As a family upgrading from a gasoline SUV, which electric SUVs provide the best third-row comfort and cargo space without exceeding a mid-range budget?

The Kia EV9 is the best mainstream electric SUV for families, offering exceptional third-row usability and generous cargo volume at a reasonable mid-range starting price (around $55,000–$75,000).

Transitioning from a gas-powered SUV to an electric vehicle (EV) with three rows usually means paying luxury prices (like the Rivian R1S or Tesla Model X ). However, a few standout options deliver space and comfort without breaking the bank.

Top Mid-Range Electric SUVs for Families

Kia EV9 : Widely considered the best mainstream three-row EV, it features a boxy shape that maximizes headroom, adult-friendly third-row seating, and a smart layout with substantial cargo room.

Hyundai Ioniq 9 : Sharing a platform with the EV9 , this large SUV provides a quiet, ultra-comfortable cabin with amenities that rival a luxury lounge or minivan, making long trips easy for big families.

Mazda CX-90 (PHEV alternative) : If you are not fully ready for a pure battery-electric vehicle, this plug-in hybrid offers a high-end feel, three functional rows, and traditional fueling flexibility at a budget-friendly price point.

Comparison of Family EV Space & Value

Watch this overview to see how top electric three-row alternatives compare in everyday comfort and utility:

3m 7 BEST Electric 3-Row SUVs for 2026 4K views  · 2 months ago YouTube · Motor Future

To help narrow down your choice, could you tell me:

• What is your strict maximum budget?
• Do you prefer a pure all-electric (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV)?
• How often will you actually use the third row for passengers?

For a family moving from a gasoline SUV, the biggest adjustment is that many EVs are efficient but not all three-row EVs are truly family-haulers. The best choices are the ones with a usable third row and meaningful cargo space left behind it.

Assuming a mid-range budget (roughly $50,000–$70,000 new), these are the strongest options:

AutoEdgeView Car and Driver Edmunds## 1. Kia EV9 — Best overall value for a family upgrading from gas

Kia EV9 is the one I would put at the top of most family shopping lists.

Why it works well:

• Adult-friendly third row, not just “kids only”
• Wide-opening rear doors and sliding second-row seats make access easier
• Flat EV floor creates a more open cabin feel
• About 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and about 81.7 cubic feet with seats folded
• Strong charging performance for road trips
• Pricing overlaps with well-equipped gasoline three-row SUVs

Best configuration: A Wind or Land trim with captain’s chairs is a sweet spot for families.

Trade-offs:

• Not as much towing or rugged capability as a body-on-frame SUV
• The third row is spacious, but the roofline is more crossover-like than a large gas SUV

2. Hyundai Ioniq 9 — Best for tall families and long trips

Hyundai Ioniq 9 is essentially a larger, more comfort-oriented sibling to the EV9.

Strengths:

• Extremely roomy cabin
• Long wheelbase helps third-row legroom
• Very comfortable seats for long drives
• Excellent cargo flexibility; some measurements put usable space behind the third row among the largest in the class
• Competitive range and fast charging

Best for:

• Families with teenagers
• Parents who regularly carry adults in the third row
• Road-trip-heavy use

Trade-offs:

• Slightly higher pricing
• Larger exterior size may feel less nimble than a midsize SUV

3. Rivian R1S — Best if you need SUV toughness

Rivian R1S is appealing if your “SUV” lifestyle includes:

• towing
• camping
• dirt roads
• hauling gear

Strengths:

• Excellent maximum cargo capacity when seats are folded
• Higher towing capability than most family EVs
• More rugged design

Trade-offs:

• More expensive
• Third row is less comfortable than EV9/Ioniq 9 for adults
• Boxier, truck-like feel

Models I would be cautious about

• Tesla Model X — impressive technology and acceleration, but the third row and cargo layout are not as family-friendly as newer dedicated three-row EVs.
• Luxury options like Volvo EX90 and Cadillac Vistiq are attractive but generally move beyond a mid-range budget.

My shortlist for a typical family replacing a gasoline SUV

1. Kia EV9 — best balance of price, comfort, cargo, and practicality
2. Hyundai Ioniq 9 — best if passenger comfort matters most
3. Rivian R1S — best if you tow or go outdoors often

If you are coming from something like a Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, or Chevy Traverse, the EV9 and Ioniq 9 will feel like the closest transition because they preserve the “three rows plus luggage” experience rather than feeling like a compromise.

