Two-Row or Three-Row SUV? How Growing Families Should Choose

September 30 2026,

The car seat fits. The stroller fits. Then a second car seat arrives, the kids start bringing friends home from practice, and the grandparents come for a weekend visit. Somewhere along the way, the SUV that felt roomy starts to feel tight.

That is usually when families start to consider a third row. The answer depends on how often you carry everyone, and what comes along with them. This guide compares the two-row and three-row SUVs from Mazda, Ford, Lincoln, Mitsubishi and Land Rover, with the seating, cargo and towing numbers that matter most for a growing family.

At a Glance: Two-Row and Three-Row SUVs

Model	Rows and Seats	Cargo Behind the Last Row	Maximum Towing
Mazda CX-5	2 rows, 5 seats	954 L	1,500 lbs (680 kg)
Mazda CX-70	2 rows, 5 seats	1,131 L	Up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
Mazda CX-90	3 rows, 7 or 8 seats	423 L	Up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
Ford Explorer	3 rows, 6 or 7 seats	461 L	5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
Lincoln Aviator	3 rows	544 L	5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
Lincoln Navigator	3 rows	612 L	Up to 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg)
Mitsubishi Outlander	3 rows, 7 seats	308 L	2,000 lbs (907 kg)

Start With How Often You Fill Every Seat

A third row earns its place when you use it. If you drive a carpool twice a week, host visiting family often or have three or more children, the extra seats solve a real daily problem. If you need them only a few times a year, a roomy two-row SUV gives you more cargo space for everyday life.

Think about who rides in the back, too, and compare third-row legroom if adults will use it. The Ford Explorer, for example, offers 818 mm of third-row legroom.

Cargo is the other side of the decision. With its third row in use, the Mazda CX-90 offers 423 L behind the seats, while the two-row CX-70 offers 1,131 L behind its second row. Folding the third row flat turns a three-row SUV into a spacious five-seater whenever you need the room.

Two-Row SUVs With Room to Grow

The Mazda CX-5 fits families with one or two young children. It offers 954 L behind the second row and 1,882 L with the rear seats folded, plus towing capacity of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for a small utility trailer.

The Mazda CX-70 is the two-row choice for families who want maximum cargo space without a third row. It offers 1,131 L behind the second row and up to 2,147 L with the seats folded. Mild-hybrid versions tow up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).

The Mitsubishi RVR keeps things compact and easy to park, with 614 L behind the second row and 1,402 L with the seats folded. It suits smaller families or a second vehicle for school runs.

The Lincoln Nautilus brings two-row luxury to the lineup for families who want more refinement without the size of a three-row SUV. For off-road adventure in a shorter footprint, the Land Rover Defender 90 seats up to six with its available front jump seat.

Three-Row SUVs for Everyone and Everything

The Mazda CX-90 seats seven or eight depending on configuration. It offers 423 L behind the third row, 1,133 L behind the second row and 2,101 L with both rows folded. Mild-hybrid versions above the GS trim tow up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg). The CX-90 offers nearly the same space behind its second row as the CX-70, so it adds a third row without giving up cargo room when the rear seats are folded.

The Ford Explorer seats six or seven. It offers 461 L behind the third row, 1,303 L behind the second row and up to 2,430 L behind the front seats, with a Class III Trailer Tow Package and a maximum loaded trailer weight of 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).

The Lincoln Aviator shares the Explorer’s 3,025 mm wheelbase and the Explorer’s available 3.0 L twin-turbo V6, rated at 400 hp and 415 lb-ft. The Aviator offers 544 L behind the third row, 1,209 L behind the second row and 2,226 L behind the front seats, along with 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) of towing capacity.

The Lincoln Navigator is the choice for the biggest families and the heaviest loads. It offers 612 L behind the third row and 1,722 L behind the second row. With the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package and 22-inch wheels, it tows up to 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg).

The Mitsubishi Outlander brings seven-seat flexibility to a compact footprint. It offers 308 L behind the third row, 866 L behind the second row and 1,822 L with both rows folded, plus 2,000 lbs (907 kg) of towing capacity. Its occasional-use third row makes it a strong fit for families who need extra seats a few times a month.

The Land Rover Defender 110 offers an available third row for up to seven seats, while the Defender 130 seats up to eight across three rows. Both pair that space with Land Rover’s off-road capability, and both tow up to 8,201 lbs (3,720 kg).

Towing for the Family Trailer

Towing often decides the size question for families who camp or boat. Here is how the lineup stacks up:

Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg): the CX-5 and Outlander handle small utility trailers
Up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg): the CX-70, CX-90, Explorer and Aviator step up to larger trailers
Over 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg): the Navigator and the Defender 110 and 130 handle the heaviest family loads

Always confirm the rated capacity for the exact trim, powertrain and equipment, since towing figures vary by configuration.

Which Size Fits Your Family?

Match the SUV to how your family actually lives:

One or two young children, occasional passengers: the CX-5, RVR or Nautilus keeps things simple
Two children plus gear, no need for a third row: the CX-70 gives you the most cargo space in a two-row
Regular carpools or three children: the CX-90, Explorer or Outlander gives everyone a seat
Large families who tow: the Navigator or Defender 130 carries everyone and pulls a large trailer

Compare Family SUVs Across Carson Automotive Group

The right SUV fits your family today and the one you are growing into. With Mazda, Ford, Lincoln, Mitsubishi and Land Rover dealerships in Victoria, Carson Automotive Group lets you compare two-row and three-row SUVs across five brands. Bring the car seats, the stroller and the whole crew to the dealerships on your list, and test the second and third rows for yourself before you decide.