Car and Driver
Three-row crossovers aren’t the vehicles that will save the planet or encourage spirited mountain driving. They’re the answer for buyers who have a lot of kids and, subsequently, an ever-expanding pile of stuff, but don’t want to live with the power-sliding doors of a minivan. The charming aspect of a three-row SUV is that it can hold up to eight passengers, carry all the hockey or football equipment high schoolers can throw at it, and still offer better fuel economy than full-size SUV counterparts such as the Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition.
After multiple tests and countless hours of driving we’ve ranked the current available mid-size crossovers and SUVs. If you find three rows overwhelming, we recommend checking out our overall mid-size SUV rankings, which will also include two-row options as well.
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13. Nissan Pathfinder
Optioning Nissan’s Pathfinder is simple. There’s one engine, one transmission, and one touchscreen standard on all trims. A 284-hp V-6 engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. Check any expectations of excitement at the door, because the Pathfinder is built for shuttling families. It’s quite good at the task, however, and the second-row bench seat has a clever fold-and-slide mechanism that allows it to move out of the way (even with a child seat installed) so that passengers can more easily access the third row through the rear door.
- Base price: $33,075
- Engines: 284-hp 3.5L V-6 engine; continuously variable automatic transmission
- Cargo space behind second row: 47 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind third row: 16 cubic feet
12. GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is a compact version of Chevy’s Traverse, but both models offer three-row seating. Three engines are available in the Acadia, a 193-hp four-cylinder standard in lower front-wheel-drive SL and SLE trims, a 230-hp turbocharged inline-four, and a 310-hp V-6 for the top Denali or off-road AT4 trims. Every engine comes with a nine-speed automatic; no buzzy CVT here, folks. The Acadia is on the smaller end of the segment, the shortest in length by over an inch. Maybe that’s a plus for families that need more room in the garage for the kids bikes. Unfortunately, it means the Acadia has the least amount of combined second- and third-row cargo space on the list. The most fuel-efficient Acadia is the front-wheel drive turbocharged four-cylinder, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
- Base price: $30,995
- Engines: 193-hp 2.5L inline-four, 230-hp 2.0L turbocharged inline-four, 310-hp 3.6L V-6 engine; nine-speed automatic transmission
- Cargo space behind second row: 41 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind third row: 12 cubic feet
11. Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is the biggest SUV on the list at over 17-feet long. It’s not quite as big as the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe, but it straddles the line between minivan and SUV. There’s plenty of cargo space in both the second and third row. Even with the third row raised there’s 23 cubic feet of cargo space. The only powertrain is a 310-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine with a nine-speed transmission, and despite its size and power, it still achieved 27 mpg during our highway fuel economy test. Features include an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot with standard 4G LTE data. There’s also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration on every Traverse. The refreshed 2022 model pictured here will go on sale mid-2021.
- Base price: $32,000 est
- Engines: 310-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine; nine-speed automatic transmission
- Cargo space behind second row: 57 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind third row: 23 cubic feet
10. Subaru Ascent
If you’ve outgrown the Forester and Outback, meet the Subaru Ascent. Powered by a 260-hp flat-four, the Ascent’s 277 pound-feet of torque give it a heavy push when needed. The standard CVT helps this 4656-pound all-wheel-drive three-row get an EPA-estimated 27 mpg on the highway. Its big offering of standard safety features is where the Ascent shines brightest. Even on the cheapest Ascent, forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are standard. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but step into the Premium trim level for a larger 8.0-inch screen, Wi-Fi capability and other features like blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and the free choice of either second-row bench- or captain’s chairs.
- Base price: $33,345
- Engines: 260-hp 2.5L turbocharged inline-four engine; continuously variable automatic transmission
- Cargo space behind second row: 47 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind third row: 17 cubic feet
9. Volkswagen Atlas
The refreshed Volkswagen Atlas wears a friendlier face for 2021. Built in Tennessee, the Atlas has become the brand’s best-selling vehicle. Two engines are available, a standard 235-hp inline-four with front-wheel drive, or a 276-hp V-6, both available with all-wheel drive and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V-6-powered Atlas SE with the technology package, the SEL and SEL Premium models offer max towing at 5000 pounds. It’s no GTI, but it also doesn’t feel much like a Volkswagen inside. It’s a rather dull interior styling compared to the Kia Telluride or Mazda CX-9. Base models come with a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but we think it’s worth the extra cash for the 8.0-inch touchscreen with two more speakers and extra USB ports. Even the base Atlas is a thirsty Atlas. The most fuel-efficient version is a front-drive four-cylinder that netted just 24 mpg on the highway during our fuel economy test. Standard safety features are a big plus, with forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. LED headlights come with every Atlas model.
- Base price: $32,565
- Engines: 235-hp 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine, 276-hp 3.6L V-6 engine; eight-speed automatic transmission
- Cargo space behind second row: 55 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind third row: 20 cubic feet
8. Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is the quickest SUV on this list, it tows the most, and it sounds like a muscle car. Dodge’s three-row is available with three engines: a 293-hp V-6 with 6200 pounds of max towing, all the way up to 360-hp V-8. Every powertrain is supported by an eight-speed automatic. Max towing with the V-8 jumps to 8700 pounds (with the Tow N Go package), which puts it above every mid-size pickup when it comes to hauling stuff. The Durango offers solid handling with a comfy ride, and looks tougher than others on the list. An 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard. That’s larger than most optional equipment elsewhere on this list. A 10.1-inch screen is optional. The third row is decently roomy, and allows the Durango to seat seven. The V-6 Durango scored 22 mpg in our highway fuel economy test, and the all-wheel drive V-8 Durango managed 23 mpg, beating its EPA-estimate.