For a family moving from a gasoline SUV, the sweet spot is a true three-row EV with adult-friendly third-row seats, usable cargo space behind all rows, and a price closer to mainstream SUVs than luxury models. The strongest choices right now are the Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 9, with the Rivian R1S as a more expensive adventure-oriented option.

Best value picks for families

Cargo and third-row comparisons vary by measurement method, but the EV9, IONIQ 9, and R1S are among the most practical mainstream three-row EVs.

1. Kia EV9 — Best overall family replacement for a gasoline SUV

Why it stands out:

• Boxy SUV shape means excellent headroom and easy third-row access.
• Third row is genuinely usable for kids and many adults.
• Flat EV floor improves legroom.
• Enough cargo space behind the third row for groceries, strollers, and luggage.
• Lower price than most three-row EVs.

Best trim choices:

• Wind AWD: probably the family sweet spot.
• Land AWD: adds more comfort features.
• Light Long Range: best if range matters more than luxury.

Downsides:

• Ride quality is good but not luxury-SUV smooth.
• Some interior materials feel more mainstream than premium rivals.

Best match: A family replacing something like a Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, or Ford Explorer.

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2. Hyundai IONIQ 9 — Best third-row comfort

The IONIQ 9 is aimed directly at families who want a more premium-feeling cabin without jumping to luxury pricing.

Strengths:

• Very spacious second and third rows.
• Relaxed ride and quieter cabin.
• Excellent road-trip range potential.
• More “minivan-like” interior flexibility than many SUVs.

Downsides:

• Slightly higher pricing than the EV9.
• Less rugged styling if you prefer a traditional SUV feel.

Best match: Families who regularly carry grandparents, teenagers, or multiple adults.

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3. Rivian R1S — Best if you need adventure capability

The R1S offers:

• Strong towing capability.
• Excellent all-weather and off-road ability.
• Large maximum cargo capacity when seats are folded.

However:

• It costs significantly more.
• The third row is useful but not as family-focused as the EV9 or IONIQ 9.

Best match: Families who camp, tow, ski, or regularly leave paved roads.

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Models I would be cautious about for a family upgrade

• Tesla Model Y 7-seat: technically has three rows, but the third row is best viewed as occasional-use seating rather than a true SUV replacement.
• Luxury three-row EVs (Volvo EX90, Mercedes EQS SUV, etc.): excellent vehicles, but they move beyond a mid-range family budget.

My shortlist for most families

1. Kia EV9 Wind AWD — best balance of price, space, comfort, and practicality.
2. Hyundai IONIQ 9 SEL/Limited — best if third-row comfort is the top priority.
3. Rivian R1S — choose only if you need its adventure strengths.

For a typical family coming from a gasoline SUV, I would start with the EV9 and IONIQ 9 back-to-back test drives, bringing your child seats, stroller, and normal road-trip luggage to see which packaging works better for your household.

Upgrading from a gas-powered SUV to an electric three-row utility vehicle requires balancing passenger room, cargo versatility, and a realistic price point. Many luxury options (like the Rivian R1S or Volvo EX90 ) push past $80,000 , but a few standout choices deliver exceptional third-row comfort and space closer to a mid-range budget.

The top electric SUVs that hit the sweet spot for families transitioning from traditional gas models include:

1. Kia EV9

• The Value Proposition: Widely regarded as the best all-around value in the 3-row EV space, the EV9 starts in the mid-to-high $50,000 range , making it heavily competitive with mid-to-high trim gas SUVs once federal incentives and fuel savings are calculated.
• Third-Row Comfort: Unlike most midsize SUVs where the third row is a penalty box, the EV9 offers genuinely usable third-row legroom with cup holders, USB-C ports, and enough headroom for older kids or average-sized adults on medium trips.
• Cargo Space: It features a cavernous layout with up to 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and a massive max capacity with all rear seats folded flat, plus a convenient front trunk ("frunk") for charging cables. Explore trims and specs directly on the Kia EV9 Official Page.

