The modern three-row SUV represents automotive engineering’s answer to the impossible family math problem: how to transport seven people, their weekend luggage, soccer gear, and the family dog without resorting to commercial trucking licenses. Experts like Car and Driver, Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds agree that these versatile behemoths balance power, comfort, and technology while attempting to disguise their van-like practicality beneath aggressive styling and premium features.
20. GMC Acadia (Exterior)
The GMC Acadia swaggers into the SUV party wearing its fancy clothes and acting like it invented the game. The truth? This redesigned hauler actually brings proper substance to match its style. The 2.5L turbo engine won’t set your hair on fire, but it delivers a respectable 20 mpg city and 27 highway while hauling seven humans in reasonable comfort.
GMC Acadia (Interior)
For $44,900, you get a machine that’s grown more than 10 inches longer than its predecessor – a size boost that matters when you’re playing Tetris with sports equipment and groceries. The 15-inch screen handles Apple CarPlay and Google services without throwing a tantrum, and the optional Super Cruise lets you pretend you’re living in the future. It’s as if GMC finally realized people buying family SUVs actually want them to be good at family SUV things.
19. Mazda CX-90 (Exterior)
The Mazda CX-90 is what happens when engineers who genuinely care about driving dynamics get free rein on a family hauler. While Toyota was busy making the Highlander handle about as thrillingly as a waterbed, Mazda sharpened the steering until it could slice sashimi. The turbocharged engines deliver proper punch, and standard all-wheel drive means you won’t be that parent stuck at the bottom of a slightly snowy hill.
Mazda CX-90 (Interior)
Starting at $42,500, the CX-90 delivers a rather brilliant 24 mpg city and 28 highway, numbers that won’t make your wallet weep at the pump. The cabin materials would make entry-level BMWs nervous, and the plug-in hybrid option offers 26 miles of electric range for those short school runs. The whole package feels similar to finding out your boring neighbor secretly races motorcycles on weekends – unexpectedly thrilling beneath a sensible exterior.
18. Hyundai Santa Fe (Exterior)
The Hyundai Santa Fe tackles the age-old problem of wanting a decent three-row SUV without needing to sell a kidney to afford it. At $38,115, it costs about the same as a pile of designer handbags but offers vastly more practicality. The updated design no longer looks like it was sketched during a boring meeting, and the 2.2L turbo engine delivers enough grunt to merge without prayer.
Hyundai Santa Fe (Interior)
Fuel economy sits at a tolerable 20 mpg city and 29 highway, numbers that won’t force you to take out a second mortgage for gas money. Yes, cargo space trails the larger Palisade by 20%, and the engine noise occasionally mimics an eager vacuum cleaner, but these seem tiny complaints against the value proposition. The available hybrid option makes about as much sense as bringing an umbrella when rain clouds gather – obvious, practical, and smarter than the alternative.
17. Kia EV9 (Exterior)
The Kia EV9 proves electric SUVs don’t need Tesla prices or Rivian waiting lists to be properly brilliant. This three-row electric beast starts at $65,900 – not cheap, but a veritable bargain compared to the Model X, which costs roughly the same as a small apartment in most cities. The cabin rivals full-size SUVs for space, offering room for six adults without requiring contortionist skills.
Kia EV9 (Interior)
The driving experience delivers that instantaneous electric shove that makes EVs so addictive, while handling remains composed despite its substantial size. Range anxiety? Not with this battery pack. The EV9 silently cruises past gas stations like a ghost ship, all while costing pennies per mile to operate. For families ready to embrace the electric future without waiting for their toddlers to reach college age, the EV9 makes a compelling argument that the revolution has already arrived.
16. Lexus GX (Exterior)
The Lexus GX answers a question nobody really asked but now seems obvious: what if an off-road beast wore a tuxedo? This luxury tank starts at $69,950 and looks properly imposing, like something diplomats would use in countries where the roads occasionally disappear. The 3.4L twin-turbo V6 pumps out enough torque to tow a small house (9,000 pounds, actually) while the 10-speed gearbox ensures you’re always in the right ratio.
Lexus GX (Interior)
Sure, fuel economy numbers read similar to a military vehicle at 15 mpg city and 21 highway, but you’re not buying this for its environmental credentials. The cabin offers seating for seven in leather-wrapped comfort, while things like lockable differentials and all-terrain tires mean you can actually venture off the mall parking lot. It’s the automotive equivalent of wearing hiking boots with a suit – strangely perfect for a certain type of buyer who wants luxury but also needs to ford the occasional stream.
