The Best 3-Row Electric SUVs for Your Family in 2024

Searching for a vehicle that can carry the whole family without using a drop of gas? You’re in the right place. The market for full-size electric SUVs with three rows of seating is rapidly expanding, offering fantastic options that combine space, performance, long-range capability, and incredible family-friendly features.

Exploring the Top Full-Size Electric SUVs with Three Rows

Finding the perfect electric vehicle for a large family means balancing seating capacity, driving range, and the features that make daily life easier. Here’s a detailed look at the leading models that deliver on all fronts, providing the space and technology modern families need.

Kia EV9: The Purpose-Built Family Hauler

The Kia EV9 is one of the most anticipated electric vehicles because it was designed from the ground up to be a three-row family SUV. It’s not an existing model that was converted to electric; its entire platform is optimized for space, comfort, and efficiency.

  • Seating and Space: The EV9 offers seating for up to seven passengers. A key highlight is the option for second-row captain’s chairs. These not only provide premium comfort for passengers but also make it much easier to access the third row. Some upper trims even offer power-swiveling second-row seats, allowing passengers to face each other when parked. With all seats in use, you still get a usable 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to a massive 81.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

  • Range and Performance: Depending on the trim, the EV9 delivers impressive range. The entry-level Light RWD model offers an EPA-estimated 230 miles, while the Light Long Range RWD model is the champion, providing up to 304 miles on a single charge. The all-wheel-drive versions offer more power and still achieve a very respectable range of around 270-280 miles. Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, it can also charge incredibly fast, going from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes on a compatible DC fast charger.

  • Family-Friendly Features: The EV9 is packed with thoughtful touches. It has numerous USB-C ports in all three rows, ensuring everyone’s devices stay charged. The large, dual-screen display is intuitive, and available features like a digital rearview mirror and a premium Meridian sound system enhance the driving experience. Kia’s advanced driver-assistance systems, known as Drive Wise, come standard to keep your family safe.

Rivian R1S: The Adventurous and Capable Choice

For families who love to explore, the Rivian R1S combines rugged off-road capability with three rows of seating and a premium, tech-forward interior. It’s as comfortable on city streets as it is on a remote trail.

  • Seating and Space: The R1S comes standard with seating for seven. The second row is a 60⁄40 split-folding bench, and the third row is a 50⁄50 split. Access to the third row is straightforward, and while it’s best for kids on longer trips, adults can fit for shorter journeys. The R1S excels in storage, offering a generous front trunk (or “frunk”) in addition to its rear cargo area.

  • Range and Performance: Rivian offers several battery and motor configurations. The Standard pack provides an estimated 260 miles of range. The Large pack boosts this to about 321 miles, while the Max pack, available on the Dual-Motor configuration, pushes the range to an incredible 400 miles. With the Quad-Motor setup, the R1S is astonishingly quick, rocketing from 0 to 60 mph in about 3 seconds. It can also tow up to 7,700 pounds, perfect for a family camping trailer.

  • Family-Friendly Features: The R1S features a large central touchscreen that controls nearly all vehicle functions. A standout feature is the built-in air compressor, great for inflating tires or water toys. The panoramic glass roof provides an expansive view for all passengers. Rivian’s Gear Guard system uses exterior cameras to monitor your vehicle, adding peace of mind when parked.

Tesla Model X: The Tech-Forward Pioneer

The Tesla Model X was one of the first electric SUVs to offer a third row, and it remains a popular choice thanks to its unique features and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.

  • Seating and Space: The Model X can be configured to seat five, six, or seven people. The six-seat layout with second-row captain’s chairs is particularly popular, offering a spacious feel and easy third-row access. The most talked-about feature is the “Falcon Wing” rear doors, which are not just for show. They make it incredibly easy to get kids in and out of car seats, even in tight parking spots.

  • Range and Performance: The standard All-Wheel Drive Model X offers an EPA-estimated range of 335 miles. The high-performance Plaid version, which can go from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.5 seconds, still delivers an impressive 326 miles of range. Access to the Tesla Supercharger network is a major benefit, offering reliable and widespread fast charging across the country.

  • Family-Friendly Features: The massive 17-inch central touchscreen is the command center for everything, including a robust entertainment system with games and streaming services to keep passengers occupied. The optional rear screen adds another layer of entertainment for second-row passengers. Tesla’s Autopilot suite of driver-assistance features is standard, with Full Self-Driving capability available as an upgrade.

Volvo EX90: The Leader in Safety

Building on Volvo’s legendary reputation for safety, the upcoming EX90 is poised to be one of the safest family vehicles ever made. It’s a fully electric, three-row SUV that blends minimalist Scandinavian design with cutting-edge technology.

  • Seating and Space: The EX90 will offer spacious seating for seven. Volvo is known for its exceptionally comfortable and ergonomic seats, and the EX90 is expected to continue this tradition. The interior will feature sustainable materials and a clean, uncluttered layout.

  • Range and Performance: Volvo is targeting a range of up to 300 miles for the EX90. It will launch with a twin-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain, providing ample power for confident merging and passing.

  • Family-Friendly Features: Safety is the EX90’s main attraction. It will come equipped with a state-of-the-art sensor suite, including cameras, radar, and LiDAR, to create a 360-degree view of its surroundings. Inside, a driver understanding system will monitor for distraction or drowsiness to help prevent accidents. The large, tablet-style center screen will be powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS, providing built-in Google Maps and Google Assistant for seamless navigation and voice control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric 3-row SUVs much more expensive than gas-powered ones? While the initial purchase price can be higher, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership. Savings on fuel and reduced maintenance costs can offset the higher price over time. Government tax credits may also be available to lower the initial cost.

Is the third row in these SUVs actually usable for adults? This varies by model. In vehicles like the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90, the third row is designed to be comfortable for adults on shorter trips and very spacious for children. In others, it might be a bit tighter. It’s always best to test it out in person if you plan on carrying adults in the back frequently.

How does charging a large electric SUV at home work? For the best experience, you’ll want to install a Level 2 charger at home. This typically requires a 240-volt outlet, similar to an electric dryer. A Level 2 charger can fully charge most of these large SUVs overnight, ensuring you start every day with a full “tank.”