1. Hyundai Ioniq 9

• The Value Proposition: Sharing its mechanical underpinnings with the EV9 , the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is styled like a sleek, aerodynamic "lounge on wheels" with an aggressive mid-market pricing strategy for growing families.
• Third-Row Comfort: Thanks to the dedicated EV flat-floor architecture, footwell space is optimized. The cabin feels exceptionally airy, and higher-tier trims offer thoughtful climate control distribution and easy one-touch second-row sliding access to the back.
• Cargo Space: It boasts massive overall volume—surpassing 85 cubic feet with the rear rows stowed—and a wide rear liftgate opening that mimics large gas-powered counterparts like the Hyundai Palisade. Check local availability via the Hyundai Find a Dealer Tool.

1. Tesla Model Y (7-Seat Configuration)

• The Value Proposition: If your budget leans toward the lower end of "mid-range" (≈$50,000 or less depending on configuration and tax credits), the Model Y is significantly more affordable than dedicated large SUVs.
• Third-Row Comfort: Caveat emptor: The third row in the Model Y is tight and best reserved exclusively for small children. If your family needs adult-friendly space in the back all the time, skip this one. However, if you only need occasional emergency seating for little ones, it gets the job done.
• Cargo Space: The main trunk and sub-trunk storage are remarkably deep, giving you plenty of baseline cargo flexibility, though total space is smaller than the boxier EV9 or Ioniq 9 . Learn more about the layout on the Tesla Model Y Design Studio.

To help narrow down the ideal match, let me know:

• What is your strict maximum budget (including taxes/fees)?
• Who will actually be sitting in the third row on a regular basis (toddlers, teenagers, or adults)?
• Do you prefer second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat?

If by mid-range you mean roughly $55,000–$70,000 before incentives, the sweet spot for a family moving from a gasoline SUV is surprisingly clear: Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. They offer genuinely usable third rows rather than the occasional-use seats found in many smaller EVs.

*Current 2026 U.S. MSRP; trim, destination, incentives and dealer pricing can change.

🥇 Kia EV9 — my pick for most families

The Kia EV9 is probably the closest electric equivalent to a conventional family three-row SUV without requiring a luxury-SUV budget. It starts around $56,545, and Car and Driver currently ranks it #1 among 7-seat electric SUVs.

The big advantage is that the third row is actually adult-friendly. It has about 20.2 cu. ft. behind the third row, enough for groceries, backpacks and a reasonable amount of luggage while all seven seats are occupied. Fold the third row and cargo volume rises to about 43.5 cu. ft.

Why I'd choose it: excellent space-per-dollar, comfortable second and third rows, conventional SUV proportions, and a broad range of trims. The long-range versions are particularly appealing for family road trips.

🥈 Hyundai Ioniq 9 — best if interior space is the priority

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is arguably the most compelling alternative. Hyundai lists the 2026 model from $58,955, with up to 335 miles of EPA-estimated range on the S trim.

It has a slightly longer wheelbase than the EV9, and reviewers have found the third row comfortable even for passengers over six feet tall. insideevs.com More importantly for a family, it reportedly has 21.9 cu. ft. behind the third row, edging out both the EV9 and R1S.

Why I'd choose it: if you routinely have six or seven people aboard and don't want to sacrifice the entire cargo area.

What about the Rivian R1S?

The Rivian R1S is excellent, particularly if you tow, camp or drive off-road. But it has become harder to call it a mid-budget choice: current 2026 pricing starts around $78,885, substantially above the EV9/Ioniq 9.

Interestingly, despite being physically larger, it has less cargo room behind its third row—roughly 17.7 cu. ft.—than either Korean SUV. It does win once the third row is folded, with roughly 48.6 cu. ft. in the cited comparison.

My family ranking

1. Kia EV9 — best combination of price, third-row comfort and practicality
2. Hyundai Ioniq 9 — best if passenger and luggage space are your highest priorities
3. Rivian R1S — worth the premium if you need serious towing/off-road capability
4. Lucid Gravity — outstanding, but I'd consider it a luxury-budget vehicle rather than mid-range

One important consideration coming from a gasoline SUV: don't judge these by maximum cargo volume alone. For a family, cargo space with all three rows occupied is the more useful number—and that's where the EV9 and Ioniq 9 shine.

If you tell me your budget ceiling (e.g. $50k, $60k, $70k), number/ages of kids, and whether you need AWD, I can narrow this to the 2–3 trims I'd actually shop, including current incentives and Florida pricing.

