In case you plan on utilizing a car’s third row lots, allow us to not less than make the suggestion {that a} minivan could be a better guess than something you are going to see on this checklist of greatest three-row SUVs. Their third rows are greater, extra snug and simpler to get to. The children will certainly be happier. Listed below are our two high decisions.
OK, now that that is out of the way in which, we completely get why minivans are completely miserable and that if the children wish to be happier, they will purchase their very own darn car. You are shopping for, you are driving, you are being seen in it and also you’d relatively have a three-row SUV. Truthful sufficient. Fortunately, there are extra decisions than ever they usually’re actually good. The very best do a very good job of being household pleasant with out trying like a colorless transportation equipment, though actually, you possibly can’t go mistaken with any of the mainstream three-row SUVs. Now, a few of the luxurious decisions are a bit suspect, together with these which might be in any other case very interesting however have cramped third-row seats (the Genesis GV80 involves thoughts). We’re specializing in three-row SUVs right here, so having a usable third row is a should.
On this checklist, we’ve got damaged issues down into 4 sub-categories:
Greatest Three-Row Crossover | Greatest Full-size Three-Row SUV
Greatest Luxurious Three-Row SUV | Greatest Flagship Luxurious Three-Row SUV
Word that we outline crossovers as SUVs since most patrons use the phrases interchangeably, however acknowledge that “crossover” is actually a car with a car-like unibody construction versus the truck-like, body-on-frame development that historically has outlined “SUV.” In different phrases, we think about all crossovers SUVs, however not all SUVs are crossovers (particularly these within the full-size phase and a few within the flagship luxurious phase).
Greatest Three-Row Crossover SUV
Hyundai Palisade
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo house; well-executed tech; high-style inside
May very well be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model
Learn our full 2023 Hyundai Palisade Overview and comply with updates on our long-term Palisade check
The Hyundai Palisade is mechanically associated to the Kia Telluride, and selecting between this pair of masterfully executed household haulers might principally come all the way down to a coin flip. Or, extra realistically, which you assume seems to be higher. For its half, the Palisade has a extra luxurious vibe, which is most evident in its Restricted and Calligraphy trim ranges that might simply compete with precise luxury-brand SUVs. The primary purpose for that is the trendy, well-made cabin that not solely seems to be nice, however boasts helpful storage, user-friendly infotainment tech and more room than almost each competitor — greater children and even adults will likely be completely snug within the third row, and you’ll match extra stuff behind the raised third row. Hyundai’s driver help and security tech can also be among the many best-executed within the trade. If there is a main gap in its sport, it is the shortage of a hybrid powertrain or a extra {powerful} model.
Kia Sorento
Why it stands out: Distinctive dimension; environment friendly engines together with two hybrid decisions; high-end cabin; well-executed tech
May very well be higher: Much less customary energy than equally priced midsize fashions; hybrids are extra-hard to come back by
Learn our full-line Kia Sorento Overview or particularly our Sorento PHEV overview
The Kia Sorento principally has the outside dimensions of a two-row midsize SUV, however manages to sandwich in a 3rd row for many who might foresee needing one every now and then, however not regularly sufficient to warrant driving round a much bigger, thirstier and pricier car like Kia’s Telluride. It is principally for many who do not essentially assume that greater is best. And for its half, the Kia Sorento is interesting for myriad different causes. Fully redesigned for 2021, it options revised styling in step with however not copying the profitable Telluride. There are even barely completely different styling flavors, together with the sportier SX Status and extra rugged X-Line that may now be paired with most trim ranges (pictured above left). Inside, materials high quality is elevated, the design is good-looking and expertise will not be solely considerable, however person pleasant. The identical well-executed driver help and security options that so impress within the Palisade and Telluride are additionally obtainable within the Sorento. Maybe most importantly, nonetheless, is that the Sorento is likely one of the only a few three-row SUVs supplied as a hybrid. Its 37 mpg blows away the V6-powered competitors, and there is an distinctive plug-in hybrid selection (pictured above proper) that we would whole-heartedly suggest apart from the acute issue you may have to find one.
