Buy This, Not That: Popular 3-Row SUVs and Their Underrated Alternatives
Just because your favorite SUV comes with a third row doesn't mean it's a good one. Before visiting a dealer, check out our Buy This, Not That: 3-row SUV edition.
Not all 3-row SUVs are created equal. For instance, the Toyota 4Runner has a third row for the first time in the model’s decades-long reign, but trust us on this one—it isn’t a good one. It’s more for just-in-case instances, when your kiddo wants to bring their small friend home for dinner after practice.
If you’re on the hunt for a 3-row SUV, we don’t blame you—but there are a lot of voices that suggest a Subaru Ascent over something that would actually suit a larger family’s needs. Based on the experiences of parents who’ve tested nearly every 3-row SUV out there, here’s what we’d recommend instead of what everyone else is telling you.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
For More Space, Check Out the Chevy Traverse ZL1 Over the Chevy Tahoe
Don’t get it twisted, we love the Chevy Tahoe for its powerful engine, exterior design, and overall second-row space. However, when it came to the third row, the Chevy Traverse ZL1 is miles ahead of the Tahoe (I know, I never thought I’d say that, either). Thanks to its clever unibody packaging, the Traverse offers 33.5 inches of third-row legroom and 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats—just a hair under the Tahoe’s measurements, but with a much lower step-in height that’s easier for kids and pets.
The value proposition is where the Traverse truly pulls ahead, with a starting price around $41,000, saving you roughly $18,000 over a base Tahoe. Beyond the sticker price, the Traverse’s turbocharged engine and lighter weight deliver up to 26 mpg highway, a massive improvement over the Tahoe’s thirsty V8. Unless you specifically need the Tahoe’s 8,400-lb towing capacity, the Traverse provides all the real-world room you need in a package that’s easier to park, more comfortable to drive, and thousands of dollars cheaper to own.
The Hyundai Palisade XRT Offers Substantially More Than the Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is popular, and for a very good reason: it’s affordable, the standard all-wheel drive is proven, and it’s great as a larger, second-row SUV. However, when it comes to being a 3-row SUV, it’s not one we’d recommend. That’s why we suggest the Hyundai Palisade XRT instead, because it offers everything the Subaru does—just with a superior third row.
Adults can actually fit in the third row; the seats back there are substantially more comfortable, and there’s more space behind the third row, too. Plus, we like that the Palisade comes with a sturdy, torquey V6 that can tow more than the Subaru.
The Honda Pilot TrailSport is Friendlier for Families Over the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
The Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek is a well-equipped, trail-friendly SUV with a powerful V6, an excellent four-wheel drive system, and a respectable towing rating of 6,000 pounds. That’s not too far from the Honda Pilot, which also has a torquey and tow-ready V6 (though, subtract 1,000 pounds from the Rock Creek’s capacity for the Honda). When it comes to off-roading, both the Pilot TrailSport and Pathfinder Rock Creek have a lot to offer.
However, when it comes to third-row comfort, the Pilot is the one we recommend—even though the Nissan is about $4,000 to $5,000 less expensive than the Pilot TrailSport. The third row in the Pilot is roomier, more comfortable, and has better outward visibility compared to the Nissan. Plus, there’s more space behind the third row. The Nissan’s traditional, truck-like suspension gives the Pilot more points as far as ride quality is concerned, too.
The Toyota 4Runner is Great, But We Prefer the Kia Telluride X Pro as a 3-Row SUV
The Toyota 4Runner can be a family SUV if you have a small family, but for those who want a third row to haul more kids, the 4Runner’s third row is… Inadequate, to put it nicely. The Kia Telluride X Pro, on the other hand, checks every box the 4Runner does: it’s off-road ready, stylish, and comes with a lot of trail-oriented soft and hardware.
The Kia Telluride X Pro’s third row, though, is much better than the 4Runner’s optional third row. Because it shares a platform with the Hyundai Palisade, it’s much more comfortable, spacious, visibility for third row passengers is better, and there’s a lot more usable cargo space. Plus, shockingly, the Kia is a better value. The 2025 SX-Prestige X-Pro starts around $54,780, while the higher-end, rugged trims of the Toyota 4Runner (TRD Off-Road Premium) begin at $46,880, with the top-tier TRD Pro starting at over $54,920.
The Toyota Highlander is Great, but the Grand Highlander is Better
The Toyota Highlander is a staple in Toyota’s SUV lineup. It was the company’s first 3-row SUV, the first hybrid SUV, and now, the company’s first all-electric 3-row SUV. It’s still one of the company’s best-sellers, but most buyers say they use it as a two-row—saving the third row for emergencies. For a more comfortable, roomy, and usable third row, we wholeheartedly recommend the Grand Highlander—especially as a hybrid.
Yes, it’s large. It’s dimensionally very similar to the Sienna. Pricing is interesting, too. For the 2026 model year, the Toyota Grand Highlander surprisingly acts as the more budget-friendly option, with a starting MSRP around $43,155–$44,130 (base LE/XLE), while the smaller, newly restructured 2026 Highlander begins higher at approximately $45,270–$47,065 due to the removal of its base LE trim and standard AWD. Who would have thunk?