Here are top web results for exploring this topic:

Car and Driver·https://www.caranddriver.com**Best Electric SUVs** for Families in 2026, Ranked - Car and Driver Looking for an electric SUV for your family? Our testing team looks at over 200 data points when rating vehicles. Check out what made our list of the best electric SUVs for families to buy in 2026. EVChargingStations.com·https://evchargingstations.com 7 Most Affordable 3-Row Electric Crossovers and SUVs 2026 Tesla Model Y Premium LR (7-seat) AWD. Price: $56,130; EPA Range: 303 Miles; Wheel Size: 20 inches; Battery Capacity: ~ 80 kWh; Charging Port: AC: NACS, DC: NACS. Tesla Model Y: All Versions Comp YouTube·https://www.youtube.com 7 BEST Electric 3-Row SUVs for 2026 - YouTube Electric three-row SUVs are finally becoming practical enough for real family use. Buyers now have choices ranging from affordable family haulers to high-performance luxury EVs with serious range, fas U.S. News & World Report·https://cars.usnews.com**Best Electric SUVs** for Families in 2026 - US News Cars More on the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5. See 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Photos » · Find the best price on the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 » · Read the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Full Review » · See Electric SUV Rankings ». Adv Reddit·https://www.reddit.com**Best 3 row** EV's? : r/electriccars - Reddit First car I actually “love” and everyone I know that has one, also loves it. 10/10 for me! choss-board. •. 2d ago. I wanted to love it but really was not impressed by the test drive. Might've been my Auto Fanatics·https://www.autofanaticsusa.com 8 Most Spacious SUVs for Families in 2026 - Auto Fanatics Third Rows Adults Won't Hate. Let's be honest: many third rows feel like an afterthought, best reserved for small children. But some SUVs deliver a third row that even adults won't mind sitting in. Th MotorTrend·https://www.motortrend.com**Best Electric 3**-Row SUVs for 2026 - MotorTrend From acceleration to comfort, MotorTrend's experts test and rate hundreds of vehicles each year. See our top picks, detailed comparisons, and buying advice to help you choose the best electric 3-row S YouTube·https://www.youtube.com We Tested Nine 3-Row SUVs . Which One's the Best ? - YouTube Looking for the Best 3-row SUV of 2026? We tested nine top contenders, from the Toyota Grand Highlander to the Ford Explorer, to find out which one truly belongs in your driveway. Appraisal Tool – htt Kelley Blue Book·https://www.kbb.com**Best Electric SUVs** of 2026 - Kelley Blue Book Advertisement. The Kia EV9 is a roomy and practical electric 3-row SUV, and its sporty GT model is a welcome addition for 2026. 2026 Kia EV9. The stylish Chevrolet Blazer EV is a practical and comfort Edmunds·https://www.edmunds.com What's the Best Midsize 3-Row SUV ? We Tested 9 of Them to Find Out We lined up nine three-row midsize SUVs to see which is the best across our full testing regimen. Several options, like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Grand Highlander, offer hybrid po

If you’re moving from a gasoline SUV and third-row comfort + usable cargo space are the priorities, the good news is that the 2026 EV market finally has a couple of genuinely family-sized choices. I’d focus on the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 rather than trying to make a compact three-row EV work.

*Before destination, taxes, incentives and dealer charges.

🥇 Kia EV9 — my pick for most families

The Kia EV9 is probably the closest thing to a direct electric replacement for a midsize gasoline three-row SUV such as a Telluride or Highlander.

Its big advantage is packaging: Kia lists 30.8 inches of third-row legroom with the second-row bench and 32 inches with captain's chairs, plus 20.2 cu. ft. behind the third row and 43.5 cu. ft. behind the second row.

The 2026 lineup starts at $54,900, while the particularly appealing Wind AWD is $63,900 before destination. The Wind gets 283 miles of EPA range, AWD, 7-passenger seating and a 99.8-kWh battery.

Why I'd buy it: It feels like a real family SUV rather than a two-row EV with a couple of emergency seats added.

🥈 Hyundai Ioniq 9 — best if you value space and road-trip range

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is arguably the more compelling choice if your budget can stretch another few thousand dollars.

It has 32 inches of third-row legroom on the lower trims, 39.7 inches of third-row headroom, and 21.9 cu. ft. behind the third row—slightly more cargo room than the EV9. Fold the rows and it reaches 86.9 cu. ft.