15. Lexus TX (Exterior)
The Lexus TX solves the age-old rich family problem: how to haul kids and their endless stuff without feeling like you’ve surrendered to driving a minivan. This six-seater luxury wagon starts at $60,000 and stretches its wheelbase to create genuine third-row space – not just an area where you banish people you don’t really like. The 2.4L turbocharged engine won’t win drag races, but it moves with sufficient authority.
Lexus TX (Interior)
Tech features abound, including a 14-inch touchscreen that responds to commands without the frustrating delay found in some competitors. The hybrid and plug-in options add environmental smugness to your school drop-off routine, with the plug-in offering 33 miles of electric-only driving. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivers sound quality that makes you realize your kids’ music still sounds terrible, just with exceptional clarity. It competes against the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60, but feels a class above in refinement.
14. Volvo EX90 (Exterior)
The Volvo EX90 represents what happens when Swedish engineers get serious about eliminating both emissions and accidents simultaneously. This seven-seat electric SUV packs enough tech to make NASA jealous, including lidar sensors that can spot a tennis ball hundreds of feet away. Dual motors deliver instant power to all four wheels without burning a drop of dinosaur juice, and range exceeds 300 miles – enough to outlast most bladders on a road trip.
Volvo EX90 (Interior)
The interior feels less like a car and more like a Scandinavian furniture showroom that happens to move. The minimalist dash centers around a portrait-oriented touchscreen that controls virtually everything. Those distinctive Thor’s hammer headlights provide the perfect Swedish accent, while federal tax credits help offset the premium price. As Volvo transitions toward full electrification by 2030, the EX90 stands as their flagship – practical, safe, and secretly quite quick when nobody’s looking.
13. Ford Explorer (Exterior)
The Ford Explorer earned its iconic status by being the automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army knife – not the best at any one thing, but surprisingly capable at almost everything. The 2025 refresh brings much-needed updates to the cabin and tech, finally dragging the interface into the current decade with a proper 13.2-inch touchscreen running Google-based systems that won’t frustrate tech-savvy teens.
Ford Explorer (Interior)
Power options still include the muscular 400-horsepower EcoBoost V6, which delivers acceleration similar to sports cars from just a few years ago. Starting at $43,450, the Explorer hits a sweet spot between capability and affordability. Available BlueCruise hands-free driving reduces highway fatigue, while trim levels range from family-friendly to borderline sporty. This versatile box on wheels continues to prove that sometimes being good at everything beats being excellent at just one thing.
12. Buick Enclave (Exterior)
The Buick Enclave performs a neat trick – making people forget their grandparents once drove Buicks. This thoroughly modern seven-seater starts at $48,750 and packs enough tech to impress the neighbors without screaming for attention. The massive 30-inch touchscreen dominates the dash like a flatscreen TV, while Super Cruise hands-free tech lets you pretend you’re in a sci-fi movie during highway stretches.
Buick Enclave (Interior)
Under the hood lurks a turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers smooth, adequate thrust through an 8-speed automatic. The continuously damping suspension reads the road better than most humans, filtering out nasty bumps before they reach your coffee cup. With 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and optional all-wheel drive, it handles weekend adventures without breaking a sweat. The whole package feels like someone at Buick finally realized people under retirement age might want to buy their vehicles.
11. Infiniti QX80 (Exterior)
The Infiniti QX80 brings sledgehammer power to the luxury SUV fight with its turbocharged 3.5L V6 delivering a whopping 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. These numbers transform this leather-lined behemoth into something that moves with the urgency of a startled rhinoceros – surprisingly quick despite its substantial heft. The acceleration feels similar to being shoved by a polite bouncer – firm but somehow refined.
Infiniti QX80 (Interior)
Inside, screens dominate the experience with dual 14.3-inch displays plus a dedicated 9-inch panel just for climate controls. The adaptive air suspension delivers a ride quality that makes speed bumps seemingly disappear into another dimension. Massive 22-inch wheels make a fashion statement while the price tag makes a value statement – offering Escalade-adjacent luxury without requiring a second mortgage. It’s a luxury truck for people who find the Escalade too common and the Navigator too Lincoln-y.