The VW Atlas Peak Edition is Our Pick Over the Ford Explorer Tremor
While the Ford Explorer Tremor leans into its rugged heritage with a punchy powertrain, the Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition is what we’d pick for families who actually intend to use all three rows. The Atlas dominates the utility category, offering a generous 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row—outclassing the Explorer’s cramped 16.3 cubic feet by quite a bit. The Atlas provides a legitimate 33.7 inches of third-row legroom, creating a more adult-friendly space that feels significantly more breathable than the Explorer’s tighter 32.2 inches.
Choosing the Atlas Peak Edition also makes more financial sense, typically landing in the $46,000–$47,000 range. This positions it as a high-value alternative to the Explorer Tremor, which often flirts with a $50,000+ starting price. By opting for the VW, you’re essentially saving nearly $4,000 while gaining a more functional interior and the same off-road-lite aesthetic, including all-terrain tires and blacked-out trim.
For Luxury Shoppers, We Prefer the Lexus TX Over the GX 500
While the redesigned Lexus GX 550 is currently the “it” vehicle for off-road enthusiasts, sharing a platform with the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Lexus TX, which shares a platform with the Toyota Grand Highlander, is the better buy for families who prioritize actual human-sized utility. The contrast in cargo space is staggering: the TX offers 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row—nearly double the GX’s meager 10.3 cubic feet. The space advantage extends to the passengers themselves, with the TX providing 33.5 inches of third-row legroom. This makes its rearmost seats more usable compared to the GX’s 31.8-inch jump seats.
From a value perspective, choosing the TX over the GX is a win for the family. With a starting price around $57,000, the TX undercuts the GX 550 by roughly $10,000 to $12,000. Even if you step up to the TX 500h hybrid for better performance and fuel economy, you’re still landing at a more approachable price point than the off-road-focused GX. For those who spend 99% of their time on pavement rather than pining for the Rubicon Trail, the TX offers a more refined unibody ride, significantly better fuel efficiency (up to 27 mpg highway vs. the GX’s 21 mpg), and the most usable interior in the current Lexus lineup.
For More Affordable Luxury, We Like the Buick Enclave Over the Lexus TX
I know, I know—we just finished praising the Lexus TX for its space and luxuriousness, but the Buick Enclave is the undercover champion of interior volume and value. The Enclave offers an impressive 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row—beating the TX’s 20.2 cubic feet and providing much-needed room for sports gear or groceries when all seven seats are full. It also boasts a significantly longer wheelbase that translates to a more stable, serene ride and a cabin that feels wider and more open than the more conservative Lexus.
Financially, the Buick is the smarter play, with a starting price around $46,000, which is lower than the Lexus TX by nearly $10,000. Despite the lower price, you get a more powerful standard engine delivering 328 horsepower compared to the Lexus’s 275, creating a better balance of power for the SUV’s weight. The only advantage the Lexus has over the Buick is the fact that it can be bought as a hybrid. The Enclave is gas-only, even for 2026.
We Like the Kia Telluride, But the Sorento is Slept On
While the Kia Telluride is a fantastic 3-row SUV, the Kia Sorento is what we recommend for drivers who value agility and efficiency over bulk. At nearly 8 inches shorter than its big brother, the Sorento is much easier to park and navigate through tight city streets, yet it still offers a usable third row for carpool duty. It trades the Telluride’s heavy, bus-like feel for a nimble, car-like driving experience that’s far more practical for the daily commute.
The financial win is even more convincing, with the Sorento starting roughly $4,000 lower than the Telluride. Beyond the upfront savings, the Sorento offers hybrid and plug-in options that its V6-only sibling can’t touch (at least not yet), delivering up to 37 mpg compared to the Telluride’s thirsty 22 mpg. For the 90% of the time, you aren’t hauling a full crew, the Sorento provides a more modern, tech-forward cabin and massive fuel savings.
Finally, We Loved the Cadillac Escalade for Families Instead of the Chevy Suburban
While the Chevy Suburban is the practical king of volume, the Cadillac Escalade is our pick for those who want a truly practical but luxurious SUV. The standout feature is the jaw-dropping 55-inch curved pillar-to-pillar screen, which makes the Suburban’s 17.7-inch screen look like a tablet from the last decade. Beyond the screens, the Escalade delivers a far more refined driving experience thanks to standard Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, which iron out road imperfections that the Suburban’s more work-focused and trucky chassis can’t quite hide.
Performance and prestige also tip the scales in Cadillac’s favor, as every Escalade comes standard with the muscular 420-hp 6.2L V8, an engine you have to pay a premium for on the Chevy. You’re also getting world-class amenities like standard Super Cruise, which provides a more seamless hands-free driving experience than the Suburban’s more limited availability. If you want the vehicle that defines the modern luxury SUV and offers the industry’s most impressive interior tech, the Escalade is worth every bit of the upgrade. Especially when it comes to third row amenities, space, and comfort.
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