Kia Telluride
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo house; well-executed tech; well-made inside; does not seem like a household hauler
May very well be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model obtainable
Learn our full Kia Telluride Overview
In case you’ve already learn the above description of the Hyundai Palisade, you’ve got already been briefed about its mechanical commonalities with the Telluride and that they share the identical basic sturdy factors: house, expertise, high quality and worth. In addition they achieve this to an extent that outpaces their opponents. Of the 2, the Kia Telluride has acquired the higher share of accolades, largely as a result of its styling appears to resonate with extra folks. Principally, type is the tie breaker. There’s greater than a whiff of Vary Rover to its blocky proportions and restrained detailing (though Kia did tart it up a bit for 2023 and eliminated the Rover-like “Telluride” written throughout the hood). Principally, the Kia Telluride does not seem like a three-row household hauler regardless of being among the best three-row household haulers. Win-win.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Why it stands out: Greatest gasoline financial system in its phase by many miles; high-end inside
May very well be higher: Cramped third-row seat; much less cargo house than rivals
Learn our full 2023 Toyota Highlander Overview
The Telluride and Palisade may be wonderful, class-leading three-row crossovers, however their gasoline financial system is just common for the phase at 21 mpg mixed. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, alternatively, will get 35 mpg mixed. That distinction is as large because it appears. Apart from the environmental advantages, you’ll save a median of $850 per yr on the pump with the Highlander Hybrid, in keeping with the EPA. When you think about it prices solely $1,400 greater than a comparable V6-powered Highlander, you are an extremely fast payback time contemplating at the moment’s gasoline costs. True, it has solely 243 horsepower, which implies it is on the sluggish aspect for the phase and might really feel fairly strained if you end up doing a lot of freeway passing, however contemplating how most individuals drive their three-row household haulers, we expect the 13-mpg benefit will greater than make up for that. Apart from its gasoline financial system, although, the lately redesigned Highlander is interesting in its personal proper with Palisade-rivaling inside high quality, composed experience and dealing with, and ample function content material. If there’s purpose for pause, it is the relatively cramped third-row seat that’s extra corresponding to the Sorento’s than the Telluride’s. Clearly then, it’s a must to be prepared to sacrifice max three-row house for max gasoline financial system. We’re guessing many patrons will discover that acceptable.
Greatest Full-Measurement Three-Row SUV
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon
Why it stands out: Gasoline-efficient diesel engine; extra third-row house than giant crossovers; luxurious interiors
May very well be higher: Many driver help options not obtainable on decrease trims
Learn our full 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Overview and our GMC Yukon Overview
The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban have lengthy been best-selling full-size SUVs, however these gross sales did not replicate its power relative opponents. A swap to an impartial rear suspension for the all-new era for 2021 has radically remodeled it, nonetheless. The third-row within the Tahoe and its GMC Yukon twin go from almost uninhabitable to one of many greatest in any car. Cargo house has ballooned, together with within the prolonged size Suburban and Yukon XL, and the cargo ground is decrease. The experience and dealing with have additionally been dramatically improved. Apart from the suspension-related enhancements, there is a distinctive diesel engine possibility that will get you crossover-like gasoline financial system, and a totally aggressive inside. The GMC Yukon even will get its personal inside design for the primary time, but it surely’s unique to the Denali trim stage. Add all of it up, and also you get a full-size SUV household that we are able to now suggest.
Ford Expedition
Why it stands out: Silky easy V6 with class-leading torque and gasoline financial system; greater third-row than GM SUVs (barely)
May very well be higher: Much less engaging and splendid inside than Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon
Learn our most up-to-date Ford Expedition Overview and skim concerning the vital updates made for final yr’s Expedition
Till the Tahoe/Yukon had been redesigned, recommending the Expedition was a simple selection. Now, the taking part in discipline has largely been leveled between the 2, with the scales tilting towards the GM SUVs by way of inside design and high quality, infotainment options, and the obtainable diesel engine. Whereas it might’t do a lot concerning the latter, not less than the Expedition acquired an up to date inside for 2022. Ford additionally nonetheless has the larger, extra snug third-row seat, although, plus the piece de resistance: its silky easy 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque (and it goes as much as 440 hp and 510 lb-ft within the Expedition Timberline pictured above left). Apart from that being class-leading torque, it is horsepower additionally blows away most opponents, together with GM’s 5.3-liter V8 present in most trim ranges. Higher but, it is gasoline financial system is best than the GM V8s and considerably higher than the Jeep Wagoneer’s gas-guzzlers (though these are changed with a far-more aggressive engine within the extended-length Wagoneer L). In different phrases, simply because the Expedition’s been round some time does not imply you must ignore it.
