Types of Third Row Access

There is so much to consider when purchasing a new car especially for a growing family. If you are in the market for a 3 Row SUV, you will want to consider who is getting in the third row, how are they accessing the third row and what should the set up be in the second row to allow easy access to the third row. After touring most 3 Row SUVs I’ve narrowed third row access into 4 main types, Magic Slide, Tilt and Slide, Fold and Flip and Car Seat Tilt. In this article, I break down each type of third row access and offer a list of vehicles with each type.

Magic Slide

The Magic Slide is found in the Honda Odyssey. When the middle seat is removed the outboard seat can be pushed into the middle position offering easy access to the third row.

• Honda Odyssey (if middle seat is removed)

Tilt & Slide

The “tilt and slide” is the most common type of third row access. This works when the second row is on tracks. Once the button/lever is activated the seat will fold halfway and slide forward allowing you to access the third row.

Here is a list of the 3 Row SUVs with the Tilt and Slide

• Acura MDX

• BMW X7
• Ford Explorer
• Honda Odyssey (if middle seat is installed)
• Honda Pilot 
• Hyundai Palisade 
• Kia Carnival
• Kia Telluride 
• Kia Sorento
• Lexus RX350 L
• Mercedes Benz GLS
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Rivian R1S
• Subaru Ascent
• Tesla Model X 
• Tesla Model Y
• Toyota Highlander
• Toyota Sienna
• Volkswagen Tiguan
• Volvo XC90

Fold & Flip

The next type of third row access I’m calling the “Fold and Flip”. The seat folds in half completely and then flips up offering an aisle way to get to the third row.

Here is a list of the 3 Row SUVs with Fold and Flip.

• Audi Q7
• Cadillac Escalade 
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• Chevrolet Suburban 
• GMC Yukon 
• GMC Yukon XL
• Infiniti QX80
• Lexus LX600 
• Nissan Armada 
• Toyota Sequoia 

Car Seat Friendly Tilt

Everyone knows I am a HUGE fan of the Car Seat Tilt for third row access. This feature that allows you to access the third row easily by tilting the second row seat forward while a car seat is installed using latch

Once the lever/button is activated the base of the seat will tilt forward while keeping the back in its original position.

Here is a list of the 3 Row SUVs with Car Seat Tilt.

• Buick Enclave
• Cadillac XT6
• Chevrolet Traverse
• Chrysler Pacifica 
• Ford Expedition 
• GMC Acadia 
• Infiniti QX60
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L 
• Jeep Wagoneer 
• Lincoln Navigator 
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Volkswagen Atlas