SMALLEST 3-ROW SUVS OF 2024

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.

Kia Sorento Hybrid

Kia’s more practical third-row SUV is the Telluride, but the smaller Sorento is worth a look if you’ll only be using the third row occasionally. Although classified as a mid-size SUV, the Sorento Hybrid is not much bigger than the compact Volkswagen Tiguan. Unlike the non-hybrid Sorento, the 2024 Sorento Hybrid hasn’t yet undergone a comprehensive makeover, but it’s still a stylish prospect. Third-row legroom is a tight 29.6 inches, but space is much better in the first two rows. A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain develops 227 horsepower combined, while a more expensive plug-in hybrid model makes 261 hp. Efficient, comfortable, and safe, this three-row SUV isn’t as unwieldy as larger seven-seater models.

Mitsubishi Outlander

The compact Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the very few vehicles in its segment to offer a third row, and any adult trying to sit back there will soon find out why. Legroom in the third row is only 18.7 inches - less than what most convertibles offer in the second row. With these rearmost seats up, you only get 10.9 cubic feet in the trunk. Cargo space and second-row legroom are far better, and overall, the Outlander is a solid SUV. It steers with more precision than the average crossover, and the interior design is pleasing, with many high-tech features. The 181-hp four-cylinder engine and CVT combination doesn’t feel responsive, though, so we’d encourage you to upgrade to the more powerful Outlander plug-in hybrid if you can.

Mercedes-AMG GLB 35

The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 offers a level of performance and practicality that is exceptionally rare in the subcompact luxury segment. In fact, BMW and Audi have nothing to directly rival this Mercedes. Starting at just under $60,000, the GLB 35 produces 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and it can hit 60 mph in the mid-five-second range. The boxy design is not only distinctive, but it allows this small Mercedes to be specified with a third seating row. As expected, there is very little space back there, but it does introduce some nice versatility for parents with smaller children. Fun to drive and practical, the GLB 35 is one of the more spirited three-row crossovers on this list.

Volkswagen Tiguan

At a starting price of around $30,000, the Volkswagen Tiguan packs a lot of value into a smart and sensible three-row package. This isn’t a massive SUV, so third-row legroom is only 27.9 inches and cargo space behind the third row is limited to 12 cubic feet. Legroom is far superior in the second row, at 38.7 inches. The torque peak from the 184-hp four-cylinder engine comes low in the rev range, but acceleration is acceptable rather than thrilling. However, the Tiguan is not boring to drive, whether equipped with AWD or not. It’s a very good three-row crossover from a trusted brand.

Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid

The plug-in hybrid powertrain doesn’t do anything about the Outlander’s lack of adult-friendly third-row space, but it results in much better performance. The combination of electric power and the 2.4-liter engine combines for 248 hp, and you also get 38 miles of all-electric range when the battery is fully charged. Starting at just over $40,000, the Outlander PHEV is much pricier than the normal Outlander, but that’s the case for many vehicles with a plug-in hybrid.

Kia Sorento

Unlike the Sorento Hybrid, the normal Sorento was comprehensively updated for the 2024 model year with fresh styling and a standard panoramic curved display in the interior. The standard four-cylinder engine produces just 191 hp, but there’s a 281-hp turbocharged version with snappy performance. Starting at $31,990, the base LX comes with manual air conditioning, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and smart cruise control. There are 29.6 inches of third-row legroom, so if that’s not enough, go for the more spacious Telluride.

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

At just under $45,000, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class has the same number of available seats as the GLB 35, but less power. It produces 221 hp, and the four-cylinder engine is paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Merc’s 4Matic AWD system is available optionally. The interior is stylish and feature-packed, with dual 10.25-inch displays and power-adjustable front seats. These provide much more comfort than the third row, but this is still a genuinely premium crossover from Mercedes.

Tesla Model Y

With under 27 inches of third-row legroom, the Tesla Model Y isn’t nearly as good of a family hauler as it is a performance EV. At the time of writing, the seven-seat interior is only available as an option for the Long Range variant with AWD. This adds $1,000 to the price, along with third-row USB-C charging ports. These seats are only suitable for smaller children. More impressive is this Tesla’s 4.8-second 0-60 run and range of over 300 miles. It’s not one of the best-selling cars in the world for nothing.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

This is one of Land Rover’s smallest models, and you can tell when climbing into the third seating row. Even adults under six feet will find their knees jammed into the backs of the second-row seats - it’s claustrophobic and uncomfortable back there, and only kids will find it tolerable. With the third row in use, there is close to zero cargo space, too. There’s more to like about the Land Rover Discovery Sport elsewhere, including its upmarket design, good off-roading abilities, and smooth highway ride. The 246-hp four-cylinder turbo engine delivers a sub-eight-second dash to 60, which is outdone by some rivals. If you want the prestige of the Land Rover badge, it could be worth it, but there are better three-row SUVs out there.

Pros And Cons Of The Smallest Crossovers

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

Pros

• Lots of room inside
• 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

Best Small SUVs With A Third Row

Below midsize SUVs, there are three small SUV models with a 3rd row that share a BuzzScore rating of 8.5. These are the Kia Sorento Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Mercedes-AMG GLB 35. The Kia and Mitsubishi are more affordable options, whereas the Mercedes is an upscale model with far superior performance - and a higher price tag. These small 7-seater SUV choices won't suit seven adults, but five adults and two children will be more comfortable.

Advice for choosing the right SUV

• Features - When making any new purchase, it is essential to look at what youre 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 youre 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 its vital to consider how the vehicle performs. If youre 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 youre 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.

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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 dg43tfdfdgfd