The second row is usually easier because it reduces repeated friction
A Xinjiang road trip involves many small stops, seat checks, snack handovers and comfort adjustments. The second row shortens those routine actions. That matters more over several travel days than a one-time static seat diagram might suggest.
The third row creates access problems for the whole vehicle, not just for the children
Two child seats in the third row can complicate boarding, handovers and seat access for everyone else. If the same trip also includes seniors, bulky soft bags, a stroller or frequent item retrieval, that back section can become the hardest zone in the vehicle to operate.
The key question is who most needs door-side access and who most needs close supervision
If both children are young and need frequent attention, the second row normally wins. If one child is older and the vehicle has an unusually workable rear entry pattern, a split arrangement can be considered. The correct answer depends on supervision load, not just on age labels.
Seat placement should be planned together with the cabin essentials
Once the child seats are placed, the wipes, drinks, light blankets, snacks and backup clothes should be arranged around that choice. Otherwise the family keeps solving one problem while creating another with repeated reaching and turning.