Best 3-Row SUVs of 2025 and 2026

The Edmunds experts test drive 3-row SUV contenders on our test track and in the real world. Our ratings assess performance, comfort, technology, utility, value and more. How we rank 3-row SUVs

Best Small 3-row SUVs

If you need a lot of seats on a tight budget, a small three-row SUV might be a good fit. The third row will be cramped for anyone larger than a child, but it's nice to have the option.

1st
Edmunds Rating
8.2/10
With its mix of quality, practicality and available performance, the Sorento is an enticing option if you're looking for a small SUV with above-average versatility. Only the elevated price tag on the top-of-the-line model could be a deterrent.
MSRP
$31,990 - $47,390
Combined MPG
23 - 26
2nd
Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
The Hyundai Santa Fe is comfortable and easy to drive and has a third-row seat for occasional use. It also boasts plenty of interior room and distinctive styling. It certainly gets our recommendation if you're shopping for a family-oriented SUV.
MSRP
$34,300 - $49,650
Combined MPG
22 - 36
3rd
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The latest Outlander SUV has a smooth ride, comfortable front seats and lots of space for people and cargo. It looks pretty sharp, too. Slow acceleration is its only major drawback.
MSRP
$29,645 - $43,145
Combined MPG
26 - 27
4th
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
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 three-row SUVs. A thirsty engine and stumbling transmission hurt the Tiguan's overall appeal compared to other compact SUVs.
MSRP
$28,880 - $38,880
Combined MPG
24 - 27

Best Midsize 3-row SUVs

Midsize three-row SUVs provide lots of utility at a reasonable price. Expect advanced safety features, too, along with capable acceleration when you need it.

1st
Edmunds Rating
8.4/10
The Kia Telluride is our top pick for a midsize three-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 appealing ways to move seven or eight people.
MSRP
$36,390 - $53,685
Combined MPG
20 - 22
2nd
Edmunds Rating
8.3/10
The Hyundai Palisade is putting its competition on notice. Packed with value, comfort, and capability throughout its trim levels, the Palisade is a great pick for a three-row family SUV.
MSRP
$37,200 - $54,500
Combined MPG
21 - 22
3rd
Edmunds Rating
8.2/10
The Grand Highlander is larger than a regular Highlander but also gets a number of tweaks that help make it one of our top recommendations for a midsize three-row SUV. It has one of most adult-friendly third rows you'll find and still scores high for fuel efficiency, comfort and technology. The Grand Highlander is, indeed, pretty grand.
MSRP
$43,320 - $53,795
Combined MPG
22 - 24
4th
Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
The Mazda CX-90 is undeniably luxurious and outperforms just about everything else in its class with its sharp handling and quick acceleration. Though third-row space and cargo capacity are a bit lacking, the CX-90 is otherwise a highly recommended pick for a three-row SUV.
MSRP
$37,845 - $57,950
Combined MPG
25
5th
Edmunds Rating
8.0/10
The Ford Explorer has uncommonly good balance and poise. It's not the roomiest three-row SUV, but its standard infotainment and safety tech offerings are competitive, and the available engines are strong. The Explorer is mainly held back by subpar interior material quality and high pricing.
MSRP
$39,655 - $56,110
Combined MPG
20 - 24
5th
Edmunds Rating
8.0/10
The Volkswagen Atlas is an appealing pick thanks to a roomy cabin that provides comfortable, adult-size seating in all three rows. The cargo area is massive too.
MSRP
$38,200 - $53,205
Combined MPG
20 - 22
7th
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The latest Honda Pilot is comfortable and plenty spacious for its front and middle-row passengers. But it lags behind class leaders in third-row room and cargo space, and its tech is a half-step behind the curve. Some competitors deliver more bang for your buck.
MSRP
$40,200 - $54,580
Combined MPG
20 - 22
8th
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The Toyota Highlander gets high marks for its superb comfort, responsive acceleration, and above-average fuel economy. But if third-row-seat space is important to you, the Highlander's accommodations can't compete with the top SUVs in this segment.
MSRP
$39,820 - $52,225
Combined MPG
24 - 25
9th
Edmunds Rating
7.7/10
The Nissan Pathfinder is spacious and pleasant to drive and packed with in-car tech and driver aids, too. The Pathfinder may not be the most exciting choice, but it is great for hauling people and cargo in relative comfort.
MSRP
$36,400 - $50,640
Combined MPG
21 - 23
10th
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
The Dodge Durango does things a little differently, carrying on with an aging but proven formula. Excellent towing capacity, available V8 power and a roomy interior are bundled up with healthy helping of attitude.
MSRP
$38,495 - $113,325
Combined MPG
13 - 21
11th
Edmunds Rating
7.4/10
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L supplies generous room for passengers and outmatches competitors with its off-road and towing capabilities. But it's also less comfortable than some of its rivals.
MSRP
$39,035 - $65,040
Combined MPG
21

Best Large SUVs

These truck-based workhorses can tow a boat and transport a family of eight at the same time. Fuel economy is predictably forgettable, but that may seem a small price to pay for maximum versatility.

