In 2025, Hyundai offers two standout SUVs with third-row seating, the Palisade and the Santa Fe. These models give families the flexibility to carry more passengers without sacrificing style or comfort. The Palisade delivers a roomy third row with generous headroom, available heated seats, and power-folding convenience, making it a smart choice for larger families or frequent road trips. The Santa Fe offers a more compact third row, perfect for children or occasional extra guests, while keeping a smaller footprint for easier city driving.
This guide walks you through every detail that matters, from seating layouts and legroom to trim levels, safety features, and cargo space. You will see how the Palisade and Santa Fe compare side by side, which trims offer captain’s chairs, and what to expect for pricing. We also explore how each SUV fits into life in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and San Luis Obispo, so you can picture them in your daily routine.
If you want a vehicle that can carry the whole crew and still feel refined, Hyundai has an option that fits. Visit or contact Hyundai of Santa Maria to explore these models in person and find the right configuration for your needs.
Which Hyundai SUVs Offer Third-Row Seating in 2025?
For 2025, Hyundai offers two SUVs with third-row seating. These models are built for larger families or those who often travel with more than five passengers. They give drivers space, comfort, and flexibility without moving into a full-size van or bus.
| Model | Passenger Capacity | Third-Row Type | Starting MSRP (2025) |
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade | Up to 8 (7 with captain’s chairs) | Full-size third row | $37,200 |
| 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe | Up to 7 | Compact third row | $34,800 |
Highlights
- Palisade – Roomy third row, upscale interior, and available second-row captain’s chairs.
- Santa Fe – Smaller third row suited for children or short trips, standard two-row setup in most trims.
The Palisade is better for frequent third-row use, while the Santa Fe works for occasional seating needs.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Palisade a Good SUV With Third-Row Seating?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offers one of the most spacious third rows in its class. All trims include three rows, giving drivers flexibility for families and groups. Buyers can choose between a seven-passenger setup with second-row captain’s chairs or an eight-passenger layout with a bench.
Trim levels include:
- SE
- SEL
- XRT
- SEL Premium
- Limited
- Calligraphy
- Calligraphy Night Edition
Third-row dimensions:
- Legroom measures 31.4 inches
- Headroom reaches 39.7 inches
Third-row space is generous for most adults.
Available features include:
- Heated third-row seats on Calligraphy trims
- Power-folding third-row controls for easy use
- USB ports for charging devices
- Leather upholstery options for comfort and style
The Palisade’s roomy third row and upscale features make it ideal for families in Santa Maria or San Luis Obispo. Passengers in the back benefit from more headroom and legroom than in the Santa Fe.
For drivers seeking a full-size SUV with a true third row, the Palisade stands out. It blends seating comfort, advanced features, and practicality without losing style or performance.
What Should You Know About the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe’s Third Row?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe adds a third row to select trims, offering extra seating without the size of a full-size SUV. This makes it a compact choice among Hyundai third-row seat vehicles.
Trims with a third row include:
- SE
- SEL
- XRT
- Limited
The Calligraphy trim does not offer a third row. Seating capacity depends on the configuration. A bench seat allows space for seven passengers, while captain’s chairs reduce capacity to six.
Third-row dimensions:
- Legroom is about 30 inches
- Headroom measures between 37 and 38 inches
These measurements make the third row best suited for children or smaller adults. It works well for short trips but may feel tight on longer drives compared to the Palisade.
Additional details:
- Second-row seats slide and fold manually for access
- No heated seats in the third row
- USB ports are limited in the rear
Families in Lompoc may find Santa Fe’s third row useful for occasional extra seating. It provides flexibility without requiring the larger footprint of the Palisade.
