Buy This Not That: Best Luxury SUVs—and the Worst—For Families Who Need 7 Seats
Just because you have a family now doesn't mean you have to give up the idea of a luxury SUV. Here's what we recommend, based on experience.
SUVs are all the rage these days, and there’s a very important reason as to why: they can do just about anything. They can tow, they can haul the family, they have the space for everyday and/or vacation items, and just like ice cream, there’s a flavor for everyone. There are off-road SUVs, performance versions, family-oriented ones, all-electric and hybrid models, and then there are the luxury SUVs.
Luxury SUVs are for those who truly enjoy the finer things in life, while also enjoying their practicality. With three-row SUVs growing in demand, luxury SUVs are catching up now, too. However, before you go and buy the shiniest three-row diamond on the lot, there are some features that make them better than others.
Some of the biggest factors are access to the third row (fold and flip versus slide and tilt center row seats, as you can’t access the third row with a car seat with the former), center row captain’s chairs versus bench seats, the inclusion or lack thereof a headrest in the third row, cargo space, and third row accommodations like air vents and USB ports.
Luxury SUVs also take the price up a notch from family-friendly SUVs for those on a budget. But what about SUVs that do the job while also delivering top-notch style and comfort?
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.
Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator?
The Cadillac Escalade has always been direct competition for the Lincoln Navigator, and this model year is no different. Both three-row SUVs are incredibly spacious, sport luxurious interiors, and are designed to make you feel like a millionaire, but one is more functional than the other.
The Escalade’s third row middle seat lacks a headrest, similar to the Tahoe and Suburban, making it an unsafe option for taller passengers and most adults. And, the center row seats fold and flip for 3rd row access while the Lincoln’s seats tilt and slide with the press of a button.
The Lincoln Navigator was just redesigned with a reclining third row and the option of heated 3rd row seats. One caveat, though: Only the Lincoln Reserve model offers both a 2nd row bench and captain’s chairs with a pass-through to the 3rd row; the top-of-the-line Black Label comes in one option: captain’s chairs and a center console that sits between them, blocking any potential pass-through.
And then there’s the pricing. The Cadillac Escalade starts at $88,100 and going all the way up to $162,500 for the V-Series edition. The Lincoln has a starting price of $99,995 and going up to $116,495 for the Black Label.
Read: The 2025 Lincoln Navigator is Modern Luxury, Defined. We Took a Test Drive to Find Out
Lexus LX Is Gorgeous, but the Infiniti QX80 Has Easier 3rd Row Access
We love Lexus, and while the LX 600 SUV was stylish, comfortable, and tech-laden, we felt the third row wasn’t necessarily ideal for long trips or frequent use. We say that because the second row in the Lexus folds and flips, making the third row a little more difficult to get into versus the Infiniti QX80, which tilts and slides with a button—no manual labor needed. The step-in height is also a tad taller than the Lexus, making it more accessible overall.
Additionally, if you opt for the captain’s chairs in either model (which are comfy, but you carry one less passenger), the second row in the top of the line Infiniti QX80 comes with a fixed center console. Though it offers more storage in the second row, third-row occupants can’t walk in between. So, you’d have to pick your battles here.
The third row in the Lexus is more adjustable, with power folding controls, and both offer cupholders, charging ports, and A/C vents, but we appreciated the visibility and headroom in the QX80 over the Lexus. Additionally, the Infiniti has more cargo space behind the third row when it’s in use, making it capable of handling longer trips with more passengers.
Both come with lofty pricing. The Lexus starts at $105,500 for the 600 Premium, and goes up to $140,000 for the 700h Luxury. The Infiniti starts at $82,450 and goes up to $109,900 for the AUTOGRAPH edition.
READ MORE: 11 Things in the 2025 Infiniti QX80 That Made Me Swoon
Lincoln Aviator vs Cadillac XT6
Where the Cadillac Escalade misses the mark with fold and flip rear seats, the XT6 makes up for it with slide and tilt center row seats for 3rd row access. And, it does the rest pretty well too: 3rd row comforts including air vents and USB ports, comfortable seats, and good legroom in this mid-size crossover.
The Lincoln Aviator is very similar in all these features, but stands apart for a recent redesign that adds Blue Cruise hands-free driving, new tech including “Hey Lincoln” voice assistance, and overall luxurious real-wood interior materials, a large and responsive touchscreen, and a great Revel sound system.
However, we very much appreciated the quiet and comfortable ride in the Cadillac over the Lincoln. The third row was much easier to access and felt more comfortable, making it a better fit for larger families or regular use.
The Lincoln Aviator is often regarded as the “Mini Navigator,” and that also reflects in pricing. The base price is $58,995, and goes up to $87,395 for the Black Label. The Cadillac is a much better bargain, starting at $49,195 and going up to $60,695 for the Sport.
READ MORE: Hello Cadillac XT6. I’ve Been Waiting For This Modern, Elegant 3 Row SUV
Lucid Gravity or Rivian R1S?
Lucid Gravity‘s lower ground clearance and rear doors that open to a full 90 degrees makes getting in and out of this all-electric 3-row SUV easy, especially the 3rd row. Neither has a center row captain’s chair option; it’s bench only, and the Lucid has a larger 3rd row with more head and leg room despite its smaller size. And then it has this: a cargo well behind the 3rd row, similar to that in a minivan. It’s great for carrying all the things.
Rivian, however, is a much better option for buyers who need true 4WD, who camp, overland, or simply have a lot of challenging driving; it’s designed—and has been tested, rallied, and podiumed—for rugged off-road driving.
