As your family grows, you want a dependable car that comfortably accommodates your spouse, children, or friends. Over the years, Honda SUVs have proven a formidable choice thanks to their expansive space, enhanced seating, and advanced safety features. 

The spacious interior with ample legroom makes Honda popular with drivers looking for more flexibility. Besides, some of the latest models have third-row seating, accommodating the entire family without issues. These vehicles can carry up to nine passengers at once, making them suitable for large travel groups.

So, which are the best three-row Hondas for families? Let's take a look.

What Is Third-Row Seating?

view from third row seating in the 2021 Honda Odyssey

Third-row seating is expanded seating other than a vehicle's front and back seats, extending the passenger capacity to between six and nine. This seating configuration is typical with station wagons, multi-purpose vehicles, SUVs, and minivans. The arrangement might include mixed, removable, or foldable seats operated manually or via a switch.

The main benefit of vehicles with third-row seating is that they're flexible. They provide good seating options without compromising cargo space. You can fold away the second- and third-row seats neatly to create more storage space when you don't require additional seating.

Not all three-row SUVs are equal. The rearmost seats might not accommodate adults because their configuration is for carrying kids. However, Honda vehicles with third-row seating can comfortably accommodate passengers of all ages. They have adult-friendly seats in all three rows.

Which Hondas Have Third-Row Seating?

Honda has an impressive fleet of full-size SUVs and minivans with third-row seating, making them suitable for families and large contingents. They offer remarkable flexibility thanks to their expansive interior and cargo space. Choosing the ideal Honda with third-row seating can be overwhelming, given the various trim levels. Fortunately, we have a list of the top Hondas with third-row seating to help you purchase the right one for your needs:

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a premium, family-friendly SUV with third-row seating. It can accommodate up to eight passengers and offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space, making it ideal for large families. Folding the second- and third-row seats provides up to 109 cubic feet of storage. What makes this vehicle popular with families is its considerable legroom. It has more than adequate room in the second and third rows, ensuring passengers don't feel cramped. 

Its rugged exterior and refined style define the Honda Pilot's athletic profile. It also has a bold grille and 20-inch alloy wheels, making this car ideal for all terrains. The formidable 280 horsepower and 3.5L V-6 engine ensure this vehicle can go on long road trips without overheating. The 262 lb-ft of torque and nine-speed automatic transmission guarantee impressive auto performance.

The Honda Pilot has seven trim levels with distinct features and capabilities. The Sport trim is renowned for its race-inspired exterior styling, while the EX-L trim has a power moonroof and outer tailgate. The TrailSport trim has an aggressive design to tackle the most challenging terrains, while the Touring trim offers comfort and convenience during long trips. It has a third row with a rear entertainment system. The only common element in all trim levels is Honda Sensing, a safety feature that detects imminent collisions and adjusts the vehicle to avoid them.

Honda Odyssey

If you want something different from an SUV but with third-row seating, go for the Honda Odyssey. This minivan has a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to eight passengers. It's renowned for its luxurious and comfortable interior, making it popular with families. You can go on long road trips with the entire family without fatigue. The rear entertainment system also ensures your kids remain engaged and aren't bored during the tour.

This family-focused minivan with third-row seating offers adequate space for passengers and luggage. It has over 158 cubic feet of cargo space, making hauling tasks much more manageable. You only need to fold the second- and third-row seats to create more room for your luggage.

Unlike the Honda Pilot, the Odyssey has five trim levels, each offering elevated features from the last. But like the latest Honda models, each trim comes equipped with Honda Sensing technology to ensure the entire family's safety. 

The base trim has power seats and a multi-angle rearview camera system, while the EX trim has additional features, such as Smart Entry, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The EX-L version has leather-trimmed seats, a power moonroof, and a power tailgate for extra comfort and convenience. The Odyssey Elite is the ultimate Honda family car as far as comfort and entertainment are concerned. This trim level features the finest equipment, such as a hands-free power liftgate, heated and ventilated seats, wireless charging pads, and an 11-speaker premium audio system.

The performance of the Honda Odyssey is similar to that of the Honda Pilot. It has a 3.5L V-6 engine, and you get 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The only difference is that the Honda Odyssey has a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Which Car Has the Best Third-Row Space?

The Honda Odyssey has the best third-row seating space. It offers 38.1 inches of legroom in the third row. In contrast, the Honda Pilot provides third-row passengers with 31.9 inches of legroom.

Why Are Hondas Suitable for Families?

Honda is among the few reputable automakers with third-row seating. These vehicles are versatile thanks to the extra seats available, making them suitable for larger families. Your kids and extended family don't have to struggle for space. Besides, you can adjust the car seats to fit your specific needs. Then again, Honda vehicles with third-row seating are reportedly safer for kids as they have child safety latches.

Honda vehicles come equipped with a safety feature called Honda Sensing. This technology uses built-in cameras and computers to detect possible accidents before they happen. The sensor then adjusts your car by applying the brakes, changing the steering, or turning beam lights high or low to avoid collisions. Given their high safety rating, this feature makes Honda vehicles suitable for families.

Which Honda Car Is the Best for Families?

Choosing the best Honda car for families depends on your household size. Consider going for a minivan like the Honda Odyssey if you have several kids. If you like SUVs, the Honda Pilot is a formidable choice. Contact Apple Honda of Hanover, Pennsylvania, for further assistance in selecting the best Honda car for your family.

Categories: Honda Information

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