AUTO

Did You Know 3-Row Electric SUVs Can Cut Your Costs and Stress?

January 12, 2025

3-row electric SUVs are boosting EV sales. Rivian’s R1S and Kia’s EV9 are among the top-selling EVs of 2024, showing their appeal to families needing spacious vehicles.
The Volvo EX90 combines luxury and tech. It offers 310 miles of range, advanced safety features, and phone-as-key technology, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID Buzz surprises SUV buyers. Though it’s a minivan, it’s pulling 85 percent of its interest from SUV shoppers thanks to its roomy interior and 145 cubic feet of cargo space.

Families across the U.S. are searching for the best electric car for families, one that checks all the boxes – roomy enough for everyone, practical for everyday life, and free from gas-guzzling guilt. The solution is a 3-row electric SUV.

These vehicles are answering the call for practicality and sustainability in one package. Experts say this segment could finally bring EVs into the mainstream. With options like the Volvo EX90, Rivian R1S, and Volkswagen ID Buzz making their way to showrooms, now is the time to take a closer look.

But why are 3-row electric SUVs turning so many heads? It comes down to meeting the needs of real families. For years, EVs have been criticized for lacking practicality, but now there’s a category that truly fits the bill. Families who need space for kids, carpools, and weekend road trips finally have options designed with them in mind. And the results speak for themselves.

Take the Rivian R1S. With over 23,000 units sold, according to a report by Cox Automotive, it’s already one of the top-selling EVs of 2024. Kia’s EV9, another 3-row SUV, is catching up fast with 16,000 units sold since its October debut. And not to mention, the Tesla Model Y continued to dominate with over 280,000 units sold. These vehicles are clearly delivering what families want, which is space, functionality, and all the perks of going electric.

And with more models on the way, the momentum is just beginning.

What Makes a 3-Row Electric SUV Special?

Families need vehicles that can handle everything life throws at them, like carpools, road trips, and errands. While the traditional gas-powered minivan or SUV has been a go-to for decades, they come with one big downside: reliance on fossil fuels. That’s where electric alternatives come in, offering the same practicality and space, but without the emissions.

The Volvo EX90 7-seater 3-row electric SUV has 310 miles of range on a single charge, and it’s ready for long days on the road. And if you need power, the EX90 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, combining performance with practicality. Volvo considers it one of their most important vehicles, and for good reason. It’s a vehicle designed to fit harmoniously into your life.

And if you need something with a little but more room, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz may just be something you want. With up to 145 cubic feet of cargo space, when the rear seats are removed, and a 234-mile range, it’s ideal for those who want a spacious vehicle with personality.

Kia Breaks Sales Records with EVs and SUVs Driving Growth in October - EV9 at Electrify Expo

Electrify Expo Seattle 2024 Tesla Model X

A Quick Peek at the 3-Row SUV Lineup

The market now offers a variety of choices for those looking for the best electric car for familiesi. Here a quick overview:

Kia EV9 (starting at $54,900): A practical option with futuristic style, the Kia EV9 offers six- or seven-passenger seating and a range of up to 300 miles. It’s perfect for towing (up to 5,000 pounds) and daily family drives, thanks to its spacious interior and fast-charging capability that takes you from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz EQB (starting at $52,750): This compact luxury crossover delivers a premium feel with quality materials and smart design. While the third row is best suited for kids, it’s a great choice for families looking for a smaller electric SUV without sacrificing elegance.
Tesla Model X (starting at $79,990): A high-tech SUV with falcon-wing doors and seating for up to seven. It offers a range of up to 348 miles and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.5 seconds. The minimalist interior and advanced Autopilot make it a great choice for tech enthusiasts.
Tesla Model Y (starting at $44,900): A more affordable Tesla option with optional third-row seating, the Model Y is a versatile crossover with up to 330 miles of range. Its compact size, impressive acceleration, and access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network make it a favorite for smaller families.
Rivian R1S (starting at $75,900): Built for adventure, this all-electric SUV handles off-road terrain as well as city streets. With seating for seven, a range of up to 410 miles, and a quad-motor system, it’s ideal for families who love to explore.

VinFast VF 9 (starting at $69,800): A spacious full-size SUV with seating for seven and a range of up to 369 miles. The VF 9 blends modern design with practicality, designed to capture attention in the competitive electric SUV market.
Volvo EX90 (starting at $79,995): Minimalist Scandinavian design meets advanced tech. With six- or seven-passenger configurations, this SUV delivers luxury without compromising on practicality. Expect features like phone-as-key tech, a spacious cabin, and top-tier safety systems.
Cadillac Escalade IQ (starting at $127,700): For those who prioritize performance, this luxury SUV packs a whopping 615 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 in just 3.7 seconds.
Lucid Gravity (starting at $79,900): Combining luxury, performance, and range, the upcoming Lucid Gravity is expected to exceed 440 miles per charge. With seating for up to seven, it’s poised to redefine what families can expect from a premium electric SUV.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz (starting at $59,995): Perfect for families who need extra space and want a vehicle with flair. It’s modern, roomy, and quiet.

VinFast VF 9 electric SUV on display at Electrify Expo San Francisco

VW ID. Buzz electric microbus minivan with camping awning displayed at Electrify Expo

3-Row Electric SUVs Are Here to Make Family Life Easier

The cost of EVs remains a significant hurdle, especially for families looking for budget-friendly options. Models like the Volvo EX90 and Rivian R1S are impressive, but their price tags put them out of reach for many.

Automakers like Kia and Tesla help in addressing this gap with more accessible choices, like the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model Y, which offers six- or seven-passenger seating, spacious interiors, fast-charging capabilities and 300 or more miles of range.

Long road trips are a big part of family life, and charging infrastructure can make or break your plans. Fast-charging options are expanding, and automakers are stepping up to offer practical, affordable 3-row EVs that can handle both your daily grind and those cross-country trips.

Electrify Expo Orlando Hankook EV Demo District Tesla Model X

Also, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is a compact option perfect for smaller families who want a touch of luxury and a third row for occasional use. On the other hand, the VinFast VF 9 is a full-size SUV with seating for seven and an impressive range of up to 369 miles.

And a big win for families considering EVs is that many of these models now work with Tesla’s Supercharger network, making fast-charging more convenient than ever. Running errands around town or taking a road trip to visit family just got a whole lot easier. These vehicles are showing families like yours that going electric is practical and smart.

You’ve probably noticed it at school drop-off or the local soccer field where 3-row electric SUVs are becoming the go-to choice for families. And why not? They’re practical and spacious. Parents everywhere are realizing they need extra seats for carpooling or space for sports and after-school activity gear, and automakers are finally delivering options that fit the bill.

Why a 3-Row Electric SUV Could Be Your Family’s Next Vehicle

Balancing carpool chaos, weekend road trips, camping, and the push to leave gas stations behind can feel overwhelming. That’s where a 3-row electric SUV steps in to make life easier. These vehicles are tailored for families who need space and practicality.

Switching to an electric vehicle doesn’t have to break the bank, and automakers are making that clear with an expanding lineup of options for different budgets. From practical models like the Kia EV9 to luxurious choices like the Volvo EX90, there’s a growing list of family-friendly EVs to consider. But affordability is still a key hurdle for many families, and that’s where local rebates and incentives can make a huge difference.

Take some time to have a look at what’s available in your area. Those rebates might just be the nudge you need to make the move to electric feel a bit easier on your wallet. With a range of 3-row electric SUVs already on the market and more affordable models on the way, this is your chance to rethink how you and your family get from point A to point B, without sacrificing comfort, practicality, or the planet.