When it comes to versatile vehicles, SUVs routinely claim the top spot. But what takes an SUV from “good” to “unbeatable”? A third row. Adding an additional seating row transforms an SUV into a multitasking marvel fit for families, adventurers, and everyone in between. From hauling the soccer team to accommodating cross-country vacations, a 3rd row SUV delivers unmatched flexibility and convenience. If you’re considering one, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Navigator elevate the 3rd row SUV experience, offering the perfect blend of luxury, functionality, and innovation.
Whether you’re upgrading your family car or need extra space for when life demands it, here’s a breakdown of why adding a 3rd row could be the smartest decision you’ll make.
Why Choose a 3rd Row SUV?
Increase Passenger Capacity
The most obvious benefit of a 3rd row SUV is the ability to accommodate more passengers. With seating for up to seven or even eight in certain models, you’ll have ample room for family, friends, and even a few extra kids during those carpool runs. Whether you’re hosting playdates, planning group outings, or chauffeuring your team for game day, you’ll never have to play musical chairs trying to squeeze everyone in.
Take the Lincoln Navigator, for instance. Its spacious 3rd row comfortably accommodates adults and kids without sacrificing legroom or comfort. Even the Lincoln Aviator, at a slightly smaller scale, offers thoughtful design to ensure zero compromise on passenger convenience.
Expandable Cargo Options
One of the best features of a 3rd row SUV is its versatility in managing cargo. While the extra seats are fantastic for large groups, they often have the added benefit of folding flat, giving you abundant room for everything you need to carry.
Need space for groceries? Fold down one section. Planning a weekend family trip? Lay the seats flat for suitcases, camp chairs, coolers, and more. The Lincoln Navigator truly shines here, with its world-class PowerFold capability that transforms your rear seating area into a cavernous space at the push of a button. And with the Lincoln Aviator’s split-fold functionality, balancing cargo and passengers has never been easier.
Built with Families in Mind
For families, 3rd row SUVs promise features that cater to convenience and safety. Many models are designed with young passengers at the forefront, offering rear climate controls, integrated entertainment systems, and advanced child safety functions tailored to the back rows.
Take a family road trip in the Lincoln Navigator and you’ll immediately notice the perks. Features like rear climate control ensure that every passenger stays comfortable—even those furthest from the dashboard. Meanwhile, entertainment systems in Lincoln’s vehicles turn long drives into peaceful adventures, featuring screens, HDMI compatibility, and premium audio to keep everyone entertained.
Add to that considerations like cupholders, charging outlets, or even storage spots for toys and devices, and you’ll quickly see why 3rd row SUVs are an unbeatable choice for modern families.
Superior Safety Ratings
Thanks to their larger size and solid design, SUVs with third rows often rank high in crash test safety ratings. From impact-tested seats to superior structural integrity, 3rd row SUVs deliver an added sense of security on the road.
But Lincoln takes it a step further, giving both the Aviator and Navigator advanced safety suites. Lincoln Co-Pilot360 is a highlight, offering features such as Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keeping Systems, and Automatic Emergency Braking. Whether you’re navigating busy streets, highways, or backroads, these 3rd row SUVs are built with your family’s protection in mind.
Find Your Perfect 3rd Row SUV
After reviewing the benefits, it’s clear that owning a 3rd row SUV is a smart investment for space, flexibility, and safety. If luxury, advanced technology, and family-friendly design appeal to you, it’s hard to beat the Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Navigator.
Both SUVs deliver exceptional functionality while embodying the elegance Lincoln is known for. From leather interiors to cutting-edge safety and convenience features, the Aviator and Navigator bring more than practicality to the table.
If you’re ready to upgrade your driving experience, visit Beach Lincoln in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to explore the latest Lincoln Aviator and Navigator models. Test drive one today and discover how Lincoln redefines what’s possible in a 3rd row SUV!


