A Jeep that seats 6 is somewhat of a rarity because, until recent times, the company only produced vehicles that could seat up to 5 passengers. However, times have changed, and given the stiff competition that Jeep is facing, the company has decided to start producing cars with third-row seats.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the Jeep models with third-row seats and discover the spaces they offer. We’ll also check other specifications of these models to help you make the perfect choice that’d suit your family.
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The Jeep that Seats 6 Passengers
The Jeep models that seat 6 passengers include the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. These vehicles can seat up to 8 passengers by offering third-row seating and their spacious cargo space is great for hauling all the equipment you desire for a fun-filled family adventure.
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee L
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| Price | $41,000 – $62,000 |
| Durability | 150,000 miles – 200,000 miles |
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the longer version of the more popular Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle features an extended wheelbase and rear section that allows third-row seating, which can fit up to 7 occupants, depending on the configuration.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee seating capacity 7 standard configuration features second-row captain chairs that can accommodate 6 people. However, if you opt for the second-row bench seat, you can fit a maximum of 7 people occupants.
You can fold and slide the second-row seats forward to get access to the third-row seats. Additionally, all seats are foldable, allowing you a cargo space of 85.3 cubic feet to pack all your skis, tools, and other gear.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 3rd row interior exudes luxury and elegance, as it features high-quality leather upholstery and technology. The seats are ventilated to provide comfort during extreme weather conditions, and its state-of-the-art infotainment system provides the finest entertainment options.
The vehicle comes in 6 trim levels: Altitude, Overland, Laredo, Summit Reserve, Reserve and Limited, with either a 3.6L V6 or 5.7L V8 engine. The engine produces 290 horsepower with 260 pound-feet of torque, while the V8 produces 357 horsepower with 390 pound-feet of torque.
It also boasts an 8-speed automatic transmission, and its robust 4×4 system gives it unparalleled off-road performance. All the trims are fitted with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistant, blind spot monitoring and other safety features.
2. The Jeep Wagoneer
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| Price | $60,000 – $95,000 |
| Durability | 150,000 miles – 200,000 miles |
The next Jeep model that can accommodate more than 6 people in its cabin is the Jeep Wagoneer. The Jeep Wagoneer was first introduced in 1961, but production halted in 1991 due to a loss of interest in the brand.
However, in 2021, the vehicle made a strong comeback, introducing top-of-the-line technology and accessories coupled with a bigger size and seating capacity. The vehicle can seat seven or eight people, depending on the seat configuration you choose.
The standard version features a captain’s seat in the front, allowing you to seat a maximum of seven people. However, you can opt for the version with the bench seat configuration if your family members are up to eight.
The interior has a luxurious feel with genuine wood accents and high-tech accessories, such as two standard touchscreens to regulate some functions. The infotainment system features Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and USB ports for all seat rows.
The standard engine features a 6.4L V8 engine that produces 471 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, higher trim levels are fitted with a twin-turbo 3.0L in-line six that has 510 horsepower and 8-speed automatic transmission.
The vehicle boasts a ground clearance of 10 inches, independent rear suspension and an adaptive air suspension that allows for a smoother ride. The Jeep 3-row SUV Wagoneer can tow up to 9,860 pounds of cargo and has a maximum cargo capacity of 78.1 cubic feet.
3. The Grand Wagoneer
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| Price | $80,000 – $90,000 |
| Durability | 200,000 miles – 250,000 miles |
The Grand Wagoneer is Jeep’s adventure into the SUV luxury realm with a few surprises up its sleeves. The size of the cabin makes way for a maximum of eight people, and its upscale interior is level above what we are used to.
Since it’s the Luxury model of the Wagoneer, the interior features elegant upholstery with original wood accents and top-of-the technology. The standard version comes with captain’s seats on the second row, but you can opt for the version with bench seats instead.
The Grand Wagoneer has a longer version that features more cargo space to carry all the tools you’ll need on a family vacation but is more difficult to maneuver. You can get over 116 cubic feet of cargo space when all the seats are folded or settle for 27.4 cubic feet behind the third-row seats.
The vehicle has a maximum towing capacity of 9860 pounds and a curb weight of up to 6,428 pounds.
That aside, the Jeep doesn’t fare well in the fuel-efficiency department, showcasing a combined EPA rating of a measly 16 mpg. However, its maximum engine output of 510 horsepower at 5,700 rpm is quite impressive.
