10 Crossovers with the Most Legroom

2017 Infiniti QX60 front view ・ Photo by Infiniti

When it comes to crossovers, there are an almost endless combination of seating arrangements. Some models sacrifice rear seat space for front seat space, while some have third rows that are essentially useless. Don't think that you need a full size crossover to get lots of legroom; many of the compact and midsize models offer just as much or more, especially if you don't need a third row or carry only children in the rear seats. If space is a problem in your current vehicle, the expert editorial team at Autobytel has come up with this list of 10 crossovers with the most legroom.

Ford Explorer

The full-size 3-row Ford Explorer now makes use of a unibody chassis (which is why it is now considered a crossover) that provides 42.9 inches of front legroom (the most of any full-size vehicle on our list), 39.5 inches in the second row, and 33.3 inches in the third row. Despite those numbers, the Explorer somehow performs the seemingly impossible feat of feeling both smaller inside and larger outside, and while the Explorer still looks modern, this generation was first introduced for the 2011 model year with a facelift in 2016. On the upside, the Explorer has a good ride, decent handling, and a wide range of available engines.

Photo by Ford

Infiniti QX70

The Infiniti QX70 is a stylish and sporty midsize 2-row crossover, and while the front row legroom is the best on our list, at 44.7 inches, the second row suffers as a result and has only 34.6 inches of room for legs (that's significantly less than many compact crossovers). The Infiniti handles well and the 3.7-liter V6 is powerful enough to get the QX70 moving quickly, but the engine can be a bit rough when pressed and the ride is quite firm. The interior in most models isn't spectacular, but the new-for-2017 Limited Edition steps it up a few notches.

Photo by Infiniti

Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is a fullsize crossover with three rows of seating. Legroom in the front is slightly lower than average at 40.3 inches, but the second row is fairly roomy with 38.5 inches and the third row has the most legroom on our list with 35.0 inches, making it suitable even for adults in a pinch. The interior is well executed, the ride is extremely comfortable, and there is more than enough power available. This version of the GLS has been around since the 2013 model year (when it was known as the GL) with a refresh in 2016, and it remains one of the best SUVs on the market.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Lincoln MKT

While the 3-row Lincoln MKT has the most front legroom of any fullsize crossover on our list, it's unable to beat some of its compact and midsize competition. Lincoln used the space saved in the front wisely, however, and the MKT comes out near the top in second and third row legroom, with 41.8 inches and 33.0 inches, respectively. The available turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 has more than enough power, the interior is nice, and the ride is comfortable. Downsides include a dated design (the MKT was introduced for the 2010 model year with only minor refreshes since), limited rear headroom, and a relatively small cargo area.

Photo by Lincoln

Nissan Pathfinder

The refreshed-for-2017 Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize 3-row crossover with above average legroom, at least in the first two rows. The front row offers 42.3 inches while the second row 41.7 inches; that's not only the most legroom in its class, but also more than most fullsize crossovers. That generosity in the front two rows means that the third row suffers with only 30.7 inches of space for legs, making it a tight fit for most normal-sized adults and even some children. The ride is comfortable but handling is nothing to write home about, and a CVT is the only transmission available.

Photo by Nissan

Infiniti QX60

The midsize 3-row Infiniti QX60 is closely related to the Nissan Pathfinder, and it has the same legroom in the first two rows as its less prestigious relative at 42.3 inches and 41.7 inches, respectively. The third row is marginally more spacious than the Pathfinder with 30.8 inches of leg space, but the extra room doesn't make any difference in practice, as it's still too small for anyone but young children. Like the Pathfinder, the only transmission available is a CVT, but V6 and hybrid powertrains are available (though the hybrid isn't particularly economical). The ride is good and the seats are comfortable, but the interior isn't quite up to par.

Photo by Infiniti

Honda CR-V

The compact 2-row Honda CR-V is new for 2017 and now has a respectable 41.3 inches of front legroom and a class leading 40.4 inches of second-row legroom, which means that most people should find even the rear seats comfortable. The only transmission available is a CVT but two engines are available, and while neither offers blistering performance, they are both very frugal for a vehicle of this type. Handling is decent, ride quality is good, and the interior is very nice (especially in higher trim versions). The CR-V is hard to beat, as long as you don't need a third row of seats.

Photo by Honda

Nissan Rogue

The compact Nissan Rogue doesn't have the most front or second row legroom, but at 43.0 inches and 37.9 inches, respectively, there is still plenty of room to stretch out. What it does offer (if you're willing to settle for a half inch less space in the second row) is an optional third row with a usable (by children) 31.4 inches of legroom, the most available in its class. The seats are comfortable and ride is smooth, and while the Rogue is frugal, acceleration is slow and a CVT is the only transmission available. The Rogue received a facelift for 2017 and a hybrid model is now available (though not with the third row).

Photo by Nissan

Ford Flex

If you have a large family (both in number and in stature), the full-size Ford Flex could be the vehicle you've been looking for. Front legroom is a more than reasonable 42.6 inches, second-row legroom comes in at a limousine-like 44.3 inches (the highest on our list by over two inches) and third-row legroom is a child-friendly 33.3 inches. The Flex has been on the market since 2009 (with a refresh in 2013) and the interior has aged, but there is much to like about the Flex, including its available turbocharged V6. Unfortunately, since Ford doesn't sell many, it might be near the end of the line for the Flex.

Photo by Ford

Infiniti QX50

Infiniti's crossovers all seem to have above-average legroom, and the compact 2-row QX50 is no exception, with an astounding 44.3 inches of front legroom (the second best on our list, behind only its big brother the QX70). Even though the model was stretched for the 2016 model year, the compromise is still below relatively little rear legroom at only 35.3 inches, making the QX50 better for those with smaller children (or no children at all). The QX50 has been on the market for quite some time and a new model should be coming soon, but until then, the current QX50 remains a comfortable and fun-to-drive crossover.