The three-row SUV is the go-to vehicle for families that need space, comfort, and reliability, all in a stylish package. These vehicles can carry everyone comfortably and are often loaded with technology, safety features, and enough power to make long trips enjoyable. Here are 20 three-row SUVs that set the standard for family transportation, along with details on their launch year, speed, engines, reliability, and fun facts.
Toyota Highlander
The original first debuted in 2001, but through the years, it’s grown to become one of the most trusted names for three-row SUVs. New models have a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 265 hp and are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission; 0-60 mph takes just 7.5 seconds. Toyota can bank on reliability, and frequently enough, it tops long-term ownership surveys. More than 70% of Highlanders sold in the last 20 years are still on the road today, a testament to its legendary durability.
Honda Pilot
Since its introduction in 2003, the Honda Pilot has been a family favorite with its roomy interiors and silky handling. Its 3.5L V6 engine puts out 285 hp, sending it from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.9 seconds. This is a master of versatility—it has an easy-to-use third row and excellent safety ratings. The Pilot has an optional CabinTalk system, allowing the driver to communicate with people in the back via the car’s speakers or headphones. This is a lifesaver for roadtrippers!
Ford Explorer
Since its release in 1991, the Ford Explorer has been the ultimate family favorite. The latest version has a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with 400 horsepower, accelerating very sharply with a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds in the ST trim. The Explorer is also known for its towing capacity and the numerous family-friendly activities it can accommodate.
Fun Fact: The Explorer was the first SUV to offer third-row seating, which paved the way for the modern family SUV.
Chevrolet Traverse: Space Meets Style
The Chevrolet Traverse, a 2008 model, boasts one of the biggest interiors in its class and can comfortably seat eight. Its 3.6L V6 engine has 310 hp, meaning it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Known for reliability, the Traverse is also great in cargo space, with up to 98.2 cubic feet when the seats are folded. The Traverse has a secret storage compartment behind the infotainment screen, which is ideal for storing small valuables.
Kia Telluride
Since its launch in 2019, the Kia Telluride has gained rapid popularity for its premium feel and price. Its 3.8L V6 engine produces 291 hp and can hit 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Advanced tech features, including semi-autonomous driving, make the Telluride a reliable choice for modern families. The Telluride has won many “Best SUV” awards, including MotorTrend’s SUV of the Year, which makes it the king of its segment.
Hyundai Palisade-Luxury on a Budget
Launching a serious rival to the Kia Telluride, the three-row SUV Hyundai Palisade was launched in 2019. With this model, Hyundai entered luxury land by offering a ride smoother and larger than most three-row luxury SUVs without the premium price. The 3.8L V6 gets 291 hp, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds. The Palisade provides quilted Nappa leather seats and ambient lighting that you usually see in top-of-the-line luxury SUVs.
Subaru Ascent: Adventure-Ready Family SUV
Released in 2018, the Subaru Ascent is an ideal car for family adventurers. It is equipped with standard all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.4L engine that yields 260 hp. It achieves 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds and boasts strong reliability, backed by Subaru’s outstanding reputation for building long-lasting vehicles.
Fun Fact: The Ascent boasts 19 cup holders, so every passenger will have at least one place to put their drinks (or small toys).
Volkswagen Atlas
Since its 2018 launch, the Volkswagen Atlas has been notable for its spacious cabin and German engineering. The base model is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine with 235 hp, but a 3.6L V6 with 276 hp is available for those who want a bit more oomph. Its smooth handling and practical design make it appealing. The Atlas features “Easy Open” technology, which lets you open the trunk with a simple foot wave under the rear bumper.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia first came on the market in 2006 and has been striking its rugged yet upscale personality to date. Its V6 3.6L engine delivers 310hp. 0-60 miles per hour takes 6.6 seconds. All credit for the Acadia goes to its quiet interior, which has been provided with some of the newest safety features. The Denali model of the Acadia can have a heads-up projection. This feature projects your primary driving information onto your windshield for your help.
Nissan Pathfinder
Since 1986, Nissan has transformed the rugged SUV known as the Pathfinder into a refinement of the family vehicle. Its 3.5-liter V6 can produce up to 284 horsepower and tow up to 6,000 pounds. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds. The Pathfinder stands out for its durability and decent off-road capabilities. The Pathfinder’s EZ FLEX Seating System provides accessible third-row entry even while a child seat is fitted in the second row.
