When you’re a parent of a small child, it’s not terribly difficult to find a car seat-friendly vehicle for toting them around. Even with two kids, options are plentiful. But once you throw that third kid into the mix — and I speak from experience here — that’s when you’ve really got to do your research because three car seats (or boosters) is no joke.
At that point, cramming into a compact car or itty bitty sedan just isn’t practical — or very safe, for that matter. That’s why, in honor of Child Passenger Safety Week, we’ve put together a list of the best SUVs for families with three kids in car seats to help make your shopping a little easier.
You’ll find spacious options with user-friendly LATCH systems and roomy, easily accessible third rows, as well as SUVs that can accommodate all three car seats in the second row when needed. We hope this helps you find something you love — and gives you confidence that your little ones are riding safely!
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Chevrolet Suburban
In my very humble opinion, there truly is no vehicle better suited for family life than the Chevrolet Suburban, which explains why it’s the longest running nameplate around. It won the Parents.com award for Best Full Size 3-Row SUV in 2025, so I’m not the only fan out there. (You can also throw the slightly smaller Tahoe into the mix, which is essentially identical to the Suburban, though with less cargo space.) Here are a few reasons why it’s a favorite when you’ve got three kids in car seats:
- Room, room, room. Any parent will tell you that there’s no such thing as too much space when it comes to installing car seats. The more you have to work with, the better. The Suburban’s size makes it easy to get in, out and on your way. And your kids won’t feel cramped, which means less likelihood for crankiness and backseat fights.
- Easy-to-locate anchors. Depending on whether you’ve got a middle bench seat or captain’s chairs, you get either two or three full LATCHES (lower anchors and upper tethers) to work with, and you won’t have any trouble finding them.
- Running boards. When you’ve got your hands full installing your non-mobile littles, it sure helps to have running boards that make it easy for your toddlers to climb in and out themselves.
- You can put all three in the second row. Assuming you don’t need third row access, a Suburban with the bench seat can easily accommodate all three car seats. (See the note below about the middle seat.)
What you need to know:
- The Suburban’s middle seat in the second row doesn’t have a headrest, which makes it unsuitable for adults. But for child car seats that provide their own head support, it’s fine.
- There are no lower anchors in the third row, just upper tethers. That means you’ll need to use the seat belt to install any car seats back there, which is safe but slightly less convenient.
- For two rear-facing car seats, you’ll want a bench seat in the center row for easier third-row access or a rotating child seat and captains chairs to access the 3rd row. Center row seats fold and flip for 3rd row access so keep that in mind; it can be impossible to install 3 car seats in the center row and still access the 3rd row.
- Starting MSRP: $62,000
Jeep Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer
Don’t let the names confuse you — the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are the same size, it’s just that the latter comes with more premium features. (If you want something longer, Jeep also builds the Wagoneer L.) Here’s what makes this SUV a good choice for three car seats:
- You can fit three across the second row. With a second-row bench seat, all three seats have complete LATCH systems, so you can easily install all three of your cuties right in the middle if you want.
- Easy third-row access. If you do need to hop in the very back, no problem. The second row slide and tilt and can do this even with a car seat installed.
- Best-in-class third-row legroom. Need we say more?
What you need to know:
- You get either three or four full LATCH systems, depending on whether or not you have a bench seat in the second row. The third row has one full LATCH system on the outboard driver’s side seat, and the other two rear seats have tether anchors.
- Starting MSRP: $59,945 (Wagoneer); $84,945 (Grand Wagoneer)
Ford Expedition
The recently redesigned Ford Expedition certainly deserves a shout-out for its family-friendliness, especially when it comes to car seats. Parents.com is also a fan of the Expedition, naming it the Best Full Size Three-Row SUV for Families in 2024. Here are a few reasons why you might consider it:
- Flexible seating. The Expedition offers “the most flexible seating of any SUV,” with each center-row seat able to move independently.
- Room for three car seats in the middle. A rare and convenient option for families juggling multiple seats.
- Spacious third row. Plenty of room for kids—or adults—behind the second row.
- Five LATCH systems. Yes, five—making car seat installation easier than in many other SUVs.
- Easy third-row access. Even with all car seats in the middle row, the outboard seats slide and tilt forward for simple entry to the back.
