When you plan on utilizing a car’s third row so much, allow us to at the very least make the suggestion {that a} minivan could be a better wager than something you are going to see on this record of greatest three-row SUVs. Their third rows are larger, extra comfy and simpler to get to. The children will certainly be happier. Listed here are our two high selections.
OK, now that that is out of the best way, we completely get why minivans are completely miserable and that if the youngsters 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 quite have a three-row SUV. Honest sufficient. Fortunately, there are extra selections than ever and so they’re actually good. The most effective do a very good job of being household pleasant with out wanting like a colorless transportation equipment, though actually, you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with any of the mainstream three-row SUVs. Now, a number of the luxurious selections are a bit suspect, together with these which can 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 record, we’ve got damaged issues down into 4 sub-categories:
Finest Three-Row Crossover | Finest Full-size Three-Row SUV
Finest Luxurious Three-Row SUV | Finest Flagship Luxurious Three-Row SUV
Be aware 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 building that historically has outlined “SUV.” In different phrases, we contemplate all crossovers SUVs, however not all SUVs are crossovers (particularly these within the full-size section and a few within the flagship luxurious section).
Finest Three-Row Crossover SUVs of 2024
2024 Honda Pilot
Why it stands out: Distinctive storage and cargo house; distinctive second-row performance; refined experience; versatile and succesful TrailSport; superior AWD
May very well be higher: Subpar acceleration with lackadaisical transmission and engine response; so-so driver help tech
Learn our full 2024 Honda Pilot Evaluate
The Honda Pilot was fully redesigned for 2023. It maintains its predecessor’s household pleasant packaging and total focus, however it has injected a welcome sense of favor (particularly within the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out significantly better from the massive crossover crowd. The Pilot’s restrained adornment and basic proportions are refreshing in comparison with the more and more busy Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Subaru Ascent. Let’s speak about practicality, although, which is finally the Pilot’s greatest attribute. Whereas each different three-row SUV makes house owners select between a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs (and due to this fact six-, seven- or eight-passenger capability relying on car), the Pilot’s detachable second-row center seat signifies that each Pilot generally is a seven- or eight-passenger car. That center seat even suits below the cargo flooring in all trims however the TrailSport (its full-size all-terrain spare tire takes up an excessive amount of house). There’s additionally loads of considerate, family-friendly storage all through and a well-rounded driving expertise true to the Honda norm.
2024 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 2024 Hyundai Palisade Evaluate 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 may mainly come all the way down to a coin flip. Or, extra realistically, which you suppose appears higher. For its half, the Palisade has a extra luxurious vibe, which is most blatant in its Restricted and Calligraphy trim ranges that might simply compete with precise luxury-brand SUVs. The principle cause for that is the fashionable, well-made cabin that not solely appears nice, however boasts helpful storage, user-friendly infotainment tech and more room than almost each competitor — larger children and even adults shall be completely comfy within the third row, and you may 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 recreation, it is the dearth of a hybrid powertrain or a extra {powerful} model.
2024 Kia Sorento
Why it stands out: Distinctive dimension; environment friendly engines together with two hybrid selections; 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 2024 Kia Sorento Evaluate or particularly our Sorento PHEV evaluation
The Kia Sorento mainly has the outside dimensions of a two-row midsize SUV, however manages to sandwich in a 3rd row for individuals who may foresee needing one from time to time, however not often sufficient to warrant driving round a much bigger, thirstier and pricier car like Kia’s Telluride. It is mainly for individuals who do not essentially suppose that larger is healthier. And for its half, the Kia Sorento is interesting for myriad different causes. Inside supplies high quality is elevated, the designs are good-looking and know-how is great. 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 provided as a hybrid. Its 37 mpg blows away the V6-powered competitors, and there is an distinctive plug-in hybrid selection (pictured above proper). You will need to notice, nonetheless, that 2024 is an odd yr for the Sorento. The gas-only variations get revised exterior and inside design, and new infotainment tech. The hybrids get these updates for 2025, that means the 2024 variations carry over from final yr. The Sorento is really useful no matter these updates.
2024 Kia Telluride
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo house; well-executed tech; well-made inside; does not appear to be a household hauler
May very well be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model obtainable
Learn our full 2024 Kia Telluride Evaluate
When you’ve already learn the above description of the Hyundai Palisade, you have already been briefed about its mechanical commonalities with the Telluride and that they share the identical elementary sturdy factors: house, know-how, high quality and worth. In addition they accomplish that to an extent that outpaces their opponents. Of the 2, the Kia Telluride has obtained the better share of accolades, largely as a result of its styling appears to resonate with extra individuals. 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 appear to be a three-row household hauler regardless of being top-of-the-line three-row household haulers. Win-win.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander hybrids
Why it stands out: Distinctive gas financial system for a three-row SUV or big-time energy for a three-row SUV; class-leading house behind the third row
May very well be higher: Some infotainment irritations; costly
Learn our full 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Evaluate
Whereas the Toyota Highlander has beforehand been on this record, it was nearly totally due to its hybrid mannequin that gives distinctive gas financial system none of its opponents may match. We at all times included the caveat that you simply’d be sacrificing third-row and cargo house for that gas financial system. That isn’t the case with the brand new Toyota Grand Highlander, a separate mannequin regardless of its title, that is considerably bigger the place it counts: within the third row and behind it. It too is out there with a conventional, fuel-sipping Toyota hybrid powertrain that achieves a sky-high (for a three-row household car) 33-36 mpg mixed, but in addition presents the performance-oriented Hybrid Max powertrain that will get above-average gas financial system whereas additionally boasting 362 horsepower — an quantity few rivals strategy. Add it up, and the Grand Highlander is a simple alternative right here for its non-grand sibling. The hefty price ticket does give us pause, however you are at the very least getting an terrible lot of household hauler.
