These Are the Roomiest Midsize SUVs You Can Buy for 2027

Although minivans are still unrivaled for space utilization, their lack of off-road capability and somewhat frumpy designs mean that more Americans needing a spacious vehicle choose an SUV. Once you move into the midsize segment, there are several exceptionally practical three-row SUVs that can be configured to transport up to eight occupants, a large amount of cargo, or a bit of both.

We’ve chosen the roomiest SUVs for 2027 based primarily on passenger space, cargo space, and overall versatility. We’ve also taken our own reviews into account, along with EPA ratings, manufacturer-supplied specifications, and safety reviews. With all that in mind, here are the best midsize SUVs you can buy if you need a roomy alternative to a minivan.

Winner: Honda Pilot

Kristen Brown

After a significant refresh for the 2026 model year, the Honda Pilot is our pick as the top midsize SUV for sheer roominess. At over 200 inches long, the Pilot stretches nearly into full-size territory. That long body frees up a maximum of 111.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the back seats folded and up to 22.4 cubic feet with both back rows upright. Even with a full complement of passengers, you can cram six carry-ons into the trunk. Not every three-row SUV can seat up to eight people, but this one can, and even the third row is comfortable for average-sized adults.

For greater comfort, you can equip the Pilot with second-row captain’s chairs. In most models with a second-row bench seat, the middle seat is removable. A one-touch function quickly enables folding of the second row, while the third row folds flat in a 60/40 split. Features like a conversation mirror, up to 18 beverage holders, and tri-zone climate control add up to a very practical family vehicle.

Versatility aside, the Pilot comes with a smooth 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower. We found the Honda to have sufficient power for stress-free merging on the highway, and that’s supplemented by an absorbent ride. Some rivals are flashier and more economical, but the Pilot is difficult to beat if you need minivan-like practicality in a more rugged package.

The 2027 Honda Pilot is estimated to start at around $43,000, so it’s pricier than rivals like the Kia Telluride.

Pilot Pros

• Ample cargo space
• Generous passenger space
• Plenty of family-friendly features
• Smooth powertrain
• Improved infotainment system in latest model

Pilot Cons

• No hybrid option
• Looks conservative next to newer rivals
• Not the cheapest option in this class

Pilot Ratings

• Passenger space: 4.5/5
• Cargo space: 5/5
• Family practicality: 4.5/5

Who’s It For?

The Honda Pilot is ideal for larger families that need a vehicle with plenty of cargo and passenger space. Available off-road trims also add more capability than in an Odyssey minivan. 

Recommended Trim

While the TrailSport is tempting, the fact is that not many Pilots will spend time in off-road conditions. For that reason, we’d be inclined to go for the EX-L, which is several thousand dollars cheaper but comes with welcome upgrades over the base trim like leather upholstery, parking sensors, and a stowable second-row center seat.

Runner-up 1: Toyota Grand Highlander

Toyota

It hasn’t taken long for the Toyota Grand Highlander to surpass the Highlander in sales, and it’s not hard to see why. Larger inside and more comfortable than the Highlander, the Grand Highlander is a family vehicle that can do it all. Like the Pilot, it can seat up to eight people, and third-row legroom is actually a bit better than in the Honda. The Toyota doesn’t have quite as much cargo space, but it’s still generous with 97.5/57.9/20.6 cubic feet behind the first/second/third rows. 

The interior is available with a host of family-friendly features, including three-zone climate control, 13 cup/bottle holders, two 120V outlets, and second-row captain’s chairs. 

The standard 265-hp four-cylinder turbo engine isn’t as smooth as the Honda’s, but it has more torque. You can also get the Toyota with two hybrids, one with 245 hp and one with a potent 362 hp. The most efficient model gets 36 mpg combined. 

Pricing for the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander is estimated to start at $43,000, just about matching the Honda.

Grand Highlander Pros

• Generous trunk capacity
• Spacious seating in all rows
• Efficient hybrid options
• Well-judged ride and handling
• Toyota reliability

Grand Highlander Cons

• Four-cylinder engine can become noisy
• Unexciting styling
• Top trims get pricey

Grand Highlander Ratings

• Passenger space: 4.5/5
• Cargo space: 4.5/5
• Family practicality: 4.5/5

Who’s It For?

