Three-row SUVs. They're not designed for conquering treacherous mountain passes or setting new fuel efficiency records. Instead, these versatile vehicles cater to a specific need: families with multiple children and a seemingly endless supply of sporting equipment, school projects, and weekend getaway essentials. They offer the practicality of a minivan without the stylistic compromise of sliding doors. This detailed guide explores the strengths and weaknesses of leading three-row SUVs currently available, providing you with the information necessary to make an informed decision. Our rankings are based on extensive testing, countless hours of driving, and a thorough consideration of features, performance, and overall value.
Ranking the Contenders: A Deep Dive into Three-Row SUV Performance
This ranking considers various aspects, including passenger space, cargo capacity, engine performance, fuel economy, technological features, safety ratings, and overall value. We've categorized them to help you navigate the options based on your priorities.
Top Tier: The Best of the Best
- Kia Telluride: The Kia Telluride consistently earns a place at the top of many three-row SUV lists, and for good reason. Its stunning design, spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive array of standard features make it a compelling choice. The Telluride offers a powerful yet efficient engine, advanced safety technology, and a user-friendly infotainment system. Its comfortable third-row seating, unlike many competitors, doesn't feel like an afterthought.
- Strengths: Exceptional styling, spacious and comfortable interior, powerful engine options, advanced safety features, high-quality materials.
- Weaknesses: Can be pricey, particularly with higher trim levels and optional packages. Demand often exceeds supply, potentially leading to longer wait times.
- Mazda CX-90: The Mazda CX-90 elevates the three-row SUV experience with its upscale interior, powerful engine options (including a potent inline-six and a plug-in hybrid), and a refined driving experience. It manages to blend practicality with a level of sophistication not typically found in this segment. Its handling is surprisingly agile for its size.
- Strengths: Premium interior materials, powerful engine options, engaging driving dynamics, available plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- Weaknesses: Higher starting price point than many competitors, plug-in hybrid version may have limited availability.
- Hyundai Palisade: As the fraternal twin of the Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade shares many of the same strengths: spacious interior, comfortable ride, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. While the Telluride may edge it out in terms of styling, the Palisade offers a compelling alternative with a slightly different design aesthetic.
- Strengths: Spacious interior, comfortable ride, advanced safety features, competitive pricing.
- Weaknesses: Styling may be less striking than the Telluride to some buyers.
Mid-Tier: Solid Choices with Specific Strengths
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Toyota addressed the biggest criticism of the standard Highlander—its cramped third row—by creating the Grand Highlander. This larger vehicle offers significantly more rear passenger space and cargo room. The available Hybrid Max powertrain provides impressive performance and fuel efficiency.
- Strengths: Roomier third row than the standard Highlander, powerful Hybrid Max powertrain option, reliable Toyota reputation.
- Weaknesses: Larger size may make it less maneuverable in tight spaces, some may find the styling less exciting than competitors.
- Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot boasts a roomy cabin, a comfortable ride, and surprisingly capable off-road ability, especially with the available TrailSport trim. Its boxy exterior belies a surprisingly spacious interior.
- Strengths: Spacious interior, comfortable ride, available TrailSport trim for enhanced off-road capability.
- Weaknesses: Styling might be considered less dynamic than some competitors.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L: For buyers who prioritize off-road capability in a three-row SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a strong contender. Its longer wheelbase and increased size provide more passenger and cargo space than its two-row sibling.
- Strengths: Off-road capability, spacious interior, available V8 engine for enhanced performance.
- Weaknesses: Fuel economy can be less impressive than some competitors, especially with the V8 engine.
- Volkswagen Atlas: The Volkswagen Atlas provides ample passenger and cargo space, making it a practical choice for large families. While it might not be the most exciting to drive, it delivers solid performance and a comfortable ride.
- Strengths: Spacious interior, comfortable ride, relatively affordable.
- Weaknesses: Driving dynamics might be considered less engaging than some competitors, interior design may not be as modern as some rivals.
Value-Oriented Options: Balancing Price and Features
- Subaru Ascent: The Subaru Ascent stands out with its standard all-wheel drive, a spacious interior, and a user-friendly infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While it may lack the polish of some top-tier models, it offers excellent value.
- Strengths: Standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, user-friendly infotainment system.
- Weaknesses: Driving dynamics are not as engaging as some competitors, less refined interior compared to higher-end models.
