Three kids, two car seats and a grandparent along for the ride? A second row runs out of room fast.
Chevy has three SUVs with a third row: the 2027 Traverse and the bigger 2027 Tahoe and Suburban. Seven seats is the Traverse's layout, though the LT can go to eight if you add the available second-row bench. Tahoe and Suburban buyers get eight seats as standard and can choose seven or nine instead. Every other SUV in the lineup stops at five seats, so that's where your search starts.
Three-Row Chevy SUVs at a Glance
| Model | Seats | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Traverse | 7, or 8 on the LT with the second-row bench | Everyday family hauling |
| 2027 Tahoe | 8 standard; 7 or 9 available | Big households and towing |
| 2027 Suburban | 8 standard; 7 or 9 available | Passengers and luggage together |
Traverse for Everyday Family Hauling
Every trim of the new Chevy Traverse seats seven, and the LT can add a second-row bench if you need an eighth seat. With the third row up you still have 22.9 cubic feet behind it, which is workable for groceries and backpacks, and folding that row down gets you 56.6.
With trailering equipment, the LT, Z71 and RS tow up to 5,000 pounds. If your household fills the seats on school days and folds them for bigger loads on weekends, start here.
Tahoe When You Need More Seats
The new Chevy Tahoe comes with eight seats, and you can choose a seven-seat or a nine-seat layout instead. Nine is as many as any Chevy SUV offers, so it's worth a close look if your crew keeps growing.
Towing tops out at 8,400 pounds, which comes in handy when the boat or camper rides along on summer weekends. Bring your list of must-haves, and we'll show you how the layouts differ.
Suburban When Everyone and Everything Comes Along
Seating works the same way in the new Chevy Suburban, with eight seats as standard and seven or nine available. What you'll notice is the room left behind the third row, a full 41.5 cubic feet, which is about 18.6 more than the Traverse offers in the same spot.
Fold the third row and you get 93.8 cubic feet. For a full load of people and luggage, it's the one to climb into first.
Chevy SUVs That Seat Five
The 2027 Equinox and the 2026 Trax each seat five, and the 2026 Trailblazer seats up to five, as do the 2027 Equinox EV and Blazer EV. When five is plenty, any of them will do the job. If you've outgrown five, the Traverse is your first step up.
Choosing by Household Size
Five or six people: A Traverse gives you a spare seat or two, plus room behind the third row for backpacks.
Seven people: Any of them works, so let your cargo decide. The Suburban has the most room behind the third row.
Eight people: Pick a Traverse LT with the bench, or step up to a Tahoe or Suburban if you'd rather have more room.
Nine people: Look at the Tahoe or Suburban, since they're the only Chevy SUVs that offer nine seats.
If luggage and gear are the bigger question, you can compare Chevy SUV cargo space model by model.
Seats and Space You Can Check in Person
Seat counts only tell part of the story. Climb into the third row yourself, bring your car seats and the whole crew along so everybody can pick a spot, and schedule a test drive. You can also browse new Chevrolets before you head out.
When you've found the one that fits, our finance team can go over your payment options with you.
Third-Row Chevy Questions
Which Chevy SUVs have a third row?
Chevy's third-row SUVs are the 2027 Traverse, Tahoe and Suburban. A Traverse seats seven or eight, while the Tahoe and Suburban seat eight as standard and offer seven- or nine-seat layouts. The Equinox and Trax stop at five seats, and so does the Trailblazer.
How many people does the Chevy Tahoe seat?
Eight people fit in a 2027 Chevy Tahoe as standard. Seven-seat and nine-seat layouts are also available, so you can match it to your crew. Tell us how many people ride along most days and we'll help you find the layout that fits.
Can the Traverse seat eight?
Eight seats are possible on the 2027 Traverse LT when you choose the available second-row bench seat. Without the bench, the LT seats seven, and so do the other trims. If you need all eight seats, tell us and we'll help you find the right LT.
Does the Suburban have more room behind the third row than the Traverse?
A 2027 Suburban has more, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row against the 2027 Traverse's 22.9. Fold the third row and the gap stays wide, since the Suburban offers 93.8 cubic feet behind its second row and the Traverse offers 56.6.
What is the difference between 7, 8 and 9 seat layouts?
Each number is the total seats in that layout, and the options change by model. The 2027 Traverse offers seven or eight, while the Tahoe and Suburban start at eight and can be set up for seven or nine. Only those two come with nine seats, so a bigger household should start there.
Do the Trailblazer, Trax or Blazer EV have a third row?
None of the three has a third row. The 2026 Trailblazer seats up to five, the 2026 Trax seats five, and the 2027 Blazer EV seats up to five. If a third row is on your list, look at the Traverse first, then the Tahoe and Suburban.
Bring the Whole Crew to Preston Chevrolet
Ready to see which one fits? Stop by when it's easier for your week. We'll show you every seat.