How Comfortable Are the Third Rows in the Hyundai Palisade vs. Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe both feature third-row seating, but their comfort levels vary due to size and design differences.
| Feature | Hyundai Palisade | Hyundai Santa Fe |
| Legroom | About 31.4 inches | About 30 inches |
| Headroom | Nearly 37.8 inches | 37–38 inches |
| Shoulder Space | Wider cabin for more elbow room | Narrower fit, tighter for adults |
| Seat Adjustments | Available power-folding and reclining | Manual adjustments only |
| Best Use | Regular seating for adults and teens | Short trips or seating for children |
The Palisade’s larger frame provides more leg and shoulder space, making it more comfortable for adults on longer drives. Its available reclining seatbacks and power-folding function also add convenience.
In contrast, the Santa Fe’s third row is more compact. While headroom is similar, its narrower width and reduced legroom make it better suited for shorter rides or younger passengers.
Choosing between them depends on how often the third row will be used and the age or size of those seated.
How Safe Are Hyundai’s Third-Row Seating Configurations?
Safety in third-row seating depends on both seat design and available features. In models like the Santa Fe, the rear structure and seat anchors are made to meet high safety standards.
Key elements that enhance safety include:
- Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) in the third row for secure child seat placement.
- Curtain airbags that extend coverage to the rear-most seats.
- Strong seatbelt systems with pretensioners and adjustable upper mounts.
Some trims offer features like rear occupant alerts. These systems can remind drivers to check the back seats before leaving the vehicle.
Crash safety ratings also take into account how well third-row passengers are protected from side and rear impacts. Vehicles with strong roof strength and reinforced side frames offer better protection in rollovers.
In addition, having easy access to the third row is a safety benefit. In an emergency, wider paths and quick-fold seats allow faster exits.
When considering a vehicle, reviewing both its crash test results and available safety features for the third row is essential. A secure seat design can make every mile safer for all passengers.
What’s the Cargo Space Like Behind the Third Row?
Cargo space behind the third row is an important factor for many drivers. In larger Hyundai models with third-row seating, such as the Palisade, this space is designed for everyday use while still seating seven or eight passengers.
| Vehicle | Cargo Behind 3rd Row | Max Cargo (Seats Down) |
| Palisade | About 18 cubic feet | Over 86 cubic feet |
| Santa Fe | Around 13 cubic feet | Over 70 cubic feet |
The Palisade’s deeper cargo well makes it easier to load taller items without folding seats. There’s also underfloor storage for smaller gear.
Folding the third row expands capacity for bulkier loads. Some trims offer power-folding rear seats to make the transition faster.
Tie-down hooks and a wide liftgate opening further improve usability, especially for large or heavy items. The low load floor reduces the need for lifting high, which can help avoid strain.
Whether for groceries, sports gear, or luggage, cargo space behind the third row should be measured against your daily needs before deciding on a model.
Which Trims Include Captain’s Chairs and What Are the Price Differences?
Captain’s chairs replace the second-row bench with two individual seats, creating a clear aisle to the third row. This option is available on select trims for Hyundai SUVs with three rows, including some Santa Fe configurations.
| Vehicle Model | Captain’s Chairs Availability | Price Impact (Approximate) | Feature Overview |
| Hyundai Palisade | SEL, XRT, SEL Premium: Optional Limited and Calligraphy trims: Standard | $800 to $1,000 when optional | Captain’s chairs replace the second-row bench (reducing seating from 8 to 7). Improve third-row access via the aisle. Usually bundled with leather/leatherette upholstery, rear climate controls, and power-fold second-row seats. |
| Hyundai Santa Fe (3-row trims) | SEL, XRT, Limited: Optional | $600 to $900 | Captain’s chairs replace the second-row bench (reducing seating from 7 to 6). Typically bundled with rear air vents and charging ports. |
Captain’s chairs often come paired with premium features like armrests, upgraded upholstery, and rear climate controls. The setup can make it easier for children to reach the back without folding seats.
The price difference varies based on package content. In some cases, captain’s chairs are bundled with tech or comfort upgrades, which can increase the total cost beyond the seat change alone.
While they reduce seating capacity by one, the extra comfort and direct aisle access can outweigh the loss for many buyers.
