19) 2019 Cadillac Escalade
U.S. News Overall Score: 6.6/10 | $75,195
The Cadillac Escalade might exude luxury, but that only goes skin-deep. The Escalade lacks the cushy ride of some of its rivals and, unless you get the extended model, has a cramped third row and lacks any cargo space behind it.
19) 2019 Cadillac Escalade
The infotainment system on the Escalade can be sluggish and complicated at times, though it does offer standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. What keeps buyers coming back to the Escalade is its truck-based platform. The standard V8 engine and ability to tow up to 8,300 pounds doesn’t hurt either.
18) 2019 Lincoln MKT
U.S. News Overall Score: 7.0/10 | $49,500
The Lincoln MKT is less of a luxury SUV and more of a minivan without sliding doors (and a poor one at that). Based on the expansive Ford Flex, the MKT drops the boxy Ford’s styling for a curved rear window. The result is reduced headroom and a third row rendered unusable for full-size adults.
18) 2019 Lincoln MKT
The MKT does benefit from Lincoln’s intuitive SYNC infotainment system, which comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Every MKT features all-wheel drive and a twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 365 horsepower.
17) 2019 Lexus LX
U.S. News Overall Score: 7.0/10 | $86,230
The Lexus LX has tremendous off-road capabilities, but buyers give up a lot to gain that lone attribute. The current design is evolved from a platform first introduced in 2008. It has a powerful engine and strong reliability ratings, but it shows its age with poor driving dynamics.
17) 2019 Lexus LX
Where the LX excels is in the off-road segment. Standard four-wheel drive and other off-road features help the LX handle trails with ease. However, the LX has a very cramped rear seat and cargo space is sub-par. Combine that with the dated underpinnings and a garish front-end design, and the LX is a hard sell as a family luxury SUV.
16) 2019 Infiniti QX80
U.S. News Overall Score: 7.0/10 | $65,500
The QX80 is based on the Nissan Patrol, which is considered one of the most capable SUVs in the world. The QX80 has great off-road abilities, and yet it has refined on-road handling characteristics. The standard V8 makes 400 horsepower and provides brisk acceleration.
16) 2019 Infiniti QX80
Of course, that V8 is thirsty, and fuel economy figures are closer to what you’d expect from a 10-year-old pickup truck. The QX80 also lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which have come to be expected as standard equipment in this segment.
15) 2019 Lexus GX
U.S. News Overall Score: 7.1/10 | $52,505
The Lexus GX is based on the Toyota 4Runner and has become popular in the enthusiast community for its combination of a comfortable cabin and serious off-road chops. The GX can tow up to 6,500 pounds, which is good for the luxury midsize SUV class.
15) 2019 Lexus GX
Like the aforementioned LX, the GX is based on a dated design and the cabin is showing its age. Due to its off-road-focused suspension, the ride of the GX quite stiff. Also, the GX exhibits pretty underwhelming acceleration despite having a standard V8 engine.
14) 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
U.S. News Overall Score: 7.3/10 | $67,500
Like the GX, the Range Rover Sport has impressive off-road chops. However, this luxury ute doesn’t sacrifice on-road handling to achieve that. The Range Rover Sport also has an impressive lineup of engines, including the range-topping V8 that makes 518 horsepower.
14) 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport has a handsome, modern cabin. Despite its minimalist aesthetic, it is full of high-tech features, including a digital instrument panel and a dual-screen infotainment system. Unfortunately, those touch screens are a source of many headaches with this luxury SUV.
13) 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser
U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10 | $85,165
It’s pretty wild to think there’s a Toyota that costs $85,000 (well, aside from a new Supra that’s been marked-up by the dealer). It’s also wild to consider that the Lexus LX, which is nearly identical beneath the skin, costs only about $1,000 more. That said, the Land Cruiser is world-renowned for its rugged capability – and for good reason.
13) 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser has a comfortable ride, a long list of standard tech features, and numerous active safety features. However, for a large SUV the third row is very cramped. And though the Land Cruiser comes standard with a V8, many rivals have more efficient six-cylinders that make even more power.
