Browse
Log in / Register
Share
For families considering a three-row SUV, easy access to the third row is not a luxury—it's a necessity. Based on our assessment experience, the mechanism for getting to the back seat varies dramatically between models, directly impacting daily usability. While some SUVs offer simple, one-handed operations that create a wide passage, others involve heavy, multi-step processes that make helping buckle a child in the back a chore. This analysis of popular 2016-2017 model year SUVs highlights the key differences in third-row accessibility to help you make an informed decision.
When evaluating how easy it is to get to the third row, parents should focus on three key areas. The ease of manipulating the second-row seats is paramount; a simple, one-hand operation is ideal. Next, the width of the pathway created is crucial for both children and adults who may need to assist them. Finally, the step-in height can make the difference between a graceful entry and an awkward climb. Looking for these features during a test drive can prevent daily frustration.
Several models from the 2016-2017 model years stood out for their user-friendly designs.
The 2017 Dodge Durango is a top contender for multitasking parents. Its second-row seats flip and fold forward with just one hand, creating a wide passage that any family member can traverse. This simple mechanism makes it one of our favorites for frequent use.
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder also simplifies the process. A single lever activates a sequence where the seat cushion folds upward and the entire seat slides forward, resulting in a generously wide opening to the third row. It's worth noting, however, that our testers found the step-in height to be relatively high.
For a balance of space and functionality, the 2017 Ford Explorer and 2016 Mazda CX-9 are strong options. The Explorer's pathway is notably wide, a feature adults will appreciate, though the seat itself is heavy and requires a multistep process to move. The CX-9, despite its more compact redesign, surprised us with a sizable and easily accessible pathway.
Not every SUV makes accessing the third row a simple task. Some designs prioritize other cabin features over ease of entry.
The 2017 GMC Acadia saw a reduction in its overall length with its redesign, and this is most apparent in the third-row access. The procedure of folding the seat cushion up and sliding the seat forward results in a very narrow passageway. In this model, second-row captain's chairs are almost essential for an adult to reach the back.
Similarly, the 2017 Kia Sorento and 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe offer only narrow pathways. While both allow for one-handed folding and sliding of the second row, the resulting space is tight. Even with the Santa Fe's captain's chairs, the space between them is narrow enough that some adults will need to shimmy through.
The 2016 Honda Pilot treats families well with a convenient one-touch button that automatically folds and slides the second-row seats forward. While the pathway isn't the widest in its class, our assessment found it to be negotiable for most.
If you find that the third-row access in a standard three-row SUV doesn't meet your needs, there is a reliable alternative. Opting for a configuration with second-row captain's chairs creates a permanent, central walkway to the third row. This eliminates the need to fold and climb past seats altogether, which can be a major advantage for families with young children in booster seats who frequently need assistance. Many of the SUVs listed, including the Durango, Explorer, and Acadia, offer this configuration.
Ultimately, the best SUV for your family depends on how you plan to use the third row. If it's for occasional use by older children, a narrower passage may suffice. However, for families who need regular, easy access for both kids and adults, prioritizing models with wide, easily created pathways—or investing in captain's chairs—is a decision you'll appreciate every day.