Jeep Wagoneer L
Why it stands out: It is longer than the Titanic; kidding apart, the inside is simply huge; stunning inside; higher engine than regular-length Wagoneers
May very well be higher: Gentle suspension with a lot of physique motions; good luck parking such an infinite car
Learn our overview of the Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L
The letter L makes all of the distinction right here and never for the rationale you may assume. The regular-length Wagoneer and ritzier Grand Wagoneer are literally massively spacious in their very own proper, boasting a much bigger third-row seat than its Ford and GM rivals. There’s extra cargo house behind that third-row, too. Actually, solely probably the most excessive people-and-stuff-hauling wants ought to require one thing as huge as a Jeep Wagoneer L, which is a foot longer with 7 additional inches of wheelbase. As a substitute, the rationale we suggest the new-for-2023 Wagoneer L and never its regular-length siblings is what’s below the hood. Reasonably than the thirsty V8 engines that’ll value you hundreds extra on gasoline per yr than a Tahoe or Expedition, the L will get Jeep’s new “Hurricane” turbocharged V6 that produces 28 extra horsepower and 64 extra pound-feet of torque than the previous 5.7-liter Hemi V8 whereas returning an estimated 20 mpg mixed. The hole with the Grand Wagoneer and its 6.4-liter V8 is even higher. Principally, the Wagoneer’s horrible gasoline financial system saved it from this checklist previously. With the brand new Hurricane, we welcome it aboard … simply so long as its the L model.
Greatest Three-Row Luxurious SUVs
Acura MDX
Why it stands out: Superior dealing with; versatile second row; worth on your cash; reliability fame; sporty Sort S
May very well be higher: Steep tech interface studying curve; stiff brake pedal really feel; no plug-in hybrid possibility
Learn our common Acura MDX Overview and our overview of the Sort S
The MDX was fully redesigned final yr. It is extra luxurious than its predecessor, making Acura’s three-row crossover a extra convincing competitor for the Audis, BMWs and Lexuses of the world. It additionally has Acura’s latest in-car expertise, although the interface is an acquired style. Most necessary, although, the MDX will not be solely extra participating to drive than earlier than, it additionally outpaces its three-row competitors — credit score to Acura’s latest-generation Tremendous-Dealing with All-Wheel Drive system in addition to an elevated deal with driving pleasure. That is very true with the Sort S (pictured above proper). On the identical time, although, the MDX stays some of the wise luxurious SUV decisions. The third row is friendlier for teenagers or adults, and the versatile second row incorporates a detachable middle-seat portion, which means you do not have to decide on between seven-passenger capability or extra snug second-row captain’s chairs. There’s additionally the matter of getting extra tools on your cash, in addition to the MDX’s historically sturdy resale worth and reliability.
Lincoln Aviator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; large energy; comparatively spacious third-row; ample cargo house
May very well be higher: A less expensive, less-powerful entry mannequin that might open the Aviator as much as extra patrons
Learn our full Lincoln Aviator Overview
You will not hear us say this fairly often, however the Lincoln Aviator has an excessive amount of energy. With a typical 400-horsepower turbo V6, the Aviator obliterates the bottom and improve engines of most opponents. That is undoubtedly commendable, and we’re not likely complaining. It is simply that the Aviator is so good, it might simply provide a much less strong engine and cater to extra patrons with a lower cost. They’d nonetheless be getting a spacious, well-equipped, easy-to-use and high-style inside, plus a refined driving expertise that makes an attempt to make your time behind the wheel “easy” versus “sporty.” Sure, even with 400 hp, the Aviator is extra about grand-touring velocity than taking corners (applicable for a Lincoln). And, talking of Grand Touring, the Aviator’s trim of that title is in truth a plug-in hybrid that boasts 494 hp and 630 pound-feet of torque. It additionally has a helpful 21 miles of electrical vary.
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Volvo XC90
Why it stands out: Spacious third-row and cargo space; Scandinavian design; huge worth vary; obtainable plug-in hybrid
May very well be higher: Unrefined engines; tech interface does not agree with everybody; experience will be tough with large wheels
Learn our most up-to-date Volvo XC90 Overview
You will get an XC90 dressed to the nines with the 455-horsepower XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain and each high-tech, leather-lined possibility obtainable for almost $85,000 and stroll away with a very particular luxurious SUV befitting that price ticket. On the identical time, although, you may get a base XC90 Core for round $58,000 and stroll away with a well-equipped and well-made household SUV that is extra spacious, environment friendly and trendy than most luxurious fashions. Such widespread attraction and competitiveness are uncommon. The XC90 is a superb luxurious SUV regardless of the worth or trim stage.
