Buy This, Not That, Back to School Edition: the Best 3 Row SUVs For Hauling Kids, Gear and Carpools
We’re a special breed, us 3 row SUV drivers: Our cars are a must for our kids, their friends and carpools that save us from driving to Every. Single Practice. They afford us room for groceries, gear and more; they are our road trip cars and get us home in a snow storm.
So it’s easy to see why the 3 row SUV is one of the most popular car types, and why the competition is so fierce. Car makers make their SUVs look really great, but many fall short where it counts: space, comfort, everyday usability, fuel economy and value. You know this: If the car isn’t an asset, it’s a nuisance.
However, doing your research on which is right for you can be intimidating and time consuming, especially as more and more SUVs include a 3rd row even if its only for the sake of convenience (looking at you, Toyota 4Runner).
Don’t worry—you’re in the right place. We took a look at some of the most popular 3 row SUVs, the ones you might see in the school pickup line, and alternatives that can be a better fit according to us: moms who’ve put them to the test.
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.
The Toyota 4Runner is Cool, but Look to the Jeep Grand Cherokee L For More Space
The Toyota 4Runner is popular among off-roaders and overlanders because of its robust 4WD system and off-road capabilities. What it isn’t known for is its comfort or good gas mileage. Buyers can add a third row, but we don’t know that we’d ask anyone taller than 5′ to sit there, and with the seat up you’ll find reduced cargo space.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L, however, offers center row captains chairs, a roomy 3rd row, a decent amount of cargo space and it can go anywhere the Jeep Grand Cherokee can go, which is pretty much anywhere the Toyota 4Runner can go: Hills, trails, sandy beaches, snowy roads, you name it. Want to know how we know? We drove it on the beach and on a crazy off road trail that Jeep insisted we drive just to see how capable it is.
Love the Nissan Pathfinder But Need More Room? Upgrade to the Nissan Armada
Both the Nissan Pathfinder and the Armada are stellar 3 row SUVs and both have been updated recently with really great features for families. And while the Pathfinder has been a staple for seemingly forever, the Armada gives you serious interior space, V8 power, a smooth ride and has room to grow. The Pathfinder is more compact and efficient, and we love the not-so-thirsty V6 engine, but the third row is tight and may not be ideal for daily riders. Yes, the Armada is more expensive than the Pathfinder, but you’ll be so glad you decided on more legroom, cargo space, and space that allows you to separate the kids.
Plus, we love the power and 4WD option in the Armada, as well as the “Invisible Hood” mode that displays what’s in front of the car as if the hood weren’t there. It makes this large SUV easier to park, and if you’re into it, more effective off-road when the need calls.
READ MORE: 2025 Nissan Armada: This Full-size SUV Finally Got a Makeover and It’s Spectacular
The GMC Yukon Is a Great 3 row SUV, But So Is the Jeep Wagoneer
Don’t take this the wrong way—we love the GMC Yukon. It has a great interior, lots of space and massive tow capacity. But it can also be a bit ubiquitous on the road, or in the school pickup lane. For just as much capability (and legroom) take a look at the Jeep Wagoneer (or, Grand Wagoneer if you’re feeling fancy).
The Wagoneer delivers a lot of the extras, from a panoramic sunroof to power folding rear seats to automatic running boards, and installing kids car seats is easy, even in the 3rd row. Plus, many of the functions that are accessed with buttons in the back can be controlled on the touch screen, too.
READ MORE: The Jeep Grand Cherokee L Has A 3rd Row So Your Whole Crew Can Share the Adventure
The Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave are Sister 3 row SUVs; Which is Better?
If you’re looking at the Chevy Traverse and loving its captains chairs, roomy 3rd row, ample cargo space and wide, functional front screen, but feeling like you really need someplace to put your handbag where your kids won’t step on it, we got you. And so does Buick: the Enclave, which leans luxe and stylish, has a floating center console that is the perfect place to put your purse. Plus, it adds an elevated interior with a softer, more premium feel, a really quiet cabin and still has plenty of seating and cargo space.
Both Traverse and Enclave share a new multimedia system operated by Google and have “hey Google” voice-activated assistance that anyone in the car can operate (and you can turn off if they get too “competitive”). You truly can’t go wrong with either, since they’re essentially fraternal twins of the industry, but for style and substance the Enclave has the edge.
READ MORE: 2025 Buick Enclave First Drive: This Modern, Elegant 3-row SUV Is All That, and More
We Like the Hyundai Santa Fe, but We LOVE the Hyundai Palisade
Everyone who’s driven the Hyundai Santa Fe has loved the open, roomy interior, the modern design and the number of features you get for the price, as well as the 3rd row. However, we all agreed that it could use just a little more power: The gas-powered model delivers 277 HP and the hybrid generates 231 HP. That’s enough power for you and the dog, and maybe one kiddo, but put butts in all the seats and you’ll feel it when you accelerate onto the highway.
The Palisade offers more power, 291 HP in the current model and up to 326 in the 2026 hybrid model, as well as a nicely sized third row, a comfortable, quiet cabin and nice finished that feel upscale without trying too hard. If you really want to spoil yourself, go for the Calligraphy model; it has heated, ventilated, massaging seats and elegant white leather (that cleans up nicely, I discovered).