1st
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
The GMC Yukon is a great pick for a large SUV. It boasts a comfortable ride, roomy interior, an easy-driving demeanor and plenty of towing capability.
MSRP
$66,900 - $101,300
Combined MPG
16 - 17
2nd
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
The modernized Chevrolet Suburban has a smooth ride and a massive cargo space, plus heaps of available technology. You can also choose from a trio of powerful engines. There is no getting around its size, however.
MSRP
$61,500 - $84,200
Combined MPG
16 - 17
3rd
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
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.
MSRP
$55,105 - $87,545
Combined MPG
17 - 19
4th
Edmunds Rating
7.4/10
The redesigned Tahoe has big improvements in ride comfort, technology and convenience features. But overly firm seats and a puzzling interior layout mean there's less useful storage than you might expect for such a big vehicle. Still, family haulers don't get much more modern and capable than this.
MSRP
$58,500 - $81,200
Combined MPG
16 - 17
5th
Edmunds Rating
7.4/10
The Toyota Sequoia stands out with its powerful hybrid powertrain, bold style, and impressive towing and off-road capabilities. Unfortunately it's a bit expensive and compromises heavily on rear passenger comfort and cargo space.
MSRP
$62,425 - $83,915
Combined MPG
20 - 22
6th
Edmunds Rating
7.1/10
The Armada certainly looks the part of a modern full-size SUV, and its V8 has plenty of power. But overall it lacks the refinement we've come to expect in this class.
MSRP
$55,720 - $70,790
Combined MPG
15 - 16

Best Midsize 3-row luxury SUVs

Midsize luxury three-row SUVs typically offer seating for seven, or six if you spring for second-row captain's chairs.

1st
Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
The Lexus GX is an appealing pick for a luxury SUV. It's comfortable to drive and its boxy styling definitely stands out. The Overtrail version is impressively capable off-road too. Where the GX falls short is space. The small third-row seating area and limited cargo room mean you'll have to choose between carrying passengers or their things.
MSRP
$63,935 - $80,400
Combined MPG
17
2nd
Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
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 passenger space, though.
MSRP
$60,500 - $77,900
Combined MPG
20 - 22
3rd
Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
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.
MSRP
$51,200 - $75,250
Combined MPG
19 - 22
4th
Edmunds Rating
8.0/10
The Type S treatment doesn't turn the MDX into a superstar athlete, but it does make for an all-around nicer three-row Acura. A comfortable and spacious cabin and a generous list of standard equipment are highlights. But we think the regular MDX is a better value.
MSRP
$75,250
Combined MPG
19
5th
Edmunds Rating
7.7/10
The new Aviator could be a prime pick for a three-row luxury SUV. Its distinctive styling, upscale interior and available hybrid model are big improvements compared to Lincoln SUVs of the recent past.
MSRP
$58,930 - $87,245
6th
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
The Land Rover Discovery stands out with its luxurious interior and above-average off-road performance. A difficult-to-access third-row seat and bus-like driving position are the Disco's main drawbacks.
MSRP
$60,200 - $79,800
7th
Edmunds Rating
7.3/10
The Cadillac XT6 is a sharp-looking midsize three-row SUV. Appealing tech features and a comfortable cabin impart good initial impressions, but its drivability is underwhelming, and it's a bit overpriced.
MSRP
$49,195 - $60,695
Combined MPG
20 - 23
7th
Edmunds Rating
7.3/10
The Infiniti QX60 looks sharp and has a nice-looking interior. It's also priced lower than many three-row rivals. However, a lackluster driving experience and disappointing comfort keep the QX60 from being a fully competitive three-row luxury SUV.
MSRP
$50,200 - $66,150
Combined MPG
24

Best Large luxury SUVs

With plenty of seating and strong towing abilities to go with their quilted leather upholstery, these behemoths are as functional as they are luxurious.

