Three-row electric vehicles are still rare, but several models exist and more are coming

A true three-row electric vehicle — one that seats seven or eight people with a usable third row — remains uncommon. Most electric SUVs on the market today are two-row models. However, the Kia EV9, Volkswagen ID.Buzz, and Tesla Model X (with the optional third row) do offer three rows, and manufacturers including BMW, Chevrolet, and others have announced three-row models for future release. If you need seven seats and are considering electric, your choices today are limited but real.

The gap exists because three-row vehicles require larger batteries and longer wheelbase platforms, which add cost and complexity. Automakers have prioritized smaller, more profitable electric models first. That is changing as battery costs fall and platforms designed for electric powertrains from the ground up become standard.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kia EV9, Volkswagen ID.Buzz, and Tesla Model X with third row are the only three-row electric vehicles currently sold in the United States.
  • Three-row electric vehicles cost more than their two-row counterparts because they require larger batteries and longer platforms.
  • The third row in current models is best suited for children or shorter trips, as legroom is limited compared to traditional gas SUVs.
  • Chevrolet, BMW, and other manufacturers have announced three-row electric models expected between 2025 and 2027.
  • Towing capacity, charging speed, and real-world range all vary significantly between the models available today.

The Kia EV9: Three rows with up to 300 miles of range

The Kia EV9 is a purpose-built three-row electric SUV that seats up to seven people. It launched in the United States in 2023 and uses Kia's E-GMP platform, which was designed for electric vehicles from the start. The EV9 comes in multiple trim levels, with rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options.

Range varies by configuration. The rear-wheel-drive model with the larger battery reaches approximately 300 miles on a full charge, while the all-wheel-drive version reaches around 280 miles. The third row has genuine seating for two adults or three children, though legroom is tighter than in a traditional gas SUV. Kia rates the EV9 to tow up to 2,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Charging speed depends on the charger. On a Level 2 home charger (240 volts), a full charge takes roughly 8 to 10 hours. On a DC fast charger, the EV9 can add 200 miles in approximately 30 minutes under ideal conditions. Pricing starts in the mid-$50,000 range for base models, with higher trims reaching into the $70,000s.

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz: A retro design with flexible seating

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is a reinterpretation of the classic VW microbus, built on Volkswagen's MEB platform. It seats up to seven people and began U.S. deliveries in 2024. The ID.Buzz emphasizes interior space and a distinctive design rather than aggressive performance specs.

The standard ID.Buzz offers approximately 260 miles of range, while the extended-range version reaches around 280 miles. The third row is removable in some configurations, allowing owners to trade seating for cargo space. The vehicle is designed for families and road trips rather than towing — Volkswagen rates it for up to 1,100 pounds of towing capacity.

On a Level 2 charger, the ID.Buzz takes 7 to 8 hours for a full charge. DC fast charging adds roughly 200 miles in 30 to 40 minutes. The ID.Buzz starts around $60,000 and climbs to the mid-$70,000s for higher trims. Its appeal lies in the spacious interior and retro styling rather than performance or towing.

The Tesla Model X: An existing option with a third row

The Tesla Model X has offered an optional third row since its 2015 launch, making it the longest-available three-row electric option. The third row seats two people and folds flat when not in use. The Model X uses Tesla's own platform and comes in Long Range and Plaid (high-performance) versions.

The Long Range Model X reaches approximately 348 miles of range, while the Plaid version achieves around 320 miles. The third row is genuinely tight — it is best for children or short trips. Tesla rates the Model X for up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity, the highest among current three-row electric vehicles.

Charging at home on a Wall Connector (Tesla's 240-volt charger) takes roughly 8 to 10 hours for a full charge. Tesla's Supercharger network can add 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes. The Model X starts around $55,000 for the Long Range and reaches $100,000 or more for the Plaid. The third row is a secondary feature rather than the vehicle's main selling point.

