Best SUVs with 3 Rows for 2024

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models averaging $31,101 and 3-year-old models averaging $23,510.

Running Changes to the 2019-Current Toyota RAV4

• 2019: All-new design on a new platform, new XSE HV trim level added with hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain, new 2.0-liter engine, standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, Entune 3.0 with Wi-FI connect; Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay added; available dynamic torque-vectoring all-wheel drive with rear driveline disconnect
• 2020: Added TRD Off-Road trim level; added LE, XLE, and Limited grades for the hybrid models
• 2021: Added RAV4 Prime plug-in-hybrid model with 302 combined net horsepower and a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds

Running Changes to the 2013-2018 RAV4

• 2013: All-new design with major exterior changes that include a new top-hinged tailgate, power liftgate on Limited grade, Halogen headlights standard, and a rear roof spoiler; 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment interface; new six-speed automatic transmission and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (V6 discontinued); available blind-spot monitoring system on Limited, including rear cross-traffic alert; RAV4 EV carries over from previous generation.
• 2014: New Entune audio lineup, new Technology Package for Limited grade includes blind-spot monitor, lane-departure alert, and auto high beam.
• 2015: New Blizzard Pearl Premium Package for Limited, new Hot Lava paint color available, Power liftgate now optional on XLE; RAV4 EV is discontinued.
• 2016: Added RAV4 Hybrid in XLE and Limited grades; added SE grade to gas model lineup, which also includes LE, XLE, and Limited; cosmetic update to exterior, revised gauge cluster 7-inch touchscreen in center stack, New Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system standard on Limited and available on XLE; Smart Key is standard on SE and Limited, Homelink is standard on Limited; Scout GPS link cell phone-based navigation is available on LE
• 2017: Add top-of-the-line Platinum trim level for gas models, SE Hybrid trim level for hybrid models; TSS-P, a more advanced version of TSS, is standard on all RAV4 models
• 2018: Added Adventure trim level for gas models, LE grade for Hybrid models 

Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.

The Santa Fe has filled dual roles for Hyundai until 2021. Bouncing back and forth between two rows and three with various names like “Sport” and “XL” to help differentiate them, the Santa Fe is on the smaller side of the vehicles in this segment. That doesn’t mean that the five-passenger versions are not roomy, just that on some versions in some model years it is not a three-row vehicle.  The Santa Fe’s third-generation ran from 2012 through model year 2019. There were important changes to the vehicle including its naming during that run. The Santa Fe was a three-row SUV during this time, and the Santa Fe Sport was the two-row version. In 2018, that switched. The Santa Fe became a two-row crossover with the Santa Fe XL name denoting the three-row version. For 2021, it is again a two-row crossover, and there is no longer a three-row version. To fill that role, Hyundai has introduced the new Palisade.

Mazda’s CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that’s slightly smaller but more engaging to drive than most of its direct competitors.

The Mazda CX-9 was last redesigned for the 2016 model year. It has emerged as the 3-row SUV segment winner in many Driver’s Choice awards. The Mazda Zoom Zoom driver engagement shines through, even in this family hauler. Shoppers will find the Mazda CX-9 offers many of the tech features found in pricier premium midsize crossover vehicles, but at mainstream prices. Unusual for this vehicle segment, Mazda opted for a turbocharged engine. Our testing revealed best-in-class pulling power from a stop due to its wide torque band that helps accelerate quickly. Unlike some premium turbo vehicles, the CX-9’s engine does not require premium fuel but can make due on regular, which keeps ownership costs down. The CX-9’s interior space is a bit less than some of its peers including a cramped third-row seat, but it still offers three rows and seating for seven. We expect a new generation CX-9 to be launched in late 2021.

Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.

The current 4Runner design has been in production since 2009. We expect an all-new sixth-generation 4Runner by 2023. A 2020 model year refresh added more modern infotainment features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as updated active safety systems. Most 4Runners are configured with two rows and five seats. However, on some limited trims, there are two additional folding seats in a compact third row.  So why do so many loyal Toyota shoppers opt for the 4Runner instead of the Highlander? There are really two reasons. First, the 4Runner is more off-road capable by a country mile. With true 4X4 models available and considerable off-road tech, the 4Runner is no poser. Second, those who wish to tow will find that the 4Runner is rated at 5,000 pounds of maximum trailer weight on every trim. Its body-on-frame design is the choice of many who want the toughest Toyota in this segment. We’d be remiss if we did not mention that the 4Runner is nearly always the top model in any comparison of resale value in this segment. In fact, the 4Runner is often on the podium among all vehicles in this regard. The 4Runner is a traditional body-on-frame SUV that owners find reliable and durable.