1st
Edmunds Rating
8.6/10
The Mercedes GLS is a fancy people- and gear-hauler that combines luxury DNA with a princely ride, remarkable performance and a commodious interior.
MSRP
$89,200 - $149,500
Combined MPG
15 - 21
2nd
Edmunds Rating
8.4/10
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.
MSRP
$83,265 - $113,995
Combined MPG
18
3rd
Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
BMW's biggest SUV, this three-row X7 strikes an optimal balance of luxury, performance and refinement that should please shoppers, drivers and passengers alike.
MSRP
$84,300 - $111,900
Combined MPG
18 - 22
4th
Edmunds Rating
8.0/10
A luxury-infused truck with presence, the Cadillac Escalade is for people who want to tow, carry a bunch of people and impress the valet, all in the same day.
MSRP
$81,895 - $152,295
Combined MPG
13 - 16
5th
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The Defender is a compelling SUV in any guise, and the 130 simply stretches an already winning formula. With more cargo capacity than the 110 and the option to accommodate up to eight people, the 130 is versatile and still has plenty of the off-road ability we've come to expect from Land Rover.
MSRP
$69,700 - $100,900
6th
Edmunds Rating
7.8/10
The redesigned Infiniti QX80 doesn't have any major weak spots, but there's nothing about it that fully stands out either. In a class of vehicles with some real standouts, merely being good isn't good enough.
MSRP
$82,450 - $109,900
Combined MPG
17 - 18
7th
Edmunds Rating
7.7/10
The Grand Wagoneer excels at carrying a full load of passengers and luggage while allowing you to have a trailer in tow too. It also delivers on Jeep's reputation for off-road capability. But it falls short of rival large luxury SUVs in regards to quality, comfort, technology and value.
MSRP
$84,945 - $109,540
Combined MPG
17
7th
Edmunds Rating
7.7/10
The Grand Wagoneer L excels at carrying a full load of passengers and luggage while allowing you to have a trailer in tow too. It also delivers on Jeep's reputation for off-road capability. But it falls short of rival large luxury SUVs in regards to quality, comfort, technology and value.
MSRP
$101,945 - $112,540
Combined MPG
17
9th
Edmunds Rating
7.0/10
The Lexus LX 600 is an impeccably built and impressive piece of machinery whose strengths lie primarily in off-roading. But the LX fails to provide the genuine modern luxury experience you'd expect from a vehicle that costs this much. Most buyers' needs will be better served by other vehicles.
MSRP
$105,500 - $140,000
Combined MPG
19 - 20

Best Large performance SUVs

The laws of physics technically still apply to these high-horsepower family haulers, but that may be hard to believe when you're hurtling along inside one.

1st
Edmunds Rating
8.3/10
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS 63 takes one of our favorite large luxury SUVs and infuses it with one of the most potent turbo V8 powertrains, resulting in a ridiculously quick yet supremely comfortable way to travel.
MSRP
$149,500
Combined MPG
15
2nd
Edmunds Rating
8.0/10
The Alpina XB7 is one of the most expensive and powerful vehicles BMW has to offer. It's comfortable, well appointed, and loaded with just about every feature you could ask for. But it doesn't feel all that much better than a regular X7.
MSRP
$152,400
Combined MPG
17
3rd
Edmunds Rating
8.0/10
The Cadillac Escalade-V, with its supercharged V8 engine, is quicker than a regular Escalade but also produces an unholy and intoxicating racket pretty much all the time. Even though its interior doesn't feel as premium as some of its competition, there's a lot of technology baked into the V's cabin with attractive screens and the latest safety features from GM, including the available hands-free Super Cruise system.
MSRP
$152,295
Combined MPG
13
4th
Edmunds Rating
7.7/10
Much like art or high fashion, you're either going to "get" the BMW XM or you won't. The clever engineering that underpins the XM is the vehicle's saving grace, as the styling, performance and luxury elements defining the rest of this M model are simply not enough to justify the experience on their own.
MSRP
$160,500 - $186,700
Combined MPG
14

Top Selling 3-row-suvses of
2024

Table view of

Vehicles included in the data set are exclusively retail registrations to individuals and do not include rental sales or registrations from government bodies*

    20242024
    Powered by

    Best 3-Row SUVs

    SUVs have taken over our roads in recent years, due in no small part to the family-friendliness of 3-row SUVs. They look cooler than minivans while providing much the same versatility, and unlike minivans, they may come packed with off-road capability or even high-performance racetrack credentials. This is especially true of luxury 3-row SUVs, which often sit at the very top of the brand’s model lineup.

    A key question for any 3-row SUV shopper is how much you plan to use the third-row seat. If you’ll only use it rarely, then a smaller 3-row SUV is probably the right choice, unless you intend to fold down the rear seats and haul a large amount of cargo. But if you’ll be using the third-row seat regularly then you’ll need a true minivan substitute, which gets you into the larger 3-row SUV size classes. Naturally, the price tends to goes up as the size increases, but if you need the versatility, there’s no substitute.

    Choosing the Right 3-Row SUV for You

    Our list of the top-ranked 3-row SUVs is the result of hundreds of hours of driving, testing and comprehensive evaluation. We take each vehicle to a private test track, where we measure acceleration, braking and handling performance. Next, we drive it on a real-world driving loop that tests its performance on city streets, through twisty mountain curves, and in high- and low-speed freeway conditions. Finally, our editors take a turn at the wheel and come to a consensus on an overall rating for the vehicle relative to its competitive set.

    The outcome of this rigorous process is the list of 3-row SUV rankings you see here. But don’t just take our word for it; go test-drive a few of your favorites and see how they stack up. We’re here to help you narrow down the field and focus on the best 3-row SUVs for your needs. From there, it’s all about how they feel to you when you’re in the driver seat, the second row and even the third row. That’s the fun part. Just don’t forget to come back and write a consumer review once you’ve chosen the right 3-row SUV for you.