I drive the 2023 Palisade myself, and it has been a reliable, comfortable workhorse for my family of four. I’m excited to put the 2026 model to the test when it hits the road this fall.
READ MORE: Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition Review: One Badass 3 Row SUV
The Toyota Highlander is Great, But the Kia Sorento Has an Edge
The Toyota Highlander is popular for a good reason. It’s roomy, comes in a variety of trims, and even has a solid hybrid version that we’ve loved since it was introduced. However, the third row is small and with the Highlander’s popularity, it can be hard to get. Which is why we turn to the Kia Sorento, a similarly sized, similarly powered SUV.
The Sorento delivers a nicely roomy third row, a modern cabin design and a very tech-forward multimedia system. And then, it offers the X-Line and X-Pro with more all-terrain capability and the choice of a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid with about 30 miles of all electric driving. That’s something you can’t get in the Highlander at all and for those of us who hate getting gas on the way to school, it’s a day-saver.
Love the Lexus TX But Not It’s Price Tag? Check Out the Toyota Grand Highlander
Here’s where Toyota really crushes it: Both the Grand Highlander and Lexus TX share a very roomy cabin, a large 3rd row, lots of features for every passenger—cup holders, air vents and USB ports for everyone!—and the option of pure gas or hybrid power. The Lexus only offers a plug-in hybrid electric version or the more powerful performance hybrid, as compared to the Grand Highlander’s offering of a traditional gas-sipping hybrid, a gas-only model and a hybrid max that blends power and efficiency.
The Grand Highlander can also be dressed up or down, however you choose, with leatherette or leather upholstery, captains chairs or a center row bench, and front seat pampering, or not. Either are great, but you can still get posh surrounds without the Lexus price tag in the Toyota Grand Highlander.
Read: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander First Drive: A Roomy, Luxe 3 row SUV That’s Easy on Gas
Love a Big Boxy SUV? Go For the Infiniti QX80 over the Lexus LX
These are both big luxury vehicles for families that deliver 3 rows of seating, a great view of the road and lots of pampering features. The QX80 delivers V8 power, which is becoming a scarcity, and real luxury features including the expansive front screen and Google built-in with “hey Google” voice assistance. All at a starting price that is $25,000 less than the Lexus LX.
But that’s not why we love it over the Lexus: It’s the slide and tilt center row seats that make 3rd row access a cinch; the Lexus has flip and fold center seats, which can make access tough with car seats installed
On the plus side, the Lexus LX holds its value and carries the reputation for towing, off-roading and other rugged pursuits; the QX80 is known for being more refined, including one of my favorite features: interior AND exterior cameras and a Klipsch audio system which allows the driver to chat on the phone (hands free) without the other passengers hearing what the caller is saying. The speakers are in the front seat head rests.
Love the Chevy Tahoe But Need More Space? Go for the Chevy Suburban
These cares are almost identical—until you get to the cargo area. The Suburban is a full 12″ longer and gives you that much-needed extra space that truly works for big families. The Tahoe, while capable, can’t match the Suburban’s cargo space when all three rows are in use.
It’s worth noting that while the Suburban and Tahoe’s 3rd rows have 3 seatbelts, they only have two head restraints, and that the center row seats flip and fold for 3rd row access—something to consider for families with kids in car seats.
Still, both have beautiful interiors options, expansive front screens—some of the biggest in the business—and are built for towing, off-roading and overlanding. And in the High Country edition not only do you get every feature Chevy offers, but you’ll get a sliding center console that opens up to accommodate a handbag. Just another reason the only question here is, how much space to you need?
Read: The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe First Look: More Tech and Refined New Look
Thinking the Toyota Sequoia Is All That? Check Out the Ford Expedition
The Toyota Sequoia is the brand’s largest family-focused SUV and it’s there for those who road trip, tow, camp and need 4WD much of the time. What it can’t do, though, is what the Ford Expedition is so great at: Versatile seating.
The Expedition, which was redesigned for the 2025 model year, has center row seats that slide and tilt, middle seats in the center and 3rd row that can lie flat, and an extended wheel base model that offers an additional 12″ of cargo space. Plus, it comes with a cargo management divider that doubles as a tailgating table.
Both are great off road, but for passenger and cargo tetris, the Expedition wins hands down.
Read: The 2025 Ford Expedition Is Still All That, But Now, Even More
Want to Go Electric? Consider the Hyundai Ioniq 9 Versus the Volvo EX90
Don’t get us wrong: we love the Volvo EX90 for its minimalist Interior, powerful motors, all wheel drive and family friendly features like captains chairs with integrated cup holders and a booster seat in the center row bench. But the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is larger, by about 20 cubic feet, meaning more legroom and more room for middle school backpacks.
We also love the lounge-like feel in the Ioniq 9, the rounded corners, the muted tones and the sliding center console that opens to the front or the rear and accommodates a handbag. Both the Ioniq 9 and the EX90 have an all-electric range of about 310 miles and deliver just over 400 HP in the top trim, though the Volvo lives in truly luxury territory with a starting price of about $81,000, which the Ioniq 9 has a price that starts at about $20,000 less.
The good news is you don’t have to settle for what’s popular or what your neighbor just bought. There are lots of choices for function, comfort, and usability, and all that matters so much more than trendy hype.
Aren’t you glad you took the time to decide what fits your life best?
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