Find the best SUVs for third row leg room, perfect for families. Compare models like Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Everest, and Hyundai Palisade for ample headroom and adjustable seats. Ideal for long trips with plenty of storage and visibility.

SUVs with the Most Third Row Leg Room

When it comes to SUVs, one of the most important considerations for families is the legroom in the third row. After all, you want your passengers to be comfortable and able to stretch out without feeling cramped. Here are some of the top SUVs that offer the most third row leg room:

Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is a spacious SUV that offers ample legroom in its third row. With a total passenger volume of 120.7 cubic feet, it provides plenty of space for both adults and children. The second-row seats are split 60:40 and can slide back and forth to optimize legroom or boot space. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for families who need to transport multiple passengers regularly.

Buick Enclave

The Buick Enclave is another SUV that excels in terms of third row legroom. It boasts a generous 39 inches of legroom in the third row, making it one of the most comfortable options available. The Enclave also features a flat floor in the third row, which enhances kick room and makes it easier for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. Additionally, the Enclave offers a smooth ride and plenty of amenities to keep everyone entertained during long trips.

GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia is a versatile SUV that offers a balance of comfort and practicality. It provides 33 inches of legroom in the third row, which is more than enough for most adults. The Acadia also features adjustable seats, allowing you to customize the seating arrangement to suit your needs. Whether you’re transporting kids or adults, the Acadia’s third row is designed to provide a comfortable and spacious experience.

Ford Everest

The Ford Everest is a great option for families who need a vehicle that can handle both on-road and off-road adventures. It offers generous legroom in all three rows, making it an excellent choice for tall families. The second-row seats are split 60:40 and can slide back and forth to distribute legroom as needed. Additionally, the Everest features large rear windows that provide a good field of vision for rear-seat passengers, enhancing their overall comfort during the journey.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a spacious SUV that offers oodles of interior space and great legroom in all three rows. It can comfortably seat seven adults, and its third row provides ample legroom for even the tallest passengers. The Grand Cherokee L also features large windows and built-in window blinds to protect rear passengers from the sun. Its boot space is very practical, holding seven shopping bags when using all the seats or 20 bags when using just the first two rows.

Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder is a large seven- or eight-seat SUV that comfortably transports six lanky teenagers and a tall driver. It offers generous legroom across all rows of seats, with a 182cm passenger able to sit comfortably in each row. The second-row seats are split 60:40 and can slide to optimize legroom or boot space. The Pathfinder also features built-in rear window blinds providing shade to rear passengers, making it an excellent choice for families who value comfort and practicality.

Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade is a spacious seven-seat SUV that offers very good legroom in all three rows. It features a flat floor across all three rows, enhancing kick room and making it easier for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. The Palisade also boasts massive doors that provide easy access to the third row. With its sliding captain’s chairs in the seven-seat model and a split 60:40 sliding bench seat in the eight-seat model, you can adjust the seating arrangement to balance legroom with luggage capacity.

Key Features for Comfortable Seating

Ample Headroom

When it comes to comfortable seating, one of the most crucial factors is ample headroom. Imagine sitting in a car where you can stretch your arms up without hitting the roof. It’s like having your own personal space, where you can move freely without feeling cramped. SUVs with generous headroom ensure that all passengers, regardless of their height, can enjoy a comfortable ride. For instance, the Hyundai Palisade offers plenty of headroom in all three rows, making it an excellent choice for families with tall members. This feature is particularly important for families with teenagers who often have longer limbs and need more space to stretch out.

Adjustable Seats

Adjustable seats are another key feature that enhances comfort in SUVs. Think of it like having a custom-made chair tailored to your body. With adjustable seats, you can slide them forward or backward, recline them, or even tilt them to find the perfect position. This flexibility ensures that every passenger can find a position that suits them best. The Ford Everest, for example, features second-row seats that slide back and forth, allowing you to distribute legroom however you need to. This means you can create more space for taller passengers or keep the seats closer together for shorter ones.

Accessible Third Row

An accessible third row is essential for families who need to transport multiple passengers regularly. Imagine being able to easily get in and out of the back seats without straining your back or knees. A flat floor in the rear, like in the Hyundai Palisade, makes getting in and out much easier. The absence of a transmission tunnel means passengers don’t have to sit with their knees hiked up under their chin, providing better legroom and kick room. This feature is particularly beneficial for families with middle schoolers who often bring friends along for carpooling or social activities.

Comparison of Legroom in Different SUVs

When it comes to choosing the perfect SUV for your family, one of the most crucial factors is legroom. You want to ensure that every passenger, regardless of their height, can stretch out comfortably. Let’s dive into the legroom comparison of some top contenders.

Chevrolet Traverse vs. Buick Enclave

The Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave are both part of the General Motors (GM) family, sharing a similar platform. However, they differ in size and design. The Traverse is slightly shorter than the Enclave, but both offer ample legroom.

