Should you plan on utilizing a car’s third row quite a bit, allow us to at the least make the suggestion {that a} minivan can be a better wager than something you are going to see on this listing of finest three-row SUVs. Their third rows are greater, extra comfy and simpler to get to. The youngsters 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 youngsters need to be happier, they’ll 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. Truthful sufficient. Fortunately, there are extra decisions than ever and so they’re actually good. One of the best do a very good job of being household pleasant with out wanting like a colorless transportation equipment, though actually, you possibly can’t go fallacious 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 listing, we’ve 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
Observe 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 take into account 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 SUVs of 2024
2024 Honda Pilot
Why it stands out: Distinctive storage and cargo area; distinctive second-row performance; refined journey; versatile and succesful TrailSport; superior AWDCould be higher: Subpar acceleration with lackadaisical transmission and engine response; so-so driver help tech
Learn our full 2024 Honda Pilot Evaluation
The Honda Pilot was fully redesigned for 2023. It maintains its predecessor’s household pleasant packaging and general focus, but it surely has injected a welcome sense of favor (particularly within the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out significantly better from the large crossover crowd. The Pilot’s restrained adornment and traditional 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 in the end the Pilot’s finest 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 could be a seven- or eight-passenger car. That center seat even matches below the cargo ground in all trims however the TrailSport (its full-size all-terrain spare tire takes up an excessive amount of area). 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 area; well-executed tech; high-style interiorCould be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model
Learn our full 2024 Hyundai Palisade Evaluation and observe 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 would simply compete with precise luxury-brand SUVs. The primary cause for that is the fashionable, well-made cabin that not solely appears nice, however boasts helpful storage, user-friendly infotainment tech and extra space than practically each competitor — greater children and even adults can 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 be among the many best-executed within the business. If there is a main gap in its sport, 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 decisions; high-end cabin; well-executed techCould be higher: Much less customary energy than equally priced midsize fashions; hybrids are extra-hard to come back by
Learn our 2024 Kia Sorento Evaluation or particularly our Sorento PHEV assessment
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 every so often, however not regularly 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 greater is best. 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 accessible within the Sorento. Maybe most importantly, nonetheless, is that the Sorento is without doubt 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 alternative (pictured above proper). You will need to observe, nonetheless, that 2024 is an odd 12 months for the Sorento. The gas-only variations get revised exterior and inside design, and new infotainment tech. The hybrids get these updates for 2025, which means the 2024 variations carry over from final 12 months. The Sorento is advisable no matter these updates.
2024 Kia Telluride
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo area; well-executed tech; well-made inside; does not seem like a household haulerCould be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model accessible
Learn our full 2024 Kia Telluride Evaluation
Should 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 robust factors: area, know-how, high quality and worth. Additionally they accomplish that 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. Mainly, 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). Mainly, the Kia Telluride does not seem like 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 gasoline economic system for a three-row SUV or big-time energy for a three-row SUV; class-leading area behind the third rowCould be higher: Some infotainment irritations; costly
Learn our full 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Evaluation
Whereas the Toyota Highlander has beforehand been on this listing, it was nearly completely due to its hybrid mannequin that gives distinctive gasoline economic system none of its opponents may match. We at all times included the caveat that you simply’d be sacrificing third-row and cargo area for that gasoline economic system. That’s not 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 on the market 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 affords the performance-oriented Hybrid Max powertrain that will get above-average gasoline economic system whereas additionally boasting 362 horsepower — an quantity few rivals strategy. Add it up, and the Grand Highlander is a straightforward substitute right here for its non-grand sibling. The hefty price ticket does give us pause, however you are at the least getting an terrible lot of household hauler.
Greatest Full-Dimension Three-Row SUV
2024 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon
Why it stands out: Gas-efficient diesel engine; extra third-row area than giant crossovers; luxurious interiorsCould be higher: Many driver help options not accessible on decrease trims
Learn our Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Evaluation and our GMC Yukon Evaluation
The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban have lengthy been best-selling full-size SUVs, however these gross sales did not mirror its energy relative opponents. A change to an unbiased 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 practically uninhabitable to one of many greatest in any car. Cargo area has ballooned, together with within the prolonged size Suburban and Yukon XL, and the cargo ground is decrease. The journey 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 economic system, and a completely 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 will now advocate.
2024 Ford Expedition
Why it stands out: Silky clean V6 with class-leading torque and gasoline economic system; greater third-row than GM SUVs (barely)Might be higher: Much less engaging and splendid inside than Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon
Learn our most up-to-date Ford Expedition Evaluation and browse in regards to the important updates made for final 12 months’s Expedition
Till the Tahoe/Yukon have been redesigned, recommending the Expedition was a straightforward alternative. Now, the enjoying subject 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 accessible diesel engine. Whereas it could actually’t do a lot in regards to the latter, at the least the Expedition obtained 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). 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 economic system is best than the GM V8s. In different phrases, simply because the Expedition’s been round some time doesn’t suggest you must ignore it.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer
Why it stands out: Greatest third-row legroom and cargo area past that third row on this listing; stunning inside; plush rideCould be higher: Smooth suspension with a lot of physique motions; the L is completely gigantic, so good luck with parking
Learn our most up-to-date assessment of the Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L
You need a big SUV? Effectively, 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 largest decisions within the phase. In consequence, they’ve essentially the most spacious and comfy third-row seat on this listing, whereas the cargo space behind that third row can 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 phase, 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 the complete Wagoneer lineup will get Jeep/Ram’s new “Hurricane” turbocharged inline-six engine that produces extra energy and torque than the outdated V8 decisions whereas getting significantly better gasoline economic system.
