Best 3rd Row SUVs of 2023
Should you plan on utilizing a car’s third row rather a lot, allow us to not less than make the suggestion {that a} minivan can be a better guess than something you are going to see on this listing of finest three-row SUVs. Their third rows are greater, extra snug and simpler to get to. The children will certainly be happier. Listed below are our two high selections.
OK, now that that is out of the way in which, we completely get why minivans are completely miserable and that if the children 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 reasonably have a three-row SUV. Honest sufficient. Fortunately, there are extra selections than ever they usually’re actually good. The very best do a very good job of being household pleasant with out wanting like a colorless transportation equipment, though actually, you may’t go improper with any of the mainstream three-row SUVs. Now, a number of the luxurious selections 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:
Finest Three-Row Crossover | Finest Full-size Three-Row SUV
Finest Luxurious Three-Row SUV | Finest Flagship Luxurious Three-Row SUV
Notice that we outline crossovers as SUVs since most consumers 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 contemplate all crossovers SUVs, however not all SUVs are crossovers (particularly these within the full-size phase and a few within the flagship luxurious phase).
Finest Three-Row Crossover SUV
Hyundai Palisade
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo house; well-executed tech; high-style inside
Might be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model
Learn our full 2023 Hyundai Palisade Overview and comply with updates on our long-term Palisade take a look at
The Hyundai Palisade is mechanically associated to the Kia Telluride, and selecting between this pair of masterfully executed household haulers might principally come right down to a coin flip. Or, extra realistically, which you suppose seems to be 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 motive for that is the fashionable, well-made cabin that not solely seems to be nice, however boasts helpful storage, user-friendly infotainment tech and more room than practically each competitor — greater children and even adults can be completely snug 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 shortage of a hybrid powertrain or a extra {powerful} model.
Kia Sorento
Why it stands out: Distinctive dimension; environment friendly engines together with two hybrid selections; high-end cabin; well-executed tech
Might be higher: Much less commonplace energy than equally priced midsize fashions; hybrids are extra-hard to come back by
Learn our full-line Kia Sorento Overview or particularly our Sorento PHEV evaluation
The Kia Sorento principally has the outside dimensions of a two-row midsize SUV, however manages to sandwich in a 3rd row for many who might foresee needing one every now and then, however not incessantly sufficient to warrant driving round an even bigger, thirstier and pricier car like Kia’s Telluride. It is principally for many who do not essentially suppose that greater is best. And for its half, the Kia Sorento is interesting for myriad different causes. Utterly redesigned for 2021, it options revised styling in step with however not copying the profitable Telluride. There are even barely completely different styling flavors, together with the sportier SX Status and extra rugged X-Line that may now be paired with most trim ranges (pictured above left). Inside, materials high quality is elevated, the design is good-looking and expertise just isn’t solely ample, however person pleasant. 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, nevertheless, is that the Sorento is without doubt 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) that we would whole-heartedly suggest aside from the intense problem you will have find one.
Kia Telluride
Why it stands out: Extra third-row and cargo house; well-executed tech; well-made inside; would not appear to be a household hauler
Might be higher: No hybrid or efficiency model accessible
Learn our full Kia Telluride Overview
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: house, expertise, high quality and worth. In addition they achieve this to an extent that outpaces their opponents. Of the 2, the Kia Telluride has acquired the better share of accolades, largely as a result of its styling appears to resonate with extra individuals. Mainly, model 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 would not appear to be a three-row household hauler regardless of being the most effective three-row household haulers. Win-win.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Why it stands out: Finest gasoline economic system in its phase by many miles; high-end inside
Might be higher: Cramped third-row seat; much less cargo house than rivals
Learn our full 2023 Toyota Highlander Overview
The Telluride and Palisade is likely to be wonderful, class-leading three-row crossovers, however their gasoline economic system is solely common for the phase at 21 mpg mixed. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, alternatively, will get 35 mpg mixed. That distinction is as huge because it appears. In addition to the environmental advantages, you’ll save a median of $850 per 12 months on the pump with the Highlander Hybrid, in response to the EPA. When you think about it prices solely $1,400 greater than a comparable V6-powered Highlander, you are taking a look at an extremely fast payback time contemplating right now’s gasoline costs. True, it has solely 243 horsepower, which implies it is on the gradual facet for the phase and might really feel fairly strained if you end up doing a lot of freeway passing, however contemplating how most individuals drive their three-row household haulers, we expect the 13-mpg benefit will greater than make up for that. In addition to its gasoline economic system, although, the not too long ago redesigned Highlander is interesting in its personal proper with Palisade-rivaling inside high quality, composed trip and dealing with, and ample characteristic content material. If there’s motive for pause, it is the reasonably cramped third-row seat that’s extra corresponding to the Sorento’s than the Telluride’s. Clearly then, you must be prepared to sacrifice max three-row house for max gasoline economic system. We’re guessing many consumers will discover that acceptable.
