Sometimes, having a two-row car is just not enough. Cramming the crew into a vehicle, three wide in the backseat, is not just uncomfortable, it might not even be physically possible depending on the individuals in question.
What is needed is a three-row vehicle that offers everyone the opportunity to stretch out with maximum seat width. Enter modern 6 seater cars. Six passenger vehicles used to be the domain of American sedans that had bench seats in the front and the rear, for a 3 + 3 passenger configuration. Those sardine-cans are not what we are referring to here, nor extended cab pickup trucks that are packaged the same way.
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What we are highlighting are three row vehicles that have bucket seats in the first two rows and a third row bench only intended for two occupants. Everyone gets a window seat in these vehicles and no one is ever shunned to the dreaded middle perch.
Below are a gathering of eight mainstream offerings that feature six seats for a reasonable price.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento comes standard with a three-person bench in the second row. But opt for the EX trim level and it replaces the bench with a pair of captain’s chairs, turning the vehicle into a six-passenger chariot. Starting at a price of $34,490 USD ($40,095 CAD) , the EX also gains the 281 hp turbocharged engine, so hauling six full-size adults should not be an issue.
Every trim level from the EX and higher comes equipped with the six passenger configuration and can be had as either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle. This is one of the smaller crossovers on this list, but also one of the lowest priced.
Mazda CX-9
Like most on this list, the Mazda CX-9 begins life as a seven-passenger SUV thanks to the a three-person bench in the middle row. But it only takes climbing up one trim level to the Touring edition to get the option of a no-cost pair of captains chairs replacing the bench. At a price of $37,430 USD ($44,600 CAD), it does cost more than the Sorento, but it is also slightly larger and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Mazda does offer the choice of six or seven passenger seating in the majority of the CX-9 trim levels, but the limited edition Carbon and top of the line Signature are six passenger only. This is one of the more stylish six-passenger vehicles available at a reasonable price point, and all CX-9s come equipped with a torquey turbocharged engine.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is large crossover that features a true old-school SUV feel. Step up one trim level to the SE with Technology and it is possible to add a pair of second row captains chairs for a total price of $38,340 USD ($51,695 CAD). This includes the 235 hp turbocharged engine and front-wheel drive, although both a more power V6 and all-wheel drive can be added for additional costs.
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The third row of the Volkswagen is the most accommodating and spacious for full-size adults on our list. So, if transporting five to six grownups on the regular is a necessity, this could be the best choice.
Ford Explorer
Another large, six-passenger option is the Ford Explorer. Recently overhauled, the SUV can be had with second-row captains chairs as a no-cost option on the XLT trim level. Pricing is $36,145 USD ($46,199 CAD), which is less than either the Volkswagen Atlas or the Mazda CX-9.
The XLT comes with a 300 hp turbocharged EcoBoost engine that sends power to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. There is also the choice of a hybrid drivetrain or a 400 hp turbocharged V6 in higher trim levels.
GMC Acadia
Like the Kia Sorrento, the GMC Acadia is a slightly smaller three-row SUV. Unlike nearly every other vehicle on this list, the entry level SLE trim is available with no-charge captains chairs. This means it is possible to get a front-wheel drive Acadia with six seats for just $34,800 USD ($41,398 CAD).
Entry level Acadia’s come with a 228 hp turbocharged engine which is the least powerful six-passenger SUV on our list, although the Sorento does have a less powerful engine for lower-trim seven passenger models. A burly V6 is available on higher Acadia trims levels like the AT4 shown above.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is all new this year and is a stretched-out model that allows for the addition of a third-row. Like many on this list, it can be had in both seven and six passenger configurations. The Jeep comes standard with a six-passenger configuration in the entry level Laredo 4X2 which retails for $37,580 USD ($52,495 CAD).
SEE ALSO: 14 Most Affordable Three-Row SUVs of 2021
Power comes from Stellantis’ venerable 3.6-liter V6 that makes 290 hp in this application, sending power to the rear wheels. Being a Jeep, of course a multitude of four-wheel drive systems are available, as well as a HEMI V8.
Ford Transit Connect
The Ford Transit Connect Wagon is a unique vehicle. Based on a compact cargo van architecture, it is smaller than a tradition minivan, yet has sliding doors and three row seating. Think of it as a mini-minivan. Not only is it the sole non-SUV on our list, it is also the lowest price vehicle to offer six-passenger seating across three-rows. The entry level XL can be had with second row captains chairs at no additional cost, making the total MSRP just $27,920 USD ($34,615 CAD).
The front-wheel drive van is powered by a 162 hp four-cylinder engine, so it might be a bit much to haul six burly adults. The optional 2.5-liter engine doesn’t have much more power, but does feature more usable torque.
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