In the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, one thing remains constant: the unyielding demand for family-friendly vehicles. As modern families juggle bustling schedules, daily commutes, and unforgettable adventures, the need for a versatile, spacious, and safe mode of transportation has never been more crucial. These are the ten best SUVs for families, boasting impressive third-row seating comfortable enough for adults.
10. 2023 Chevrolet Traverse
Third Row Legroom: 33.48 Inches
The 2023 Chevy Traverse is a comfortable three-row family SUV with ample seating room, handsome styling, plenty of cargo space, and a fun-to-drive demeanor. The Traverse offers spacious accommodations, with a third row that can accommodate adults. Folding down the third-row seats unleashes more cargo space, helping the Traverse outcompete its rivals.
Interior Proportions
| Front Headroom | 41.44 inches |
| Front Legroom | 41.01 inches |
| Second Row Headroom | 39 inches |
| Second Row Legroom | 38.41 inches |
| Third Row Headroom | 38.21 inches |
| Third Row Legroom | 33.48 inches |
| Cargo Space (Behind Front Row) | 98.2 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Second Row) | 57.8 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Third Row) | 23.0 cu.ft |
As standard, the 2023 Traverse gets a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels as standard. The V6 engine offers enough pulling power, with the RS trim achieving a 0 to 60 mph sprint of 6.8 seconds.
9. 2023 Dodge Durango
Third Row Legroom: 33.5 Inches
The 2023 Dodge Durango satiates the needs of most growing families, thanks to its ample creature comforts and three rows of seating. Dodge offers multiple powertrains, giving the Durango one of the most competitive towing capacities in its class. For the 2023 model year, the Dodge Durango gets a few updates, including standard heated front seats and four new exterior colors.
Interior Proportions
| Front Headroom | 39.9 inches |
| Front Legroom | 40.3 inches |
| Second Row Headroom | 39.8 inches |
| Second Row Legroom | 38.6 inches |
| Third Row Headroom | 37.5 inches |
| Third Row Legroom | 33.5 inches |
| Cargo Space (Behind Front Row) | 85.1 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Second Row) | 43.3 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Third Row) | 17.2 cu.ft |
As standard, the 2023 Durango gets a 3.6-liter V6 with 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Dodge also offers a more potent 5.7-liter V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines mate to an 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels as standard. Dodge also offers optional all-wheel drive variants.
8. 2024 Buick Enclave
Third Row Legroom: 33.5 Inches
The Buick Enclave is a midsize luxury SUV and the largest offering on Buick’s lineup. It boasts a spacious six or seven-passenger interior, value-oriented pricing, and handsome styling. The 2024 Enclave offers a remarkably quiet cabin, a smooth ride, and a potent V6 base engine. It also gets ample cargo room and a generous list of standard features.
Interior Proportions
| Front Headroom | 42.6 inches |
| Front Legroom | 41.2 inches |
| Second Row Headroom | 39.87 inches |
| Second Row Legroom | 38.3 inches |
| Third Row Headroom | 37.62 inches |
| Third Row Legroom | 33.5 inches |
| Cargo Space (Behind Front Row) | 97.4 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Second Row) | 57.7 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Third Row) | 23.6 cu.ft |
All 2024 Buick Enclave SUVs get a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. It mates with a 9-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels as standard. Unlike most of its rivals, the 2024 Buick Enclave doesn’t have a hybrid powertrain.
7. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas
Third Row Legroom: 33.7 Inches
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas answers the needs of large and small families by offering ample space, impressive comfort, and enough towing power without the dorky looks of a minivan. It boasts a spacious third row, with an impressive 33.7 inches. It also has a great starting price of below $40,000, competing with rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-90.
Interior Proportions
| Front Headroom | 41.3 inches |
| Front Legroom | 41.7 inches |
| Second Row Headroom | 40.4 inches |
| Second Row Legroom | 37.6 inches |
| Third Row Headroom | 38.3 inches |
| Third Row Legroom | 33.7 inches |
| Cargo Space (Behind Front Row) | 96.8 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Second Row) | 55.5 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Third Row) | 20.6 cu.ft |
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels as standard or all wheels as an optional extra.
6. 2024 Toyota Sequoia
Third Row Legroom: 33.7 Inches
The 2024 Toyota Sequoia is Toyota’s large SUV offering with a standard V6 hybrid powertrain, unlike its rivals with mighty V8 engines. The V6 hybrid promised better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. Toyota outfits the new 2024 Sequoia with a tech-filled cabin and spacious rear seats for the engine family.
Interior Proportions
| Front Headroom | 39.2 inches |
| Front Legroom | 41.2 inches |
| Second Row Headroom | 38.4 inches |
| Second Row Legroom | 39.2 inches |
| Third Row Headroom | 35.6 inches |
| Third Row Legroom | 33.7 inches |
| Cargo Space (Behind Front Row) | 86.9 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Second Row) | 49 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Third Row) | 22.3 cu.ft |
As standard, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia uses an iFORCE MAX Hybrid system, comprising a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 and an electric motor for a combined 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. The engine mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels as standard. However, Toyota offers optional four-wheel drive on most versions and standard on the off-road focused TRD Pro Sequoia.