Finest Full-Dimension Three-Row SUV
2024 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon
Why it stands out: Gas-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 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Evaluate and our GMC Yukon Evaluate
The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban have lengthy been best-selling full-size SUVs, however these gross sales did not mirror its power relative opponents. A swap to an impartial rear suspension for the all-new technology 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 largest in any car. Cargo house has ballooned, together with within the prolonged size Suburban and Yukon XL, and the cargo flooring is decrease. The experience and dealing with have additionally been dramatically improved. Moreover the suspension-related enhancements, there is a distinctive diesel engine choice that will get you crossover-like gas financial system, and a completely aggressive inside. The GMC Yukon even will get its personal inside design for the primary time, however it’s unique to the Denali trim degree. Add all of it up, and also you get a full-size SUV household that we will now advocate.
2024 Ford Expedition
Why it stands out: Silky clean V6 with class-leading torque and gas financial system; larger third-row than GM SUVs (barely)
May very well be higher: Much less enticing and opulent inside than Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon
Learn our most up-to-date Ford Expedition Evaluate and skim in regards to the important updates made for final yr’s Expedition
Till the Tahoe/Yukon have been redesigned, recommending the Expedition was a simple selection. Now, the taking part in area has largely been leveled between the 2, with the scales tilting towards the GM SUVs when it comes to inside design and high quality, infotainment options, and the obtainable diesel engine. Whereas it might’t do a lot in regards to the latter, at the very least the Expedition received an up to date inside for 2022. Ford additionally nonetheless has the larger, extra comfy third-row seat, although, plus the piece de resistance: its silky clean 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). Moreover 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 gas financial system is healthier than the GM V8s. In different phrases, simply because the Expedition’s been round some time doesn’t suggest you need to ignore it.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer
Why it stands out: Finest third-row legroom and cargo house past that third row on this record; stunning inside; plush experience
May very well be higher: Mushy suspension with a lot of physique motions; the L is totally gigantic, so good luck with parking
Learn our most up-to-date evaluation of the Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L
You need a big SUV? Properly, it does not actually get bigger than the Jeep Wagoneer and its extra-luxury model, the Grand Wagoneer. Really it does, the extended-length Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L is even bigger and the most important selections within the section. In consequence, they’ve essentially the most spacious and comfy third-row seat on this record, whereas the cargo space behind that third row can also be extra beneficiant. It is completely possible so that you can pack in sufficient baggage for everybody aboard.
The Wagoneer additionally has the best inside in its section, because it’s actually not that totally different from what you get within the Grand Wagoneer that competes fairly favorably with Cadillacs and Lincolns. The excellent news for 2024 is that your complete Wagoneer lineup will get Jeep/Ram’s new “Hurricane” turbocharged inline-six engine that produces extra energy and torque than the previous V8 selections whereas getting significantly better gas financial system.
Finest Three-Row Luxurious SUVs
2024 Acura MDX
Why it stands out: Superior dealing with; versatile second row; worth on your cash; reliability repute; sporty Sort S
May very well be higher: Steep tech interface studying curve; stiff brake pedal really feel; no plug-in hybrid choice
Learn our common Acura MDX Evaluate and our evaluation 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 know-how, although the interface is an acquired style. Most vital, although, the MDX shouldn’t 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 concentrate on driving pleasure. That is very true with the Sort S (pictured above proper). On the similar time, although, the MDX stays one of the vital smart luxurious SUV selections. The third row is friendlier for teenagers or adults, and the versatile second row encompasses a detachable middle-seat portion, that means you do not have to decide on between seven-passenger capability or extra comfy second-row captain’s chairs. There’s additionally the matter of getting extra gear on your cash, in addition to the MDX’s historically sturdy resale worth and reliability.
2024 Lexus TX
Why it stands out: Greatest third-row of any luxurious crossover; nice cargo house, too; a number of hybrids; top-notch construct high quality
May very well be higher: It is mainly a Toyota Grand Highlander with fancier paint and nicer inside supplies; irksome tech
Learn our 2024 Lexus TX evaluation
So far, luxurious three-row crossovers have been significantly much less spacious and sensible than non-luxury fashions. The brand new TX, in contrast, shouldn’t be solely simply as spacious and sensible as all these, it is extra so than nearly all of them. Now, there’s a excellent cause for that: It’s primarily a Toyota Grand Highlander with fancier paint, extra obtainable options, nicer inside supplies and extra {powerful} engine selections. That could be a difficulty for some, however for many, it should not be.
