Every 3-Row SUV for 2026 Ranked
See where bestselling SUVs such as the Ford Explorer and Toyota Grand Highlander rank on this list of three-row SUVs.
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 three-row SUVs is that they have at least six seats and can carry all the hockey or football equipment high schoolers can throw at it.
After multiple tests and countless hours of driving, we’ve ranked the currently available three-row crossovers and SUVs. This list is primarily comprised of models in the mid-size and large SUV categories, and we've also included the few compact SUVs that offer third-row seats.
1. Mid-Size: Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride remains one of the best three-row mid-size SUVs available today. And even newer competition can't kick this aging SUV from its throne. While the 2025 model is still available in dealer inventory, an all-new 2027 Telluride has debuted and will go on sale sometime in 2026.
- Base price: $37,885
- C/D rating: 10/10
2. Mid-Size: Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander fixes the standard Highlander's biggest issue: its cramped third row. That said, the Grand Highlander is also a physically larger vehicle, making it a bit less wieldy than its smaller sibling. A 265-hp turbo four-cylinder comes standard. Two hybrid powertrains are available, as well. We recommend skipping past the lesser 245-hp gas-electric option, and instead aim for the 362-hp hybrid setup Toyota calls "Hybrid Max."
- Base price: $43,155
- C/D rating: 9.5/10
3. Mid-Size: Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai has updated its mid-size Palisade SUV for the 2026 model year, and it's even roomier than before, including in the standard third row of seats. Both a V-6 and a turbo-four hybrid powertrain are offered, and we strongly prefer the hybrid. In fact, we named it to our 2026 10Best Trucks and SUVs list.
- Base price: $41,035
- C/D rating: 9.5/10
4. Mid-Size: Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 almost lands itself in the luxury segment with its available turbocharged inline-six and plug-in hybrid powertrains, rear-drive-based chassis, and beautifully trimmed interior. As a whole package, the CX-90 is a fine three-row SUV, especially when loaded to the gills with premium features.
- Base price: $40,330
- C/D rating: 8.5/10
5. Mid-Size: Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot hides a roomy cabin and a comfortable ride under its boxy exterior. Though its unibody bones and sizeable length mean that this Honda's off-road capabilities only go so far, the Pilot's available TrailSport trim gives the model the chops to take on reasonably challenging off-tarmac terrain.
- Base price: $43,690
- C/D rating: 8.5/10
6. Mid-Size: Hyundai Santa Fe
The boxy Santa Fe serves as the three-row option in Hyundai's lineup for those who prioritize driving ease over passenger comfort. Casting a shorter shadow than its Palisade stablemate, the Santa Fe offers a wee bit of additional agility when driven about crowded city streets or packed parking lots, albeit at the cost of passenger space in the rearmost row. A 277-hp turbo four-cylinder comes standard, but those willing to sacrifice some performance in the name of fuel efficiency can opt for the Santa Fe Hybrid and its 232-hp gas-electric powertrain.
- Base price: $35,650
- C/D rating: 8.5/10
7. Mid-Size: Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Jeep's latest Grand Cherokee comes in two forms: two-row Grand Cherokee and three-row Grand Cherokee L. The latter doesn't just offer more seats, it also adds more space courtesy of its longer wheelbase and size. Though it's no Wrangler, the Grand Cherokee L can still hold its own off-road, something sure to attract three-row mid-size SUV buyers who prioritize off-pavement performance.
- Base price: $42,585
- C/D rating: 8.5/10
8. Mid-Size: Chevrolet Traverse
If size matters most to you, then the Chevy Traverse is worth a look. This big crossover SUV packs seats for as many as seven and a large cargo hold—even with all seats in place. Power comes courtesy of a gruff turbo four. It sings a coarse song that routinely invades the cabin.
- Base price: $42,795
- C/D rating: 8/10
9. Mid-Size: Ford Explorer
An update for 2025 brought reworked sheet metal and an improved interior to Ford's venerable three-row SUV. While the Explorer is markedly better than before, it still suffers from a cramped third-row seat and a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that belts out 300 horsepower and a coarse tune. Standard on ST and available on Platinum guises is a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. The powerful engine pushed an all-wheel-drive Explorer ST to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds in our testing.