The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.

The Ford Explorer has evolved from a rear-wheel-drive SUV to a large crossover with a front-wheel-drive platform, and back again. The Explorer counts a roomy interior to help make it among the best 3-row SUVs available. Ford’s fuel-efficient turbocharged (EcoBoost) engines have won over many fans, and the new generation Explorer has hybrid options that point toward the future. Shoppers should take note of the important generation change that occurred for the 2020 model year.

The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.

All-new for the 2020 model year, the legendary Toyota Highlander remains a top-seller and family favorite as one of the best three-row SUVs available. The previous Highlander, model years 2014-2019, offers seating for up to 8 passengers, a four-cylinder, six-cylinder and hybrid drivetrain, along with excellent safety ratings and front- or all-wheel drive. Sadly, Toyota was slow to adopt full phone integration, which meant no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay offered in this generation of Highlander. Despite its commercial success, Toyota didn’t rest on past success with the new Highlander. In addition to offering seating for seven or eight, Toyota is also offering two powertrains for the Highlander, both of which we would consider a premium offering. The V6 will deliver the smooth ride with refined power Toyota Highlander fans have grown to know and love. However, the newly-updated Hybrid is the one we’d check out. With 243 hp and an incredible 36 MPG rating, the Highlander Hybrid offers a combination of power and efficiency that is hard to match in this segment. Toyota owners will be glad to hear that the infotainment system has also been updated and now offers Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Alexa integration.

The Honda Pilot is one of America’s favorite three-row family vehicles. All but two trim levels offer seating for eight passengers, though many buyers opt for the 7-passenger configuration with two large captain's chairs in the second row.

For 2021 Honda offers fourteen separate configurations of the Pilot, many of them very upscale, near-luxury SUV trims. The current design of the Pilot has been on sale since June of 2015. A notable update was the 2017 model year addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on all but the base trim. We expect a new generation Pilot to debut by 2022. Family-friendly touches like Honda’s third-row One-Touch Walk-In feature, a hands-free liftgate, and Honda’s CabinTalk in-vehicle public address system are what make the Pilot unique in its segment. Honda’s Pilot has also earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick award for five straight model years. With an abundance of legroom and headroom, the Pilot is a benchmark for the larger three-row crossovers in this popular segment for good reason.

The three-row Nissan Pathfinder was redesigned for the 2022 model year. The new model features a more boxy facade, additional standard safety features, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and a more premium interior that can now seat up to eight passengers. This much-needed makeover of the aging Pathfinder, after nearly a decade, will better position the midsize SUV in this competitive segment.

The Nissan Pathfinder was introduced in the mid-80s as a body-on-frame SUV. From its rough and tumble beginnings, it later emerged as a well-rounded crossover/SUV targeted at families. Since 2012, the Pathfinder has been a roomy 7-passenger vehicle. There was an important update in 2017, adding sharp new looks and a motion-activated liftgate, plus updated information technology. Then a 2022 full redesign that made the Pathfinder competitive in the highly-competitive midsize SUV segment.  The Pathfinder is available with front or all-wheel drive. The AWD versions have a driver-selectable locking differential and hill descent control, two advanced off-road features paying homage to its aggressive off-road origins. The locking differential helps you scale steep inclines or off-road obstacles when conditions are slippery, rather than have the system allow some slip and then try to catch up. Hill descent control maintains a low speed when going down steep inclines. We’ve tested the Pathfinder many times over the past decade, and it always feels light and lively. Its much-needed update for the 2022 model year helped modernize this classic crossover, giving it the refinement and updated technology required to compete in this popular vehicle segment.

GMC’s Acadia is a crossover SUV that offers seating from five to eight passengers, depending on model year and trim. Shoppers will find the Acadia is a bit like an upscale version of the Chevy Traverse. 