Its 8-speed automatic transmission can reach the speed of 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The Grand Wagoneer is great for transporting your family, as it can carry lots of cargo, but beware of its size and drivability.
The Reasons Jeep Delayed Producing 6 Seats
For a long time, Jeep withstood the temptation of producing models that seat 6 for a few reasons. One such reason was that the company didn’t want to compromise its offroad capabilities. Another reason was that it feared distorting its boxy design.
The company thought that compromising its boxy design may not augur well for business as its patrons loved it, especially the Jeep Cherokee.
Offroading Capabilities
Jeep has always focused on building vehicles suited for offroad adventure; thus, it feared adding third-row seats could compromise it. Third-row seats meant that the company had to make some structural adjustments and include some safety measures, which would add extra weight and length to the vehicle.
This extra weight and length could prove challenging when navigating off-road terrain, especially sharp bends. Interestingly, the company wasn’t far from right as some patrons have complained about the Grand Wagoneer’s drivability due to its size.
Another reason Jeep delayed producing a model that seats 6 people was due to ground clearance. To add a third-row seat, the company would have to drop the vehicle’s floor, taking it closer to the ground than they’d have preferred.
As we all know, dropping the floor meant that the vehicle would struggle to navigate off-road terrains such as bumpy roads and hilly areas. Also, getting stuck in the mud with a low ground clearance significantly reduces the chances of getting out and might end up destroying the undercarriage.
Compromising the Unique Boxy Designs
Many models of the Jeep, like the CJ and Wrangler series, have become the flagships of the company due to its rugged, boxy design. Thus, adding extra length and weight to make up for the addition of third-row seats may disrupt the boxy design.
One area that will be severely impacted is the vehicle’s rear overhang, which is the length between the back of the vehicle and the rear axle. To accommodate extra seats, this area would need to be extended, giving the vehicle a funny look.
Complementing the Jeep’s boxy design is its ability to go open top, which could be affected if the company added third-row seating. Adding extra seats could affect the removal of the rear roof and spoil the open-top experience for its enthusiasts.
Moreover, the structural changes and adjustments could affect the off-road capabilities of the vehicle and might lead to low sales. Thus, the company shelved the idea of expanding the seating area of the vehicle until it could come up with a design that would maintain the “boxiness.”
The Tire Size and Payload Capacity
Jeep traditionally uses larger tires as part of its off-road qualities, which helps to traverse all kinds of terrains. However, the company would have to reduce the tire size to accommodate the extra set of tires due to the added length and weight.
What this means is that the wheel size would have to be reduced to match the tire size, leading to handling problems. Also, the extra set of tires could affect the height of the tires and reduce the ground clearance necessary for off-road vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Seat 6 People?
No, the standard Unlimited can’t seat 6 people (no 3rd row Jeep Wrangler). The maximum number of people it can take is 5. Also, there are no aftermarket options where you can extend the seating capacity because doing that would compromise its shape and off-roading capabilities.
If you’re looking to get a 6 passenger Jeep Wrangler, a Jeep with 3rd row seating for sale should cost between $41,000 and $72,000, depending on the model and trim.
What Are the Capacities of the Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Compass?
Both the Gladiator and Compass have a seating capacity of 5. However, the Gladiator has more of an off-road design compared to the SUV-like nature of the Compass. The Gladiator is designed to traverse all kinds of terrain, while the Compass is made for comfort.
Conclusion
So far, we’ve looked at the Jeep Models that can seat 6 or more passengers and their respective features. Here is a recap of all that we’ve discovered in this blog post:
- The Jeep models that seat 6 passengers and more are the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee L features an extended wheelbase and rear section that make for third-row seating and can fit up to 7 occupants, depending on the configuration.
- The Jeep Wagoneer also features an extended wheelbase and increased ground clearance and can fit 7 or 8 people, depending on the seating configuration.
- The Grand Wagoneer is Jeep’s adventure into the SUV luxury realm with a few surprises up its sleeves and can seat up to 8 people.
Jeep initially decided against producing models that could seat more than 5 passengers because it didn’t want to compromise its off-road capabilities and boxy design. However, in recent times, the company has heeded numerous calls to compete in the SUV class.
References:
- Jeep. (n.d). Full-size Sports Utility Vehicle. Jeep. https://www.jeep.com/suv/fullsize-suvs.html
- Neil D. (2022). 2022 Jeep Wagoneer’s Massive Appeal. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/2022-jeep-wagoneer-massive-appeal-11647542373
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