Considering budget and passenger needs will help determine if this option is worth adding to your configuration.
How Do the Palisade and Santa Fe Fit Into Life in Santa Maria and Nearby Cities?
Life in Santa Maria often means mixing city driving with trips to nearby beaches, parks, and wine country. Both the Palisade and Santa Fe offer seating flexibility that makes them well-suited for this kind of varied lifestyle. Their third-row options give room for more passengers without sacrificing everyday comfort.
For family errands and city drives
- The Santa Fe’s smaller size makes it easier to park in busy areas.
- Its compact third row works well for kids during short trips.
For longer drives or group travel
- The Palisade’s larger third row and wider cabin offer more comfort.
- Extra cargo room helps on grocery runs or weekend getaways.
Residents in nearby cities may also find value in these layouts. The Palisade works well for bigger households or those who carpool often. The Santa Fe suits smaller families who want a balance of space and maneuverability. Whether heading up Highway 1 or crossing town for school drop-off, both models adapt to the rhythm of life here. Choosing between them often comes down to how often you’ll use that third row.
Does Hyundai offer any SUVs with third-row seating in 2025?
Yes, as of 2025, Hyundai offers two SUVs with third-row seating: the Hyundai Palisade and the Hyundai Santa Fe (in select trims). These models are designed to accommodate larger families or those who need extra passenger capacity.
Which Hyundai SUV has the most spacious third-row seating?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offers the most spacious and comfortable third-row seating in the Hyundai lineup. It can seat up to eight passengers and provides generous legroom, making it ideal for families or long trips.
Does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe have a third row?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is primarily a two-row SUV, but in past model years, Hyundai offered a three-row version called the Santa Fe XL. As of 2025, Hyundai has not reintroduced a three-row Santa Fe. If you need a third row, the Palisade is the recommended option.
How many passengers can the 2025 Hyundai Palisade seat?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade can seat up to eight passengers with its standard second-row bench seat. A seven-passenger configuration with second-row captain’s chairs is also available on higher trims.
What features does the third row of the 2025 Hyundai Palisade offer?
The third row in the 2025 Palisade includes features like USB ports, reclining seatbacks, and available power-folding options. It’s designed for comfort, especially for children and smaller adults.
Are Hyundai’s third-row SUVs good for families?
Yes, both the Palisade and the previous three-row Santa Fe models are family-friendly SUVs with high safety ratings, spacious interiors, advanced technology, and versatile cargo space, making them excellent choices for families.
Is there a hybrid Hyundai SUV with third-row seating?
As of 2025, Hyundai does not offer a hybrid or plug-in hybrid SUV with third-row seating in North America. Hyundai’s hybrid SUVs, like the Tucson Hybrid and Santa Fe Hybrid, are two-row models.
Which Hyundai SUV is best for large families?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is the best Hyundai SUV for large families, thanks to its three-row layout, generous interior space, advanced safety features, and available premium options.
Can adults comfortably sit in the third row of a Hyundai Palisade?
Yes, adults can fit in the third row of the Hyundai Palisade for shorter trips, although the second row offers more space. The third row is best suited for children or smaller adults on longer drives.
What is the cargo space like in Hyundai SUVs with a third row?
With all seats up, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade offers 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third and second rows significantly expands cargo capacity, making it practical for larger loads or trips.
Visit Hyundai of Santa Maria Today
Drivers in Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, and Lompoc can explore our wide range of Hyundai vehicles, including the Palisade and Santa Fe. Our team is ready to help you find the right fit for your needs, whether you want room for family trips or comfort for daily drives.
We also invite you to keep exploring our site. You can learn how the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 stacks up against other electric sedans in our Model 3 comparison. You can see which sedan best suits your lifestyle in our Sonata gas vs hybrid guide. You can even find quick help with care tips, such as how to service wiper blades on your Hyundai.
When you are ready, visit us in person or contact our sales team to schedule a test drive. Your next Hyundai could be waiting right here in Santa Maria.
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