Greatest Three-Row Luxurious SUVs
2024 Acura MDX
Why it stands out: Superior dealing with; versatile second row; worth to your cash; reliability repute; sporty Kind SCould be higher: Steep tech interface studying curve; stiff brake pedal really feel; no plug-in hybrid possibility
Learn our common Acura MDX Evaluation and our assessment of the Kind S
The MDX was fully redesigned final 12 months. 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 most recent in-car know-how, although the interface is an acquired style. Most essential, although, the MDX is just not solely extra partaking 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 Kind S (pictured above proper). On the similar time, although, the MDX stays one of the vital wise luxurious SUV decisions. The third row is friendlier for teenagers or adults, and the versatile second row encompasses a detachable middle-seat portion, which 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 tools to your cash, in addition to the MDX’s historically robust resale worth and reliability.
2024 Lexus TX
Why it stands out: Largest third-row of any luxurious crossover; nice cargo area, too; a number of hybrids; top-notch construct qualityCould be higher: It is mainly a Toyota Grand Highlander with fancier paint and nicer inside supplies; irksome tech
Learn our 2024 Lexus TX assessment
Up to now, luxurious three-row crossovers have been significantly much less spacious and sensible than non-luxury fashions. The brand new TX, in contrast, is just not solely simply as spacious and sensible as all these, it is extra so than nearly all of them. Now, there’s a superb cause for that: It’s primarily a Toyota Grand Highlander with fancier paint, extra accessible options, nicer inside supplies and extra {powerful} engine decisions. That could be a problem for some, however for many, it should not be.
The mixture of area and gasoline economic 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 might be required to function far too many capabilities. Whereas the TX wouldn’t be our first alternative amongst three-row crossovers, when you’re high precedence is “giant” when trying to find a luxurious crossover, you possibly can’t beat the “Lexus Texas.”
2024 Lincoln Aviator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; huge energy; comparatively spacious third-row; ample cargo spaceCould be higher: A less expensive, less-powerful entry mannequin that might open the Aviator as much as extra patrons
Learn our full Lincoln Aviator Evaluation
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 positively commendable, and we’re not likely 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 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 pace than taking corners (applicable 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; large worth vary; accessible plug-in hybridCould be higher: Unrefined engines; tech interface does not agree with everybody; journey may be tough with huge wheels
Learn our most up-to-date Volvo XC90 Evaluation
You may get an XC90 dressed to the nines with the 455-horsepower XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain and each high-tech, leather-lined possibility accessible for practically $85,000 and stroll away with a really particular luxurious SUV befitting that price ticket. On the similar time, although, you might 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 enchantment and competitiveness are uncommon. The XC90 is a good luxurious SUV regardless of the value or trim stage.
Greatest 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 CruiseCould be higher: V8 gasoline effectivity; gargantuan dimension impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our Cadillac Escalade Evaluation and our particular Escalade Diesel assessment
The Escalade was all new for 2021, radically improved and much more aggressive. The change to an unbiased rear suspension took the third row from uninhabitable to one of many greatest available on the market, whereas additionally benefiting the journey, dealing with and cargo area. The styling equally is as refined you’d count on from this lofty worth level when it comes to supplies, design and know-how. Particularly, the 38 inches price of three OLED screens that encompass the driving force. The Escalade can be accessible with GM’s extremely superior Tremendous Cruise hands-free driving know-how. One other key factor is the diesel engine possibility, 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: Greatest third-row legroom and cargo area past that third row on this listing; stunning inside; plush rideCould be higher: Smooth suspension with a lot of physique motions; the L is completely gigantic, so good luck with parking
Learn our most up-to-date assessment of the Grand Wagoneer L
You need a big SUV? Effectively, 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 largest decisions within the phase. In consequence, they’ve essentially the most spacious and comfy third-row seat on this listing, whereas the cargo space behind that third row can 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 phase, 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 the complete Wagoneer lineup will get Jeep/Ram’s new “Hurricane” turbocharged inline-six engine that produces extra energy and torque than the outdated V8 decisions whereas getting significantly better gasoline economic system.
2024 Lincoln Navigator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; buttery clean and massively {powerful} engine; unmatched third-row spaceCould be higher: Touchscreen appears awfully small because of Cadillac; gargantuan dimension impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our Lincoln Navigator Evaluation
It is easy 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 when 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 Trendy-inspired inside design (up to date with a much bigger touchscreen for 2022), unmatched passenger area, plentiful options listing, 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 all the pieces; various mannequin line; well-executed security techCould be higher: Overwhelming and complicated tech interface
Learn our most up-to-date Mercedes GLS Evaluation
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 essentially the most superior SUV Mercedes has to supply (the Maybach GLS 600 does not even have it), however that aft-most row can 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 expect the Maybach and AMG GLS 63 variations are borderline offensive of their overkill and extravagance, however in order for you one of the best, then it is actually exhausting to argue in opposition to them.