5. 2023 Cadillac Escalade
Third Row Legroom: 36.6 Inches
The Escalade is Cadillac’s flagship SUV with aggressive looks and otherworldly luxury. Cadillac fits the Escalade with advanced technology and luxurious features like designer fabrics, leather, wood, and satin-finished metals. All Escalade models also get a large, curved display across the dashboard. Drivers also enjoy a suite of assistance features, including Cadillac’s outstanding Super Cruise system.
Interior Proportions
| Front Headroom | 42.3 inches |
| Front Legroom | 44.5 inches |
| Second Row Headroom | 38.9 inches |
| Second Row Legroom | 41.7 inches |
| Third Row Headroom | 38.2 inches |
| Third Row Legroom | 36.6 inches |
| Cargo Space (Behind Front Row) | 142.8 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Second Row) | 94.1 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Third Row) | 41.5 cu.ft |
As standard, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade gets a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac also offers a more efficient turbocharged Duramax 3.0-liter 6-cylinder diesel engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. For the 2023 model year, Cadillac introduces the first V-series Escalade with a monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. The V also receives a menacing, blacked-out exterior appearance.
4. 2023 Jeep Wagoneer
Third Row Legroom: 36.6 Inches
For years, the modern Jeep lineup has been without a large SUV. However, the 2023 Wagoneer lineup revives the iconic nameplate, offering a large SUV with ample interior space, a 10,000-pound towing capacity, and a tall driving position. The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer offers a well-isolated cabin and a smooth ride, making it a great road trip vehicle for a family.
Interior Proportions
| Front Headroom | 41.3 inches |
| Front Legroom | 40.9 inches |
| Second Row Headroom | 40 inches |
| Second Row Legroom | 42.7 inches |
| Third Row Headroom | 39 inches |
| Third Row Legroom | 36.6 inches |
| Cargo Space (Behind Front Row) | 116.7 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Second Row) | 70.8 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Third Row) | 27.4 cu.ft |
Jeep offers two potent engine options: a 5.3-liter mild hybrid V8 with 392 h and 404 lb-ft of torque and a more potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine with 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque. Both engines mate to an 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. Jeep also offers three optional four-wheel drive systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II.
3. 2023 Chevrolet Suburban
Third Row Legroom: 36.7 Inches
The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is in its 12th generation, offering a large cabin with up to three rows of seating. Chevy offers multiple engine options, including an inline-6 turbodiesel and potent V8s. All engines mate with a 10-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels as standard.
Interior Proportions
| Front Headroom | 42.3 inches |
| Front Legroom | 44.5 inches |
| Second Row Headroom | 38.9 inches |
| Second Row Legroom | 42 inches |
| Third Row Headroom | 38.2 inches |
| Third Row Legroom | 36.7 inches |
| Cargo Space (Behind Front Row) | 144.7 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Second Row) | 93.8 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Third Row) | 41.5 cu.ft |
For the 2023 model year, the Chevy Suburban offers a plush interior with a comfortable ride thanks to Chevy’s suspension system. The engine options include a 5.3-liter V8 engine with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline-6 engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
2. 2023 GMC Yukon XL
Third Row Legroom: 36.7 Inches
The 2023 GMC Yukon XL is a large family SUV with a longer wheelbase than the standard Yukon. Its extended wheelbase offers more room for cargo and third-row legroom, making it a perfect solution for families. In addition, the 2023 GMC Yukon XL gets a selection of V8 engines and an efficient diesel engine.
Interior Proportions
| Front Headroom | 42.3 inches |
| Front Legroom | 44.5 inches |
| Second Row Headroom | 38.9 inches |
| Second Row Legroom | 42 inches |
| Third Row Headroom | 38.2 inches |
| Third Row Legroom | 36.7 inches |
| Cargo Space (Behind Front Row) | 144.7 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Second Row) | 93.8 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Third Row) | 41.5 cu.ft |
As standard, the 2023 GMC Yukon lineup gets a 5.3-liter V8 engine with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. GMC also offers a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque and a more efficient turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder diesel engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels as standard. GMC also offers optional all-wheel drive.
1. 2024 Lincoln Navigator
Third Row Legroom: 40.9 Inches
Lincoln’s Navigator is a huge and luxurious full-size SUV with a three-row cabin that can accommodate up to eight passengers. Despite sharing its platform with the Ford Expedition, the 2024 Lincoln Navigator occupies a different stratum of luxury, offering short- and long-wheelbase variants.
Interior Proportions
| Front Headroom | 41.8 inches |
| Front Legroom | 43.9 inches |
| Second Row Headroom | 40 inches |
| Second Row Legroom | 42.6 inches |
| Third Row Headroom | 37.3 inches |
| Third Row Legroom | 40.9 inches |
| Cargo Space (Behind Front Row) | 103.4 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Second Row) | 57.5 cu.ft |
| Cargo Space (Behind Third Row) | 20.9 cu.ft |
The Navigator has five trim options, all using the same transmission and engine: a 10-speed automatic transmission and a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine with 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to all four wheels, and the independent rear suspension gives passengers a comfortable, pillowy ride.