Plenty of space, features, and style.
Whether you're a single person who loves the outdoors or a parent who regularly volunteers at school events, three-row SUVs offer incredible flexibility. Three-row SUVs can fit all your friends or mimic a moving van to get you into your new home. Plus, they're packed with technology, from driver-assistance features to smartphone connectivity.
To help you find the right vehicle for you, we've compiled a list of the 10 best three-row SUVs for 2022 shoppers, based on CarMax sales data from November 1, 2021, through April 1, 2022.
10. Chevrolet Traverse
If you're looking for a three-row SUV that's not too big, the Chevrolet Traverse is a great choice. Redesigned in 2018, the 2018-2019 Traverse comes standard with eight seats, but models with second-row captain's chairs have seating for seven. No matter the model, the Traverse has plenty of space in all rows, even for adults. The 2018-2022 Traverse has a standard 310-hp 3.6L V6 engine, and the SUV is packed with standard features.
Here's what you'll find on the 2018-2022 Chevrolet Traverse:
Seven-inch touchscreen and Chevrolet MyLink® infotainment system
Six USB ports
Standard teen driver system and rear-seat reminder
Want to learn more? Check out the Chevrolet Traverse research page.
9. Chevrolet Tahoe
If strong engine power, plenty of seating, and a long list of standard features are a priority, turn to the Chevrolet Tahoe. The 2017-2020 Tahoe can seat up to nine people. However, it's more common to find Tahoes that have seating for seven or eight people, with captain's chairs in the first and second rows. Across 2017-2020 models, the Tahoe comes standard with a strong 355-hp 5.3L V8 engine. With that engine, the 2017 Tahoe can tow an estimated 6,600 lbs. when properly equipped, so it's perfect for camping and boating.
Here's what else you'll find on the 2017-2020 Chevrolet Tahoe:
Eight-inch touchscreen
Standard remote start
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Fold-flat second- and third-row seats
Learn more on our Chevrolet Tahoe research page.
8. Acura MDX
Do you want a luxury three-row SUV with standard features like leather-wrapped seats and all-wheel drive? The Acura MDX could be a perfect fit. The 2017-2021 MDX is a smaller three-row SUV with seating for either six or seven, depending on whether it has second-row captain's chairs or the standard bench seat. 2017-2021 models come standard with AWD and a 290-hp 3.5L V6 engine, and are equally at home camping or commuting.
Standard features on the single-trim 2017-2021 Acura MDX include:
Leather-wrapped seats
Start-stop technology
AcuraWatch™ suite of driver aids, including active lane keep assist
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity (2018 and later)
See more Acura MDX research here.
7. Infiniti QX60
If you're looking for plenty of interior space in a smaller package, consider the Infiniti QX60. The 2017-2020 QX60 comes standard with seating for seven, including a second-row bench and two third-row seats. Despite the QX60 being a midsize SUV, the third-row seats are big enough for adults. The 2017-2020 Infiniti QX60 comes standard with a 295-hp 3.5L V6 engine, which can be paired with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Here's what else you'll find on the 2017-2020 Infiniti QX60:
Standard synthetic leather seating
Push-button start
Bluetooth® connectivity and four USB ports
Available rear entertainment system
Want to learn more? Visit the Infiniti QX60 research page.
6. GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is a spacious three-row SUV with lots of trim options, making it easy to find the right one for you. The 2017-2021 Acadia comes standard with seating for seven with a second-row bench. If you choose a model with second-row captain's chairs, seating is reduced to six. The All Terrain model has no third row, capping seating at five. The 2017-2021 Acadia comes standard with a 197-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine; a V6 engine is an available option.
Here's what else you can expect from the 2017-2021 GMC Acadia:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Push-button start
Seven-inch touchscreen
Five USB ports
Learn about all the options available by visiting our GMC Acadia research page.
5. Nissan Pathfinder
If you want an SUV that's comfortable for both commuting and off-roading, the Nissan Pathfinder delivers. The Pathfinder comes standard with front-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is an available option. The 2017-2020 Pathfinder with the standard V6 engine can tow an estimated 6,000 lbs. when properly equipped, so you can haul a camper, boat, or yard trailer.
Here's what else you'll find on the 2017-2020 Nissan Pathfinder:
Eight-inch touchscreen
Push-button start
Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port
Find more Nissan Pathfinder research here.
4. Dodge Journey
If you're looking for a smaller three-row SUV for when you occasionally need a few extra seats, the Dodge Journey is a great choice. The base Journey comes with seating for five on model years 2017-2020. However, third-row seating is an available option, so it's possible to find a 2017-2020 Journey that seats seven people. The 2017-2020 Journey comes standard with a 173-hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine; a V6 is available if you want more power.
You'll also find the following features on the 2017-2020 Dodge Journey:
Standard cloth seats; leather seats are available
4.3-inch display screen
Six-speaker audio system
Discover more Dodge Journey research here.
3. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a great three-row SUV if you don't want to choose between passenger and cargo space. The 2017-2021 Pilot comes standard with seating for eight people and has 16 cu-ft of cargo space behind the third row. Some Pilots have second-row captain's chairs, which reduce seating to seven. The 2017-2021 Honda Pilot comes with one engine option: a 280-hp 3.5L V6.
Here's what else you can expect from the 2017-2021 Honda Pilot:
Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (standard on all but the base trim)
Push-button start
Five-inch display screen and a USB port
Find more Honda Pilot research here.
2. Toyota Highlander
If you want the latest tech and driver assistance features, the Toyota Highlander could be the SUV for you. Toyota refreshed the Highlander for the 2017 model year, adding standard driver aids like lane keep assist and lane departure control. The 2017-2019 Highlander comes standard with a 185-hp 2.7L four-cylinder engine. In 2020, Toyota redesigned the Highlander, adding standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The 2020-2022 Highlander comes standard with a 295-hp 3.5L V6 engine. All 2017-2021 Highlanders come standard with seating for eight, though models with captain's chairs only seat seven.
Here's what else you can expect from the 2017-2021 Toyota Highlander:
Driver aids including adaptive headlights and emergency braking
Eight-inch touchscreen (available 2017-2019; standard 2019 and later)
Available leather seating
Discover the differences in generations with our Toyota Highlander research.
1. Ford Explorer
With an array of trims and engine options, it's no wonder the Ford Explorer is such a popular SUV. The Explorer was completely redesigned in 2020, adding standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a power liftgate. On 2020-2022 models, a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine is standard; on 2017-2019 models, a 280-hp turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine is standard. All Ford Explorers have available V6 engine options. All 2017-2022 Explorers come standard with seating for seven; in model years 2020 and later, available second-row captain's chairs reduce seating to six.
Here are the other features you'll find on the 2017-2021 Ford Explorer:
Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (standard on 2020 and later)
Remote keyless entry
Available power-folding third row
Get more information on Ford Explorer research here.
Three-row SUVs are popular with families, outdoor enthusiasts, and performers. Whether you're looking to maximize cargo space and towing capacity or get all your children's friends to soccer practice, you can find a three-row SUV that's right for you.
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