What you need to know:
- You get full LATCH systems on second and third row outboard seats and a tether anchor in the third row middle seat. A second row bench seat has full LATCH systems on all three seats.
- The long wheel base model offers even more cargo space.
- Starting MSRP: $62,400
Kia Telluride
If you’re not in the market for a full-size SUV, but you want something that can still fit the fam across three rows, the Kia Telluride may feel like a no-brainer. Kia managed to pack a lot into this midsize SUV with a jaw-droppingly low starting MSRP of just $36,390, but aside from the palatable price tag, you might opt for the Telluride for these reasons:
- A surprisingly spacious third row. Though certainly not as roomy as your full-size SUV friends, the Telluride is deceptively accommodating for its size in that back seat. Having previously owned one myself, I can speak to its ability to seat an adult in the back in a pinch, when needed.
- Plenty of legroom. This makes it much easier to install car seats — and less likely that those little legs will be kicking and pushing on the back of your seat.
- Rear-facing seats work, too. You can install these without having to slide the driver or passenger seat forward too much, which is good news for your legs!
- Convenience. Need to access the third row even with a car seat installed? No problem. A push-button slide and tilt feature makes this doable without having to remove the car seat.
What you need to know:
- You can get a bench seat or captain’s chairs for the second row.
- You get two LATCH systems in the center row outboard seats and one LATCH system in the third row driver’s-side seat; there are two additional rear tethers in the third row.
- If you want to go electric, Kia’s EV9 offers most of the same features and interior space.
- Starting MSRP: $36,390
Hyundai Palisade
It would be unfair to list the Kia Telluride without mentioning the recently fully redesigned Hyundai Palisade, as the two are essentially cousins. Like the Telluride, the Palisade has made a name for itself when it comes to affordability and value, giving you a lot of bang for your buck. Here are some of the reasons why it might just be the perfect SUV for you and your three car-seated kids:
- The center row seats slide and tilt for third row access — even with a car seat LATCH installed.
- Versatility. Even the third row can slide so you can optimize passenger and cargo space when needed.
- Amazing legroom. The Palisade’s second-row legroom is best-in-class for three-row midsize SUVs, with 42.4 inches of space!
- Car seats won’t cramp the first row. You should be able to install a rear-facing car seat behind the driver or passenger without having to cut into their legroom.
What you need to know:
- You get two full LATCH systems in outboard center row seats.
- The third row has two sets of top tethers and one set of lower anchors that straddles the driver’s side seat and middle seat.
- You can get a bench seat or captain’s chairs for the second row.
- We don’t recommend the top tier Calligraphy trim. Beautiful as it is, the center row seats are power controlled, even with a passenger in the seat. This could be dangerous when you have curious little hands that like to push buttons.
- Hyundai issued a recall for 2020 through 2025 Palisade models due to seatbelt buckles not latching correctly. This doesn’t affect the 2026 model, but you should know about it if you opt for an older model.
- If you’re shopping for a 3-row electric SUV, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a great option with most of the same features and space that the Palisade offers.
- Starting MSRP: $39,435
Toyota Grand Highlander
Unlike the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, there actually is a difference between the regular Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Grand Highlander. Since the latter is bigger, we put it on our list of best SUVs for multiple car seats. Here are just some of its many positive attributes:
- Spaciousness. Did you know that the Toyota Grand Highlander is actually roomier than the Sequoia, even though it’s smaller? Mind blown.
- Sliding second row. Always a plus when you’re trying to fit everyone in just right, and second row seats slide and tilt even with a car seat LATCH installed.
- Three full LATCH systems. Three car seats? Three full LATCH systems. Boom. You’re all set.
What you need to know:
- You have the option of a second row bench seat or captain’s chairs.
- There are two full LATCH systems in the second row and one on the third row passenger side. The middle seat in the third row has an upper tether, but the driver’s side seat doesn’t.
- The third row has fixed headrests, which may make it hard to install certain car seats.
- Starting MSRP: $43,630
Honda Pilot
SUVs with good safety and reliability ratings are a must for families with young kids, and that’s just part of the reason why the Honda Pilot makes this list. Other reasons include:
- Easy car seat installation. In our testing, a rear-facing car seat fit without having to move the front seat forward.