10. Cadillac Escalade IQ (Exterior)
The Cadillac Escalade IQ replaces the traditional V8 soundtrack with an eerie electric hum and a shockingly potent powertrain. This electron-guzzling giant offers 450 miles of range – enough to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco without stopping – assuming you can resist bathroom breaks that long. Built on GM’s dedicated Ultium EV platform, it takes the stance of a bouncer at an exclusive club – wide, imposing, and unlikely to go unnoticed.
Cadillac Escalade IQ (Interior)
The downside? This rolling tech showcase weighs roughly the same as a small moon, tipping the scales between 8,000 and 9,000 pounds thanks to its massive battery pack. Starting around $130,000, it costs similar to a starter home in many American cities. But for those who want an electric status symbol that can seat a basketball team, the Escalade IQ delivers sustainable luxury with zero emissions and maximum presence. It’s the electric SUV equivalent of announcing your arrival with a spotlight and theme music.
9. Chevrolet Traverse (Exterior)
The Chevrolet Traverse solves the perpetual family road trip equation of too much stuff and not enough space. This redesigned people-hauler starts at $41,995 and offers a cavernous 98 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded – enough room to haul a small furniture store. The turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine provides sufficient motivation without drinking fuel like it’s going out of style.
Chevrolet Traverse (Interior)
Families will appreciate thoughtful touches throughout the cabin that suggest Chevy actually consulted real humans during development. The entire package competes directly with the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, but offers more space than either. It’s the automotive equivalent of finding an apartment with an unexpected walk-in closet – suddenly, everything fits. For growing families who regularly pack half their possessions for weekend trips, the Traverse makes a compelling case that bigger is indeed better.
8. Toyota Grand Highlander (Exterior)
The Toyota Grand Highlander fixes the regular Highlander’s biggest flaw – a third row designed for people without legs. This expanded version starts at $46,370 and delivers genuine adult-friendly seating in all three rows, making it suitable for teenagers and their endless growth spurts. The stretched dimensions benefit cargo space too, solving the “either passengers or luggage” dilemma that plagues many mid-size SUVs.
Toyota Grand Highlander (Interior)
Engine options include an efficient hybrid setup that achieves a remarkable 34 mpg combined – practically economy car territory for something this size. The 12.3-inch touchscreen handles entertainment duties without requiring a computer science degree to operate. With seven trim levels available, buyers can choose between nearly-luxury appointments or more budget-friendly configurations. The Grand Highlander performs the neat trick of being thoroughly sensible without being thoroughly boring – an engineering achievement worthy of Toyota’s reputation.
7. Mercedes EQS SUV (Exterior)
The Mercedes EQS SUV attempts to answer whether electric luxury can justify a $118,400 starting price. The answer comes in the form of cutting-edge tech, including the jaw-dropping Hyperscreen that transforms the entire dash into one massive display – like sitting in front of a curved IMAX screen that happens to control your climate settings. Range extends to 305 miles, enough to silence most doubters about EV practicality.
Mercedes EQS SUV (Interior)
Electric all-wheel drive delivers the sort of hushed, effortless acceleration that makes passengers check if they’ve left their stomachs behind. The cabin remains library-quiet at highway speeds, with only the faintest hint of wind noise around the mirrors. Third-row seating accommodates actual humans, not just small pets or packages. For tech-obsessed luxury buyers who want to announce their environmental credentials without sacrificing comfort, the EQS SUV delivers a compelling, if expensive, proposition.
6. Honda Pilot (Exterior)
The Honda Pilot performs the automotive equivalent of a perfectly executed triple axel – making the difficult look effortless. Starting at $46,988, this eight-passenger family hauler comes with Honda’s reputation for bulletproof reliability baked in. The 3.5L V6 delivers power with the smooth consistency of a well-trained barista making your morning latte – never dramatic but always satisfying.
Honda Pilot (Interior)
Clever touches abound, like the removable center seat that creates instant captain’s chairs when needed. The TrailSport trim adds genuine off-road capability with upgraded suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires – perfect for the family that occasionally ventures beyond mall parking lots. The entire package feels thoroughly tested by actual families with actual children who spill actual drinks. It’s the SUV equivalent of that friend who somehow manages to excel at their career while raising perfect children and maintaining a spotless home – annoyingly competent at everything.
