Honda SUVs With 3rd-Row Seating: Which One Is Right For You?
Drivers looking for a Honda third-row SUV or van have two options: the midsize Pilot SUV and the Odyssey minivan. Both are exceptionally comfortable, so which should you choose for your family? We at Muller Honda Highland Park are happy to help you find the ideal seven- or eight-passenger Honda for your crew. Learn more below.
Honda 3rd-Row Seating at a Glance
- With 32.5 inches of rear legroom and midsize SUV dimensions, the Pilot is great for growing families.
- Larger families or those with teens might prefer the additional cargo space and over 38 inches of third-row legroom in the Odyssey minivan.
- These are the only three-row options in the Honda stable – the HR-V, CR-V, Passport, and Prologue SUVs all have two rows.
- Compared to other three-row automobiles, the Honda lineup is incredibly competitive in legroom, headroom, and overall comfort.
Which Honda With 3rd-Row Seating Should You Choose?
| Models | 2025 Honda Pilot | 2026 Honda Odyssey |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 7 - 8 | 8 |
| Passenger Volume | 154.9 - 158.4 cu ft | 160.1 cu ft |
| Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) |
|
38.7 / 39.2 / 38.3 in |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 41 / 40.8 / 32.5 in | 40.9 / 40.9 / 38.1 in |
| Cargo Volume (Min. / Max.) | 18.6 / 111.8 cu ft | 32.8 / 155.8 cu ft |
How Do the Honda Pilot 3rd-Row Dimensions Look?
The Honda Pilot third row boasts 32.5 inches of legroom and 39.3 inches of headroom, giving your passengers plenty of room to relax. When you don't need the additional seats, you can fold this back row flat, expanding your cargo hold to a maximum of 60.1 cubic feet. Plus, the Honda Pilot towing capacity reaches up to 5,000 pounds,1 so you can bring along extra gear and your whole crew.
When Should I Pick the Honda Pilot?
- Urban Driving: Most iterations of the Pilot are just 199.9 inches long, making it a maneuverable three-row SUV.
- Versatile Performance: Available AWD and Drive Modes make Pilot adept at tackling snow, trails, and other weather or road conditions.
Summary
- The Pilot provides 32.5 inches of legroom and 39.3 inches of headroom in the third row.
- You can choose between seven- and eight-seat configurations.
- The second and third rows fold flat, allowing you to open the cabin for more cargo.
- With its excellent towing capacity and available Drive Modes, the Pilot is ideal for adventurous vacations.
Is the Honda Odyssey 3rd-Row Seating Comfortable?
One of the key Honda Odyssey vs. Pilot differences is their third-row passenger space. While the Pilot has an additional inch of headroom in the rear, the Odyssey gives you 38.1 inches of third-row legroom, which is significantly more than its sibling. Plus, thanks to the Odyssey Magic Seat – third-row fold-flat bench – you can readily access up to 91 cubic feet by tucking the seats into the floor and still seat five in the cabin.
When Should I Pick the Honda Odyssey?
- Cargo Space: With a removable second row and in-floor storage for the third row, the Odyssey is a champion of cargo space.
- Adult Passengers: Tall passengers will be more comfortable in the minivan's third row.
Summary
- Enjoy 38.1 inches of legroom – over 5.5 inches more than the Pilot – and 38.3 inches of headroom in the third row of the Odyssey.
- With innovative Magic Seat solutions, you can utilize up to 155.8 cubic feet of storage space in the Odyssey.
Which Honda SUVs Do Not Have a 3rd Row?
Out of five SUVs and one minivan, only the Pilot and Odyssey have three rows. The following SUVs and crossovers are two-row models:
- HR-V
- CR-V (including CR-V Hybrid)
- Passport
- Prologue
Summary
- Out of five Honda SUVs, four have only two rows: the HR-V, CR-V, Passport, and Prologue.
How Does a Honda SUV With 3rd-Row Seating Compare to the Competition?
Are you wondering how Honda compares to the competition in terms of a third-row SUV for families? Honda delivers where others can't.
- Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander: Despite being a well-loved three-row SUV, the Highlander only has 28 inches of third-row legroom – more than four inches less than the Pilot.
- Honda Pilot vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee L: The Grand Cherokee L, an extended wheelbase of the Grand Cherokee, gets 30.3 inches of legroom and 37.3 inches of headroom. Both are less than the Pilot.
- Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride: The Telluride puts up a good fight, but it still comes up short, with 1.1 fewer inches of legroom and up to 1.5 fewer inches of headroom in the back.
- Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna: While the Sienna does have slightly more third-row legroom, the Odyssey compensates with more space in the front and second rows.
- Honda Odyssey vs. Kia Carnival: The Kia Carnival has similar legroom in the front two rows, but at 35.6 inches of third-row legroom, your teenagers will feel notably cramped compared to the Odyssey.
Browse our Honda Pilot and Odyssey lease deals before choosing your next three-row vehicle.
Summary
- The Pilot consistently provides more third-row legroom than its competitors.
- While many minivans come close to the Odyssey's passenger volume, they fall short in overall legroom and cargo space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Honda Passport have a third row?
No, unfortunately, the Honda Passport does not have a third row. With a stellar cargo volume of up to 104.6 cubic feet, the Passport is exceptionally roomy, but it only comes in a five-passenger configuration. If you want an SUV with similar cargo space that accommodates more passengers, check out the seven- or eight-seat new Honda Pilot.
How big is the Pilot's third row?
The Pilot has a third row with 32.5 inches of legroom and 39.9 inches of headroom. This is quite competitive for its segment. As children grow into teens and young adults, they'll still be able to relax in the third row of a Pilot, especially when compared to competitors with less than 30 inches of third-row legroom, such as the Toyota Highlander.
Does the Odyssey third row fold into the floor?
Yes, the third row of the Odyssey folds into the floor. Additionally, you can fold the second-row Magic Seats flat or remove them altogether. Depending on your needs, you can customize your minivan's passenger and cargo configurations in many different ways, leaving you with plenty of versatility for road trips, moving days, or whatever else life throws your way.
What is the roomiest Honda three-row midsize SUV?
The Pilot is the roomiest – and only – three-row midsize SUV in the Honda stable. This SUV is exceptionally spacious, seating up to eight occupants and providing a maximum of 158.4 cubic feet of passenger volume. Front- and second-row headroom and legroom are over 40 inches, ensuring adults have plenty of space, while the third row is great for children and teens.
1Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.