Which Kia Models Offer 3rd Row Seating?
Kia has proven to be one of the most powerful automakers in the family car and SUV segment, offering high-end, affordable, and technology-packed vehicles for drivers in need of convenience and space. For those specifically on the hunt for seating six, seven, or even eight people, there are a handful of serious contenders from Kia that include third-row seating. While most Kia SUVs are compact or mid-size two-row vehicles like the Kia Sportage or Kia Seltos, families requiring more passenger room will want to take a close look at the Kia Telluride, Kia Sorento, and in some cases, the Kia Carnival MPV.
Let's break each one down and discuss what type of buyer is best for each.
Kia Telluride: The Flagship Family SUV
The Kia Telluride is widely considered to be Kia's top-selling and most capable biggest-family SUV. Introduced in 2020, it was an instant best-seller due to its in-your-face styling, spacious interior, and near-luxury ambiance at a lower cost than most in its class.
Seating Capacity: Up to 8 passengers, with base three-row seating. Second-row captain's chairs are also available, reducing capacity to 7 but increasing comfort.
Interior Space: The Telluride possesses one of the widest third rows in its class, offering ample legroom and headroom space to fit adults on short and medium-length trips. Contrary to the majority of SUVs, the third row is not strictly a child-only area.
Features: High-end technology such as dual 12.3-inch screens, various USB ports, top-notch audio, ventilated seats, and industry-leading safety features.
Best For:
The Telluride is perfect for larger families that usually have many passengers in tow, need maximum cargo flexibility, and enjoy a luxurious driving experience. It is also perfect for buyers who desire a three-row SUV but do not want to invest in a luxury brand. Parents of teenagers, carpooling families, and regular road trippers will also find the Telluride especially appealing.
Kia Sorento: The Midsize, Versatile Option
The Kia Sorento is a shrink-around option to the Telluride, with three rows of seating in a smaller, lower-priced package. While its third row is less spacious than the Telluride's, it adds flexibility without requiring customers to move up to a full-size SUV.
Seating Capacity: Base 7-passenger seating with optional 6-passenger capacity when equipped with captain's chairs on second row.
Interior Space: The third row in the Sorento is more cramped, and it's only suitable for children or short trips with adults. It's a practical option for households that rarely need to seat more than five people.
Features: It offers a range of trims, from budget-friendly to near-luxury. It also has hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, which the Telluride lacks.
Best For:
The Sorento is ideal for families that require the third row on a need-to-use basis rather than a daily use basis. Buyers who transport four or five individuals most of the time but occasionally need to accommodate extra children, in-laws visiting for the weekend, or friends will appreciate the Sorento. Green consumers may also like the Sorento hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, which will make it more economical than larger SUVs.
Kia Carnival MPV: The Minivan Reborn
Despite being technically a minivan, not an SUV, the Kia Carnival MPV deserves some credit in that it has the most practical third-row seating throughout the Kia range. Kia has styled the Carnival to look more like an SUV and introduced it in a form that will appeal to those who need practicality without the appearance of a conventional minivan.
Seating Capacity: 8 passengers with option. Family-friendly second-row seating with "VIP lounge seats" is also optional, reducing capacity to 7 but significantly increasing comfort.
Interior Space: The third row in the Carnival is the most expansive of all Kia vehicles. It will easily hold adults on long trips and still have plenty of cargo space behind the seats.
Features: Equipped with family-friendly amenities like rear-seat entertainment screens, smart sliding doors, in-cabin intercom, and leather seats available as an option.
Best For:
The Carnival is perfect for those families that desire room, comfort, and convenience over the sporty appearance of an SUV. Three or more children, families that haul grandparents on a regular basis, or individuals who need the most passenger-friendly configuration will find the Carnival impossible to beat. It's also perfect for anyone who loads passengers and freight on a regular basis, as its third row folds down flat into the floor with ease.
Which Kia Do You Drive?
It comes down to how frequently you'll be employing the third row, your lifestyle, and your preferences:
Choose the Telluride if you want best-in-class passenger comfort for all three rows, a commanding SUV presence, and plenty of high-tech features.
Choose the Sorento if you want a smaller, more affordable SUV with third-row convenience without spending a fortune on a full-size vehicle. It's the most practical option for shoppers who require six or seven seats every now and then.
Choose the Carnival if you value comfort, functionality, and family-friendly features as your top concerns. It's the best option for large families and those who desire minivan usability with stylish looks.
Conclusion
Kia has built a smart lineup for third-row-seat shoppers with diverse requirements, and the options occupy a range of niches. Leading the pack is a luxury-feeling Telluride, the Sorento provides a smaller answer with hybrid engines, and the Carnival maximizes space and convenience for growing families. Regardless of the decision, Kia has been careful to balance practicality, technology, and comfort.