Upcoming three-row electric models and their timelines

Chevrolet announced the Blazer EV and Equinox EV as three-row models, with the Equinox EV expected to arrive in 2025 at a lower price point than current competitors. General Motors is also developing a three-row electric SUV under the GMC brand. BMW has confirmed a three-row electric X7 variant for 2025 or 2026. Rivian, which specializes in electric adventure vehicles, has a three-row R1S model available today, though it is positioned as a premium option starting above $70,000.

The expansion of three-row options reflects growing demand and falling battery costs. As more platforms designed specifically for electric powertrains mature, manufacturers can build three-row vehicles without the cost and complexity penalties that exist today. Buyers considering a purchase in the next 12 to 24 months should research both current models and announced vehicles to match their timeline and budget.

How third-row space compares to gas SUVs

The third row in current electric vehicles is noticeably smaller than in traditional gas SUVs. In the Kia EV9 and Volkswagen ID.Buzz, the third row works well for children or occasional adult use on short trips. In the Tesla Model X, the third row is even more constrained and is rarely used for anything beyond emergency seating.

This difference exists because electric vehicles prioritize battery placement and weight distribution, which often means a shorter wheelbase or a third row positioned further back. Gas SUVs can extend the cargo area and third row more easily because the engine takes up less space. If you regularly need comfortable seating for seven adults, a traditional gas SUV or hybrid may still be a better fit than a current three-row electric vehicle.

However, if your household includes children or you need three rows only occasionally, the trade-off may be worth it for the lower fuel costs and reduced emissions of an electric vehicle.

Charging infrastructure and real-world range considerations

Three-row electric vehicles require larger batteries than two-row models, which means they consume more energy per mile. The Kia EV9 and Volkswagen ID.Buzz both achieve roughly 3 to 3.5 miles per kilowatt-hour under normal driving conditions. The Tesla Model X is more efficient, reaching 4 to 4.5 miles per kilowatt-hour, partly because of its aerodynamic design.

Real-world range depends on driving style, weather, and terrain. Cold weather can reduce range by 20 to 40 percent. Highway driving at high speeds also cuts into range more than city driving. If you plan long road trips, you will need access to DC fast chargers along your route. The Tesla Supercharger network is the largest and most reliable in the United States, which is one reason the Model X remains a practical choice for frequent travelers. Kia and Volkswagen vehicles can use third-party networks like Electrify America and EVgo, which are expanding but less dense than Tesla's network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tow a trailer with a three-row electric vehicle?

Yes, but capacity is lower than in comparable gas SUVs. The Tesla Model X tows up to 4,000 pounds, the Kia EV9 up to 2,500 pounds, and the Volkswagen ID.Buzz up to 1,100 pounds. Towing reduces range significantly — expect 20 to 40 percent less distance when pulling a loaded trailer. Check your vehicle's specifications before purchasing if towing is important to your use case.

Is the third row comfortable for adults on long drives?

Not typically. The third row in all current three-row electric vehicles is best suited for children or short trips. Legroom is limited, and the seating position is higher and more upright than in the second row. If you regularly need comfortable seating for seven adults, a traditional gas SUV remains a better choice.

How much does it cost to charge a three-row electric vehicle at home?

The cost depends on your local electricity rates and the vehicle's efficiency. A full charge on the Kia EV9 costs roughly $8 to $15, depending on your region. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz costs slightly less, around $7 to $12. These figures assume home charging on a Level 2 charger. DC fast charging at public stations typically costs more per mile.

What is the difference between the Kia EV9 and the Volkswagen ID.Buzz?

The Kia EV9 prioritizes performance and range, with up to 300 miles per charge and higher towing capacity. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz emphasizes interior space and design, with a more retro aesthetic and flexible seating. The EV9 is faster and more efficient; the ID.Buzz is roomier and more distinctive. Your choice depends on whether you value performance or space.

When will more three-row electric vehicles be available?

Chevrolet's Equinox EV is expected in 2025, and BMW's three-row X7 variant is planned for 2025 or 2026. General Motors and other manufacturers have additional three-row models in development. If you are not in a hurry to purchase, waiting 12 to 18 months will give you more options and potentially lower prices as competition increases.