For campers, the R1S is a better choice, especially with the impressive tow capacity of 7,700 lbs, regardless of battery pack choice. The Lucid can tow 6,000 lbs with the optional towing package, which is less than the Rivian, but still impressive for a full-sized SUV.
The Lucid comes standard with an NACS port, making it a little easier to live with as far as public charging goes, as the Rivian requires an adapter to access Tesla Superchargers. However, Rivian is building more “Adventure Charging Stations,” which offer charging for Rivians in more remote locations.
The Gravity is more affordable, with a price range between $79,900 to $94,900. The Lucid starts at a lower price of $75,900, but if you opt for the tri-motor Ascend Max Pack, you’re looking at $105,900. So, it comes down to what you need from either EV more than anything.
Lexus TX vs Mercedes-Benz GLS
The webpage for the Mercedes GLS describes the luxury SUV simply, but effectively: “Three rows, all in first class.” And while we gripe about flip and folding seats, the Mercedes-Benz has flipping and folding seats, but there’s no manual labor required. Instead, they fold at the press of a button, not unlike the Lexus TX.
The Mercedes-Benz, however, is very much a Mercedes-Benz. Therefore, it’s incredibly comfortable, the interior is made with premium and lush materials, the ride quality is class-topping, and the third row is exceptionally spacious and accommodating.
We loved that the third row had charging ports and air vents for each passenger, decent visibility, and plenty of foot and head room. Though the LX is numerically a little bigger than the Mercedes-Benz, and like the German, it offers charging ports and A/C vents.
However, the Mercedes-Benz’s third row is heated, making it a worthy contender for those who live in climates that see cold, icy, snowy winters. Additionally, if you’re a driver who utilizes the voice assistant in a new car (as you should), we determined the GLS’s assistant to be much more responsive over the “Hey, Lexus” feature. Both SUVs are rated to tow 7,700 lbs, too, if that’s something that might sway you in one direction.
Obviously, the Mercedes-Benz is going to be pricier than the Lexus, with a price range of $89,200 and $114,800, while the Lexus’s range is between $56,490 and $78,560. However, you do get what you pay for with German luxury.
Volvo EX90 or Kia EV9
No, it’s not some crazy alternative universe in which you might compare a Volvo to a Kia; it’s the small world of super innovative EVs. And that’s where the Volvo and Kia come head to head on features, including recycled and renewable interior materials, American manufacturing, and a spacious cabin for 6 or 7 passengers.
This one is a draw; we can’t really recommend one over the other, it’s a matter of personal taste: the elegance of the Volvo EX90 or the future-forward look and feel of the Kia EV9. However, there are some key differences to note to help you choose the right three-row EV SUV.
First, if speed and performance are important to you, the Swedes packed the EX90 with two motors and all-wheel drive as standard, which offers up to 496 horsepower, depending on the trim. The EV9 can be configured to be AWD as well, but the RWD setup would offer more range, up to 304 miles over the Volvo’s nearly 300-mile range. The Volvo has a bigger battery, yes, but the all-wheel drive knocks off a few miles from the overall range. So, that’s something to consider.
The EV9 is quicker to charge, with a DC fast charging maximum rate of 236 kWh, charging from 10 to 80% in just 25 minutes. The Volvo’s max charging rate of 250 kWh, but the charging speed is slower, charging the same capacity in 30 minutes—if those five minutes matter, the EV9 is your next car. If towing is a deciding factor, the Kia can tow 5,000 lbs while the Volvo is rated for 4,850 lbs.
As far as third rows are concerned, both are exceptionally equipped and comfortable, but we preferred the EV9’s third row for adults and long distances. It was more comfortable, with better visibility and a futuristic design. We also appreciated many of the driver controls being physical buttons, dials, and knobs, as opposed to being screen-oriented like the Volvo.
The EV9 does have more cargo space overall, but especially vehicle the third row. However, the Volvo’s frunk is a lot bigger and more practical. Additionally, the EV9 is more affordable. It starts at $56,000 and maxes out at $74,000 for the GT-Line, whereas the Volvo starts at $77,000 and tops out at $90,000.
READ MORE: Kia EV9 First Drive: The Family Electric SUV We’ve Been Waiting For
Buick Enclave vs Mazda CX-90
The Buick Enclave and the Mazda CX-90 offer similar features at similar price points, but they have very different aesthetics and drive styles. The Buick pays homage to its roots of being an American cruiser, with a touch of luxury, a comfortable ride, and a friendly starting price, while the Mazda feels a little more refined and stylish. More new-age and family-focused.
The Buick’s second row can have an optional bench seat, though captain’s chairs are standard, but the third row is incredibly roomy. The head and legroom were both respectable, almost as comfortable as the second row seats. However, the CX-90 is more customizable, as it can be configured to seat 6, 7, or even 8 passengers, depending on the seating.
The third row doesn’t feel as spacious as the Buick, but the CX-90 has a much more premium interior, minimalist designs (thanks to buttons, knobs, and dials and screens only where you need them), and feels a lot more expensive than it is. Additionally, the CX-90 can be bought as a PHEV with 26 miles of EV range, while the Buick is gas-powered only.
Both three-row SUVs are rated to tow the same amount, 5,000 lbs, making them fairly capable SUVs for outdoorsy families, especially since either can come with AWD.
The Buick, though, does have more space behind the third row. But, the Buick is more expensive with a starting range of $46,495 to $59,595, while the Mazda ranges from $38,045 to $57,245.
Isn’t it nice that some brands understand that you don’t have to give up luxury just because you have kids?
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