Which electric SUVs have the most interior space

The Tesla Model X and Kia EV9 are currently the largest electric SUVs sold in the United States, both offering three rows of seating and cargo space that rivals traditional gas-powered full-size SUVs. The Model X has a maximum cargo capacity of 28 cubic feet with all seats folded, while the EV9 offers 30.2 cubic feet. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz, which arrived in the U.S. market in 2024, is longer overall but seats only five passengers in its current configuration, making it more of a van-SUV hybrid than a traditional three-row family vehicle.

Size matters differently depending on what you need. If you're measuring by overall length, the ID.Buzz stretches 203 inches bumper to bumper. If you're measuring by interior passenger volume, the EV9 and Model X both exceed 150 cubic feet. If you need the most seats, both the Model X and EV9 fit seven people, though the third row in either vehicle is genuinely tight for adults on long drives.

The Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq are mid-size three-row options that are smaller than the Model X and EV9 but still offer more space than two-row SUVs. The Blazer EV is about 4.7 inches shorter than the Model X, and the Lyriq is roughly the same length as the Blazer EV but with a different interior layout.

Key Takeaways

  • The Tesla Model X and Kia EV9 are the two largest electric SUVs currently sold in the U.S., both with three rows of seating and cargo space over 28 cubic feet.
  • The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is longer overall than the Model X but seats only five people, making it a different category of vehicle despite its size.
  • Third-row space in all three-row electric SUVs is tight for adults; these vehicles work best when the third row is used occasionally or for children.
  • Mid-size alternatives like the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq offer three rows in a smaller footprint if you don't need maximum cargo space.

How the Tesla Model X compares to the Kia EV9

The Tesla Model X starts at a higher price point than the EV9 but has been on the market longer and has an established charging network through Tesla's Supercharger system. The Model X seats seven, with the third row folding into the floor. The EV9 also seats seven and costs less at the entry level, though pricing varies by trim and options.

Range differs between the two. The Model X Long Range offers up to 348 miles of range on a full charge, while the EV9 Long Range offers up to 304 miles. Both vehicles support fast charging, though the Model X uses Tesla's proprietary connector while the EV9 uses the standard SAE J1772 connector that works at most public charging stations.

Interior layout is a key difference. The Model X has a minimalist dashboard with a large central touchscreen, while the EV9 includes more traditional controls and a digital instrument cluster. The EV9's third row is slightly more spacious than the Model X's, though neither is comfortable for adults on long trips.

What the Volkswagen ID.Buzz offers that others don't

The ID.Buzz is the longest electric SUV available in the U.S. market, but it's designed more like a van than a traditional SUV. It seats five passengers in the current U.S. version, with a flat floor and a boxy interior that maximizes usable space. The cargo area behind the rear seats is 37.8 cubic feet, larger than either the Model X or EV9.

The ID.Buzz appeals to buyers who prioritize interior volume and a unique design over traditional three-row seating. It's particularly useful for people who need to haul gear, camping equipment, or large items regularly. The trade-off is that you lose the third row entirely, so it doesn't work as a seven-seat family vehicle.

Range on the ID.Buzz Standard is 234 miles, and the Pro model offers up to 275 miles. Both versions use the standard SAE J1772 connector for charging. The ID.Buzz is priced between the EV9 and Model X at the entry level, depending on trim selection.

Mid-size three-row options if you want something smaller

The Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq are smaller than the Model X and EV9 but still offer three rows of seating. The Blazer EV is about 4.7 inches shorter than the Model X and has a starting price lower than both the Model X and EV9. The third row is tight, but it's there if you need occasional seating for children or smaller adults.

The Cadillac Lyriq is positioned as a luxury option and is roughly the same length as the Blazer EV but with a more upscale interior. The Lyriq does not offer a third row in the current model year, so it seats five passengers only. If you need three rows, the Blazer EV is the better choice in this size category.

Both vehicles offer range in the 300-mile ballpark on their longer-range versions. The Blazer EV uses GM's Ultium platform and supports fast charging at most public networks. The Lyriq also uses the Ultium platform and has similar charging compatibility.

Cargo space and towing capacity across the largest models

Cargo space varies significantly depending on whether you fold the third row. The Kia EV9 offers 30.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 76.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 131.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The Tesla Model X offers 28 cubic feet behind the third row and 76 cubic feet with the third row folded.

Towing capacity is where electric SUVs differ most from gas-powered vehicles. The Tesla Model X can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Kia EV9 can tow up to 2,500 pounds. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz cannot tow at all in the current U.S. version. If towing is important to your decision, the Model X is the only large electric SUV that matches traditional full-size SUV capability.

The Chevrolet Blazer EV can tow up to 2,000 pounds, and the Cadillac Lyriq cannot tow. For buyers who need to tow a trailer regularly, the Model X remains the only large electric SUV that meets that need.

Real-world considerations for three-row electric SUVs

The third row in any of these vehicles is genuinely cramped for adults. If you regularly need to seat seven adults comfortably, a gas-powered SUV or a traditional minivan will serve you better. The third row works well for children, occasional adult passengers, or situations where you need the flexibility of extra seating but don't use it constantly.

Charging infrastructure matters more with a larger vehicle because the battery is bigger and takes longer to charge from empty. If you have a home charger, this is less of a concern. If you rely on public charging, the Model X's access to Tesla Superchargers is a practical advantage, though the EV9 and ID.Buzz can use most public networks.

Winter range loss is more noticeable in larger vehicles because they're heavier. Expect 20 to 30 percent less range in cold weather across all three-row electric SUVs. If you live in a cold climate and regularly take long trips, factor this into your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you actually fit three adults in the third row?

Not comfortably. The third row in the Model X, EV9, and Blazer EV is designed for children or occasional use by adults on short trips. Legroom is typically 28 to 31 inches, which is tight for anyone over six feet tall. If you need regular seating for seven adults, these vehicles won't meet that need.

Which large electric SUV has the best charging speed?

The Tesla Model X charges fastest on Tesla's Supercharger network, where it can add 200 miles of range in about 20 minutes under ideal conditions. The Kia EV9 and Volkswagen ID.Buzz charge at comparable speeds on public DC fast chargers, though the exact speed depends on the charger and current battery temperature.

Do any of these vehicles have all-wheel drive?

Yes. The Tesla Model X offers dual-motor all-wheel drive on most trims. The Kia EV9 offers all-wheel drive on higher trims. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is rear-wheel drive only in the current U.S. version. The Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq both offer all-wheel drive options.

What's the price difference between the largest electric SUVs?

The Kia EV9 starts lower than the Tesla Model X and Volkswagen ID.Buzz at the entry level, though pricing varies by trim and options. The Model X typically costs more overall. The ID.Buzz falls between the two. Prices change frequently, so check current listings for exact figures.

Can you tow a boat or trailer with any of these?

Only the Tesla Model X can tow reliably, with a capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Kia EV9 can tow 2,500 pounds, which works for small trailers but not for most boats. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz, Chevrolet Blazer EV, and Cadillac Lyriq cannot tow in their current configurations.