Best 3-Row SUVs Of 2024

While it’s more difficult to make a case for smaller SUVs – given that they seat the same number of people as an equivalent sedan but are generally slower, less efficient, and pricier – it’s easier to justify a three-row SUV. Not only can you transport more people, but you can also cram in a lot of cargo when the third row isn’t occupied. Besides their versatility, these larger, three-row SUVs perfectly complement current American tastes, which favor larger vehicles. We’ve put together the best three-row SUVs of 2024, based on our BuzzScore rating.

1

2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge

Our joint-top-rated SUV with a 3rd row is also one of the classiest. The hybrid version of Volvo’s flagship SUV is a serene vehicle to drive and be driven in, although the ride may be slightly too firm for some tastes. The plug-in hybrid powertrain produces 455 hp and can get the heavy SUV up to 60 mph in only 4.5 seconds, based on independent tests. It can also waft along on pure electric power for just under 30 miles. The cabin is swathed in expensive-feeling materials and there are comfort features aplenty, but the third row is only truly suitable for emergencies and will be cramped for adults.

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Expert Opinion

“Everything inside the XC90 Recharge has a place and purpose. For the most part, the XC90’s interior ticks the boxes for ergonomics and elegance.”

2

2024 Cadillac Escalade-V

As a means of moving seven people from point A to point B as quickly as possible while taking great gulps of gasoline, there are few three-row SUVs that can match the Escalade-V. As a full-size SUV, the third row is actually usable for adults, but this vehicle’s practicality is completely overshadowed by its performance. The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 makes 682 hp, enabling a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds. Gas mileage is atrocious, with an EPA rating of 11/16/13 mpg city/highway/combined, and it costs over $150,000. It’s easily the most nonsensical three-row SUV on this list, but it’s also the most entertaining by some margin.

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Expert Opinion

“Before electrification fully takes over, the Detroit luxury brand is out to prove that no company can build a more bonkers luxury SUV. This vehicle is an aural experience that will leave your bones shattered and your ears bleeding.”

3

2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid

2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid

Base MSRP

$36,990

Fuel Economy

39/35 MPG

Horsepower

227 hp

Engine

1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid

Although Kia has handed the gas-only Sorento a visually sharp facelift for the 2024 model year, the 2024 Sorento Hybrid retains the same look. Fundamentally, though, it’s still a highly accomplished vehicle and one of the best 3-row SUV choices for 2024. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and electric motor produce 227 hp, but you can also go for the plug-in hybrid with 261 hp combined and a 32-mile all-electric range. The cabin has many high-tech features and is configurable to accommodate six or seven occupants. There isn’t a great deal of space in the third row, but the 45 cubic feet of trunk space behind the second row is generous.

4

2024 Kia Telluride

2024 Kia Telluride

Base MSRP

$36,190

Fuel Economy

20/26/22 mpg (2WD) | 18/24/20 mpg (AWD)

Horsepower

291 hp

Engine

3.8L V6 Gas

At under $40,000, this is one of the best three-row SUV models on sale for 2024. Kia introduced only a few small changes to the Telluride for the 2024 model year, which may seem worrying with the arrival of new competitors like the Mazda CX-90, but the Kia is still very much near the top of the class. There’s nothing soft about the boxy styling, which will suit most truck-loving Americans, and up to eight people can be accommodated across three spacious rows. The 291-hp V6 provides solid rather than spectacular performance, and the ample available trims cover a price range of nearly $20,000, so there’s something for everyone.

5

2024 Hyundai Palisade

2024 Hyundai Palisade

Base MSRP

$36,650

Fuel Economy

19/26/22 mpg (FWD) | 29/24/21 mpg (AWD)

Horsepower

291 hp

Engine

3.8L V6 Gas

A close relation of the Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade shares all the same qualities and is one of the best 3-row SUV models for families. It’s spacious, packed with modern safety features, and pleasant to drive. The Koreans also offer a class-leading warranty, which will give many family buyers peace of mind should anything go wrong. Cargo space is generous even behind the third row, but there’s a commodious 86.4 cubic feet behind the first row. Like the Telluride, there is very little the Palisade does wrong, but does it now overlap too much with the fresher Santa Fe?