Even better for family road trips, range is 311–335 miles, depending on trim. The base S starts at $58,955.

Why I'd buy it: If you routinely take long trips with six or seven people aboard, I'd take the Ioniq 9 over the EV9 for its combination of interior space and range.

What about the Rivian R1S?

The Rivian R1S is excellent, but I'd put it in a different budget category. The 2026 model starts around $78,885, and while it has enormous maximum cargo capacity—Car and Driver measured 91 cu. ft. with the rear rows folded—the third row itself is better suited to children than adults.

So unless you specifically want its off-road/towing capability, the EV9 or Ioniq 9 gives a family much better space-per-dollar.

And the Tesla Model Y?

The three-row Model Y is tempting because of its much lower price and excellent range, but I wouldn't recommend it if third-row comfort is a primary requirement. It's more of a compact SUV with occasional-use third-row seating. Car and Driver ranks it as the top compact three-row EV, rather than alongside the genuinely midsize EV9/Ioniq 9.

My ranking for your priorities

1. Hyundai Ioniq 9 — best blend of third-row comfort, cargo and range
2. Kia EV9 — best value and easiest transition from a conventional three-row SUV
3. Rivian R1S — fantastic vehicle, but too expensive for a mid-range budget
4. Tesla Model Y 3-row — inexpensive, but third row is the compromise

If your mid-range budget means roughly $55,000–$65,000, I'd test-drive the EV9 Wind AWD and Ioniq 9 S/SE back-to-back. Those are the two I'd put at the top of the shopping list.

Stepping out of a gas-guzzling gasoline SUV and into a three-row electric vehicle (EV) is a massive upgrade—especially regarding a silent, smooth ride and the realization that an EV layout provides a flat floor and better interior packaging.

When looking for true third-row comfort and real cargo space without sliding into six-figure luxury territory, the market narrows down to a couple of standout options that balance mid-range pricing (roughly $55,000 to $70,000) with family-hauling utility.

Here are the best options for a family making this transition:

Kia EV9 : Widely considered the gold standard for mainstream three-row EV value. Starting in the mid-$50,000 range, the Kia EV9 is roughly the size of a Kia Telluride but feels much roomier inside due to the dedicated EV platform.

• Third-row comfort: Unlike smaller crossovers where the third row is a penalty box, the EV9 ’s third row can actually accommodate average-sized adults or growing teens for regular trips.
• Cargo space: Features 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding up to a massive 81.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded flat, plus a handy front trunk (frunk) for charging cables.
• Why it fits your budget: Mid-tier trims (like the Land or Wind AWD) bring a 300-plus mile range and ultra-fast 800V charging (charging from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes) well below luxury prices.

Hyundai IONIQ 9 : Hyundai’s aerodynamic, lounge-styled sibling to the Kia EV9 . It shares mechanical DNA with the EV9 but leans heavily into a distinct, ultra-modern "living room on wheels" aesthetic.

• Third-row comfort: Offers class-leading rear legroom (42.8 inches in the second row and generous adult-friendly proportions in the back). The curved panoramic displays and interior lighting make long road trips easier on the passengers.
• Cargo space: Max cargo capacity is slightly optimized over the EV9 , reaching up to 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded , providing a wide, square aperture for bulky strollers or sports gear.
• Why it fits your budget: Starting at just under $59,000, mid-range trims strike an ideal balance of tech, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and family practicality without reaching into Cadillac or Volvo luxury tags.

Tesla Model Y (7-Seat Configuration) : The budget outlier. If your definition of a mid-range budget leans lower (mid-S40,000s to low-S50,000s) and you don't mind a tight squeeze, the Model Y offers a 7-seat option.

• Third-row comfort: Caveat emptor —the third row in a Model Y is very small and strictly suited for small children . If you have teenagers or frequent adult passengers, skip this option.
• Cargo space: Good overall utility for a compact footprint, but cargo room is heavily compromised when the third row is actively raised.
• Why it fits your budget: It is the least expensive way to get a "three-row" EV badge, backed by Tesla’s reliable Supercharger ecosystem, though it sacrifices the spaciousness of your old gas SUV.

To help narrow down which vehicle fits your family best, tell me:

• What is your target budget range?
• How frequently will adults or older teens be sitting in that third row?
• Do you plan to charge mostly at home or rely on public fast chargers?