- Adjustable headrests. Installing a forward-facing car seat was simple once the headrest was raised.
- Spacious second row. With 40.5 inches of legroom, the Pilot ranks among the best three-row SUVs for rear-seat comfort.
- Third-row access. Like many SUVs on this list, the Pilot lets you reach the third row with the push of a button—no need to uninstall car seats in the second row.
What you need to know:
- You get two complete LATCH systems in the second-row outboard seats.
- The third row has one set of lower anchors on the passenger side, and there are three sets of top tethers.
- Starting MSRP: $40,200
Volkswagen Atlas
When the Volkswagen Atlas debuted in 2017, VW made it clear that it could fit three car seats in the second row while still leaving plenty of room for adults in the third row. That family-friendly design makes it a natural pick for this list.
- Three car seats across. All three second-row seats have complete LATCH systems, making installation straightforward.
- Front-seat comfort. Installing a forward-facing car seat won’t push front passengers into the dashboard — they still have room to stretch out.
Third-row access. The second row tilts and slides even with car seats installed, a must-have feature for car-seat-friendly SUVs.
What you need to know:
- You can choose either a second-row bench or captain’s chairs.
- Second-row legroom is decent but not huge (37.6 inches).
- The third row has two upper tethers but no lower anchors.
- A rear-facing infant car seat may slightly limit front-seat legroom.
- While the center second-row seat can slide and tilt forward to reach the third row, installing car seats in the third row can still be tricky.
- Starting MSRP: $39,310
Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 is available in 6-, 7-, or 8-passenger configurations, giving families plenty of flexibility. If you’re focused on car seat installations, the middle-row bench seat is your best bet. Here’s why it works so well for three car seats:
- Three full LATCH systems in the second row. Choosing the bench seat gives you complete LATCH coverage for all three positions, making installation straightforward.
- Removable headrests. These are essential for securely installing certain car seats and ensuring a snug fit.
What you need to know:
- LATCH availability. All center-row seats and both outboard third-row seats have full LATCH sets.
- Front-seat impact. Properly installed rear-facing car seats may reduce legroom for front-seat passengers.
- Third-row access. Center-row seats slide and tilt when LATCH-installed, and the third row can also be reached via the center passthrough between captain’s chairs.
- Third-row space. While there’s more room than in the prior CX-9, the third row is still best suited for shorter passengers or occasional use.
- Starting MSRP: $38,800
Chevrolet Traverse
When you don’t have the budget or the space for a Suburban, the recently redesigned Chevrolet Traverse offers a “fun-size” version that’s still capable of hauling three car seats (as do the similarly sized and more luxe Buick Enclave and the more rugged GMC Acadia, also both redesigned; they share similar proportions with the Traverse, though both only feature center row captains chairs).
- Easy third row access. Like many options on this list, the center row seats slide and tilt even with a child car seat LATCH installed.
- Adjustable center row. You don’t get oodles of space in the third row, but you can move the center row for extra legroom when you need it.
- Fits three seats in the middle. In case you haven’t noticed, this is a big selling point for us.
What you need to know:
- You get two full sets of latches in the center row and three upper tethers in the third row.
- Buyers can choose center row captain’s chairs or a center row bench option
- Rear-facing car seats may cut into legroom for front seat passengers.
- Starting MSRP: $42,695
The Best SUV for 3 Car Seats May Depend on the Car Seats
It’s easy enough to make a list of SUVs that should work well for families with three car seats, but the reality is that so much depends on the seats themselves. Just like vehicles, car seats come in all shapes and sizes. Some are wide and bulky, others are slim and compact. Some come with bases, others convert as your child grows and yet others rotate for more flexibility. You’ve got rear-facing, forward-facing, high-back boosters — you get the idea.
That’s why the best advice we can give is to test things out. Bring your car seats with you, install them in the vehicle you’re considering and see how they fit in real life. It’s the only way to know for sure what will work best for your family.
And above all, make sure those car seats are installed correctly! You can find a certified car seat inspection station near you using the locator tool on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.
Happy Child Passenger Safety Week — drive safe and buckle up those little ones!
