For drivers who regularly need three rows of seating, full-size SUVs aren’t the only option. The most spacious Midsize Suvs offer impressive passenger volume, providing a comfortable alternative. This article focuses exclusively on three-row vehicles within the midsize SUV segment. While some mainstream midsize SUVs offer two rows, those seeking maximum passenger space will need the added seating of a three-row configuration.
The vehicles highlighted here all accommodate at least seven passengers and boast considerable cargo room. It’s important to note that size isn’t always directly proportional to interior volume. Some midsize SUVs cleverly maximize space utilization, offering more room than physically larger counterparts.
2018 Dodge Durango
The 2018 Dodge Durango exemplifies how the roomiest midsize SUVs aren’t necessarily the longest. Measuring over 201 inches, the Durango has a substantial footprint in its class. However, its passenger volume, at 141.4 cubic feet, is the lowest among the SUVs listed here.
Despite this, the Durango offers significantly more cabin space than a midsize sedan. It also prioritizes cargo space, providing 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet behind the second, and a generous 85.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This makes the Durango a versatile midsize SUV balancing passenger and cargo needs.
2019 GMC Acadia
The 2019 GMC Acadia demonstrates efficient space utilization in the realm of midsize SUVs. Although 7 inches shorter than the Dodge Durango, the Acadia provides 143.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, exceeding the Durango by 2.4 cubic feet. For cargo, the Acadia offers a total capacity of 79 cubic feet. Its flexible seating allows for 12.8 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, expanding to 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded. A hands-free power tailgate enhances cargo area accessibility in this practical midsize SUV.
2018 Toyota Highlander
The 2018 Toyota Highlander, a popular choice in the midsize SUV market, is even more compact than the Durango and Acadia, measuring 192.5 inches in length. Yet, it manages to offer 144.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, outperforming both in interior space efficiency.
The Highlander also provides a respectable 83.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, approaching the larger Durango. However, its design prioritizes front-row space, leading to a more spacious front cabin but a somewhat tighter third row compared to some other midsize SUVs.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL, aptly named for its size, is another contender in the roomy midsize SUVs category. At 193.1 inches long, the XL model provides 146.6 cubic feet of passenger space.
Hyundai emphasizes cargo convenience with the Santa Fe XL. It offers competitive cargo space in all configurations, starting with 13.5 cubic feet with all seats in use, expanding to 40.9 and 80 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded respectively. A hands-free rear liftgate, activated by keyfob proximity, distinguishes this midsize SUV in terms of ease of use.
2019 Honda Pilot
The 2019 Honda Pilot is a strong contender among the roomiest midsize SUVs. Featuring a refreshed design and enhanced standard safety features for the 2019 model year, including the Honda Sensing suite with automatic emergency braking, the Pilot maintains its spacious dimensions.
Externally, it measures 196.5 inches long. Internally, the standard configuration offers 152.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the third row expands cargo capacity to 46.8 cubic feet, and with both rear rows folded, the Pilot provides a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, making it a versatile midsize SUV for families.
2019 Subaru Ascent
Subaru enters the midsize SUV segment with the brand-new 2019 Subaru Ascent, their largest vehicle to date. Designed to comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers, the Ascent features three rows of seating and 153.5 cubic feet of passenger volume.
For cargo, folding the second and third rows yields 86.5 cubic feet of storage. Even with all seats occupied, this 196.8-inch long midsize SUV offers 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding only the third row provides 47.5 cubic feet. The Ascent further distinguishes itself with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, a hallmark Subaru feature.
2019 Volkswagen Atlas
Volkswagen’s all-new 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is another prominent entry in the roomy midsize SUV category. Measuring 198.3 inches in length, the three-row Atlas boasts 153.7 cubic feet of passenger space, making it a compelling family vehicle.
Beyond passenger room, the Atlas excels in cargo capacity. With all seats in use, it still offers over 20 cubic feet of rear storage. Folding the third row more than doubles this to 55.5 cubic feet. Maximum cargo capacity with all rear seats folded is an impressive 96.8 cubic feet, positioning the Atlas as a leader in cargo space among midsize SUVs.
2018 Ford Flex
Ford offers several roomy midsize SUVs, but the 2018 Ford Flex stands out, even compared to the Explorer and Edge. Its distinctive boxy design and nearly 202-inch length translate to a spacious 155.8 cubic feet of passenger volume.
Cargo capacity is somewhat less impressive for its size. The Flex provides 20 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.2 cubic feet behind the middle row, and 83.2 cubic feet in total. Despite being one of the longer vehicles in the segment, the Flex ranks lower in overall cargo space compared to other midsize SUVs on this list.
2019 Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet and GMC vehicles often share underlying platforms, leading to similar specifications in many segments. However, the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse distinguishes itself from its GMC counterpart, the Acadia, in the midsize SUV category.
The Traverse, at 204.3 inches, is the longest vehicle in this comparison, leveraging its size for 157.3 cubic feet of passenger space and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space. This significantly surpasses the Acadia’s 143.8 cubic feet of passenger volume and 79 cubic feet of rear storage, making the Traverse a leader in spaciousness among midsize SUVs.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder
While the Chevy Traverse is the longest vehicle in the segment, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder claims the top spot for roomiest midsize SUV in terms of passenger volume.
Despite being almost six inches shorter than the Traverse, the Pathfinder offers 157.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. The trade-off is slightly less cargo space compared to some rivals, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Nevertheless, the Pathfinder prioritizes passenger comfort in the midsize SUV class.
