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The three-row SUV is the modern all-purpose family vehicle, long having displaced the station wagon, minivan and sedan as the go-to vehicle for families on the go. The ideal three-row offers plenty of space for passengers and their stuff and hardware unfazed by snow, rain and mud; genuine off-road capability is a plus, even if most buyers rarely use even half of its potential. The ability to devour long stretches of boring highway while ensconcing the occupants in quiet comfort also factors into the equation; bonus points if the SUV has a full complement of the latest tech diversions.
The overall vehicle ranking scores reflect the SUV as complied by our scoring (explanation below), but the order presented in this list considers additional factors that escape objective measurement. Factors like ease of access to the third row, clever storage solutions, legroom, cargo space exterior dimensions, fuel efficiency and the always pertinent price vs. features vs. space equation. This list contains a mixture of 2022 and 2023 model-year vehicles. Folks who need even more space or heavy-duty towing capability might consider a full-size SUV such as the Ford Expedition or Chevrolet Suburban.
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What three-row SUV has the most legroom?
In terms of total legroom, the trophy goes to the KiaTelluride. But manufacturers distribute space differently. For example, the Toyota Highlander has the most front legroom at 44.2 inches compared to Telluride’s 41.7, but its third row offers just 27.7 inches, second only to the Outlander in terms of cramped quarters.
What three-row SUV has the most cargo space?
The undisputed champ on this list is the Chevrolet Traverse with 98.2 cubic-feet of space with the third and second rows folded. The Volkswagen Atlas comes in a close second with 96 cubic-feet, the Acura MDX taking the bronze with 95 cubic feet. With the third row folded, the order reshuffles slightly, with the Traverse still in first place at 57.2, the Honda Pilot’s 55.9 cubes edging out the Atlas’ 55.8 for second and third place, respectively.
What three-row SUV is the most affordable?
The Volkswagen Tiguan S is currently leading the price war with a $27,885 base MSRP including a $1,295 destination fee. The Mitsubishi Outlander is not far behind at $28,340, including a $1345 destination fee. The Chevrolet Traverse currently leads the “larger” three-row SUVs with a $35,05 base MSRP, including a $1395 destination fee. The Hyundai Palisade SE is not far behind at $36,545, including a $1295 destination fee, followed closely by the Kia Telluride LX at $37,025, including a $1,335 destination fee.
What three-row SUV is best for families?
Most family units are, by nature, highly unique and constantly evolving, making it hard to pin down a universally “best” three-row SUV. However, if you figure the space vs. price equation as the primary criteria, it’s hard to beat the value of the Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Smaller families would likely appreciate the increased fuel economy and smaller footprint of the Tiguan or Sorrento. Drivers who tow regularly will be better served by a full-size Tahoe, Suburban or Expedition; the Explorer and Durango will best serve those who want to stay in this segment and tow.
Methodology
This list contains a mixture of 2022 and 2023 model year vehicles. Our rating methodology has been expanded from five to seven categories for 2022. As such, ratings of the same vehicle between these two model years may differ slightly.
For 2022, our ratings categories are:
- Performance
- Fuel Economy
- Safety
- Infotainment
- Comfort & Room
- Cargo Space & Storage
- Style & Design
Overall: 100 points
- Performance (15 points) The Performance score is a subjective assessment of a vehicle’s handling, braking, acceleration, ride quality and other qualitative performance measures such as horsepower, torque, zero-to-60 time and top speed. Towing capability for trucks and SUVs also is considered. Performance of the vehicles is compared against the identified competitive set. While driving, reviewers look for attributes relative to the expectations set by the manufacturer and by consumer expectations.
- Fuel Economy (15 points) The Fuel Economy score is based on the combined mpg estimate for the entire model lineup and how that figure measures against the identified competitive set. The mpg estimates are based on EPA data or the manufacturer if no EPA data is available. Hybrid and plug-in electric variants within a lineup that significantly lower their overall average will not be included in the comparison unless the competitive set also have hybrid or PHEV variants. Scoring for pure electric vehicles will be based on kilowatts consumed per 100 miles and the comparative mile per gallon equivalent, or MPGe.
- Safety (15 points) The Safety score is based on crash test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Vehicles not yet rated by either agency receive zero points. Also included in the safety rating are points awarded for certain advanced driver-assistance safety features offered as standard equipment on the base trim. There are nine safety features Forbes Wheels considers mandatory for the standard offering: forward emergency automatic braking, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning or one its higher-level variants, lane keeping assistance or lane centering. Vehicles must have at least four of these in their standard offering to receive points. Vehicles that offer a Level 2 self-driving system, (a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane centering) are eligible for a bonus point.
- Infotainment (15 points) The Infotainment score is based on points awarded for certain features offered as standard equipment on the base trim. Forbes Wheels identifies certain features that are growing in popularity and therefore have been adopted by both premium and mainstream automakers. Some of these features include a minimum 7-inch touchscreen (or premium vehicles that use a rotary knob, touchpad or other mechanism to control a non-touchscreen display), wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a customizable, digital driver information display or instrument panel and at least 2 USB ports. Additional points are awarded for popular features that haven’t been widely adopted in mainstream vehicles such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging capabilities.
- Comfort & Room (15 points) The Comfort & Room score is based on points awarded for the reviewer’s assessment of the vehicle’s comfort, ergonomics and overall interior feel as well as effective use of space. Points also are awarded for the measurement of rear-seat legroom and how it compares with the identified competitive set. Vehicles that offer a segment-best legroom in either rear seat or optional third row are eligible for a bonus point.
- Cargo Space & Storage (15 points) The Cargo Space & Storage score is based on points awarded for the reviewer’s assessment of the vehicle’s large and small cargo spaces (as well as small-item storage) and how well they serve their purpose and effective use of space. Reviewers also consider innovative storage solutions and flexible loading features. Points also are awarded for the cargo space measurements for rear cargo hold or trunk and how it compares with the identified competitive set. Vehicles that offer a segment-best cargo or trunk space are eligible for a bonus point.
- Styling (10 points) The Styling score is a subjective assessment of a vehicle’s overall styling and design, inside and out. Reviewers also consider the configuration of the interior and how well the design plays into the function. Build quality also is a consideration.