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Expert Opinion

“Anyone looking to move up to eight people around in comfort with a budget between $35k and $55k, needs to be shopping at Hyundai. The Hyundai Palisade must be on the shortlist for those who want a large SUV that ticks those boxes. Since it arrived alongside the closely related Kia Telluride, it has been the three-row SUV to beat in its price bracket.”

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6

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

Toyota redeemed itself with the new Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid. Sporting a lengthened body compared to the Highlander, the Grand Highlander SUVs is much better at seating passengers in the 3rd row, and surpasses most rivals in this respect. Depending on the trim, you can seat up to eight people, and there are over 20 cu-ft of space behind the third row – a commendable number.

In hybrid guise, the standard powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor that makes 245 hp combined. The Hybrid Max setup boasts a 2.4-liter turbo with an electric motor that produces an impressive 362 hp. With the less powerful engine, the Grand Highlander Hybrid achieves up to 36 mpg combined. It’s a brilliant 3-row midsize SUV.

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Expert Opinion

“For what it costs, the Grand Highlander feels like nothing is missing and everything is laid out logically and with utility in mind. It’s nothing special to pilot, but it’s designed to be easy to drive and can comfortably be used daily.”

7

2024 Cadillac Escalade

Perhaps the most desired 3-row passenger SUV in America, the latest Escalade has evolved far beyond the original’s humble origins as a two-row SUV that was based on the GMC Yukon Denali of the time. Starting at just over $80,000, the 2024 Escalade seats up to eight occupants in a top-class cabin that reeks of luxury. It’s a brilliant cargo hauler, thanks to over 120 cu-ft of space with the rear seats folded. Buyers can choose from a 6.2-liter V8 or a 3.0-liter turbodiesel, each with 460 lb-ft of torque. Available features in this lux SUV include a 36-speaker AKG sound system, the Super Cruise hands-free system, and dual rear touchscreens to keep the little ones entertained.

8

2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV

For those who have no parallel parking anxiety whatsoever, there is the gargantuan Escalade ESV. At 227 inches in length, the ESV is 15.1 inches longer than the normal Escalade; it’s the largest SUV with a 3rd row on this list. It makes full use of that added length with more third-row legroom (+1.7 inches) and a lot more cargo space. There is 41.5 cu-ft of space behind the third row, 94.1 cu-ft behind the second, and 142.8 behind the first. It has the same robust engines as the regular Escalade, but you’ll greatly appreciate the parking sensors and camera systems when maneuvering this beast.

9

2024 Lincoln Navigator L

The Cadillac Escalade ESV’s chief rival also does a fantastic job of transporting people while giving them access to an array of tech and comfort features. Although the ride isn’t perfect, the Navigator L has some of the nicest front seats – known as Perfect Position seats – with infinite adjustments. Maximum third-row legroom is less than in the ESV, but still good at 36.1 inches. Behind the third row, cargo space is 19.3 cu-ft. The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 produces 440 hp and 510 lb-ft, so is more powerful than the Caddy’s V8.

10

2024 Tesla Model X Plaid

SUVs with 3rd-row seating don’t get speedier than this. Much more affordable than it was two years prior, the 2024 Model X Plaid costs $92,990 at the time of writing. However, with Tesla’s frequent price fluctuations, it may not cost exactly that when you read this. No matter when you buy it, what won’t change is the Plaid’s supreme performance. With 1,020 hp and AWD, it will reach 60 mph in 2.5 seconds yet has a good range of 326 miles. Total seating capacity is limited to six occupants, although the third row is a bit cramped for adults. With both the rear rows folded, the Model X Plaid has over 85 cu-ft of cargo space. There is also a decent frunk for additional storage.

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11

Honorable Mentions

Finding an SUV with three rows of seats isn’t easy, purely because there are so many strong options. Besides our top 10, these honorable mentions are still worth a test drive.

