For years, families who needed three rows had to settle for thirsty gas SUVs, bulky minivans, or luxury options priced out of reach. That’s changing—fast.
The 2025 and 2026 model years are delivering something buyers have been asking for: electric SUVs that actually fit families. Not two-row compacts pretending to be family-friendly. We’re talking legit three-row EVs with real space, strong range, and the tech to make road trips easy, not stressful.
And these aren’t fantasy concept cars—they’re available to order, arriving in showrooms, and already shaping the future of family vehicles. Whether you’re hauling kids, dogs, camping gear, or all three, this is the list that shows which three-row electric SUVs are actually worth buying in 2025 and 2026.
We ranked them by real-world range, cabin flexibility, charging speed, features, and—most important—how well they work for families in everyday life.
1. Kia EV9 — The New Benchmark for Family EVs
- Seating: 6 or 7 passengers
- EPA Range: Up to 304 miles
- Real-World Range: Around 270–285 miles
- Starting Price: $54,900
- Battery: 99.8 kWh
- Charging: 800V, 10–80% in ~24 minutes
The Kia EV9 is the SUV that changed everything. It’s not a luxury vehicle priced over $80,000. It’s not a compact. It’s a real SUV built from the ground up as an EV—with enough range, room, and price sense to appeal to actual buyers.
Inside, you can choose a 6-seat configuration with captain’s chairs, or a 7-seater with a bench in the second row. Both give you a usable third row—not a cramped afterthought.
Ride quality is smooth, the digital cockpit is intuitive, and the cabin has smart storage, flat flooring, and a quiet ride even at highway speeds. Plus, the EV9 benefits from Hyundai-Kia’s leading 800V charging system, giving you some of the fastest recharge times in the class.
What It’s Like to Own:
- Fold the third row, and you’ve got a massive cargo area.
- USB-C ports are everywhere.
- Second-row passengers get their own controls and vents.
- It’s built for American roads and families—not just city driving.
BidForAutos Take: If you want a three-row EV that feels like it was made for your life—not a tech demo—the EV9 is it.
2. Hyundai Ioniq 9 — Bigger Range, Softer Ride, Cleaner Interior
- Seating: 6 or 7 passengers
- EPA Range: Up to 335 miles
- Real-World Range: ~300+ miles
- Starting Price: $60,555
- Battery: Estimated 100 kWh
- Charging: 800V, 10–80% in ~25 minutes
The Ioniq 9 is Hyundai’s first full-size SUV EV—and it comes loaded. It rides on the same E-GMP platform as the EV9, but feels more upscale and refined. Think of it as the quieter sibling: more minimalist, more range, and an interior that looks like a boutique hotel suite.
The Ioniq 9 brings the longest range of any three-row EV under $70,000. And it doesn’t feel cramped doing it.
Real-World Family Value:
- Optional captain’s chairs recline—perfect for sleeping kids
- Wide second-row doors for easy access with car seats
- Clean interface with fewer physical buttons but easy-to-use controls
- Excellent rear visibility and standard safety tech
BidForAutos Take: If range is your top concern—and you like calm, stylish interiors—the Ioniq 9 nails it.
3. Rivian R1S — Built for Dirt, Capable on Everything Else
- Seating: 5, 6, or 7 passengers
- EPA Range: Up to 400 miles (Dual Motor + Large Pack)
- Real-World Range: 330–360 miles, depending on load and terrain
- Starting Price: $74,900
- Battery: 105 to 135 kWh depending on config
- Charging: Up to 220 kW DC Fast Charging
If the Ioniq 9 is a hotel lobby, the Rivian R1S is a national park. It’s built to go where other SUVs fear to. That includes deep snow, muddy hills, and off-road trails.
You’ll get three rows (depending on configuration), excellent ride height, and a cabin filled with rugged materials that can take a beating. It tows. It fords water. And it handles like something half its size.
Rivian’s software is intuitive, over-the-air updates are constant, and the adventure-ready community around it is growing fast.
Pros for Families:
- Best-in-class off-road capability
- Strong build quality and durability
- Huge storage areas (front trunk is massive)
- Pet mode, camping mode, and gear security features
BidForAutos Take: For the family that camps, skis, tows, or needs serious utility—the R1S is the real deal.