Lexus RX 500h
Introduced in 2023, the Lexus RX 500h redefines luxury for three-row SUVs with its hybrid powertrain and meticulous design. Its turbocharged 2.4L inline-4 engine, paired with a hybrid system, delivers 366 hp and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. Beyond its performance, the RX 500h is synonymous with comfort, offering plush seating and premium materials. Its reliability is bolstered by Lexus’ reputation for building long-lasting vehicles.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X, launched in 2015, is a three-row electric SUV with features and performance that are futuristic and exhilarating. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system offers up to 1,020 hp in the Plaid version, achieving an astonishing 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds. With a range of up to 348 miles, it’s more than just fast-it’s practical. The Model X’s Falcon Wing doors and minimalist interior make it a standout in the segment. The Model X has a HEPA filtration system, which provides “Bioweapon Defense Mode,” allowing the cleanest air your family could wish for inside the cabin.
Mazda CX-90
In 2023, the Mazda CX-90 promises unparalleled sporty driving dynamics and family-friendly space. Powered by a 3.3L inline-6 turbocharged power unit and max 340 horsepower, it rockets off to 0-60 mph in only 6.3 seconds. What a pleasure to drive and feel inside. Premium interior treatments and the most advanced safety equipment set the CX-90 ahead of the rest. In Mazda’s case, they have focused a lot on their reliability. The CX-90 has Kinematic Posture Control, a feature inspired by sports cars that enhances stability during sharp turns.
Dodge Durango SRT 392
The Dodge Durango SRT 392, launched in 2018, is the ultimate choice for families who crave performance. Its 6.4L V8 HEMI engine pumps 475 hp, rocketing from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Despite its aggressive demeanor, it offers three rows of seating and practical family features, blending muscle car power with SUV versatility. The Durango SRT can tow up to 8,700 pounds, making it a family SUV that doubles as a powerful hauler.
Toyota Sequoia Hybrid
The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid pairs a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 with an electric motor to produce 437 hp. It jumps 0-60 mph in about 5.6 seconds while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency for its size. Known for rugged reliability, the Sequoia’s spacious interior and cutting-edge safety features make it a favorite for large families. The Sequoia Hybrid boasts a panoramic moonroof stretching across all three rows, providing a celestial view to all passengers.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Debuting in 2021, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduces a third row to the iconic Grand Cherokee nameplate. It has a 5.7L V8 engine making 357 hp, enabling 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Its Trail Rated badge ensures off-road capabilities, while the luxurious interior also makes it suitable for the commute through the city. The Grand Cherokee L offers a night vision camera that can recognize pedestrians and animals up to 219 yards away, ideal for dark adventures.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave was launched in 2008 with serene interiors and plentiful family space. It delivers 310 horsepower from a 3.6L V6 power plant, which helps the Buick accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 7 seconds. Its reputation is for having a quiet, smooth ride and incredible sound insulation. Families always enjoy the quiet and noiselessness. Its Enclave features QuietTuning, which uses triple-sealed doors and acoustic glass to reduce road noises.
Volvo XC90 Recharge
Since its introduction in 2015, the Volvo XC90 Recharge has been the leader in luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs. Its T8 powertrain combines a 2.0L supercharged and turbocharged engine with an electric motor to produce 455 hp, reaching 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. Safety and eco-consciousness have been the focus of the XC90 Recharge, making it a reliable and stylish choice for families. The XC90 Recharge features a crystal gear shifter handcrafted by Swedish glassmaker Orrefors, adding a bit of elegance to the cabin.
Infiniti QX60
The Infiniti QX60, revamped in 2022, boasts a 3.5L V6 engine producing 295 hp, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds. It features an upscale interior with quilted leather seating, massaging front seats, and a serene ride. Infiniti’s reliability and attention to detail make the QX60 a strong luxury family SUV segment contender. The QX60’s rear seats can slide and tilt forward with one touch, even with a car seat installed, making third-row access incredibly convenient.
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7, first released in 2005, is a model that perfectly balances performance and sophistication with family practicality. Its turbocharged 3.0L V6, making 335 hp, can run from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. The Q7 is popular for its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and luxury interior, making it a dependable and stylish choice for families. The Q7’s available Virtual Cockpit substitutes analog gauges with a 12.3-inch digital display that can be personalized to show everything from navigation to performance data.
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