The Acadia is a crossover SUV from GMC notable as GMC’s first-ever front-wheel drive vehicle. Available with all-wheel drive as an option, the GMC Acadia line includes many premium trims that are luxury-like in terms of content and quality. The Acadia underwent a total makeover in 2017. This newer version lost 700 pounds, and the vehicle was streamlined and substantially updated.

The Chevy Traverse is a roomy three-row crossover SUV with room for up to eight passengers. The Traverse is Chevrolet’s third most popular model and a top seller in the segment.

The Chevy Traverse was introduced in 2008 to augment Chevy’s full-size, truck-based SUVs. The Traverse entered a new generation for the 2018 model year with significant updates to every aspect of the vehicle. The more Tahoe-SUV-like design was easy to spot. For a time, the Traverse seemed to lag the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander’s active safety and driver-assist systems. That was corrected in the current generation, and the upcoming 2022 refresh will include many of the most modern safety systems available. The High Country trim of the current Traverse is notable for its more advanced AWD system and better all-road and all-weather capability.

Kia’s Sorento is a two- or three-row crossover SUV on sale since 2015 in its outgoing generation. It is built in West Point, Georgia. All-new for 2021, shoppers in the midsize SUV segment should give the Sorento a fresh look.

The Sorento will be redesigned for its 2021 model year. The vehicle gets an entirely new larger platform, new touchscreen infotainment and all-new engine options. Included in the new powertrain options is a turbocharged hybrid with all-wheel drive we can’t wait to try. All 2021 and newer Sorentos will have three rows of seating in either 4 plus 2 or 5 plus 2 configurations. That means the middle row can either be two captain’s chairs or a three-across bench. The Kia brand has been earning top quality scores as of late, and the Sorento has a good safety track record.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact sport utility vehicle with a reputation for engaging driving dynamics and upscale interior materials. The Tiguan has become VW’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. and is currently in its second generation, with new models averaging $30,442 and 3-year-old models averaging $22,319.

Running Changes to the 2018-Current Volkswagen Tiguan

• 2018: All-new second-generation model debuts with new vehicle dimensions, added third-row seat option, and updated technology
• 2019: Carryover model
• 2020: Active safety features such as forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert      made standard; Volkswagen Car-Net telematics are standard with remote start, vehicle location, and remote lock/unlock features. WiFi hotspot also added as standard equipment. Warranty term reduced and standard maintenance added.
• 2021: New wheel designs for S and SE; radar cruise control becomes standard on SE, power seat added to SEL and Premium R-Line; Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available

Running Changes to the 2009-2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

• 2009: Tiguan model introduced to North America with turbocharged four-cylinder engine option, front- or all-wheel drive, six-speed manual or automatic transmission choice, and a fold-flat front passenger seat for extended cargo mark its entrance
• 2010: Wolfsburg Edition added; SE and SEL trims get Bluetooth standard
• 2011: Minor exterior design changes, Wolfsburg Edition dropped
• 2012: Exterior design updated, SEL gets LED running lights, adaptive xenon headlights and new wheels; new LE trim added between S and SE trims, fuel economy improved
• 2013: LE trim dropped, leather-wrapped steering wheel standard on all mode
• 2014: R-Line trim added; Car-Net telematics service debuts
• 2015: Manual transmission discontinued; Car-Net, an iPod interface, backup camera and 5-inch touchscreen radio become standard
• 2016: Keyless entry and ignition, heated front seating, updated touchscreen interface now standard; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added as options
• 2017: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard equipment; Wolfsburg and Sport trim levels added, R-line and SE trims dropped 

Like all Dodge products, the three-row Durango is notable for being big, bold, and performance-oriented (on SRT/Hellcat trims). The 710hp SRT Hellcat version is one of the most powerful SUVs ever created.

No vehicle on this list better exemplifies the “If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it” philosophy than the Dodge Durango. As it enters its tenth model year on the current platform, the Durango has emerged as a fan favorite -- particularly for those that want a powerful engine. With three V8’s to choose from it is easy to call the Durango the muscle car of this SUV segment. We’ve driven the 2021 SRT Hellcat trim and can only say, “Wow!” What struck us most was how family-friendly 710 horsepower could be.

