has 29.3 inches of third-row legroom, falling short of what its major competitors offer. However, this mid-size SUV is packed with standard driver-assistance tech and generous cargo space, making it a popular choice for families.

The perfect vehicle for a family of more than five can be hard to find when you’re trying to avoid minivans. But with a bit of research, you’ll find that three-row SUVs are the perfect alternative. The only catch is they’re not all made equally—whether in legroom and headroom, or standard features.

To save you from sifting through dozens of options,

Jerry

, the

car insurance

super app, has gathered all the information for your popular third-row seating options. We’ll look at the Toyota 4Runner’s third-row measurements for legroom and cargo capacity, and compare it to other three-row SUVs.

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What is the Toyota 4Runner’s 3rd row like?

The 4Runner’s third row is only available in higher trim levels, from the SR5 and up. The third row adds two more seats, which provides seating for up to seven adults.

Getting in and out of the back row is relatively easy thanks to the 40/60 split of the second-row and sliding seat. However, given the compact spacing of the last row, it may be better for seating smaller children or pets.

Space and comfort

No matter how cramped or spacious the third-row seats are, one big question is whether the passengers will be comfortable. Low comfort would mean an uncomfortable ride for you and your passengers.

Comfort may be subjective, but legroom, headroom, and passenger volume are objective measurements that can give you an idea about comfort levels. Here are the numbers for the Toyota 4Runner:

Third row: 29.3 inches of legroom, 34.3 inches of headroom

Second row: 32.9 inches of legroom, 38.6 inches of headroom

First row: 41.7 inches of legroom, 39.3 inches of headroom

Total passenger volume: 128 cubic feet

The third-row space in the 4Runner may feel more cramped compared to the second row. With a few inches less headroom and legroom, young children will fit in the third row but it may be tight for adults.

If you’re looking for more legroom and headroom, you can consider competitors like the

Dodge Durango

or the

Volkswagen Atlas

. We’ve also created a table of passenger volume measurements so that you can see how the 4Runner compares to its competitors.

Model	Starting price	Third row legroom	Third row headroom	Total passenger volume
Volkswagen Atlas	$35,530	33.7 inches	38.3 inches	154 cubic feet
Dodge Durango	$38,590	33.5 inches	37.8 inches	141 cubic feet
Chevrolet Traverse	$35,095	33.5 inches	38.2 inches	157.3 cubic feet
Ford Explorer	$35,240	32.2 inches	38.9 inches	152.7 cubic feet
Volvo XC90	$51,995	31.9 inches	36.3 inches	103.8 cubic feet
GMC Acadia	$36,145	29.7 inches	37.2 inches	143.8 cubic feet
Nissan Pathfinder	$35,935	28 inches	37.8 inches	148 cubic feet
Toyota Highlander	$37,070	27.7 inches	36.1 inches	141.3 cubic feet

MORE: Toyota 4Runner Limited V6

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Is the Toyota 4Runner good for big families and long trips?

With a compact and tall third row, the Toyota 4Runner is best-suited for big families with young children. However, it may not be the best choice for going on long trips since the total passenger volume is much smaller than its competitors.

That said, analyzing the numbers alone isn’t enough to write off the 4Runner. Despite the cramped third row, the 4Runner has other desirable features to entice families:

Versatile hauler: The 50/50 split of the third-row gives you more storage configurations. Being able to fold down half the back row means you can pack larger cargo into the vehicle.

Host of driver-assistance features: This muscular SUV comes with standard passive and active safety features to protect your family while on the road. This includes rear parking assist sonar, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and the Toyota Star Safety System.

Capable of off-road adventure: Getting a family car doesn’t mean you have to give up your backroad adventures. The 4Runner is just as capable off-road as it is on smoothly paved highways.

Depending on your family’s priorities, the Toyota 4Runner’s smaller third-row may not be a dealbreaker after considering its practical features.

MORE:

Car loan for Toyota 2022

How to find affordable car insurance for your Toyota

Even with the Toyota 4Runner’s smaller third-row space, its safety features and storage flexibility are must-haves for young families. While the 4Runner does cost more to get the third row of seats, you can offset the cost by finding better premium rates with

Jerry

Experts recommend shopping for car insurance

every six months

to see if there are better quotes for the same coverage. If you don’t have the time to do the research, Jerry can shorten the process to 45 seconds.

Using the Jerry app, you’ll get the best quotes from over 55 of the nation’s top insurers. Once you pick the best policy for your family and vehicle, Jerry will handle the rest. You won’t even have to get on the phone! The best part? You can find an average annual savings of over $800.

“I was struggling because I wanted great insurance for my new car.
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was so helpful, and the team answered all of my questions. Now I have the policy type I was looking for!” —Avery W.

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