4. Tesla Model X — Veteran EV With Supercharger Privilege
- Seating: Up to 7
- EPA Range: 348 miles
- Real-World Range: ~315 miles
- Starting Price: $79,990
- Battery: 100 kWh
- Charging: Up to 250 kW on Tesla Superchargers
The Model X has been around longer than every other SUV on this list. But it’s still fast, practical, and surprisingly spacious—especially with Tesla’s Supercharger network making long trips simple.
The third row is a bit tighter, but works fine for kids. The second-row seats are fixed, which limits cargo flexibility, but the overall layout is efficient. The Model X also includes Autopilot features and a 17-inch infotainment screen that works well on road trips.
What Makes It Worth Considering:
- Fastest acceleration of any 3-row EV (0–60 in under 4 seconds)
- Tesla’s charging network = major advantage on road trips
- Over-the-air updates add features and fix bugs
- No key fob required—just your phone
BidForAutos Take: Not the newest, but still the best in raw performance and network access.
5. Volvo EX90 — Scandinavian Calm With Serious Safety Tech
- Seating: 6 or 7
- EPA Range: Around 300 miles
- Real-World Range: ~280–290 miles
- Starting Price: $76,695
- Battery: 111 kWh
- Charging: Up to 250 kW
Volvo isn’t rushing to electrify—it’s doing it deliberately. The EX90 is their cleanest, most refined EV yet. Inside you’ll find open-pore wood, recycled fabrics, and a glass roof that floods the cabin with light.
What really stands out is how quiet and secure it feels. Safety is off the charts: LiDAR-based crash detection, driver monitoring, and built-in child seat anchors everywhere.
The EX90’s third row is adult-capable in short bursts, and the second row easily accommodates two car seats and a booster without squeezing shoulders.
Family Highlights:
- Safe and serene driving experience
- Google-based infotainment
- Built-in route planning with charger locations
- Full suite of family-focused safety features
BidForAutos Take: Want premium but not flashy? This is the best option.
6. Mercedes EQB (2025 Update) — City-Focused 3-Row EV
- Seating: 5 or 7
- EPA Range: ~245 miles
- Real-World Range: ~220 miles
- Starting Price: $57,000
- Battery: 70.5 kWh
- Charging: 100–125 kW DC Fast Charging
The EQB is the only small SUV on this list, but it technically offers a third row. Realistically, it’s for kids or occasional use, not daily three-row driving.
That said, it’s a stylish urban SUV with a Mercedes badge and just enough space to get by. The interior is modern, the touchscreen works well, and for small families in urban settings, it gets the job done.
Who It’s Best For:
- City families who occasionally need a third row
- Drivers with tight garages or parking needs
- Mercedes buyers not ready to jump to the EQS SUV
- Those prioritizing style over size
BidForAutos Take: Smallest and slowest charging—but most affordable with a luxury badge.
Upcoming Models Worth Watching
Toyota 3-Row EV SUV (Unnamed)
Expected in late 2025 or 2026, Toyota is developing a larger SUV to follow the bZ4X. It will likely have over 300 miles of range and be built in the U.S. to qualify for tax credits.
Honda Prologue 3-Row Variant
A larger version of the 2024 Prologue is rumored to be in development for families needing extra seats.
Chevrolet Traverse EV
Expected to be shown in 2025, this will likely be GM’s entry into affordable, large electric family haulers.
Final Thoughts: Which One Fits Your Life?
If you need to buy now, here’s how it breaks down:
- Best All-Around Family Pick: Kia EV9
- Best for Long-Range Road Trips: Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Best for Adventuring Families: Rivian R1S
- Best for Tech and Speed: Tesla Model X
- Best for Safety and Simplicity: Volvo EX90
- Best Compact Option: Mercedes EQB (with limitations)
EVs are no longer just about saving gas—they’re about choosing what lifestyle fits. The best electric SUV for you depends on what you need: space, range, speed, or simplicity.
And in 2025 and 2026, for the first time, you’ve actually got real options.
Keep Reading BidForAutos.com
We cover every new EV and electric SUV worth your time—without the jargon or sales talk. Our guides, comparisons, and breakdowns are written for real buyers, with real needs. Whether you’re upgrading your family hauler or planning your first EV road trip, we’ve got your back.
More long-range EV rankings, winter driving tests, and real charging data are coming soon. Stay plugged in.
