
Kia
Although not as commonplace as their seven- and eight-seat counterparts, there are still lots of great 2026 six-passenger SUVs and crossovers on the market today. With captain’s seats in the first and second rows, these vehicles offer ample comfort, plus the added usability of a third-row seat when needed. Some six-seater SUVs have a full center console in the second row that makes it feel like a first-class cabin, while others have a pass-through to the rear seat — a nonnegotiable feature for some parents. But regardless of your own priorities and needs (plus that all-important budget question), there’s probably a six-seat SUV on sale for 2026 that’ll be perfect for you.
Every year, the Edmunds team drives, tests, and rates hundreds of vehicles on the road, on the trail, and at their private test track. Their 227-point vehicle testing process uses professional-grade satellite equipment to track every move a car makes with pinpoint accuracy.
Based on this testing, Edmunds suggests several small, midsize, and large options to check out.
Small 6-seater SUVs
2026 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento was the automaker’s first three-row SUV, and over the years, it’s become one of the best options around for small families who don’t want to deal with the cumbersome size of larger cars. Although it comes standard with second- and third-row bench seats and seating for seven, second-row captain’s chairs are optional on the midlevel EX trim and standard on X-Line, X-Pro and SX models, allowing you to trade maximum passenger capacity for easier third-row access. The Sorento also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains in six-seat form, good news for shoppers who want both efficiency and comfort.
Starting MSRP: $33,635 ($41,735 for six seats)
Cargo space:
12.6 cubic feet behind the third row
45 cubic feet behind the second row
75.5 cubic feet behind the first row
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is very closely related to the Kia Sorento. Its techno-Defender styling gives it decent cargo space and third-row headroom, something that’s not always true of crossovers in this class. Like the Sorento, the Hyundai crossover comes standard with seating for seven, but opt for the luxurious Limited model and you’ll find second-row bucket seats that make the Santa Fe a spacious, comfortable six-seater SUV.
Starting MSRP: $36,400 ($45,950 for six seats)
Cargo space:
14.6 cubic feet behind the third row
40.5 cubic feet behind the second row
79.6 cubic feet behind the first row
Midsize 6-seater SUVs
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
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