What we are presenting to everyone is a comparison of the third-row seating performance of 5 SUVs, which is also a topic that many friends are concerned about. Similarly, because there is a significant price difference among the models in the article, their third-row performance is only for your reference when purchasing a car. I have tried to cover models of various price ranges within the same category, and there will definitely be one that suits you. In addition, all the test vehicles will be adjusted to the standard driving position in the first row and a two-fist legroom in the second row. The author of this article, who is 183 cm tall and weighs 85 kg, is the person experiencing the vehicles, and for the third-row space of most models, it is quite a challenge.
1/ Leapmotor C16
Among the models we tested this time, the Leaping C16 is relatively small in size. Therefore, ensuring a two-fist legroom in the second row is quite a challenge for its third row. The measured third-row seat cushion length of the Leaping C16 is 480 mm, and the seat cushion height is 340 mm, which is a fairly good performance in the same category. Being 183 cm tall and sitting in the third row, I have no headroom or legroom left. However, the seating posture at this time has not yet been squeezed, and my feet can be placed under the second-row seats. After adjusting the second-row seats appropriately, it can cope with short-term travel.
2/ Li Auto L8
The third-row seat cushion length of the Li Auto L8 is 460 mm, but the seat cushion height is only 280 mm, which is the second-lowest model among the ones we tested this time. The low seat cushion causes the third-row passengers to lack some leg support, giving a bit of a squatting feeling when sitting. In terms of space, with my height of 183 cm in the third row, my head just touches the top, but there is still a two-finger gap for my legs, which is in line with our expectations for a 5-meter-class SUV.
3/ Deepal S09
The Deep Blue S09 has performed very well in the previous two issues of our content. So, how does it perform in terms of third-row space experience? In terms of seat cushion length, the data of 500 mm is the longest among the 7 models we tested this time, and the seat cushion height of 350 mm is also the highest. Therefore, the Deep Blue S09 provides a very comfortable seating posture. At the same time, in terms of space, we can see that the third row of this model has about a four-finger headroom, and the legroom of three fingers is also quite good, giving a strong sense of spaciousness in the entire third row.
4/ Aito M7
The third-row seat cushion length of the Aito M7 is 445 mm, and the height is 250 mm. Both data are the lowest among all the 7 models, so the squatting feeling is the strongest, and the overall third-row seating posture is far from elegant. In addition, although the vehicle length has also reached 5 meters, it seems that the space utilization rate inside the Aito M7 is not very high. With a two-fist gap ensured for the second-row seats, there are two fingers of headroom in the third row, which is not bad, but there is no space left for the legs. If you are going to travel fully loaded with the Aito M7, the passengers in the second row will have to sacrifice some comfort, and it is better for the third row to be occupied by passengers with smaller statures. In terms of third-row functionality, the Aito M7 can manually adjust the reclining angle of the backrest, but the adjustable range is not very large. The third-row cup holders have limiters, and independent speakers and air vents are also equipped. However, it is not quite appropriate that no charging interfaces are provided for the third-row passengers.
5/ Aito M8
Compared with the underperforming M7, the Aito M8 seems to be a product of the new era in all aspects. So, will its performance be much better than that of the M7? First, let's look at the third-row seat data. The seat cushion length is 470 mm, and the height is 330 mm. This data is close to that of the Leaping C16 and is a fairly average result. However, the seating posture is much more normal. After adjusting the positions of the first two rows of seats, I have one finger of headroom, and my legs just touch the front seats. For an SUV with a length of about 5.2 meters, this performance is just acceptable and below expectations.
In terms of functionality, the Aito M8 is not very worrying. It has electrically adjustable backrests and electric heating. USB-C fast charging interfaces are also available on both sides. Considering the price and product positioning, it is much stronger than the M7. In addition, the side armrests of the third row of the M8 are very wide, and the cup holders of the seats also have limiters. However, upon closer inspection, it can be seen that the cost and refinement of the function implementation far exceed those of the M7. After all, the principle that you get what you pay for will never be wrong.
