The marketplace for three-row electrical automobiles is quite small for the time being in america. US customers at present have solely three fashions to select from that provide correct third-row seats able to accommodating adults in affordable consolation.
We’re speaking in regards to the Tesla Mannequin X, Rivian R1S, and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. Different giant three-row electrical SUV which have already been unveiled however will launch within the coming months embody the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90. And whereas it isn’t an SUV, the three-row 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB additionally deserves a point out.
After all, there are additionally smaller three-row electrical SUVs obtainable, such because the Tesla Mannequin Y and Mercedes-Benz EQB, however their third-row seats provide restricted house for grownup passengers.
In relation to gross sales volumes, the preferred three-row giant SUVs within the US are the Tesla Mannequin X and the Rivian R1S, and if you’re involved in a comparability that offers solely with their third-row seats, the above video from the EV Household YouTube channel is a superb watch.
That is partly as a result of the host of the video is a longtime EV driver who owns each a six-seat Tesla Mannequin X Plaid and a seven-seat Rivian R1S, so he is aware of what he is speaking about. Moreover, the video is actually helpful as a result of it reveals the identical particular person performing precisely the identical exams with every automobile, which makes for an excellent comparability.
Whereas the essential rules of how third row seating works are related on each automobiles, there are some variations which can be good to know earlier than committing to a purchase order.
For instance, if house is your primary precedence, the boxy Rivian R1S wins this arms down. The Rivian has a taller roof and presents extra headroom, knee room, and legroom for third-row seat passengers in comparison with the Tesla. It additionally presents extra cargo quantity each when the third-row seats are up and when they’re folded down.
That stated, you will discover within the video that the Mannequin X Plaid has loads of issues going for it as effectively, corresponding to the good visibility to the entrance due to the house between the second-row captain’s chairs, the comfort of second-row seats that slide electrically to offer entry to the third row, and the actual fact you may get up when coming into or exiting the third row due to the falcon doorways.
There’s one essential point out to make concerning the Mannequin X Plaid, and that is the actual fact the captain’s chairs do not fold right down to create a flat floor because the second-row seats do within the Rivian R1S – they solely tilt ahead. The Plaid comes solely as a six-seater, so in order for you that further versatility you should go for the standard Mannequin X, which can be obtainable as a seven-seater.
Take a look at the video above to search out out which three-row electrical SUV gained this proprietor’s take a look at.
