Okay. Let’s talk 3-row SUVs, a.k.a. the magical unicorns of car land that promise to haul your family, friends, Costco hauls, soccer gear, and that one inflatable kayak you swear you’re gonna use this summer.
I’ve driven a bunch of them. Not all at once—though that would make for an excellent YouTube video—but enough to form some Very Loud Opinions.
And no, this isn’t one of those fancy-spec-heavy breakdowns that make you feel like you’re studying for the SATs. This is the real stuff. Like whether your teenager can actually sit in the third row without turning into a human accordion. Or if the cupholders make sense. Or whether you’re gonna lose your mind trying to pair Bluetooth for the fourth time this week.
So here they are—3-row SUVs ranked—by someone who has spilled fries, yelled “use your inside voice,” and road-tripped through exactly 3 states in one of them.
🥇 1. Kia Telluride (2025)
The popular kid who deserves the hype
This thing is like the golden retriever of SUVs. It’s nice, it’s loyal, and everyone wants to be around it.
What I love:
- The third row isn’t punishment. Like, I’ve voluntarily sat back there. With knees that still work after.
- Interior vibes? Luxe. I mean, wood trim and soft-touch surfaces? In a Kia?? Who knew.
- It’s got a calm, confident ride. Like your chillest friend who also somehow always remembers to bring snacks.
The not-so-perfect bits:
It’s so good it’s everywhere. You won’t feel special, but you will feel smart.
🥈 2. Hyundai Palisade (2025)
Telluride’s fancier cousin who studied abroad once
Basically the Telluride in a different outfit, but with slightly more flair. The Palisade is like that kid in your friend group who wears loafers and pulls it off.
Pros:
- The infotainment system? So clean and intuitive, even my dad figured it out—and he still types with one finger.
- Seats feel like they belong in a luxury car. Seriously. That Nappa leather has no business being this soft.
- Quiet cabin = less road noise, more hearing your kids fight over AUX.
Cons:
Honestly? Not much. It’s just pricier than the Telluride, and that makes me judge it harder.
🥉 3. Toyota Grand Highlander (2025)
The “I’ve got my life together” SUV
I drove this after spilling iced coffee down my shirt and it still made me feel like I had my life together. The Grand Highlander is new-ish but feels solid—like, emotionally stable solid.
Things I kept noticing:
- So. Much. Space. Third row is real-adult approved.
- Hybrid option means fewer gas station stops (and yes, more money for road trip snacks).
- Built-in Google voice control that actually works and doesn’t make you repeat “Navigate to Taco Bell” six times.
Downsides:
Exterior’s a little safe-looking. But honestly? Who cares when the inside is this functional.
😎 4. Honda Pilot TrailSport (2025)
Soccer parent by day, dirt road adventurer by weekend
This one surprised me. I mean, it’s a Pilot, right? Feels like Honda’s been making these since dinosaurs were around. But this TrailSport version is kinda spicy. Rugged in a “I camp sometimes but also enjoy hot yoga” way.
What hit right:
- Handles like a sedan but fits 8 humans. Or 6 and a small army of snacks.
- TrailSport trim gives it some legit off-road cred, so you can do more than mall-crawl.
- Big knobs and controls for gloved hands—if you’re, I don’t know, driving through a blizzard?
What didn’t:
Fuel economy could be better. Also, styling still screams “I drive a Honda,” which you might be into, but I kinda wanted more pizzazz.
🧃 5. Mazda CX-90 (2025)
For the driver who loves to drive*
This one’s got swagger. Like it should come with aviator sunglasses and a playlist that starts with The Killers.
Standouts:
- It drives more like a sport wagon than a lumbering SUV. Steering? Chef’s kiss.
- Interior feels like a boutique hotel. All leather and clean lines and “Am I in a Mazda right now??”
- Plug-in hybrid version has some cool electric-only range if you’re short-distance commuting.
But…
The third row is tight for actual humans. Great for toddlers, pets, or your emotional baggage.
🧼 6. Chevy Traverse (2025)
The one your uncle swears by
I feel like everyone knows a Traverse owner. They always say the same thing: “She’s reliable.”
And it’s true! The Traverse is big, practical, and gets the job done—like a very good waffle iron.
The goods:
- Third-row is roomy, with legit legroom. No folding humans in half.
- Massive cargo space. I fit an IKEA desk in here. Flat-packed, yes, but still.
- Newer redesign makes it look less like a rental car and more like a thing you’d actually want to own.
The tradeoff:
Interior doesn’t wow. You’ll need to bring your own personality via air freshener and Spotify.
🫠 7. Volkswagen Atlas (2025)
Minimalist chic with “are we sure this isn’t German luxury?” energy
Listen, the Atlas is big. Like, airplane hangar big. If you’ve got teens with long legs and many opinions, they’ll thank you.
What I liked:
- Boxy shape = maximized interior space.
- The styling feels Euro without being obnoxious.
- Handles surprisingly well for something this size.
What’s tricky:
Fuel economy is meh. And I once got stuck in the Apple CarPlay menu for 17 minutes. Might’ve been user error. Might’ve been the SUV throwing shade.
🎯 Who’s This For And What is 3-row SUVs ranked?
Here’s a quick breakdown if you don’t wanna read all 1,200 words (but if you did, hey, thanks). https://motorscrazy.com/lowest-maintenance-used-cars/.
| SUV | Best For |
|---|---|
| Kia Telluride | People who want the whole package and don’t wanna overthink it |
| Hyundai Palisade | Style-savvy parents who drink oat milk and shop at Target |
| Grand Highlander | Big families, road trippers, and hybrid fans |
| Pilot TrailSport | Adventurers who still need room for a booster seat |
| Mazda CX-90 | Drivers who care about the experience (and leather) |
| Chevy Traverse | Practical types who like easy solutions |
| VW Atlas | Taller families who say things like “we’re a Subaru family now” but want more space |
🔗 Stuff You’ll Probably Click Anyway: 3-row SUVs ranked
- Parenting While Driving: The Real Survival Guide – because you know it’s true
- This YouTube Channel That Reviews Cupholders – yes, it’s weirdly helpful