- Kia Sorento: The Kia Sorento is a compact three-row SUV, offering a surprising amount of space considering its size. It also provides a variety of powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, catering to different needs.
- Strengths: Compact size, good fuel economy (especially with hybrid powertrains), variety of powertrain options.
- Weaknesses: Third-row space is more limited than in larger three-row SUVs.
Lower Tier: Room for Improvement
- Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia: The Chevrolet Traverse and its GMC Acadia sibling are essentially the same vehicle with different styling. While they offer spacious interiors, their driving experience and interior materials might not match the refinement of higher-ranked models.
- Strengths: Spacious interior, relatively affordable.
- Weaknesses: Less refined driving experience than some competitors, interior materials could be improved.
- Ford Explorer: The updated 2025 Ford Explorer is an improvement over previous models, but its cramped third-row and somewhat coarse engine remain drawbacks. The powerful V6 engine in higher trims is a highlight, but it comes at a cost.
- Strengths: Powerful engine options, improved interior for the 2025 model year.
- Weaknesses: Cramped third row, some engine options deliver a coarse driving experience.
- Nissan Pathfinder: The Nissan Pathfinder, while reasonably priced, falls short in several areas. Its interior materials feel cheap, the driving experience is underwhelming, and the engine is quite coarse.
- Strengths: Reasonably priced, attractive styling.
- Weaknesses: Cheap-feeling interior, underwhelming driving experience, coarse engine.
- Toyota Highlander: The standard Toyota Highlander suffers from a tight third row and minimal cargo space behind it. While it boasts a comfortable ride and an ergonomic dashboard, its limited space and higher price tag hold it back.
- Strengths: Comfortable ride, ergonomic dashboard.
- Weaknesses: Cramped third row, limited cargo space, higher price than some competitors.
- Buick Enclave: The Buick Enclave, essentially a more refined version of the Chevrolet Traverse, offers a quieter cabin but at a premium price. Its biggest selling point is its hushed interior.
- Strengths: Quiet cabin.
- Weaknesses: Higher price than the mechanically similar Chevrolet Traverse, doesn't offer significant advantages beyond noise reduction.
- Dodge Durango: The Dodge Durango stands out with its sporty handling and comfortable ride, but its focus on performance might not appeal to all three-row SUV buyers. The third row is reasonably spacious, however.
- Strengths: Sporty handling, comfortable ride, reasonably spacious third row.
- Weaknesses: Fuel economy might be less impressive than some competitors, primarily focused on performance rather than practicality for some.
- Mitsubishi Outlander: The Mitsubishi Outlander's unique styling and available plug-in hybrid powertrain are notable features. However, its small third row only comfortably fits two passengers.
- Strengths: Unique styling, available plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- Weaknesses: Small and cramped third row.
- Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class: The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class offers a spacious first and second row but a largely useless third row. Its cargo space is significantly reduced with the third row up.
- Strengths: Spacious first and second row, premium brand image.
- Weaknesses: Essentially useless third row, reduced cargo space with the third row in use.
- Land Rover Discovery Sport: The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a pricier option with a cheap-feeling interior, a small third row, and a disappointing overall package.
- Strengths: Land Rover badge.
- Weaknesses: High price, cheap interior materials, small and uncomfortable third-row seating.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Three-Row SUV
Beyond the rankings, several key factors should influence your choice:
- Passenger Needs: How often will you utilize the third row? If it's infrequent, a smaller, more fuel-efficient SUV might suffice. If you regularly need the third row, prioritize models with ample space and comfort.
- Cargo Space: Consider how much cargo you need to transport. Some SUVs offer more cargo space than others, even with all three rows in use.
- Engine Performance and Fuel Economy: Do you need a powerful engine for towing or hauling? Or is fuel efficiency a higher priority? Carefully evaluate the engine options and their associated fuel economy ratings.
- Safety Features: Review the safety ratings and available safety features of each model. Modern safety technologies are essential for protecting your family.
- Technology and Infotainment: Consider the user-friendliness and features of the infotainment system. Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are increasingly important.
- Budget: Three-row SUVs can vary widely in price. Establish a realistic budget before you begin your search.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Family Vehicle
Choosing the right three-row SUV involves careful consideration of your family's needs and priorities. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of leading models, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Remember to test drive several models before making a final decision to ensure the chosen vehicle meets your family’s specific requirements. Consider scheduling test drives with various vehicles on this list to see which best fits your driving style and priorities. Don't hesitate to consult additional reviews and resources to further refine your research before making a purchase.