- Base price: $31,990
- Engines: 293–295-hp 3.6L V-6, 360-hp 5.7L V-8. 475-hp 6.4L V-8 engine; eight-speed automatic transmission
- Cargo space behind second row: 43 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind third row: 17 cubic feet
7. Honda Pilot
We joke that many three-row crossovers are minivans in disguise, but the Honda Pilot quite literally is a minivan masquerading as an SUV. It shares mechanicals and a platform with the excellent Honda Odyssey. What sets the two apart are the Pilot’s extra ground clearance, tougher visage, and available all-wheel drive. A 280-hp V-6 engine is standard across the range, while a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system is optional and offers settings for snow, sand, and mud. The Pilot’s three rows provide plenty of room, and a host of active-safety tech is available. An all-wheel-drive-only Pilot Elite model returned a 27 mpg on our highway fuel economy test.
- Base price: $32,645
- Engine: 280-hp 3.5L V-6 engine; nine-speed automatic transmission
- Cargo space behind second row: 46 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind third row: 16 cubic feet
6. Ford Explorer
Welcome to the sixth generation of the Ford Explorer. The Explorer of today comes in base form with a 300-hp 2.3-liter inline-four engine and 10-speed automatic. It’s one of the heavier SUVs on this list, but the 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 offered in the ST performance trim makes it the fastest with a top speed of 146 mph. A hybrid Explorer is also available. It comes with 20-inch wheels and in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Explorer’s bigger optional 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen sits vertically, but if Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is all you’re after, that’s standard on all models. The new Ford Explorer fell short in our most recent three-row comparo because it is expensive and there’s a lot of plastic in the interior. Rear-drive hybrid Explorers return the best fuel-economy with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg on the highway.
- Base price: $33,470
- Engine: 300-hp 2.3L turbocharged inline-4, 365-hp 3.0L twin-turbo V-6, 400-hp 3.0L twin-turbo V-6, 318-hp electric-hybrid 3.3L V-6 engine; 10-speed automatic transmission
- Cargo space behind second row: 47 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind third row: 18 cubic feet
5. Toyota Highlander
The new Toyota Highlander packs a bunch of cargo space with the third row folded and a hybrid powertrain with impressive fuel economy. A 295-hp V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard with your choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Other standard features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM satellite radio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa—all on the base trim. Highlander Limited and Platinum have a giant 12.3-inch display. A somewhat low roofline can be a bit of a problem for adults in the third row, but there’s plenty room for the kids. The front-drive Highlander Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 35 mpg highway, while the gas-only version still achieves an impressive 29 mpg.
- Base price: $36,085
- Engine: 295-hp 3.5L V-6 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission; 243-hp 2.5L inline-four hybrid engine; continuously variable transmission
- Cargo space behind second row: 48 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind third row: 16 cubic feet
4. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento has been completely redesigned this year, and it has become bigger and better, inside and out. The Sorento has many powertrain options in either front- or all-wheel drive, from a base 191-hp four-cylinder, a 281-hp turbo-four, as well as a hybrid version. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard, though higher trims come with a 10.3-inch screen. It’s a rather luxurious cabin made with an assortment of materials that go behind black plastic. The second-row bench seats can also be changed to captain’s chairs to make crawling into the third row easier. But when it comes to towing, the Sorento can only muster 3500 pounds, at most.
- Base price: $30,560
- Engine: 191-hp 2.5L inline-four, 281-hp 2.5L turbocharged inline-four engine; eight-speed automatic transmission, 227-hp 1.6L turbocharged inline-four hybrid engine; six-speed automatic transmission
- Cargo space behind second row: 38 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind third row: 12 cubic feet
3. Mazda CX-9
Mazda’s CX-9 isn’t the largest or roomiest three-row crossover in this bunch, but it looks the slickest and drives the best. If you need a school bus, look elsewhere; if you plan to only occasionally use an SUV’s third-row seat, the Mazda is absolutely worth a look. It gives buyers more than they’re probably expecting from this class, while appealing to our preference for vehicles that are fun to drive. We’ve awarded this Mazda a 10Best Trucks and SUV award in 2018 and 2019 precisely because it drives with a sporty verve while also delivering a luxurious ride. And it looks like a luxury SUV inside and out but is priced in the thick of the mainstream three-row segment. A gutsy turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard, all-wheel drive is optional.
- Base price: $35,060
- Engine: 250-hp turbo 2.5L inline-four engine; six-speed automatic transmission
- Cargo space behind second row: 38 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind third row: 14 cubic feet
2. Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade might be the Kia Telluride‘s fraternal twin, but when it comes to who should sit front and center for the family photo, the Palisade is the one behind the dog. The Palisade’s true beauty lies within. The interior quality make us wonder why this isn’t badged as a Genesis, the Kia/Hyundai luxury brand. It comes with just one engine option, the 3.8-liter V-6. It has optional cooled and heated rear seats and plenty of cargo room and features for the rest of the family.
- Base price: $33,700
- Engine: 291-hp 3.8L V-6 engine; eight-speed automatic transmission
- Cargo space behind second row: 45 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind third row: 18 cubic feet
1. Kia Telluride
No, we didn’t accidentally include a luxury SUV in the regular mid-size, three-row class—the substantial-looking Kia Telluride is priced in the heart of this segment. Despite starting at only $33,160, it wears an upscale appearance inside and out, drives well, and offers a litany of luxury features.
- Base price: $33,160
- Engine: 291-hp 3.8L V-6 engine; eight-speed automatic transmission
- Cargo space behind second row: 46 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind third row: 21 cubic feet
Heres the 25 Best-Selling Cars, Trucks, and SUVS
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