5. Toyota Sequoia (Exterior)
The Toyota Sequoia tackles family transportation with the subtlety of a sledgehammer – massive, powerful, and unapologetic about its size. This full-size bruiser packs a surprising punch with its hybrid-assisted 3.4L twin-turbo V6 generating a meaty 437 horsepower – enough to embarrass some sports cars while towing your boat. The TRD Pro trim adds off-road hardware that transforms this family hauler into something that can genuinely handle trails that would strand lesser SUVs.
Toyota Sequoia (Interior)
Inside, passengers enjoy leather seating and a 14-inch touchscreen that handles Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without throwing tantrums. The hybrid powertrain delivers reasonable efficiency for something the size of a small apartment building. It combines the seemingly contradictory traits of being both family-friendly and adventure-ready – similar to a Swiss Army knife that somehow includes both a bottle opener and a grappling hook. For families who refuse to compromise on space or capability, the Sequoia stands ready to serve.
4. Mercedes-Benz EQB (Exterior)
The Mercedes-Benz EQB shrinks the electric luxury experience down to manageable proportions without sacrificing the premium feel. This compact crossover offers something rare in the EV world – a third row of seats – though they’re best reserved for small humans or particularly flexible adults. The all-wheel drive system ensures confident handling in all weather conditions, while the electric powertrain delivers that characteristic instant torque that makes EVs so satisfying in city driving.
Mercedes-Benz EQB (Interior)
The rich infotainment system recalls the feeling of operating a high-end smartphone – intuitive, responsive, and packed with features you didn’t know you needed. With zero emissions and surprising practicality, the EQB makes a compelling case for electric family transport without requiring a mansion-sized garage to park it. It competes directly with the Tesla Model Y, but offers the distinct advantage of not having to explain to neighbors why your car sometimes receives updates that make it worse.
3. Cadillac Escalade V (Exterior)
The Cadillac Escalade V answers a question nobody asked but everyone secretly wondered about: what happens when you give a luxury SUV supercar power? The result packs a supercharged 6.2L V8 delivering a frankly ridiculous 682 horsepower – enough to move this leather-lined behemoth with the urgency of a spooked cheetah. It accelerates with physics-defying enthusiasm, turning mundane grocery runs into mini thrill rides.
Cadillac Escalade V (Interior)
Air suspension and sophisticated damping somehow manage to contain three tons of American excess through corners without inducing seasickness. The cabin offers seating for seven in an atmosphere that mimics a private jet, with screens and leather covering nearly every surface. It’s the automotive equivalent of a heavyweight boxer in a bespoke suit – refined on the surface but capable of stunning violence when provoked. For those who find ordinary luxury SUVs too ordinary, the Escalade V provides an answer – just bring money, and plenty of it.
2. Acura MDX (Exterior)
The Acura MDX has spent over two decades perfecting the art of the premium three-row SUV, and the current version shows it. The popular A-Spec package with all-wheel drive runs $63,500 – not cheap, but less than European rivals with similar features. The 3.5L V6 delivers 290 horsepower with the reliability of sunrise, having proven itself across millions of Honda products.
Acura MDX (Interior)
The interior feels properly premium without veering into ostentatious territory, and the Bang & Olufsen audio system transforms your questionable playlist into a private concert. The entire package splits the difference between the clinical precision of German rivals and the plush comfort of American competitors. For buyers who value long-term ownership satisfaction over momentary showroom flash, the MDX presents a compelling case that sometimes evolution beats revolution. It’s the SUV equivalent of a veteran actor who consistently delivers solid performances without drama or headlines.
1. Nissan Pathfinder (Exterior)
The Nissan Pathfinder breaks the mold of boring family SUVs by actually delivering on its adventurous name. Starting at $46,600 for the SL four-wheel drive trim, it offers seating for eight actual humans without requiring sardine-packing techniques. The 3.5L V6 engine provides sufficient torque to handle both highway merges and moderate off-road challenges while returning a reasonable 21 mpg city and 27 highway.
Nissan Pathfinder (Interior)
The Rock Creek trim transforms this family hauler into something that can actually venture beyond the soccer field parking lot, with enhanced suspension and proper off-road hardware. The entire package strikes that elusive balance between weekend adventure machine and daily family transport – comfortable enough for commuting but capable enough for camping. It’s the automotive equivalent of that one parent who somehow maintains their cool factor despite driving a practical family vehicle. For families seeking both everyday utility and occasional adventure without breaking the bank, the Pathfinder delivers without unnecessary compromise. If these go-anywhere abilities intrigue you, take a look at some cool off-road vehicles pushing the limits of adventure.
