Toyota RAV4 3rd Row Seating Review
The 2011 Toyota RAV4’s is the last Toyota with third-row seating. Space is pretty average compared to competitors.
Written by Macy Fouse
Edited by Pat Roache
The three-row Toyota RAV4 was discontinued in 2012, but the 2011 model comes with a third row sporting 30.3 inches of legroom and 12.3 cubic feet of minimum cargo space.
- Many Toyota RAV4 customers chose not to add the third row of seating while it was available because it was too tight.
- The Toyota RAV4’s third row of seating is not suitable for adults, tall children, or lengthy road trips.
- Toyota offers several larger SUVs with more spacious third-row seating than the Toyota RAV4.
- Many Toyota RAV4 customers chose not to add the third row of seating while it was available because it was too tight.
- The Toyota RAV4’s third row of seating is not suitable for adults, tall children, or lengthy road trips.
- Toyota offers several larger SUVs with more spacious third-row seating than the Toyota RAV4.
Toyota Rav4 third-row seating review
Only Toyota RAV4 models from 2005-2011 were available with an optional third row for a total seating capacity of seven passengers.
Below are the seating measurements for the final 2011 three-row RAV4:
- Third row: 30.3 inches of legroom, 37.2 inches of headroom
- Second row: 38.3 inches of legroom, 39.7 inches of headroom
- First row: 41.8 inches of legroom, 40.8 inches of headroom
- Total passenger volume: 108.2 cubic feet
The Toyota RAV4’s third row is predictably tight: Many buyers chose not to add this optional rear seat to their crossover SUVs when they had the chance. The third-row bench sits on the vehicle floor of the RAV4’s trunk, lacking height for tall passengers.
Also consider how a third row of seating limits cargo capacity in a compact SUV. The three-row 2011 Toyota RAV4 offered the following
cargo space
:- Behind the third row: 12.3 cubic feet
- Behind the second row: 36.4 cubic feet
- Behind the first row: 73 cubic feet
The Toyota Rav4 third-row is good for kids, but cramped for adults.
While the three-row Toyota RAV4s may be handy for bigger families with smaller kids, it’s not a great choice for long trips with adults.
Pros of the three-row Toyota RAV4:
- Suitable for large families with small children who are on a budget
- Not available on top competitors at the time, including the Honda CR-V
- Comparable to more modern three-row crossovers but with a used car price
- Many owners report reaching over 300,000 miles thanks toToyota’s reliability
Cons of the three-row Toyota RAV4:
- Not suitable for adults, tall children, or lengthy road trips
- Legroom is considerably cramped compared to the second row of seating
- Cargo space is incredibly limited when all three rows of seats are in use
- Used three-row Toyota RAV4 models are harder to find than standard two-row models
Toyota Rav4 competitors with third-row seating
You can’t pick up a new Toyota RAV4 with three rows of seating at your local Toyota dealership, but you may be able to find a comparable three-row model from one of Toyota’s competitors!
Check out the table below for a full comparison of three-row compact and midsize SUVs:
Model | Starting price | Third row legroom | Third row headroom | Total passenger volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$9,000 (fair market price) | 30.3 inches | 37.2 inches | 108.2 cubic feet | |
$29,995 | 18.7 inches | 34.5 inches | 125.5 cubic feet | |
$29,390 | 29.6 inches | 36.8 inches | 105.3 cubic feet | |
$31,545 | 33.7 inches | 38.3 inches | 154 cubic feet | |
$32,675 | 31.4 inches | 37.8 inches | 155.3 cubic feet | |
$34,160 | 29.7 inches | 35.4 inches | 135.1 cubic feet | |
$33,775 | 31.9 inches | 38.9 inches | 152.9 cubic feet |
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Other Toyota models with third-row seating
As a compact Toyota SUV, the Toyota RAV4 is arguably too small for a third row of seating. However, Toyota offers plenty of larger SUVs in its lineup that can comfortably accommodate three rows.
Use the table below to compare Toyota SUVs with three rows of seating:
Model | Starting price | Third row legroom | Third row headroom | Total passenger volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$9,000 (fair market price) | 30.3 inches | 37.2 inches | 108.2 cubic feet | |
2022 Toyota Highlander /Highlander Hybrid | $35,855 | 27.7 inches | 36.1 inches | 141.3 cubic feet |
$38,940 | 29.3 inches | 34.3 inches | 128.0 cubic feet | |
$36,620 | 38.7 inches | 37.4 inches | 162.5 cubic feet | |
$52,095 | 35.3 inches | 34.5 inches | N/A | |
$87,030 | 28.3 inches | 35.8 inches | N/A |
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4.7