Greatest Flagship Luxurious Three-Row SUV
Cadillac Escalade
Why it stands out: 38 inches of OLED screens; diesel engine; tow functionality; adult-friendly third row; Tremendous Cruise
May very well be higher: V8 gasoline effectivity; gargantuan dimension impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our 2023 Cadillac Escalade Overview and our particular Escalade Diesel overview
The Escalade was all new for 2021, radically improved and much more aggressive. The swap to an impartial rear suspension took the third row from uninhabitable to one of many greatest in the marketplace, whereas additionally benefiting the experience, dealing with and cargo house. The styling equally is as refined you’d count on from this lofty worth level by way of supplies, design and expertise. Particularly, the 38 inches value of three OLED screens that encompass the driving force. The Escalade can also be obtainable with GM’s extremely superior Tremendous Cruise hands-free driving expertise. One other key aspect is the diesel engine possibility, which gives the identical 460 pound-feet of torque as the usual 6.2-liter gasoline V8, however ought to prevent vital cash on the pump even with excessive diesel costs. It is the one to get. On the alternative finish of the spectrum, there’s the brand new Escalade-V, however that is only a bit too foolish to suggest.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer L
Why it stands out: Lovely inside; monumental inside house even by phase requirements; higher engine than regular-length Wagoneers
May very well be higher: Gentle suspension with a lot of physique motions; good luck parking such an infinite car
Learn our overview of the Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L
Similar to the non-grand Wagoneer, the letter L makes all of the distinction right here and never for the rationale you may assume. The regular-length Grand Wagoneer is definitely massively spacious in its personal proper, boasting a much bigger third-row seat than its Lincoln and Cadillac rivals. There’s extra cargo house behind that third-row, too. Actually, solely probably the most excessive people-and-stuff-hauling wants ought to require one thing as huge as a Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, which is a foot longer with 7 additional inches of wheelbase. As a substitute, the rationale we suggest the new-for-2023 Grand Wagoneer L and never its regular-length sibling is what’s below the hood. Reasonably than the shockingly thirsty 6.4-liter V8 that’ll value you hundreds extra on gasoline per yr than a Navigator or Escalade, the L will get Jeep’s new “Hurricane” turbocharged V6 that produces 39 extra horsepower and 45 extra pound-feet of torque than that previous Hemi V8. Principally, the Grand Wagoneer’s horrible gasoline financial system saved it from this checklist previously. The Hurricane modifications that, which means the Grand Wagoneer and its actually luxurious inside can stand extra compellingly toe-to-toe with its American luxurious rivals.
Lincoln Navigator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; buttery easy and massively {powerful} engine; unmatched third-row house
May very well be higher: Touchscreen appears awfully small due to Cadillac; gargantuan dimension impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our Lincoln Navigator Overview
It is easy to be wowed by the range-topping Navigator Black Label fashions that may be dressed up within the beautiful shade “Themes” of deep inexperienced or icy blue. They’re actually particular, and when you’ve got the money, the priciest Navigators are with out query probably the most fascinating ones. On the identical time, each Navigator advantages from the identical normal Mid-Century Fashionable-inspired inside design (up to date with a much bigger touchscreen for 2022), unmatched passenger house, considerable options checklist, refined street manners and a typical engine that produces 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of this vital energy benefit over the 6.2-liter Escalade, it is also extra environment friendly (though Lincoln does not provide a fuel-efficient reply to the diesel Escalade). Certain, it is nonetheless gigantic and relatively truckish in lots of regards, however the Navigator can nonetheless stand tall in opposition to the world’s most interesting flagship luxurious SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Why it stands out: Lovely inside; impeccable engineering oozes from all the pieces; numerous mannequin line; well-executed security tech
May very well be higher: Overwhelming and complicated tech interface
Learn our most up-to-date Mercedes GLS Overview
The Mercedes GLS is a lot greater and a lot nicer than three-row luxurious SUVs just like the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 that it is elevated past them into the uppermost echelon of luxurious SUVs: the flagships. That it has three rows is in some methods only a bonus for these searching for probably the most superior SUV Mercedes has to supply (the Maybach GLS 600 does not even have it), however that aft-most row can also be genuinely adult-friendly, which is uncommon amongst luxurious makers. As such, the GLS can directly compete with the Vary Rover and Navigator … to not point out the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan when in Maybach guise. After all, we expect the Maybach and AMG GLS 63 variations are borderline offensive of their overkill and extravagance, however if you’d like the perfect, then it is actually laborious to argue in opposition to them.
