether you prefer the all-around excellence of the Kia Telluride, the fuel savings of the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, or the practicality of a minivan like the Pacifica, today’s options are smarter, safer, and more family-ready than ever.