Finest Full-Dimension Three-Row SUV
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon
Why it stands out: Gasoline-efficient diesel engine; extra third-row house than massive crossovers; luxurious interiors
Might be higher: Many driver help options not accessible on decrease trims
Learn our full 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Overview and our GMC Yukon Overview
The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban have lengthy been best-selling full-size SUVs, however these gross sales did not replicate its energy relative opponents. A change to an unbiased rear suspension for the all-new era for 2021 has radically reworked it, nevertheless. The third-row within the Tahoe and its GMC Yukon twin go from practically 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 trip and dealing with have additionally been dramatically improved. In addition to the suspension-related enhancements, there is a distinctive diesel engine possibility that will get you crossover-like gasoline economic system, and a totally aggressive inside. The GMC Yukon even will get its personal inside design for the primary time, however it’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 suggest.
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 Overview and skim concerning the important updates made for final 12 months’s Expedition
Till the Tahoe/Yukon have been redesigned, recommending the Expedition was a straightforward selection. Now, the enjoying discipline 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’t do a lot concerning the latter, not less than the Expedition received an up to date inside for 2022. Ford additionally nonetheless has the larger, extra snug 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). In addition to 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 and considerably higher than the Jeep Wagoneer’s gas-guzzlers (though these are changed with a far-more aggressive engine within the extended-length Wagoneer L). In different phrases, simply because the Expedition’s been round some time doesn’t suggest you need to ignore it.
Jeep Wagoneer L
Why it stands out: It is longer than the Titanic; kidding apart, the inside is simply huge; lovely inside; higher engine than regular-length Wagoneers
Might be higher: Smooth suspension with a lot of physique motions; good luck parking such an infinite car
Learn our evaluation of the Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L
The letter L makes all of the distinction right here and never for the rationale you may assume. The regular-length Wagoneer and ritzier Grand Wagoneer are literally massively spacious in their very own proper, boasting an even bigger third-row seat than its Ford and GM rivals. There’s extra cargo house behind that third-row, too. Actually, solely essentially the most excessive people-and-stuff-hauling wants ought to require one thing as huge as a Jeep Wagoneer L, which is a foot longer with 7 further inches of wheelbase. As an alternative, the rationale we suggest the new-for-2023 Wagoneer L and never its regular-length siblings is what’s underneath the hood. Fairly than the thirsty V8 engines that’ll value you 1000’s extra on gasoline per 12 months than a Tahoe or Expedition, the L will get Jeep’s new “Hurricane” turbocharged V6 that produces 28 extra horsepower and 64 extra pound-feet of torque than the previous 5.7-liter Hemi V8 whereas returning an estimated 20 mpg mixed. The hole with the Grand Wagoneer and its 6.4-liter V8 is even better. Mainly, the Wagoneer’s horrible gasoline economic system stored it from this listing previously. With the brand new Hurricane, we welcome it aboard … simply so long as its the L model.
Finest Three-Row Luxurious SUVs
Acura MDX
Why it stands out: Superior dealing with; versatile second row; worth to your cash; reliability popularity; sporty Sort S
Might be higher: Steep tech interface studying curve; stiff brake pedal really feel; no plug-in hybrid possibility
Learn our common Acura MDX Overview and our evaluation of the Sort S
The MDX was utterly 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 newest in-car expertise, although the interface is an acquired style. Most vital, although, the MDX just isn’t 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 give attention to driving pleasure. That is very true with the Sort S (pictured above proper). On the identical time, although, the MDX stays one of the wise luxurious SUV selections. The third row is friendlier for teenagers or adults, and the versatile second row contains a detachable middle-seat portion, which means you do not have to decide on between seven-passenger capability or extra snug second-row captain’s chairs. There’s additionally the matter of getting extra gear to your cash, in addition to the MDX’s historically robust resale worth and reliability.
