10 Reasons to Love the Kia Third Row SUV (Even If You Find Some Hilarious Quirks)

If you’ve ever thought about driving a Kia third row SUV, you’ve probably wondered, “Is this the car that can haul my kids, groceries, and maybe a kayak while still looking sleek and stylish?” You bet it can. Kia’s third row SUVs, like the Kia Sorento and Kia Telluride, are here to make your life easier—or at least a little more organized—and provide a ton of comfort for your passengers.

But wait, let’s be real for a moment. As much as we love these cars (and trust me, there’s plenty to adore), they have their little quirks. And quirks, as we all know, are what give any relationship character. So buckle up, and let’s take a deep dive into everything Kia has to offer in the world of third row SUVs.

The Best Kia Third Row SUV Options for Families

Kia Telluride: The Crowd Favorite

Key Features:

• Seating for 8 with a third row that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

• Available 2nd row captain’s chairs—because sometimes your kids just need that personal space.

• Packed with safety features like traffic collision avoidance assist and rear cross traffic collision avoidance—you'll feel like you've got a co-pilot, minus the annoying backseat driving.

• SX Prestige trim with leather seat trim for that luxury touch when you're hauling, let’s face it, a lot more than luggage.

The Kia Telluride is the big sibling in Kia’s SUV family. It’s spacious, loaded with tech, and powerful enough to give those weekend adventures the green light. With 281 horsepower and a 2.5L turbocharged engine, this baby moves when you need it to.

But here’s the rub: the Telluride might leave you laughing at its own ambitions. For instance, you’ll find yourself asking, “Do I really need a 12.3-inch touchscreen?” Maybe, maybe not—but it sure looks fancy!

Potential drawback: The auto emergency braking technology is a lifesaver, but it can also be overly cautious, sometimes braking when you least expect it—like when a squirrel crosses the road at what it thinks is a “dangerous” speed. Ah, technology.

Kia Sorento: Sleeker, Smaller, but Still Mighty

Key Features:

• Seating for 7—yes, it has a third row too, but don't expect to fit anyone with long legs back there for an extended trip.

• Smart cruise control w/stop and go, which makes highway driving a breeze.

• Available SX Prestige trim with all the high-end perks, including a heated steering wheel and surround view monitor to make parallel parking less of a nightmare.

If the Telluride is the big family SUV, the Kia Sorento is the stylish middle child who still gets the job done. It’s smaller, more agile, and slightly less pricey. But don’t let the size fool you—it’s packed with premium audio, dual panoramic displays, and more bells and whistles than you’d expect from an SUV in this size category.

Potential drawback: That third row isn’t exactly adult-friendly. “It’s perfect for my 5-year-old niece,” says Alex Collantes, owner of Avenue Motors. “But if I put my 6-foot-tall buddy back there, it’s like watching a giraffe fold into a suitcase.”

Is the Sorento or Telluride Bigger?

Ah, the age-old debate—size matters when it comes to third row SUVs. Here’s the skinny: The Telluride is bigger, no question. If you need more cargo room, more passenger space, and just generally more everything, the Telluride is your go-to. But if you want something a bit more manageable for city driving or tight parking spaces, the Sorento is the better fit.

Why You’ll Love the Design and Tech in Kia’s Third Row SUVs

The design of Kia’s SUVs gives them a three-quarter view that feels both rugged and sophisticated. You get the option of trim packages like the SX Prestige, which adds touches like ventilated front seats and Syntex seat trim.

Inside, it’s all about technology and convenience. Both the Telluride and Sorento come with a smart power liftgate w/auto close, dual panoramic displays, and power liftgate w/auto. So when your hands are full of groceries, or you’re chasing your dog, the car has your back.

In fact, Alex Collantes says the tech is so intuitive, “My 70-year-old dad used the Kia Access App to start the car and was convinced he was living in an episode of The Jetsons.”

What’s With the Bot Verifying System?

Now, this one is just a bit quirky. Both SUVs have a bot verifying system that literally takes a few seconds to complete. Kia swears it’s essential for security purposes. But after the tenth time, it can feel like you’re waiting in line at the DMV just to start your car. I mean, come on, just verifying you’re human can get a little old.

Performance and Safety: Ready for Anything (Well, Almost)

Performance-wise, both the Sorento and Telluride have torque vectoring all-wheel drive to keep you stable in rough conditions, like when you’re driving in snow or rain—or, let’s be honest, when you’re just trying to park at a chaotic mall on a Saturday.

Safety features like auto emergency braking technology, rear parking sensors, and blind spot view monitor make sure you don’t end up in an embarrassing fender-bender. Cross traffic collision avoidance is especially helpful when you’re backing out of tight spots with limited visibility.

Potential drawback: The parking collision avoidance assist is a bit too sensitive. It will beep like crazy every time a leaf blows past your car. Seriously, who thought this was necessary?

Kia’s Warranty: Peace of Mind Included

You can’t talk about Kia without mentioning their 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty. This is one of the best warranties in the game and it makes a huge difference for buyers looking for long-term peace of mind.

Both the Sorento and Telluride come with Kia’s signature premium warranty package, so no matter which you choose, you know you’re covered for the long haul.

Potential drawback: It's not so much a drawback but rather an expectation setter. “If you plan to push this car like it’s a sports car, you’ll void that warranty faster than a teenager can burn rubber in a parking lot,” jokes Alex Collantes.

A Few Things to Consider Before Buying

1. Third Row Space: If you need serious third row room, Telluride is your best option. The Sorento is more of a backup plan for occasional third row use.

2. Fuel Efficiency: Both SUVs are decent on fuel, but don’t expect to get Prius-level mileage here. The power from that 281-horsepower engine comes at a small price.

3. Price: Both SUVs start at a pretty competitive MSRP for their class, but expect to pay a little more for those fancy SX Prestige trims.

4. Technology Overload: If you’re a fan of tech, you’ll love the Kia. But some may find the sheer amount of features a little overwhelming—especially when you’re just trying to drive to the grocery store.

Final Thoughts: Which Kia Third Row SUV Is Right for You?

At the end of the day, choosing between the Kia Sorento and Kia Telluride really depends on your lifestyle. If you need more space and higher-end features, go for the Telluride. If you want something a bit more nimble but still need the option of a third row, the Sorento is your perfect match.

Both vehicles offer plenty of comfort, advanced safety features, and more tech than your average person might know what to do with. And, quirks aside, they’re solid family SUVs that offer great value for the price. So whatever you choose, you can bet on being the envy of the carpool lane.

Ready to test drive one? Visit your local Kia dealer—or check out Avenue Motors, where Alex Collantes and his team will give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about these feature-packed SUVs.

In the end, whether you go for the Kia Sorento or the Kia Telluride, you'll be getting a vehicle that blends strong performance with cutting-edge technology. One standout feature that has your back is the emergency braking technology w, ensuring your safety in unexpected situations. Plus, with the dual panoramic display, you’ll enjoy a broad, immersive view that makes driving more comfortable and convenient—whether you’re cruising around the city or on long road trips. A Kia SUV is packed with everything you need for a smooth and secure ride for you and your family!