Toyota fans in need of a spacious family vehicle may be better served by the Sienna minivan, but the Grand Highlander adds better off-roading and a more powerful hybrid option to the mix. 

Recommended Trim

It’s hard to argue with the Grand Highlander Hybrid, which combines acceptable performance with much better economy. We’d recommend the Hybrid XLE, which is estimated to cost around $47,000 for 2027. 

Runner-up 2: Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia (tie)

Chevrolet builds some of the most practical SUVs on the market, and the Traverse is as roomy as the best of them. We’ve ranked it alongside its corporate sibling, the GMC Acadia, which offers near-identical dimensions but a slightly snazzier design.

Measuring 204.5 inches in length, the Traverse is slightly longer than the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander. Third-row legroom is 32.1 inches, trailing both Japanese rivals, but maximum cargo space is ample at 98 cubic feet. Behind the third row, the trunk volume is around 23 cubic feet, and we appreciated the oversized bins throughout the cabin of the Traverse. Both vehicles can seat up to eight or up to seven with optional second-row captain’s chairs.

Both models have a 328-hp turbo-four engine. That output looks good on paper, but the engine is a touch unrefined and doesn’t feel particularly responsive. That doesn’t hinder its ability as a large and highly practical family vehicle, though.

Estimated prices for the 2027 models are $44,500 for the Acadia and $42,000 for the Traverse.

Traverse/Acadia Pros

• Plenty of passenger and cargo space
• Abundant storage space
• Bolder designs than Japanese rivals
• Impressive infotainment tech
• Good ride quality

Traverse/Acadia Cons

• Gruff engine
• Several rivals feel more responsive
• Acadia is on the pricey side

Traverse/Acadia Ratings

• Passenger space: 4.5/5
• Cargo space: 4.5/5
• Family practicality: 4.5/5

Who’s It For?

If GM SUVs like the Tahoe and Suburban are out of reach, the Traverse and Acadia twins offer genuinely practical three-row seating at a much lower price point.

Recommended Trims

There’s a lot of value to be found in the base Chevy Traverse LT, which will start at an estimated $42,000 for 2027. If you prefer a more premium midsize SUV, consider the GMC Acadia Denali, which is fully loaded but will cost you over $55,000.

Honorable Mentions

Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai

The latest generation of the Hyundai Palisade may not have the biggest cargo area, but it’s still one of the finest midsize SUVs you can buy. Buyers can choose between a 287-hp V6 and an efficient 329-hp hybrid, the latter being a new addition for the nameplate. It feels more premium than most rivals while boasting high safety scores and one of the best warranties around. If you’ll be using the third row only occasionally, this is one of the top midsize SUVs.

Kia Telluride

Kristen Brown/Autoblog

The Kia Telluride is the equal of the Hyundai Palisade in many respects, having entered a new generation for the 2027 model year. Like the Hyundai, its cabin is spacious but not the biggest in the midsize SUV category. Unlike the Palisade, the Telluride gets only four-cylinder power; there’s a 274-hp standard model and a 329-hp hybrid. Top trims are pricier but decidedly plush inside, there’s a rugged X-Pro trim with greater ground clearance, and it has an excellent warranty.

Volkswagen Atlas

Adam Lynton / Autoblog

Thoroughly refreshed for 2027, the VW Atlas now looks more distinctive inside and out, something that was missing from the otherwise practical crossover. It’s spacious across all three rows thanks to boxy proportions, and you can fit as many carry-on suitcases behind the third-row as in the Honda Pilot. There’s no hybrid, but the 282-hp turbo-four engine is competitive in terms of performance. Like the Koreans, this crossover looks and feels a little more sophisticated than most rivals.

Conclusion

While any midsize SUV makes for a suitable family vehicle, the models mentioned here stand out with their exceptionally large and versatile interiors. Fold the seats down, and there’s enough room for whatever a family needs to cart around. At the same time, they deliver better rough-road performance than a minivan and aren’t as unwieldy to drive as full-size SUVs. The margins in this category are slim, but the Honda Pilot just takes the win by virtue of its massive cargo space, adult-friendly seating, and unpretentious nature—it’s an honest SUV that nails the basics.

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