The mixture of house and gas financial system actually cannot be beat amongst luxurious fashions. The TX additionally offers up nothing when it comes to luxurious options and inside high quality to different Lexus fashions. In fact, it additionally has equally irksome tech, most notably the ridiculous head-up show and unmarked steering wheel buttons which can be required to function far too many capabilities. Whereas the TX wouldn’t be our first selection amongst three-row crossovers, for those who’re high precedence is “giant” when looking for a luxurious crossover, you’ll be able to’t beat the “Lexus Texas.”
2024 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 will open the Aviator as much as extra patrons
Learn our full Lincoln Aviator Evaluate
You will not hear us say this fairly often, however the Lincoln Aviator has an excessive amount of energy. With a normal 400-horsepower turbo V6, the Aviator obliterates the bottom and improve engines of most opponents. That is undoubtedly commendable, and we’re probably not complaining. It is simply that the Aviator is so good, it may simply provide a much less sturdy engine and cater to extra patrons with a cheaper price. 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 (acceptable for a Lincoln). Sadly, the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid has been discontinued, however the Aviator that is still continues to be extremely fascinating.
2024 Volvo XC90
Why it stands out: Spacious third-row and cargo space; Scandinavian design; extensive value vary; obtainable plug-in hybrid
May very well be higher: Unrefined engines; tech interface does not agree with everybody; experience may be tough with large wheels
Learn our most up-to-date Volvo XC90 Evaluate
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 choice obtainable for almost $85,000 and stroll away with a very particular luxurious SUV befitting that price ticket. On the similar 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 classy than most luxurious fashions. Such widespread enchantment and competitiveness are uncommon. The XC90 is a superb luxurious SUV irrespective of the value or trim degree.
Finest Flagship Luxurious Three-Row SUV
2024 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 gas effectivity; gargantuan dimension impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our Cadillac Escalade Evaluate and our particular Escalade Diesel evaluation
The Escalade was all new for 2021, radically improved and way more aggressive. The swap to an impartial rear suspension took the third row from uninhabitable to one of many largest 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 value level when it comes to supplies, design and know-how. Particularly, the 38 inches price of three OLED screens that encompass the motive force. The Escalade can also be obtainable with GM’s extremely superior Tremendous Cruise hands-free driving know-how. One other key component is the diesel engine choice, which supplies the identical 460 pound-feet of torque as the usual 6.2-liter gasoline V8, however ought to prevent important 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 advocate.
2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Why it stands out: Finest third-row legroom and cargo house past that third row on this record; stunning inside; plush experience
May very well be higher: Mushy suspension with a lot of physique motions; the L is totally gigantic, so good luck with parking
Learn our most up-to-date evaluation of the Grand Wagoneer L
You need a big SUV? Properly, it does not actually get bigger than the Grand Wagoneer. Really it does, the extended-length Jeep Grand Wagoneer L is even bigger and the most important selections within the section. In consequence, they’ve essentially the most spacious and comfy third-row seat on this record, whereas the cargo space behind that third row can also be extra beneficiant. It is completely possible so that you can pack in sufficient baggage for everybody aboard. The Wagoneer has the best inside in its section, so it does not take a lot for the Grand Wagoneer to step up an compete fairly favorably with Cadillacs and Lincolns. The excellent news for 2024 is that your complete Wagoneer lineup will get Jeep/Ram’s new “Hurricane” turbocharged inline-six engine that produces extra energy and torque than the previous V8 selections whereas getting significantly better gas financial system.
2024 Lincoln Navigator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; buttery clean and massively {powerful} engine; unmatched third-row house
May very well be higher: Touchscreen appears awfully small because of Cadillac; gargantuan dimension impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our Lincoln Navigator Evaluate
It is simple to be wowed by the range-topping Navigator Black Label fashions that may be dressed up within the beautiful colour “Themes” of deep inexperienced or icy blue. They’re actually particular, and if in case you have the money, the priciest Navigators are with out query essentially the most fascinating ones. On the similar time, each Navigator advantages from the identical common Mid-Century Fashionable-inspired inside design (up to date with a much bigger touchscreen for 2022), unmatched passenger house, ample options record, refined highway manners and a normal engine that produces 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of this important 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 quite 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 every part; 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 Evaluate
The Mercedes GLS is a lot larger 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 looking for essentially 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 without delay compete with the Vary Rover and Navigator … to not point out the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan when in Maybach guise. In fact, we predict the Maybach and AMG GLS 63 variations are borderline offensive of their overkill and extravagance, however in order for you the most effective, then it is definitely arduous to argue in opposition to them.
