Not all 3-row SUVs are created equal. Here are the ones that are worth the cost after putting my family in them.
By now, we’ve all learned that three-row SUVs tend to be more expensive than traditional two-row SUVs because you’re able to carry more people. But, as we’ve also learned, not all third row seats are actually comfortable for anyone larger than most four-year-olds, even if it was for a 30-minute jaunt. Most, like the ones in the Subaru Ascent, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, or even the Ford Explorer, are more for “just in case” purposes. As a parent, though, I feel like a third row—even in a just-in-case scenario—should be large enough to fit an adult if it needed to.
Kristen Brown
That’s why I started calling a majority of three-row SUVs “two-and-a-half row SUVs,” because they remind me of those jumper seats old Toyota Tacomas used to have, or the excuse of a rear seat in modern Ford Mustangs or Toyota GR86s. They’re just not usable. So, as I review more and more cars, I started keeping track of the three-row SUVs that are usable.
First place goes to the all-new Hyundai Palisade and the all-new Hybrid
Why did I list this before the Toyota Grand Highlander? Well, because the Hyundai Palisade set the bar for the Grand Highlander–it came well before it. It’s been redesigned for 2026, and the third row was plenty comfortable for me at close to 5’8”. I rode in the third row of the all-new hybrid coming later this year during a first drive event, and was very impressed with the seat’s comfort, outward visibility, accommodations, and adjustability.
I was able to slide the seat back as far as it would go, and the person in front of me was able to slide their seat forward to give me enough space to be just as comfortable as he was in the second row without sacrificing much of their own comfort. The rear passengers had their own sunroof, too, which would help ease or even prevent car sickness for littles in the second or third row.
Kristen Brown
It’s also a pretty good value, too. The gas-only version starts at just under $40,000 and goes up to $56,000 for all-wheel drive, and the upcoming hybrid starts at a little more than $44,000, going up to $58,000 for the Calligraphy model with all-wheel drive. Plus, if you want it, the second row captain’s chairs can have integrated ottomans.
2: The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is efficient, comfortable, and worth every penny
The Toyota Grand Highlander is one of the newer 3-row SUVs in the segment, and since it’s built on the Lexus TX platform, it’s got enough room for the whole family and then some. I was comfortable in the third row, and it had a dedicated sunroof for the rear passengers, which helped let in a lot of natural light, but it still wasn’t as open as it was for me in the Palisade.
Even with all-wheel drive, the Toyota Grand Highlander as a hybrid was much more efficient than the Palisade (thanks to on-demand AWD), with over 30 mpg on the highway and close to 28 mpg around town compared to the Hyundai’s 25 and 28 mpg averages. And, similar to the Palisade, the prices are fair. The gas-only version ranges from $41,360 to $54,545, and the hybrid starts at $44,710 and tops out at $53,190, so, at the top of the line, it’s a tad cheaper than the Palisade. But not by much.
Kristen Brown
However, the Grand Highlander can also be bought as a Hybrid MAX, which brings the horsepower up to 362, which is more than the Palisade’s 329 horsepower–but it comes at a higher cost. There are only two trims of the Hybrid Max, and the range is $55,190 to $59,275.
3: Because I already mentioned it… The Lexus TX is also a great choice
The Lexus TX is what, in a way, created the Grand Highlander–so it’s only fair that I give it a place on this list. And, depending on the trim, it’s not much more expensive than the Grand Highlander, either. It just comes with Lexus’ updated exterior and interior design language and the prestige behind the ability to say you own a Lexus. The TX 550h+ is the most luxurious and expensive at $80,960, but the 500h starts around $70,610, and if you want to go even cheaper, you can get the TX 350, which is the same size as the 500 or 550h, for $57,090.
Kristen Brown
It has essentially the same cargo space and third-row space as the Grand Highlander, the same hybrid system (save for the 550h PHEV, of course), and therefore, the same reliability expectations. The only thing different is the styling and the price.
4: The Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Design combines power, space, and looks
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is one of three 3-row EV SUVs on the market right now. The only other two are the Kia EV9 and the Lucid Gravity. I haven’t reviewed the Kia or the Lucid yet (though the Kia EV9 is scheduled), but I loved the IONIQ 9’s unique styling, matte paint, and second-row ottomans, massaging seats, huge sunroof, delectable sound system, and the roomy third row. My husband is about 6’2”, and he was able to get into the third row without tilting and sliding our toddlers’ car seats in the second row, and was comfortable.
The third row is also one of the most accommodating, with plenty of USB charging ports, cupholders, A/C vents, large enough windows for outward visibility, and the panoramic sunroof helps keep everything open and bright. There’s also a staggering amount of cargo space behind the third row when it’s in use, too.
Kristen Brown
I only put it in fourth place because, like the Lexus, it’s pricey. This is expected with 422 horsepower, a 310-mile range with all-wheel drive, thanks to dual motors and a larger battery. However, if you get the base model with a single motor (FWD), it starts at $58,955. The fully-loaded Calligraphy Design trim is $76,490.
Final thoughts
More SUVs belong on this list, like the Volkswagen Atlas, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade IQ, Chevy Tahoe/Suburban, Lincoln Navigator, or Ford Expedition–but it’s important for me to note that they weren’t included the list because I personally haven’t reviewed them with my kids, so I can’t in good faith recommend them if I haven’t driven them. I have, however, heard nothing but good things about the SUVs I just listed. So, if you’re interested in those, be sure to check out the published reviews on this site
About the author
Kristen Brown
Contributing Writer, Autoblog