If you’re in the market for a vehicle with third-row seating, consider two reasonably priced 2021 Volkswagen models. The Tiguan compact crossover and Atlas midsize SUV differ in dimensions, but both offer seating for seven. Let’s take a look at both to see if one is right for you.

Volkswagen dominated the list

Friends, family, and pets are a few reasons why you might want a three-row SUV. And even if you don’t need the extra row every day, it’s still nice to have the option. But, of course, a vehicle with more features generally costs more money. Fortunately, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan and Atlas are two of the most affordable three-row vehicles, according to a list Autotrader recently published. 

The 2021 Chrysler Voyager and 2021 Ford Transit Connect also make the list at under $29,000. But the Voyager minivan isn’t exactly stylish, and Transit is better suited for work uses because of its utilitarian design. And though the 2021 GMC Acadia finds itself among the ranks, its shorter length makes the back row too tight for adults. The latest Kia Sedona and Honda Pilot also appear. But Volkswagen dominates the list with two models in the top four. 

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

Holding down the fourth spot on Autotrader’s list is the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. This midsize SUV gives roominess a stylish makeover. The standard four-cylinder turbocharged engine and modest price make this model worth considering. Unfortunately, one con is the sluggish acceleration. The Atlas takes 8.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, Consumer Reports says.

Regardless, it’s still a strong contender. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas allows you to easily navigate the road while still providing one of the most spacious third-row seating options on the market.

Car and Driver reports that the Atlas’s third row offers 38.3 inches of headroom, 33.7 inches of legroom, and 54.9 inches of shoulder room.

However, another Volkswagen model offers the Atlas stiff competition in a smaller package.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Landing in the top spot, the Volkswagen Tiguan is the most affordable vehicle on the list. In fact, the Tiguan is the least expensive three-row model in America among 2021 models. But just because this VW costs less doesn’t mean it’s a lesser product.

Like the Atlas, the Tiguan also struggles with acceleration. But overall, this compact crossover provides plenty of benefits. The Tiguan offers easy-to-use controls, attractive styling, and advanced safety features such as standard automatic emergency braking. Plus, according to Autotrader, this Volkswagen model can get 35 mpg on the highway, though its 16 mpg in the city isn’t impressive.

And, of course, the 2021 Tiguan comes with a comfortable third row. According to Car and Driver, the back row offers 33.8 inches of headroom, 27.9 inches of legroom, and 47.8 inches of shoulder room.

Though the Atlas is roomier than the Tiguan, this compact crossover shows Volkswagen knows how to incorporate additional seating into a compact space.