Hyundai vehicles with three rows of seating offer practicality and comfort. These models provide plenty of space for gear without sacrificing passenger volume. Whether you’re heading out on a family road trip or need to shuttle kids and their friends to activities, Hyundai’s third-row options offer the ideal solution. Read on to learn more about the benefits of Hyundai models with third-row seating and find the perfect match for your needs.
Hyundai Models Featuring Third-Row Seating
The two top Hyundai models with seven or eight seats are the Palisade and the Santa Fe.
The Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade boasts an expansive interior, generous passenger legroom, and plenty of cargo space. This roomy SUV fits seven or eight people, depending on whether you opt for captain’s chairs or bench seating. Some models, such as the Limited, come with power-folding rear seats for added convenience while accessing the back rows. The Hyundai Palisade’s third-row features include 60/40-split seating that can lay completely flat, giving you plenty of options for cargo.
The Versatile Hyundai Santa Fe
According to our Hyundai Santa Fe third-row review, this vehicle is one of the best SUVs for families, offering exceptional flexibility and features. With its three-row seating, it comfortably accommodates seven passengers. The versatile interior includes easy-to-fold rear seats, which expand cargo space to handle large items and gear. The Santa Fe has advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. It also boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with a touch screen, smartphone connectivity, and multiple USB ports.
Hyundai Third-Row Legroom Comparison
The two models have similar legroom figures. All values are in inches.
| Measurement | Palisade | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Front legroom | 44.1 in | 41.4 in |
| Second-row legroom | 42.4 in | 42.3 in |
| Third-row legroom | 31.4 in | 30.0 in |
Advantages of Third-Row Seating in Hyundai Vehicles
Third-row seating in Hyundai vehicles offers increased comfort and accessibility.
Comfort and Convenience for Larger Families
Hyundai’s third-row seating capacity, available in the Palisade and Santa Fe, offers extra luxury and convenience for larger families. The third row provides ample space for three additional passengers so everyone can travel together comfortably. The spacious design offers generous leg and headroom, ensuring comfort on longer journeys. Easy-access features, such as sliding second-row seats and wide door openings, make it simpler for your passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.
Versatility for Cargo and Passenger Needs
Hyundai’s third-row options add remarkable versatility for various cargo and passenger configurations. You can fold the third row down when not in use to create a flat, expansive cargo area for larger items and gear. This flexibility allows families to adjust the interior layout when requiring additional storage space. The Palisade and Santa Fe are excellent options if you’re looking for a Hyundai with a third row and ample cargo space.
Exploring the Hyundai Santa Fe’s Third-Row Amenities
The Hyundai Santa Fe’s third row offers many amenities.
Space Optimization and Flexibility
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a fantastic choice for families who need extra room. The third row features a 50/50 split-folding configuration, allowing you to easily adjust the seating to accommodate various cargo and passenger needs. This versatility ensures that the Santa Fe can adapt to different scenarios, whether a family road trip with extra luggage or school drop-offs with friends.
Safety Features for Rear Passengers
Safety is a key consideration in the Hyundai Santa Fe, and the third row has various features to protect all its occupants. Standard rear side-impact air bags help safeguard your passengers in a collision, while the vehicle’s reinforced body structure provides overall protection. The Santa Fe also includes child safety seat anchors and tethers and advanced safety systems, such as electronic stability and traction control.
Comparing Hyundai’s Third-Row Seating Models
Along with their many amenities, Hyundai’s three-row models offer many other advantages.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Although both the Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe offer impressive performance and fuel efficiency, each caters to different needs. The larger Palisade has a 3.8-liter V-6 that produces 291 horsepower. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission to optimize fuel efficiency and performance. The Palisade achieves 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway.
The Hyundai Santa Fe features a smaller 2.5-liter I-4 engine generating 277 horsepower. It also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Santa Fe’s fuel efficiency is similar to that of the Palisade, generally ranging from 19 mpg in the city to 29 on the highway. While the Santa Fe offers comparable performance, its smaller engine and more compact size deliver slightly lower fuel consumption and possibly better maneuverability.
Price and Value Considerations
The Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe offer distinct advantages in terms of price and value. The Palisade, a larger and more feature-rich SUV, has a higher starting price of $36,650. It offers a range of trims with various upscale features, making it a good choice if you want a more spacious and luxurious vehicle.
The Santa Fe, at around $33,950, delivers excellent value for its features and capabilities. It provides a more affordable entry point into the Hyundai lineup for families needing third-row seating without the higher price tag. The Santa Fe’s lower cost can appeal if you’re looking for a balance between functionality and budget. Both models come with Hyundai’s exceptional value-adding warranty.
Accessorizing Your Hyundai’s Third-Row Space
Although Hyundai designs its third-row seating SUVs to optimize comfort and functionality, there are many accessory options for the 2024 models. To upgrade your Hyundai’s third-row seating, you can choose from a range of accessories that enhance the passenger experience and maximize practicality, including:
- Padded seat cushions.
- Sunshades.
- Organizers and storage solutions.
- Floor mats and liners.
- Additional lighting.
- Rear entertainment systems.
Experience Spacious Family Travel at Dublin Hyundai
At Dublin Hyundai, you can explore firsthand all Hyundai models with third-row seating, including the Palisade and Santa Fe. Our knowledgeable sales team can walk you through these family-friendly Hyundai cars. We’ll explain their different features and help you compare them to find the one that suits you best. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a test drive.


