Best SUVs with 3rd Row

The Toyota Highlander is one of the bestselling three-row midsize SUVs thanks to its overall competence, pleasant driving demeanor, and Toyota's long-earned reputation for reliability. Since its redesign in 2020, the family-friendly Highlander is also known for its impressive fuel economy. The standard V6 tops many of its competitors and the Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient midsize SUV, easily eclipsing the Ford Explorer Hybrid.

The Highlander isn't the most luxurious in the segment (falling short of the Mazda CX-9 and the Hyundai Palisade) nor is it very sporty. Although the new XSE trim was designed to give the Highlander a bit of an edge, it still favors comfort over performance. The Highlander is also squarely in the middle when it comes to overall space. The third row is serviceable for kids and small adults, but the Volkswagen Atlas and Buick Enclave are more spacious. The same goes for the Highlander's cargo area as it's far from the largest in the class.

The three-row Ford Explorer is positioned between the compact five-passenger Ford Escape and Bronco Sport models and the full-size Ford Expedition. Redesigned in 2020, buyers can choose from seven Explorer trims and four powertrains (including a hybrid model). All trims are available with four-wheel drive, which includes Ford's driver-selectable Terrain Management System to help the SUV handle specific weather and off-road driving situations.

Handsome and secure in its own skin, the Explorer is one of just a few midsize SUVs that are rear-wheel drive: a design typically associated with truck-based vehicles such as the off-road-oriented Toyota 4Runner. The Explorer is more middle-of-the-road, as its modern underpinnings give it a solid, jiggle-free feel and a quiet, confident ride on the highway. In addition to a hybrid model, buyers can select from three turbocharged EcoBoost engines that deliver ample acceleration and segment-leading trailer-towing ability on the King Ranch trim.

Shoppers seeking a premium three-row SUV should add the Lincoln Aviator to their test-drive list. Its handsome styling and plush interior make it an enjoyable road trip vehicle, and a wealth of standard infotainment features will ensure passengers remain entertained for hours. The driver gets a 400-horsepower V6 engine that accelerates swiftly, and handling is secure though not as sporty as some. A plug-in hybrid is available, though its refinement and fuel efficiency gains are disappointing for the steep price increase.

Advanced driver safety features come standard. Upper trims have impressive features like 30-way power front seats, ventilated rear seats, and a 28-speaker surround-sound system. Some rivals are sportier to drive and more fuel-efficient, but the Aviator's remarkable interior and cargo space and stout towing capacity give it the edge in everyday versatility.

The Grand Cherokee is widely acknowledged to be the best off-roader among both midsize and full-size SUVs. With its unique Jeep persona and characteristics, it commands a premium price. The largest vehicle in Jeep's SUV lineup, the Grand Cherokee brackets the midsize-SUV segment. The five-passenger model is 9 inches shorter than the Ford Explorer, but the seven-passenger Grand Cherokee L is 6 inches longer.

Based on its size, the Grand Cherokee is more competitive with two-row midsize SUVs, such as the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano, but those vehicles have virtually no off-road credentials. In contrast, the Grand Cherokee brings class-leading off-highway capabilities along with a roomy upscale interior that rivals some luxury brands. The Grand Cherokee also stands alone with its performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models, which boast some of the most powerful engines on the market today.

The three-row Acura MDX is all-new for 2022 after skipping the 2021 model year altogether. As Acura's largest SUV, it sits above the smaller two-row Acura RDX. The MDX isn't as big as traditional three-row luxury SUVs, such as the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. But the newly enlarged MDX is more than an inch longer than its most direct competitor, the Lexus RX 350L.

All MDXs are powered by a strong 3.5-liter V6, which is now connected to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard. Acura also offers its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which improves performance on both dry pavement and wet surfaces. Acura has significantly refined its interior designs and materials over the past decade, and it shows in the MDX's rich-looking cabin. One downside is the trackpad-like infotainment system interface takes practice to use proficiently.

The MDX has long been one of the top-selling three-row luxury SUVs, and the changes to the 2022 model make it even better. It is one of the few vehicles in its class to deliver versatility, luxury, and a performance feel in a single package.

The Cadillac XT6 was introduced as an all-new model last year. It's a seven-passenger alternative to the larger, more expensive Cadillac Escalade. Though smaller, the XT6 has plenty of room and its third row easily accommodates two adults. Interior materials are good, but the XT6 doesn't deliver the same superior quality of some competitors. The V6 engine is responsive, easily getting this large vehicle up to speed with a smooth, quiet ride. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available. Packaged as a luxury SUV, the XT6 comes with many standard features, including a premium audio system and heated front seats. It's also strong on safety with standard automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.

The XT6's competitors include the Lincoln Aviator and Acura MDX. The Aviator delivers a luxury experience at an even higher price. The MDX has similar accommodations with a more performance-oriented feel.

Sleek and sculpted, the Mazda CX-9 is a handsome midsize crossover, great for active families and those wanting more driving enjoyment from their SUV. Its roomy cabin is elegant and refined, with straightforward controls and standard comfort features like tri-zone climate control. Being a Mazda, the CX-9 somehow feels like a smaller and lighter vehicle, with sharp handling and a potent turbocharged engine that make driving it a blast.

Upper trims of the CX-9 build on the fancy interior with details like ventilated Nappa leather seats and a surround-sound audio system. Mazda lacks a hybrid powertrain, and the back seat is a bit snug. For those needing a spacious family vehicle but who don’t want to lose their love of driving, the Mazda CX-9 may be an ideal choice.

The year 2021 is an unusual one for the Atlas because Volkswagen did an initial mid-cycle refresh and then followed that up later with a mid-year update. The first round of updates modified the Atlas' exterior styling to match its smaller, two-row Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport sibling. It made all-wheel-drive available on more trim levels. The rare mid-model-year change then added new infotainment and driver-assistance features.

Inside, the VW Atlas is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class, with three-row seating for up to seven adults. Its unique exterior design brings a European feel to the segment that domestic and Asian brands dominate.

The Atlas is at the top of the Volkswagen crossover utility lineup above the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. With the added length of the 2021 revision, the Atlas is one of the longest vehicles in the segment. It's almost 4 inches longer than the Kia Telluride and nearly 2 inches longer than the Ford Explorer. Like virtually all crossovers, it offers the option of all-wheel drive. But a differentiator is the sharper on-road handling it brings to the segment.

A three-row crossover with standard all-wheel drive, the 2021 Subaru Ascent is the brand's largest vehicle and one of our favorites in the midsize-SUV class. With its comfortable and well-appointed interior, smooth ride, long list of available features, and class-leading safety, the Ascent is extremely family-friendly. It's responsive and fun to drive thanks to its standard turbocharged 260-horsepower engine, all-wheel drive, and sturdy structure. Every Ascent is also equipped with a third-row seat, although rivals such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade offer considerably more third-row space.

Subarus are known for their toughness, and the Ascent isn't afraid of a dirt road. Its suspension soaks up rough terrain and its class-leading 8.7 inches of ground clearance can tackle mild trails as well. Even the Jeep Grand Cherokee doesn't match that number. If there's a drawback to its high stance, it's the reduced aerodynamics that result in middling fuel economy. Considering all the benefits of the Ascent's rugged setup, it's a reasonable trade-off.