With seating arrangements that can accommodate between six and eight passengers, and a range of towing capacities and off-road abilities, there’s a 3-row SUV to match every need. Our experts test and evaluate hundreds of vehicles every year, and we’re rounding up our highest-rated vehicles to help you pick the best 3-row SUV for your needs.
Three-row seating is now standard on the Kia Sorento, which is slightly big for a compact SUV but gets high marks for comfort and technology features. Higher trims get pricey, but they come with everything you’d want in a modern family hauler.
With optional seating for seven and lots of advanced safety and technology features, the Volkswagen Tiguan earns a top rank among a small group of compact 3-row SUVs. A thirsty engine and stumbling transmission, though, hurt the Tiguan’s overall appeal.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is roomy and straightforward, with some good tech features and the option to add some basic all-terrain capability. There are definite shortcomings, though, including an unrefined driving experience and subpar build quality.
The Kia Telluride is our top pick for a midsize 3-row SUV. Its upscale cabin is quiet, comfortable and thoughtfully designed. It comes packed with standard features and tech, and it even has adult-friendly third-row seating. For the money, there are few more.
The Hyundai Palisade might be new to the competitive 3-row SUV segment, but it’s already putting its competition on notice. Packed with value, comfort and capability throughout its trim levels, the Palisade is a great pick for a family SUV.
The Honda Pilot just makes things easy, from driving long distances to carrying a lot of people and stuff. With a smooth ride, plentiful features and smart packaging, this SUV has a lot of strengths.
The Ford Expedition marries excellent design with a capable truck platform. It can seat up to eight and tow more than 9,000 pounds. Inside, the Expedition can be outfitted with all the features and toys you’d expect from a luxury vehicle.
2020 GMC Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon XL’s nine-passenger capacity and formidable towing power make it ideal for large families and recreational activities. But the traditional body-on-frame design takes a toll on maneuverability, fuel economy and ride comfort.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most off-road-capable SUVs you can find, and it also exhibits the kind of build quality that makes luxury manufacturers turn green. Mediocre interior versatility and a stunning price tag limit its broader appeal.
The Audi Q7’s combination of performance, comfort, high technology and value is hard to beat. With an impeccably built interior and sharp reflexes on the road, the Q7 is rewarding to both drivers and passengers. It could stand a bit more cargo and third-row.
The Acura MDX is a pragmatic choice, with a standard third-row seat and generous feature content at an attractive price. There are more luxurious and sportier options, but the MDX does just about everything well.
The new Aviator could be a prime pick for a 3-row luxury SUV. Its distinctive styling, upscale interior and available hybrid model are big improvements compared to Lincoln SUVs of the recent past.
The Navigator is built to impress, from its incredible tow rating to its plush interior, expansive cargo space, and full suite of modern technology features. This is a very convincing luxury ride.
BMW’s biggest SUV, the 3-row X7, strikes an optimal balance of luxury, performance and refinement that should please shoppers, drivers and passengers alike.
The Infiniti QX80 has robust fundamentals, with a powerful V8, a sophisticated suspension and strong brakes. At the same time, this aging model lacks some of today’s expected technology