Chevrolet Traverse: With its 12.6-inch longer overall length compared to the GMC Acadia, the Traverse provides generous legroom. The second-row seats are split 60:40 and can slide back and forth to optimize legroom or boot space. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for families with varying needs.
Buick Enclave: The Enclave, being the longest of the three, offers even more legroom. It is 3.5 inches longer than its outgoing model, providing a bit more extra cargo space behind the third row. The Enclave also features a full-size third row that seats three passengers comfortably.

GMC Acadia vs. Ford Everest

The GMC Acadia and Ford Everest are both known for their spacious interiors, but they cater to different needs.

GMC Acadia: The Acadia has a full-size third row that seats three passengers. With its 10-inch increase in overall length, it now offers a more spacious third row. The second-row seats slide and tilt forward to allow easy access to the third row, making it a practical choice for families.
Ford Everest: The Ford Everest is renowned for its generous legroom in all three rows. It can comfortably seat a 186cm passenger in all three rows, making it an excellent option for tall families. The second-row seats are split 60:40 and slide back and forth to distribute legroom as needed. However, the central floor area has a small hump, which might slightly compromise the center-seat position.

Nissan Pathfinder vs. Hyundai Palisade

The Nissan Pathfinder and Hyundai Palisade are both large SUVs designed to provide excellent legroom for passengers.

Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder offers generous legroom across all three rows. A 182cm passenger can comfortably sit in each row, making it suitable for families with lanky teenagers. The second-row seats are split 60:40 and can slide to optimize legroom or boot space. The Pathfinder also features built-in rear window blinds for added comfort.
Hyundai Palisade: The Palisade boasts excellent kick room and easy access to the third row due to its flat floor across all three rows. A 180cm passenger can sit comfortably in the third-row bench seat, which offers ample head, knee, and kick room. The Palisade also features sliding captain’s chairs in the seven-seat model and a split 60:40 bench seat in the eight-seat model, allowing for adjustable legroom.

Practical Considerations for Families

Boot Space and Storage

When it comes to family SUVs, one of the most crucial considerations is the boot space and storage. Imagine you’re planning a family road trip to the beach or a camping adventure. You need to pack everything from beach towels to hiking gear, and you want to make sure you have enough room for all your essentials. Here’s how different SUVs stack up:

Chevrolet Traverse: With up to 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space when the second and third rows are folded down, the Chevrolet Traverse offers ample room for all your gear. It’s like having a spacious closet in your car!
Buick Enclave: The Buick Enclave provides 97.6 cubic feet of cargo space, making it another excellent choice for families who need plenty of room for luggage and equipment. It’s perfect for those who love to travel with a lot of stuff.
GMC Acadia: The GMC Acadia offers 79.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is still generous but slightly less than its competitors. However, it’s still a great option if you prioritize comfort and practicality.
Ford Everest: With its impressive 1,700 liters (or about 60 cubic feet) of cargo space, the Ford Everest is ideal for families who need to transport bulky items like sports equipment or large toys. It’s like having a mini storage unit in your car!

Rear Window Visibility

Rear window visibility is another essential factor to consider when choosing a family SUV. Imagine driving through a busy city or navigating through tight parking lots. You want to be able to see what’s behind you clearly, right? Here’s how different SUVs fare:

Hyundai Palisade: The Hyundai Palisade boasts large rear windows that provide excellent visibility, making it easier to see what’s behind you. It’s like having a rearview mirror that gives you a clear view of the road.
Nissan Pathfinder: The Nissan Pathfinder also offers good rear window visibility, thanks to its large windows and minimal obstructions. It’s perfect for families who need to keep an eye on their kids while driving.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L: The Jeep Grand Cherokee L features large rear windows that offer great visibility, especially when compared to other SUVs in its class. It’s ideal for families who love to explore off-road and need to keep an eye on their surroundings.

Family-Friendly Features

Family-friendly features are what make a car truly special. Imagine having a car that not only provides comfort and practicality but also offers features that make family life easier. Here’s what different SUVs have to offer:

Chevrolet Traverse: The Chevrolet Traverse comes with features like a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, which keeps your kids entertained during long drives. It also has a rearview camera, making it easier to park and reverse.
Buick Enclave: The Buick Enclave offers an intuitive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, keeping everyone entertained. It also features a rear seat reminder, which alerts you if you forget someone in the back seat.
GMC Acadia: The GMC Acadia includes a range of family-friendly features such as a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and a rearview camera. It’s perfect for families who need to stay connected on the go.
Ford Everest: The Ford Everest boasts advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, ensuring your family’s safety on the road. It also has a spacious interior with plenty of storage compartments, making it easy to keep everything organized.
Hyundai Palisade: The Hyundai Palisade offers a range of innovative features like a panoramic sunroof and a premium audio system, making long drives enjoyable for everyone. It also features a smart power liftgate, which makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze.
Nissan Pathfinder: The Nissan Pathfinder includes features like a tri-zone climate control system, ensuring everyone in the car stays comfortable. It also has a rearview camera and a blind spot warning system, enhancing safety and visibility.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L: The Jeep Grand Cherokee L features a range of advanced safety features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It also has a premium audio system and a panoramic sunroof, making it a great choice for families who love adventure and comfort.