SMALLEST 3-ROW SUVS FOR 2025

Small-bodied SUVs and three seating rows don’t go together particularly well. To be practical enough, a third seating row needs enough body length to offer sufficient space for adults. Even worse, these extra seats can eat into the already reduced cargo areas of a smaller SUV. Still, for some people, small third-row seats offer enough space for kids or for shorter trips where two adults may want to go along for the ride. We’ve focused on mostly compact SUVs for this list, along with one or two models that blur the lines between compact and mid-sized.

2025 Kia Telluride

Body Length: 196.9 inches

The Kia Telluride consistently impresses as one of the most well-rounded three-row SUVs available, and the 2025 model is no different. With a slightly smaller footprint than some competitors, it offers a near-perfect balance of style, functionality, and comfort. The Telluride’s boxy design maximizes interior space, making all three rows spacious enough for adults—something that isn’t common in this segment.

For 2025, the Telluride comes with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, a sleek digital cockpit, and premium materials throughout the cabin. The 196.9-inch length provides a well-proportioned vehicle that’s easy to maneuver without sacrificing cargo capacity. Whether you're navigating city streets or heading on a road trip, the Telluride continues to set the standard for mid-sized SUVs.

2025 Subaru Ascent

Body Length: 196.8 inches

The Subaru Ascent continues to be a go-to for families who need all-weather capability and a spacious cabin. It comes standard with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, making it a great choice for snowy or muddy conditions. The third row offers slightly more room than many competitors, making it more accommodating for adults for short stints. The Ascent also excels in safety, with top-notch crash test ratings and a plethora of driver assistance features. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and large families alike.

2025 Hyundai Palisade

Body Length: 196.7 inches

The Hyundai Palisade delivers a refined blend of practicality and comfort, making it an excellent choice for families. With its spacious interior, high-quality materials, and advanced technology, the Palisade stands out in the midsize SUV segment. The 3.8-liter V6 engine produces 291 horsepower, ensuring smooth and capable performance. The third row offers enough space for children and short trips for adults, while the generous cargo capacity makes it ideal for road trips. Quiet and composed on the road, the Palisade provides a premium driving experience at a competitive price.

2025 Toyota Highlander

Body Length: 194.9 inches

The Toyota Highlander has long been a family favorite, and the 2025 model continues to impress with class-leading fuel efficiency and a spacious, comfortable interior. Its powertrain is both smooth and economical, ideal for long trips. While the third row is tight for adults, it is suitable for children, and the overall interior space is well-utilized. Advanced technology and safety features round out the Highlander as a solid pick for eco-conscious families who need a reliable and versatile SUV.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

Body Length: 190.2 inches

The Hyundai Santa Fe embraces a rugged, boxy aesthetic while staying true to its family-friendly roots. This SUV is equipped with a highly efficient hybrid powertrain or a powerful 277-hp gas engine, providing excellent mileage for its size. The interior has been reimagined with premium materials, advanced safety tech, and a spacious cabin layout. While the third row is suitable for kids, its flexible seating and impressive cargo space make it a strong contender for families seeking practicality without unnecessary bulk.

2025 Kia Sorento

Body Length: 189.6 inches

The 2025 Kia Sorento is a standout option for families who prioritize fuel efficiency and practicality. With a sleek design and an available hybrid powertrain that blends efficiency with power, the Sorento is versatile enough for urban commutes and road trips. While the third row is compact and best for children, the Sorento makes up for it with a spacious second row and generous tech features, including an intuitive infotainment system. It’s an excellent alternative for those looking to downsize from a larger SUV without sacrificing capability, and is a great small SUV with a 3rd row.

2025 Tesla Model Y

Body Length: 187 inches

The Tesla Model Y stands out as the only fully electric vehicle in this category, offering an optional third-row configuration. While the rear seats are better suited for children, the Model Y excels in range, acceleration, and tech innovation. Its minimalist cabin design incorporates a large touchscreen that controls almost all vehicle functions. With over 300 miles of range and a spacious second row, the Model Y is ideal for families looking to embrace sustainable driving without sacrificing performance.

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

Body Length: 185.4 inches

The Mitsubishi Outlander is an affordable and practical compact 3-row SUV, offering standard third-row seating in all trims. Its third row, while extremely cramped, is a bonus in a segment where such features are rare. The Outlander’s design has a modern edge, and the interior is well-built with soft-touch materials and ample tech features. Families will appreciate its safety ratings and user-friendly driving dynamics, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who need occasional extra seating.

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Body Length: 182.4 inches

The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class delivers an upscale driving experience in a compact form. Its optional third row is a rarity in the subcompact luxury segment and adds flexibility for families with small children. The GLB’s boxy design maximizes interior space for this small 3-row, 7-seater SUV, and the tech-packed cabin includes dual digital displays that are both customizable and easy to use. While the third row is tight, the second row provides ample room, making the GLB a practical choice for those who value both luxury and versatility.

2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

Body Length: 180.9 inches

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the smallest 7-seater SUV and smallest SUV with a 3rd row, in terms of body length, offering a premium blend of off-road capability and urban practicality. The optional third row is compact and best suited for children, but the Discovery Sport excels in versatility, with its fold-flat second and third-row seats. For what is the smallest 3rd-row SUV here, the interior features high-quality materials, and the infotainment system is intuitive, reflecting Land Rover’s commitment to luxury. For families seeking a stylish yet functional SUV, the Discovery Sport is a solid option.

Pros And Cons Of The Smallest Crossovers

Small SUVs with a third row have various strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

• Lots of room in the first two rows
• Comfortable cabins
• Maneuverability
• Top models have superb driving dynamics
• Lower price than full-size models

Cons

• Cramped third-row space
• More compact cargo hold than bigger SUVs
• Increased weight over a normal sedan means higher fuel consumption

Advice For Choosing The Right SUV

• Features - When making any new purchase, it is essential to look at what you’re getting for your cash outlay. This class is big, with manufacturers constantly vying for the number one spot, so cars come with more standard equipment. Look for the offering that demonstrates the best return on investment.
• Trunk area - Small 7-seater SUVs provide more occupant leeway, but should also provide enough capacity to hold luggage, groceries and other necessary items for a medium-sized group.
• Third-row leeway - Purchasing a three-row vehicle is one thing, but if you’re serious about using the rearmost row, you should compare models to see which delivers the best comfort in terms of spaciousness.
• Performance - Carrying seven individuals and their stuff will test the pulling power of any machine, so it’s vital to consider how the vehicle performs. If you’re going to ferry sizable groups on a regular basis, choose something with enough guts to do so comfortably.
• Safety - Transporting a number of folks in a vehicle means that protection levels need to be up to scratch. If you’re thinking of acquiring a compact three-row SUV, make sure that it scores proficiently in terms of crash ratings, and includes modern driver aids like forward collision warning.

What is the most affordable three-row SUV?

Of the smallest 3-row SUV models on our list, the Mitsubishi Outlander is the most affordable. However, it also has the smallest third row.

What are some of the hazards of modest SUVs with three rows?

There are no major safety hazards with any of these vehicles, although the third row may not be equipped with the side airbags of the second row.

2024-08-02T11:38:50Z