Three-row SUVs are the way many families roll these days when it comes to an expansive and flexible family vehicle. They are full of seats, comfort, and cargo-carrying capability for road trips, family outings, or just a ride to the store.
Why Buy a Three-Row SUV?
They are ideal for larger families or those that regularly carpool. All have seating for up to eight passengers, meaning everyone rides in style. That cargo space is some of the best you can find in any SUV, great for campers and vacation-takers. Three-row SUVs represent a blend of style, power, and space that appeals to families.
First of all, the best features to look for in a 3-row SUV
Modern three-row SUVs — especially the ones from mid-2018 onwards— are packed to add safety features along with consumer-friendly onboard technology and finishes. To do that, the meta tags (also called metadata or attributes) have to include some of these most desired elements:
Easy-to-use infotainment systems with large touchscreens
- Admirable fuel efficiency for its size
- Excellent safety ratings, such as collision prevention technology
- Interior spaciousness that provides comfortable access to the third row
- Enough Towing Capacity for an Outdoorsy Bunch
Most Popular Three-Row SUVs in 2024
Kia Telluride
The 2024 Kia Telluride is unchanged for families. The cabin is roomy and it’s elegantly styled. The Telluride is a great-suited eight-passenger vehicle that features an easy-to-use infotainment system. With its safety and dependability, it is great for all LPC home buyers. This SUV also offers excellent gas mileage for a car of its size, so you can avoid making constant stops on longer drives.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander welcomes itself back as a leader among its three-row rivals. Dependable: The Highlander is a reliable and roomy cargo hauler with a smooth, quiet ride. It now has a modern hybrid, which reduces the overall fuel consumption Good for eco-friendly families who also want to be large and comfortable.
Honda Pilot
Honda Pilot The spacious Honda Pilot is a perennial favorite with families looking for convenience and tech features. The safety features were upped, and the look of the model exterior was changed to have more curves when redesigned in 2024. Featuring robust engine options and a reputation for being durable, it is no wonder that the Pilot holds significant appeal to those needing an (exceptionally reliable) family hauler. Plus, it has one of the largest cargo capacities in its segment, offering a lot of practicality.
Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer The tried and true Ford Explorer is still sitting at the top of everyone’s list when it comes to three-row SUVs. I have a combination of solid engine choices paired with smooth and elegant driveways. The Explorer is an excellent option for those who want a utility vehicle with good towing abilities. Three separate rows of seats or its spacious third row would make things easy for families with more family members, but inside, it is still modern and technology-friendly.
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai Palisade: Class above quality at an affordable price. This is a cherished choice by most families who want excellent styling and a comfortable drive. The Palisade features a thoughtfully laid-out interior with plenty of room in all three rows. It also comes with a litany of safety features as standard, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Robust powertrain options in the Palisade make it a good long-hauler because of its confidence-inspiring grunt.
2025 Three-Row SUV Trends
Too often, the three-row SUV is a kind of automotive pork barrel–big and inefficient but loved by consumers because it makes every seat seem like first class. This pattern will only increase the number of hybrid and electric options in many models to come. The eco-conscious replacements strike a balance between fuel economy and SUV-like power.
These will include adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance — the kinds of advanced driver-assist systems that are becoming standard across nearly all makes. Comfortable but not always plush, seats are widespread in midsize to full-size sedans despite near-identical upholstery materials; most manufacturers now differentiate above-base versions with plusher hides or well-integrated driver support systems. The cabin will be a serene place to sit for long distances, the perfect model for families who want refinement and insulation from outside noise.
Prediction about 2025 Models
Some significant changes are coming on the 2025 roster of three-row SUVs. Expect technology to also take a significant step forward, with larger infotainment screens and even more seamless smartphone integration. More advanced safety features Redesigned and updated collision avoidance systems will be widespread in vehicles across the spectrum.
Three-row electric SUVs are becoming more popular and likely to offer more excellent driving range on a charge. Those models are designed for cleaner emissions without giving up the performance or reliability that has made traditional SUVs so famous. Comfort will remain the focus, though — adjustable third-row seats and improved cargo flexibility are all but guaranteed.
How to Select the Ideal Three-Row SUV for You?
Your choice of a three-row SUV will depend on your preference. Hybrid options are the way to go if fuel efficiency is what you care about. The adventure seeker folks should look out for vehicles with a rugged package, capable of pulling heavy trailers and coming equipped to roam off the beaten path. Those with a little more to spend and seeking luxury without splurging will find some very comfy mid-range models (complete with valuable premium interiors)and top-tier tech.
Since we will be focusing on family vehicles, safety is always a priority, and you should look at SUVs with excellent crash scores. Make sure the features — such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring — line up with what you’re expecting. The best fit varies by family and likely finds a balance between price point, features, and comforts.
By knowing current trends and features, buyers choose wisely. Between it all, you can find a three-row SUV tailored for nearly every lifestyle–whether style-, comfort- or efficiency-based.
