SUVs with room for the whole family
Three-row SUVs are typically large and in charge, with broad appeal to both family drivers and those who simply need space for their cargo. While there are plenty of popular picks to choose from, like offerings from Toyota, Ford, and Honda, there are other, often overlooked, SUVs out there. The Nissan Pathfinder is among the most affordable models in its segment, but it isn’t without its rivals, some of which may seem more appealing than Nissan’s capable family hauler.
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
With more than four decades of history behind it, the Nissan Pathfinder is a solid three-row family SUV that’s proven its mettle time and time again. Now in its fifth generation, the Japanese SUV arrives with a spacious cabin and robust performance at a competitive price tag. There’s not much in the way of changes for the 2025 model year, with the most notable being that the power liftgate is now standard equipment on two additional models. Available in five trim levels, the 2025 Pathfinder is priced from $36,400 to $50,640.
In its most affordable form, the base Pathfinder features some notable amenities, like tri-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch wheels, and an eight-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Upper-tier models get upgraded to a slightly larger nine-inch touchscreen display and add a wireless smartphone charging pad to the mix. Heated front seats come standard on most mid-level models, and a built-in dashcam is available on some trim levels.
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder comes powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It produces between 284 and 295 horsepower and 259 and 270 lb-ft of torque. FWD comes standard on all but one model, the Rock Creek Edition, which boasts AWD. The Pathfinder is one of the more capable models around, with a 6,000 lbs. of towing capacity. Per the EPA, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder earns 21 – 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
The 2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is expected to receive a full redesign for the 2026 model year, following in the treadmarks of its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Palisade. Kia’s three-row family hauler first hit the market in 2020 and has received praise from drivers and experts alike year after year. Priced from $36,390 to $53,685, the 2025 Kia Telluride is available in a whopping 10 trim levels.
The Kia Telluride comes in a wide range of trim levels, with the base model serving up the basics on a budget, while range-topping models deliver a premium driving experience. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display comes standard across the range, as does Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. At the top of the range, Kia’s three-row SUV rivals some low-end luxury models, with amenities that include heated and ventilated rear seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and a head-up display. The Kia Telluride also features a dual-level cargo floor, with storage space topping out at 87 cu ft. behind the first-row seats.
The 2025 Telluride boasts a 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or AWD. Kia’s family hauler boasts a total output of 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and is capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs. in most models, except for the top-spec SX Prestige X-Pro, which can tow 5,500 lbs. The 2025 Telluride is rated for 20 to 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving, with variations across models and drivetrain options.
Kia
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse underwent a full redesign for the 2024 model year, so it’s not likely to see any major changes going into 2026. Known for its spacious interior, the Traverse comes equipped with seating for up to eight passengers and a third row suitable for adults. The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is available in four trim levels priced from $40,800 to $57,400.
Chevrolet
At the base level, the Traverse LT boasts standard captain’s chairs that slide to create more space for passengers. If you need seating for eight passengers, you can opt for a second-row bench seat instead. All models come well-equipped, with a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen display and wireless smartphone charging pad on the docket. The Traverse boasts up to 98.2 cu ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
Under the hood of every Chevrolet Traverse lies a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. All models come stock with FWD, with the exception of the Z71, which features AWD and an equipment list geared for off-road travel. The 2026 Chevy Traverse can tow up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped. The 2026 model has not been rated by the EPA at the time of writing.
Chevrolet
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas is Volkswagen’s all-encompassing family SUV, with seating for up to seven passengers, a spacious interior, and impressive towing capabilities. The Volkswagen Atlas was refreshed for the 2024 model year, so there aren’t many changes in order for the 2026 model. Priced from $39,310 to $54,630, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas is available in five trim levels.
Volkswagen
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas rolls in with an athletic stance marked by 18-inch wheels complemented by LED headlights and a bold grille. Inside, the base model boasts leatherette seating surfaces, as well as heated and ventilated front seats. A 12-inch touchscreen display and wireless smartphone charging come standard. Heading up the range nets you 20- or 21-inch wheels, leather upholstery, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. With the rear rows folded down, the VW Atlas offers up to 96.6 cu ft. of cargo space.
Every VW Atlas comes powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and FWD or AWD. That powerhouse generates 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, and nearly all models boast a 5,000-lb. maximum towing capacity. The base SE model is the exception, with a 2,000-lb. tow rating. The 2026 Atlas hasn’t been rated by the EPA just yet, but the 2025 model earned between 18 to 20 mpg in the city and 25 to 26 mpg on the highway.
Volkswagen
Final thoughts
The three-row SUV segment can be incredibly competitive, especially when you’re trying to get the most bang for your buck. While the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is a solid choice, the 2026 Chevy Traverse and VW Atlas offer significantly more cargo space. The Atlas also offers more upscale amenities throughout its range. While the 2025 Kia Telluride is due for a redesign, the Korean SUV still proves to be a worthwhile rival that shouldn’t be ignored.
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog