America’s 3-row segment gets larger with new SUVs

FIRST, it was the wagon. Then the minivan. Now the three-row crossover is America’s family hauler of choice. No news there. But what is noteworthy is that this three-row segment, which also includes full-size SUVs such as the Lincoln Navigator and Chevy Suburban, accounted for nearly one in every four new vehicle purchases in 2018.

And it’s only getting larger for 2020. Take that, minivan.

“It’s an expanding segment that is highly profitable,” said Jeremy Acevedo, manager of industry analysis at Edmunds.com. “They’ve gotten massive buy-ins from automakers.”

Hyundai, Kia, Lincoln, Cadillac and BMW all are rolling out new three- rows for 2020. Ford and Toyota are redesigning the Explorer and Highlander, respectively. There are so many crossovers it almost feels as if automakers are throwing noodles at the wall to see what sticks.

“Except the whole wall is the target, and you can’t miss,” Acevedo said, half-joking.

When crossovers became the dominant choice for Americans in 2016, it was fueled by huge growth in small crossovers, which now claim 22.4 percent market share, up 2.0 percent from 2017, according

to data from Edmunds.com.

the term crossover interchangeably with SUV, even though crossover is more accurate, despite marketing to the contrary. Only truck-based vehicles are SUVs.)

“SUVs come with a higher price tag, and buyers aren’t as price-conscious as the compact crossover segment,” Acevedo said. “These are priced well over industry average.”

The average transaction price for the segment is $43,131, which is over $7,000 more than the aver-

$12,000 more than the average cost

But it was the compact crossovers that kindled the craze in the first place, and that are driving buyers into the next model up. Together, the crossover segment is was discontinued after 2014, Subaru didn’t have a proper three-row to keep customers in love with the brand.

Ascent. Such was also the case with Volkswagen, which launched the

- decessors and learned from the competition, earning best-of accolades from most outlets, including this one. More importantly, those models attracted shoppers from other brands.

This is a lesson Lincoln and Cadillac might be learning too late. “Domestic automakers got

- ed. “Europeans have trotted out a ton of SUVs, and Lincoln and Caddy had been pioneers in the seats and a new 12.3 inch touch screen will be powered by either a 400 horsepower turbocharged V-6 with 10-speed transmission or a

600 pound-feet of torque. The real charm is on the inside. Lincoln is back as a maker of luxury vehicles, as

2020 Cadillac XT6 - The six- to seven-seat crossover with available all-wheel drive is powered by a familiar 310-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine with newer nine-speed transmis-

Blazer. More dramatic upgrades are on the inside, with a rotary multimedia controller like the ones used in German luxury makes. Pricing closer to spring delivery date. premacy. While both offer eight-seat with more interior room. It’s pow-

and eight-speed automatic with available all-wheel drive. Price announced closer to May delivery date.

2020 Hyundai Palisade - Palisade will replace the Santa Fe XL as the Korean brand’s three-row crossover, and since it’s longer with a longer wheelbase, the interior should be able to compete with the more American-sized mid-sized crossovers. Eight passengers fit with a second-row bench seat standard, though captain’s chairs are available. Powertrain is the same as Telluride, but Palisade is not as rugged-looking. Price announced closer to summer delivery.

2020 Ford Explorer redesign - Also advances into the future