The Kia EV9 and the Hyundai Ioniq 9 are the best electric SUVs for third-row comfort and cargo space without crossing into the $80,000+ luxury price bracket . While luxury options like the Rivian R1S or Tesla Model X offer great space, they break typical family mid-range budgets.

These mainstream alternatives mirror the utility of popular gasoline midsize SUVs while offering the benefits of an all-electric platform.

Top Mid-Range 3-Row Electric SUVs

Kia EV9 : Outstanding value, starting at $54,900.

• Built as a true family alternative to gas flagships like the Telluride.
• Provides 20.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row and 81.7 cubic feet total.
• Features adult-friendly third-row legroom with a slide-and-tilt second row for easy access.
• Offers an 800-volt charging system that powers the battery from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes.

Hyundai Ioniq 9 : Striking design with maximum room, starting at $58,955.

• Delivers a category-leading 86.9 cubic feet of total maximum cargo volume.
• Offers an open, airy cabin design featuring a continuous panoramic glass roof.
• Boasts a massive 110.3-kWh battery providing over 300 miles of range across all trims.
• Equips a native NACS port for seamless access to the Tesla Supercharger network.

Performance & Space Comparison

Why Other Affordable Options Fall Short

While vehicles like the Tesla Model Y and Mercedes-Benz EQB fit within a mid-range budget, they are compact crossovers. Their third rows are highly restricted and tightly cramped, making them suitable only for small children, and utilizing the third row entirely eliminates their rear cargo capacity.

To help me narrow down the best trim for you, tell me:

• What is your typical road trip frequency?
• Do you need all-wheel drive for winter climates?
• Will you be hauling child car seats in the back rows?

For a family moving from a gasoline SUV, the best-value electric SUVs with a usable third row, real cargo room, and a mid-range price are currently the Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 9. They are purpose-built three-row EVs rather than smaller SUVs with a cramped “emergency” third row.

Here are the strongest choices:

1. Kia EV9 — best family replacement for a gas SUV

The Kia EV9 is probably the closest electric equivalent to a Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, or Toyota Highlander.

Why families like it:

• Genuine six- or seven-passenger seating
• Flat EV floor makes the third row much more usable
• Wide, upright cargo area that fits strollers, sports gear, and luggage well
• Fast charging capability for road trips
• Available second-row captain’s chairs (depending on trim)

Cargo behind the third row is about 20.2 cu ft, with about 81.7 cu ft behind the first row when seats are folded.

Best trim sweet spot: an AWD mid-level trim rather than the fully loaded version.

Choose it if: you want the most practical “electric minivan alternative” without luxury pricing.

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2. Hyundai IONIQ 9 — best for comfort and long-distance families

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the sibling platform to the EV9 but leans more toward comfort and range.

Advantages:

• Very spacious cabin
• More premium-feeling interior
• Excellent highway comfort
• Slightly larger cargo numbers in many configurations

Reported cargo figures are around 21.9 cu ft behind the third row and about 86.9 cu ft maximum, giving it a small edge for hauling family gear.

Choose it if: your family does frequent road trips and you value quietness and comfort over a boxier SUV feel.

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3. Tesla Model Y (7-seat) — budget choice, but compromises

The seven-seat Tesla Model Y can work if your third row is mainly for:

• young children
• occasional extra passengers
• short trips

However, it is much smaller than the EV9 or IONIQ 9. Adults will find the third row tight, and cargo space disappears quickly with all seats occupied.

Choose it if: you usually need five seats and only occasionally need seven.

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4. Rivian R1S — excellent, but not really mid-budget

The Rivian R1S is one of the most capable three-row EVs:

• stronger off-road ability
• higher towing capability
• rugged interior
• lots of storage flexibility

But pricing places it above typical family SUV budgets.

Choose it if: camping, towing, and adventure driving matter more than purchase price.

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My shortlist for a family upgrading from a gasoline SUV

1. Best overall: Kia EV9
2. Best comfort/road-trip choice: Hyundai IONIQ 9
3. Best lower-cost compromise: Tesla Model Y (only if the third row is occasional)
4. Best premium adventure option: Rivian R1S

For a typical family replacing a gasoline three-row SUV, I would focus your test drives on the EV9 and IONIQ 9 first. They are the closest matches to the space, seating flexibility, and cargo usefulness that families expect from a gas SUV.