Which Nissan SUVs Have Third-Row Seating?

Families who need extra passenger space will find solid options in Nissan’s lineup of SUVs with third-row seating. These vehicles blend comfort, flexibility, and innovative features that modern drivers are looking for. The Pathfinder and Armada stand out as Nissan’s go-to models in this category, but which should you choose? Our Nissan AutoCenters staff has compiled this comparison to help you decide.

Understanding the Need for Third-Row Seating

SUVs with third-row seating keep growing in popularity, especially among busy families and people who often travel with bigger groups. The extra seats are handy when you’ve got a large family, need to drive the soccer team home, or want to bring the grandparents along for weekend trips. It’s all about having options: Sometimes you need those extra seats, and sometimes you don’t.

Finding the right balance between space for people and space for cargo matters too. That’s why Nissan offers two distinct SUVs with third-row seating as standard: the midsize Pathfinder and the full-size Armada. One’s not necessarily better than the other — they’re built for different families and budgets.

Benefits of Choosing a Nissan SUV With Expanded Seating

Nissan SUVs with third-row seating offer significant advantages for your busy family. They can switch from carrying people to carrying cargo in seconds; just fold down those rear seats when not in use. Safety and comfort come standard, too. These models include tri-zone climate control, USB ports throughout the cabin, and optional entertainment systems that make long trips bearable. The kids stay happy, and parents stay sane — everyone wins.

These SUVs have fuel efficiency that beats larger vehicles while still being big enough for the whole family. Nissan’s durability means these vehicles can last through years of daily driving and road trips. They handle both school runs and road trips without compromising comfort or performance.

Comprehensive Overview of Nissan Third-Row SUVs

The Pathfinder is in the midsize SUV, while the Armada is Nissan’s largest SUV. Both come with that third row standard; no extra packages or upgrades are needed. Let’s explore these two Nissans.

Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder balances family comfort with capable performance. It accommodates eight across three rows, with a third row adults can use comfortably. If you opt for the second-row captain’s chairs, seating is reduced to seven. Access is straightforward; you don’t need to crawl around to reach the back seats.

The 2025 Pathfinder has a 3.5L V-6 engine generating 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, so it handles highway merging and mountain roads with ease. When properly equipped, it tows up to 6,000 pounds, suitable for boats, campers, or trailers. The Pathfinder averages 23 mpg combined fuel efficiency.

Cargo capacity is impressive at every level: 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 45 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The Pathfinder also includes comprehensive safety features and infotainment systems that keep families connected.

Nissan Armada

The Armada is at the top of Nissan’s SUV lineup, blending luxury and capacity. It fits eight across three rows, comfortably seating adults in the third row. This configuration works perfectly if you have a big family or often transport groups.

Its performance is substantial; the twin-turbocharged 3.5L V-6 produces 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This power proves valuable for highway driving and excels at towing, handling up to 8,500 pounds when properly equipped; boats, trailers, and campers pose no challenges. You’ll suffer a little with fuel efficiency, though; the Armada only gets 18 mpg combined.

Its interior is roomy and packed with luxury features. There’s 16.5 cubic feet of storage space with all rows up, 49.9 with the third row down, and 95.4 cubic feet maximum. Premium materials and advanced tech surround your passengers, offering practicality, comfort, and capability.

Detailed Comparison: Pathfinder vs. Armada

Comparing these SUVs reveals clear differences. Cargo capacity is higher in the Armada than in the Pathfinder, which can matter when packing for trips or moving bulky items. The Pathfinder’s fuel economy is better, which makes sense for a smaller vehicle.

Price points separate them further. The Pathfinder starts at $36,400 MSRP, which is more budget-friendly than the Armada’s starting MSRP of $57,520. However, that price difference reflects the Armada’s size and capability. Both include modern tech and safety features, though the Armada offers more premium touches. Your choice depends on your family’s needs, cargo requirements, towing plans, and budget constraints.

Choosing the Right Third-Row Nissan SUV for You

Choosing between these two depends on how you’ll use them. If you have a family of five who occasionally needs extra seats for the kids’ friends, the Pathfinder probably makes more sense for you. It’s easier to park, costs less to buy and run, and still has plenty of space for everyday St. Louis life. City dwellers will appreciate its more manageable size if they often navigate tight parking garages or narrow streets.

If you have a bigger family or always seem to have extra passengers, the Armada might be worth the extra money. Those eight seats come in handy when you’ve got three kids and their friends or grandparents join your road trips. If you’re towing regularly — maybe you’ve got a boat or a big camper — the Armada’s extra power makes a real difference. Day-to-day driving is pretty similar, though; both SUVs offer almost identical space for cargo behind the third row. Think about where and how you drive most often before making your choice.

Test-Drive a Nissan Third-Row SUV at Auto Centers Nissan in St. Louis Today

The best way to learn which SUV is best for you is to try them out yourself. Round up the kids and drop by AutoCenters Nissan, take a test-drive, and see how you fit in both vehicles. If you want to get a head start on the buying process, you can use our value your trade tool and complete a financing application online to get preapproved. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can walk you through all your options and help you decide which Nissan is best for you and your family.