Edmunds ranks the best of the three-row SUVs of 2023
Three-row SUVs have been a popular choice among car shoppers with large families. They typically seat up to eight passengers and still provide enough cargo space for luggage and other items. Avoiding the stigma of a minivan is another reason for their popularity. However, choosing the right one isn’t easy. There are a wide range of models to choose from. Edmunds has rounded up the best three-row SUVs to help you narrow down your search, sorted by size and price.
Compact: Kia Sorento
The Sorento is the smallest and most affordable three-row SUV on this list. In spite of its size, the Kia can seat up to seven passengers and even has decent legroom for adults in the third row. It’s also one of the few three-row SUVs to offer multiple engine options: a base four-cylinder, a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder, a hybrid engine, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain that provides up to 32 miles of all-electric driving.
On the downside, the Sorento’s higher trims are on the pricey side.
Starting price: $31,415
Midsize: Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade
The Kia Telluride is currently Edmunds’ highest-ranking midsize threerow SUV, followed closely by its corporate sibling, the Hyundai Palisade. Both SUVs share the same engine and underlying platform. Features and pricing are similar, too. But their styling and interiors are distinctly different.
Other highlights include excellent value, good build quality, spacious cabins, plenty of comfort, and many standard and optional tech features. One possible drawback to these top performers is a lack of a more efficient engine and optional hybrid powertrain.
Starting prices: Telluride: $37,255; Palisade: $37,235
Large: Chevrolet Suburban
If you have a large family and a boat to tow or a hankering to venture offroad, then the largest SUV on this list has you covered. The Suburban is one of the most versatile SUVs you can buy, and it offers more than just size and power. The massive family hauler drives well despite its bulk and provides impressive tech features.
But as with any house-size SUV, the Suburban’s immensity makes certain driving and parking situations difficult, and it’s expensive to refuel.
Starting price: $59,095
Midsize luxury: Audi Q7
The first luxury SUV on the list is about the size of the Palisade but hails from a prominent premium brand. The Q7 hasn’t been redesigned since 2017, making it the oldest SUV here. But it’s impressed us ever since.
The Q7 sports an elegant exterior complemented by a modern, high-tech interior that’s adorned with first-class materials and excellent craftsmanship. The optional turbocharged V6 provides brisk acceleration, and the Q7 delivers a smooth ride and secure handling when the road gets twisty. Possible drawbacks include a small cargo area and cramped third row.
Starting price: $60,395
Large luxury: Mercedes-Benz GLS
The GLS is one of the largest luxury SUVs on the market and the most expensive model on this list. It boasts some of the best tech in the business, an elegantly crafted interior, a supremely comfortable ride, and strong engines with smooth power delivery. That makes it one of the most well-rounded SUVs you can buy and one of Edmunds’ highest-rated SUVs.
But when it comes to cargo and passenger space, the GLS lags behind larger luxury SUVs such as the Lincoln Navigator.
Starting price: $82,950