Three-row SUVs are the perfect option for motorists who need seating for seven or eight people and want a vehicle that is both practical and adaptable. These family haulers are also ideal for those who don't want to deal with a minivan's power sliding doors. However, to cater to the best three-row SUV, many automakers have managed to find the proper mix between practical wayback seats and useable luggage capacity, which is a difficult task in general, fueling the automotive race.
Furthermore, three-row seating sport-utes have been the focus of attention for the past several years, and there is presently an abundance of options that fascinate with their styling, power, durability, performance, high-tech features, and affordability. So here are the top ten three-row SUVs on the market right now, which are the best of the lot.
10 GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is a fantastic three-row seating SUV for families looking for a pleasant experience, a luxurious interior, and energetic engine options. The interior of this premium-badged sport utility promotes optimum comfort and can accommodate a variety of seating arrangements, thanks to third-row seat flexibility, fold-flat seating, and smart slide second-row seats.
This American SUV comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission and three engine options: a 193-hp 2.5-liter inline-four and a 230-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine for the base SLE and SLT trims, and a compelling 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine for the Denali and off-road AT4 trims. GMC Pro Safety Plus, as well as a stunning 8-inch diagonal infotainment system, lends a touch of safety and delight to the SUV.
9 Subaru Ascent
With the Ascent, a three-row SUV, the Japanese automaker finally went big. This eight-seater is the most value-oriented, safest, biggest, and most user-friendly Subaru ever. From safety features to entertainment elements, it's jam-packed with sophisticated technology.
Under the hood is a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-4 engine that bumps out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, with a competent standard all-wheel-drive system, it also offers moderate off-roading and all-weather driving capabilities. Although the third row is a bit smaller than some of its competitors, the Ascent's exquisite interiors, outstanding performance, and longevity make it a terrific pick for outdoorsy families.
8 Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevy Traverse is the largest midsize SUV, measuring over 17 feet long, and is a popular option among families due to its spacious and readily accessible third row of seats, smooth ride quality on long trips, and best-in-class load space, outperforming the GMC Acadia. Despite being less pricey than its near-luxury cousin, the Buick Enclave, it features stunning athletic cues, an intuitive infotainment system, and interior styling that resembles the full-size Chevy Tahoe.
The high-riding hauler is notable for its interior capacity, but it also features a powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 310 horsepower and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. It only falls short of its rivals in terms of basic driver safety aids and high-quality cockpit materials, but still remains to be one of the finest bargains in its class.
7 Ford Explorer
The refreshed Ford Explorer's sixth generation is designed for modern-day excursion. Its rugged styling, superb off-road prowess, seven distinct drive modes, 5,600-pound towing capacity, and connected technologies enhance all sorts of driving conditions. Presently, it comes with three engine options: a standard 300-hp turbocharged inline-four and two available twin-turbocharged V6s that churn out 365 and 400 hp.
In addition to its 3-row seating, a hybrid engine, a premium 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, and an optional 10.1-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen are also available. Moreover, it is loaded with tons of advanced features such as lane keep assist, intelligent adaptive cruise control, intelligent 4WD with terrain management system, and blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert.
6 Toyota Highlander
Redesigned with a more streamlined aesthetic, the Toyota Highlander is a well-rounded and practical family hauler, with an efficient V6 engine and an optional hybrid powertrain. It sports a high-end, roomy cabin as well as a sport-tuned suspension that provides superior handling and assertiveness on the road.
This 8-seater is a sales leader in the class, offering not just comfort and power, but also a slew of standard driver-assist technologies and 10 trim options. With front-or all-wheel drive, a 295-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard. In comparison to the Chevy Traverse, this Japanese beast is more appropriate for the entire family and delivers better efficiency and ample room for most people's requirements.
5 Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is a luxurious three-row, fun-to-drive SUV that provides a top-notch driving experience at an affordable price tag. The CX-9's major selling point is its sleek visual appeal and premium interior, which match several luxury-branded SUVs. On top of its appearance, the cabin offers ultimate comfort embellished with Nappa leather and features a 10.25-inch center display.
The Mazda CX-9 is a classic, with a gutsy Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter inline-four turbo engine developing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. It is also ahead due to its fast acceleration, spectacular performance, agile handling, and a plethora of standard advanced safety features.
4 Volkswagen Atlas
There's no denying that Volkswagen's Atlas, the German automaker's first effort at a three-row midsize SUV, has been a smash hit. It continues to score home runs thanks to its spacious interior, modern styling, plenty of capacity for folks in the third row, cutting-edge safety technology, and stylish LED headlamps, which give it a premium vibe.
The hulking sport-ute offers a comfy ride in all kinds of riding situations, including off-road, snow, and paved roads, and the available panoramic sunroof, which benefits all three rows, adds to the luxury. Plus, the LED illumination brightens the cockpit as the sun sets, creating a more pleasant ride. The Atlas is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower or a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with 235 hp and can accommodate up to 7 people.
3 Hyundai Palisade
No list of the best three-row SUVs is complete without the inclusion of Hyundai’s biggest model, the Palisade. From its pioneering smart safety features to its bold styling with a distinctive front grille to its class-leading spaciousness, this Korean behemoth delivers an unending stream of delightful surprises. It is powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine that generates 291 horsepower, outperforming the VW Atlas and Mazda CX-9.
The Palisade is well-liked for its magnificent cabin, value for money, and high-quality built materials. Furthermore, it is also loaded with remarkable smart features like Hyundai's SmartSense safety system, a power tailgate, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with split-screen and 360-degree surround-view monitor capabilities, multi-terrain and drive modes, and a bridge-style center console.
2 Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a fantastic three-row premium sport utility that is perfect for opulent family duties. The high-quality built cabin with Scandinavian touches, oodles of panache, leatherette upholstery, and a myriad of smart tech features set the Swedish beauty apart from its competition. It's the safest of the bunch, thanks to a variety of driving aids, including a semi-autonomous drive mode that alerts the vehicle to its surroundings and reacts faster than the driver in an emergency.
However, its allure is not limited to road safety; this svelte SUV is also a performance monster with three powertrain options. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard on every XC90. The Recharge, the top plug-in hybrid variant, incorporates a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor and a 10.4-kWh battery that together generates an astounding 400 horsepower.
1 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is without a doubt the best three-row SUV on the market right now. This 8-seater has continued to amaze since its introduction in 2020, receiving the World Car of the Year award in its first year of release. Its interior styling, driving dynamics, brawny appearance, and a multitude of tech goodies not only surpass its peers but even put luxury SUVs to shame.
The Telluride is a perfect combination of beauty and power that costs less than the Ford Explorer and has a superior luxe styling than its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Palisade. It puts out a solid 291 horsepower and has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds thanks to the 3.8-liter V6 engine. Furthermore, its robust infotainment system with either an 8-inch or 10.3-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch instrument cluster display, and a Harman Kardon stereo, amplifies the driving experience.