The Nissan Rogue is a five-passenger SUV with a roomy cabin and excellent cargo capacity. The current Rogue was redesigned for the 2021 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,623 and 3-year-old models averaging $21,320.

Running Changes to the 2021 Nissan Rogue

• 2021: Fully redesigned with a new chassis, enhanced ProPilot Assist, new 3-cylinder engine, and a more refined transmission

Running Changes to the 2014-2020 Nissan Rogue

• 2014: Fully redesigned with larger dimensions, more cargo room, optional third row, and new available rear cargo system with 18 different configurations
• 2015: Heated front seats added to SV Premium Package, Arctic Blue Metallic replaces Graphite Blue metallic exterior
• 2016: Available automatic emergency braking on SL, available Siri Eyes Free on SV and SL, NissanConnect and app suite added to SL, Select trim discontinued
• 2017: Hybrid introduced, pedestrian detection now included with available automatic emergency braking, interior and exterior receive updated styling
• 2018: Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available ProPilot Assist, standard motion-activated liftgate for SV trim, third row discontinued
• 2019: Standard automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear door alert
• 2020: Hybrid discontinued

The Outlander from Mitsubishi is a compact SUV with seating for up to 7 people. It was redesigned for 2022 with substantial improvements to its interior quality, refinement and overall execution, though engine power remains adequate at best. Previous Outlanders were offered in three basic flavors: the Outlander Sport, a smaller, two-row model, the Outlander, a somewhat larger three-row version, and the Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid option. The previous Outlander and Outlander Sport models were introduced in 2011, and the Outlander PHEV was introduced in 2014. New models of the Mitsubishi Outlander cost an average of $32,039 and 3-year-old models average $18,676.

Running Changes to the 2011-2021 Mitsubishi Outlander

• 2011: Outlander Sport introduced as a new generation vehicle; Outlander sees some package reshuffling from previous year’s introduction of new-generation vehicle
• 2012: Outlander is a carryover model; Outlander Sport gets recalibrated transmission and larger engine
• 2013: Outlander Sport model gets slight restyling to its interior and exterior; Outlander is a carryover model
• 2014: Full redesign of Outlander model, Outlander PHEV model introduced; Outlander Sport gets 18-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment
• 2015: Outlander, Outlander Sport, and Outlander PHEV are carryover models
• 2016: Outlander Sport model gets refreshed styling, including a new front grille and interior comfort updates; Outlander receives chassis and exterior changes; Outlander PHEV is carryover
• 2017: Outlander and Outlander PHEV add blind-spot warning system option and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto availability; Outlander Sport gets automatic climate control as standard
• 2018: Carryover model year for Outlander, Outlander PHEV; Outlander Sport gets a 7-inch touchscreen upgrade as standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto availability
• 2019: Outlander Sport gets new GT trim level; Outlander and Outlander PHEV get upgraded front and rear styling and interior upgrades for improved comfort
• 2020: New 8-inch touchscreen infotainment added, more USB ports added, Special Edition trim level added; Outlander Sport gets exterior refresh with updated design cues; Outlander PHEV receives a new GT Premium interior upgrade package
• 2021: Outlander PHEV gets new battery pack for better range, updated engine noise dampening, and new Limited Edition trim; Outlander Sport receives new standard safety features such as forward collision mitigation and lane-departure warning and trim level shuffling; Outlander three-row goes on hiatus for 2021 pending an all-new model for 2022

The Dodge Journey is one of America’s most affordable 7-passenger vehicles. Those looking for the best bang for their buck may want to give it a look.

The five or seven passenger Dodge Journey has been on sale since 2009 and received a style makeover in 2011. Dodge pulled the Journey from many popular U.S. markets after 2019, and its last model year was 2020. The Dodge Journey was a favorite of rental car and commercial use fleets which means there are a lot of them in the used car market. The Journey is notable as the most affordable 7-passenger vehicle on this list. And not by a little. It’s relatively low resale value is an asset to buyers now that it has been discontinued.

The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.

Unlike Subaru’s first attempt at a three-row crossover, the B9 Tribeca, the Ascent is earning favor with long-time Subaru fans. Looking a lot like the very popular, but smaller, Forester, the Ascent offers long-time Subaru fans more interior space for a growing family, pets, cargo or a mixture of all three.