Lincoln Aviator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; huge energy; comparatively spacious third-row; ample cargo house
Might be higher: A less expensive, less-powerful entry mannequin that might open the Aviator as much as extra consumers
Learn our full Lincoln Aviator Overview
You will not hear us say this fairly often, however the Lincoln Aviator has an excessive amount of energy. With an ordinary 400-horsepower turbo V6, the Aviator obliterates the bottom and improve engines of most opponents. That is positively commendable, and we’re probably not complaining. It is simply that the Aviator is so good, it might simply supply a much less sturdy engine and cater to extra consumers 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 pace than taking corners (applicable for a Lincoln). And, talking of Grand Touring, the Aviator’s trim of that identify is in truth a plug-in hybrid that boasts 494 hp and 630 pound-feet of torque. It additionally has a helpful 21 miles of electrical vary.
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Volvo XC90
Why it stands out: Spacious third-row and cargo space; Scandinavian design; broad value vary; accessible plug-in hybrid
Might be higher: Unrefined engines; tech interface would not agree with everybody; trip will be tough with large wheels
Learn our most up-to-date Volvo XC90 Overview
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 very particular luxurious SUV befitting that price ticket. On the identical time, although, you could possibly 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 worth or trim stage.
Finest Flagship Luxurious Three-Row SUV
Cadillac Escalade
Why it stands out: 38 inches of OLED screens; diesel engine; tow functionality; adult-friendly third row; Tremendous Cruise
Might be higher: V8 gasoline effectivity; gargantuan dimension impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our 2023 Cadillac Escalade Overview and our particular Escalade Diesel evaluation
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 largest in the marketplace, whereas additionally benefiting the trip, dealing with and cargo house. The styling equally is as refined you’d anticipate from this lofty value level when it comes to supplies, design and expertise. Particularly, the 38 inches price of three OLED screens that encompass the motive force. The Escalade can be accessible with GM’s extremely superior Tremendous Cruise hands-free driving expertise. One other key aspect is the diesel engine possibility, which gives 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 other finish of the spectrum, there’s the brand new Escalade-V, however that is only a bit too foolish to suggest.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer L
Why it stands out: Stunning inside; monumental inside house even by phase requirements; higher engine than regular-length Wagoneers
Might be higher: Smooth suspension with a lot of physique motions; good luck parking such an infinite car
Learn our evaluation of the Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L
Identical to the non-grand Wagoneer, the letter L makes all of the distinction right here and never for the rationale you may assume. The regular-length Grand Wagoneer is definitely massively spacious in its personal proper, boasting an even bigger third-row seat than its Lincoln and Cadillac rivals. There’s extra cargo house behind that third-row, too. Actually, solely essentially the most excessive people-and-stuff-hauling wants ought to require one thing as huge as a Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, which is a foot longer with 7 further inches of wheelbase. As an alternative, the rationale we suggest the new-for-2023 Grand Wagoneer L and never its regular-length sibling is what’s underneath the hood. Fairly than the shockingly thirsty 6.4-liter V8 that’ll value you 1000’s extra on gasoline per 12 months than a Navigator or Escalade, the L will get Jeep’s new “Hurricane” turbocharged V6 that produces 39 extra horsepower and 45 extra pound-feet of torque than that previous Hemi V8. Mainly, the Grand Wagoneer’s horrible gasoline economic system stored it from this listing previously. The Hurricane adjustments that, which means the Grand Wagoneer and its actually luxurious inside can stand extra compellingly toe-to-toe with its American luxurious rivals.
Lincoln Navigator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; buttery clean and massively {powerful} engine; unmatched third-row house
Might be higher: Touchscreen appears awfully small because of Cadillac; gargantuan dimension impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our Lincoln Navigator Overview
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 you probably have the money, the priciest Navigators are with out query essentially the most fascinating ones. On the identical time, each Navigator advantages from the identical common Mid-Century Fashionable-inspired inside design (up to date with an even bigger touchscreen for 2022), unmatched passenger house, ample options listing, refined street manners and an ordinary 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 would not supply a fuel-efficient reply to the diesel Escalade). Positive, it is nonetheless gigantic and reasonably 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: Stunning inside; impeccable engineering oozes from every part; numerous mannequin line; well-executed security tech
Might be higher: Overwhelming and complicated tech interface
Learn our most up-to-date Mercedes GLS Overview
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 looking for essentially the most superior SUV Mercedes has to supply (the Maybach GLS 600 would 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 directly 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 if you need the very best, then it is definitely laborious to argue in opposition to them.