2024 Lexus TX

Base MSRP

$53,700

Fuel Economy

21/27 MPG

Horsepower

275 hp

2024 Acura MDX

Base MSRP

$50,150

Fuel Economy

19/26 MPG

Horsepower

290 hp

2024 BMW X7

Base MSRP

$81,900

Engine

3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas

Horsepower

375 hp

Fuel Economy

21/25 MPG

2024 Toyota Highlander

Base MSRP

$39,270

Fuel Economy

22/29 MPG

Horsepower

265 hp

Engine

2.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 GMC Yukon

Base MSRP

$58,200

Fuel Economy

15/20 MPG

Horsepower

355 hp

Engine

5.3L V8 Gas

2024 Lexus LX

Base MSRP

$92,915

Fuel Economy

17/22 MPG

Horsepower

409 hp

Engine

3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas

2024 Infiniti QX60

Base MSRP

$49,650

Fuel Economy

21/26 MPG

Horsepower

295 hp

Engine

3.5L V6 Gas

2024 Ford Expedition

Base MSRP

$54,555

Fuel Economy

17/23 MPG

Horsepower

380 hp

Engine

3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas

2024 Kia EV9

Base MSRP

$54,900

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

215 hp

Engine

Electric

2024 Nissan Pathfinder

Base MSRP

$36,080

Fuel Economy

20/27/23 mpg (2WD) | 21/27/23 mpg (AWD)

Horsepower

284 hp (295 hp Rock Creek)

Engine

3.5L V6 Gas

2024 Audi SQ7

Base MSRP

$90,400

Fuel Economy

15/21/17 mpg

Horsepower

500 hp

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

2024 GMC Acadia

Base MSRP

$42,600

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

328 hp

Engine

2.5L Gas

2024 Ford Explorer

Base MSRP

$36,860

Fuel Economy

21/28 MPG

Horsepower

300 hp

Engine

2.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

12

What To Consider Before Buying

Pros

• Space: While the seven-seater version is usually based on the smaller model at first, the former has slightly larger dimensions to accommodate more passengers. Having room available for two extra occupants is beneficial for larger groups of people, and when the last row isn’t being utilized for passengers, the ability to fold them down allows for significantly more cargo space.
• Capability: This type of car usually has excellent capabilities. They have strong engine lineups, great towing abilities and some have a standard 4×4 drivetrain, but this is optional on most. This means that it’s not only a great choice for families, but also for those who regularly venture off the beaten track.
• Utility: Thanks to its greater stature, they offer excellent cargo-carrying capacities. This doesn’t just come in handy on long trips for luggage, but also when all of the benches are folded down, easily accommodating bigger items.

Cons

• Third row can be often be cramped and only suitable for children.
• The additional seating cuts down on trunk space.
• More expensive than smaller crossovers.
• Larger and usually more difficult to maneuver.

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Best SUVs for Moms of 2024

13

Top 3-Row SUVs

Based on our scoring, the Volvo XC90 Recharge and Cadillac Escalade-V have the highest ratings among three-row SUVs. One is a quietly confident and efficient plug-in hybrid, while the other boasts brash styling and a monster supercharged V8; this completely different pair demonstrates how diverse the choices are for SUVs with additional seating capacity. Here are the best 3-row SUVs for 2024 on our roster:

• Volvo XC90 Recharge
• Cadillac Escalade-V
• Kia Sorento Hybrid
• Kia Telluride
• Hyundai Palisade

14

What SUV with 3 rows is most popular in the USA, currently?

Although the Tesla Model Y is one of the best-selling SUVs with an available third row, that extra seating row is optional and completely unsuitable for adults. The Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Hyundai Palisade are some of the best-selling three-row SUVs in the USA.

15

Who will benefit from purchasing an SUV with 3rd-row seating?

A larger family definitely benefits from more space, and even those looking for added utility are likely to find this an attractive proposition. There’s ample comfort and convenience for loading the children, their things, and the family pet.

16

How does a 3rd row impact safety ratings?

It depends entirely on the individual vehicle, as seating capacity is not necessarily an indicator of better or worse safety.