- Base price: $40,160
- C/D rating: 8/10
10. Mid-Size: Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is one of the smaller vehicles in the mid-size three-row SUV segment. Still, it's a handsome and comfortable SUV that offers a variety of powertrain choices, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
- Base price: $33,885
- C/D rating: 8/10
11. Mid-Size: GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is a Chevrolet Traverse in a better wrapper—warts and all. Its more attractive exterior and interior don't come cheap, though, as the Acadia stickers for a couple of thousand dollars more than its Chevy counterpart.
- Base price: $45,795
- C/D rating: 8/10
12. Mid-Size: Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is a jack of many trades but a master of none. Its attractive styling, ergonomic interior design, and reasonable price make it a strong contender on paper. Yet, chintzy interior materials, a middling driving experience, and a coarse V-6 engine continue to hold the Pathfinder back from truly going toe-to-toe with segment leaders.
- Base price: $38,995
- C/D rating: 8/10
13. Mid-Size: Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 265 horsepower. A gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain is also available and pairs carlike fuel economy with reasonable power. Though we like its ergonomic dashboard design and comfortable ride, we remain unimpressed with the Highlander's interior space. Its third row is tight, and the cargo space behind it is minimal. It's also notably more expensive than similarly sized rivals from Hyundai and Kia.
- Base price: $47,540
- C/D rating: 8/10
14. Mid-Size: Volkswagen Atlas
Though the Atlas lacks the verve and driving engagement of segment leaders such as the Mazda CX-90 or Kia Telluride, the Volkswagen still packs its perks. Notably, there's plenty of space within the cabin of this three-row model.
- Base price: $40,785
- C/D rating: 8/10
15. Mid-Size: Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is essentially a three-row muscle car, pairing decent handling with a comfy ride. An 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard. A 10.1-inch screen is optional. The third row is decently roomy and allows the Durango to seat seven. Though we prefer the SUV with a V-8 under the hood, the base V-6 offers enough grunt to move the Durango with reasonable gusto.
- Base price: $40,990
- C/D rating: 7/10
16. Mid-Size: Subaru Ascent
If you've outgrown the Forester and Outback, then you may want to take a look at the Subaru Ascent. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the line, as is an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment setup. Power comes courtesy of a turbocharged flat-four engine—just like lower-level Porsche 718 models! Unlike the Porsche, the Ascent offers no manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission options. Instead, Subaru employs a CVT to push the engine's 260 horsepower to the Ascent's standard all-wheel-drive system. Though the Ascent is far from a penalty box, the three-row SUV lacks the polish that makes this segment's top-ranked models so sought after.
- Base price: $42,245
- C/D rating: 6/10
1. Mid-Size Luxury: Genesis GV80
While base and Select trims of the Genesis GV80 are two-row affairs, opting for the Advanced or Prestige trims adds a third-row of seats. Though the Advance's starting price of more than $70,000 is a tough pill to swallow, the GV80's high-end decor feels every bit as nice as this mid-size luxury SUV costs.
- Base price: $70,095
- C/D rating: 10/10
2. Mid-Size Luxury: Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is roomy, plush, and, in plug-in hybrid form, quite powerful. A recent styling refresh brought revised exterior and interior styling to the mid-size model, which helps it maintain its position as one of our favorite luxury SUVs.
- Base price: $62,445
- C/D rating: 9.5/10
3. Mid-Size Luxury: Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is a handsome but not particularly memorable luxury SUV. Still, it offers a peppy four-cylinder engine in Q7 form and an available twin-turbo V-8 in SQ7 guise. You can't go wrong with either, though you'll save a lot of money by sticking to the more efficient Q7.
- Base price: $63,890
- C/D rating: 9/10
4. Mid-Size Luxury: Lexus GX
Offered strictly in GX550 form, the boxy Lexus GX relies exclusively on a 349-hp twin-turbo V-6 for motivation. Befitting its status as Lexus's take on Toyota's two-row Land Cruiser, the three-row GX offers an off-road-oriented Overtrail trim that allows this luxury-lined SUV to tackle tough trails right out of the factory. Those more interested in driving over speed bumps than rocky roads can always opt for the more on-road-focused Premium and Luxury grades.
- Base price: $66,935
- C/D rating: 9/10
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GX
Austin Irwin has worked for Car and Driver for over 10 years in various roles. He's steadily worked his way from an entry-level data entry position into driving vehicles for photography and video, and is now reviewing and testing cars. What will he do next? Who knows, but he better be fast.
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