12) 2019 Land Rover Discovery
U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10 | $52,950
The Land Rover Discovery can go places that few other three-row SUVs can. It also has an artful interior and unique stadium-style seating. The “Disco” offers 88 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third row folded, which is great for the class.
12) 2019 Land Rover Discovery
The Discovery is deceptively large, and maneuvering in tight spaces can be a bit of a chore. The base engine on the Discovery is a powerful, 340-horsepower supercharged V6. It provides plenty of power for everyday driving situations. However, if you’re looking for the best fuel-efficiency we suggest opting for the four-cylinder turbodiesel. The turbodiesel gets some of the best fuel economy estimates in the luxury midsize SUV class at 21 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway.
11) 2019 Tesla Model X
U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10 | $82,000
The Tesla Model X made a zero-emission splash in the three-row SUV market, but the Tesla SUV is not without blemish. The cabin quality is questionable, the third row is cramped, and the lack of ground clearance means it's more of a tall wagon or low minivan.
11) 2019 Tesla Model X
The trade-off for those blemishes is incredible performance with supercar-like acceleration, poised handling, and an all-electric range of up to 325 miles. The Model X also has something that no other SUV offers: Falcon Wing doors that fold up and out instead of typical doors.
10) 2019 Infiniti QX60
U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10 | $44,350
The Infiniti QX60 is the winner for the U.S. News and World Report 2019 Best Luxury 3-Row SUV for the Money. It has decent cargo space, comfortable seats, and technology that is easy to use. So, what’s not to love?
10) 2019 Infiniti QX60
Unfortunately, the QX60 lacks the interior quality of many rivals, and some materials are simply low-rent. The only engine is a 295-horsepower V6, which isn’t too hot. In addition, handling is less than stellar. Poised handling is quickly becoming a requisite in nearly every vehicle segment, including luxury SUVs. Overall, the QX60 leaves a bit to be desired, but it’s a great choice for hauling family around in style.
9) 2019 Volvo XC90
U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10 | $47,700
As sharp as the XC90 looks on the outside, it’s the cabin of Volvo’s flagship SUV that has been snagging headlines. From the clean dash design to the large Sensus infotainment screen, this is one of the best interiors you’ll find in a car today.
9) 2019 Volvo XC90
For 2019, Volvo has made the third row of the XC90 standard equipment, and all seven passengers have plenty of head and legroom. Also standard for this year is the Oncoming Collision Mitigation braking system, adding to a very long list of standard high-tech safety systems.
8) 2019 BMW X7
U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10 | $73,900
The X7 is the newest, largest member of the BMW SUV family. If you can get over its overstated grille, the X7 has a spacious, world-class interior and more than 90 cubic feet of cargo space. The X7 also has plenty of passenger space, even in the third row.
8) 2019 BMW X7
A selection of potent engines is available in the X7, and while the handling can be somewhat ponderous, the fuel economy of 25 mpg on the highway is pretty solid for the class. BMW has also improved upon its iDrive infotainment system, which now has gesture control.
7) 2019 Acura MDX
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10 | $44,300
The Acura MDX is a handsome and high-tech SUV. It provides a host of standard tech and safety technologies, the latter of which include forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It should be noted Acura’s dual-screen infotainment system can be confusing.
7) 2019 Acura MDX
For 2019, Acura has made some minor revisions to the stop-start system and transmission, which should make for smoother stop-and-go driving. The only available engine is a V6 that makes 290 horsepower and provides good acceleration.
6) 2019 Lexus RX 350
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10 | $43,820
Technically, the RX 350 comes standard with two rows of seating. That version is the U.S. News & World Report 2019 winner for the Best 2-Row SUV for the Money award. However, you can opt for the third row in the form of the seven-passenger RX 350 L.
6) 2019 Lexus RX 350
Unfortunately, the optional third row is pretty cramped and is only suitable for small children. That should be fine for most potential RX customers, as the first two rows are extremely comfortable and spacious. Cargo space for the RX 350 L is 58.5 cubic feet, which is not much more than the two-row model.
5) 2019 BMW X5
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10 | $60,700
The BMW X5 comes standard with a powerful straight-six engine, but is also available with a fantastically potent V8. This complements the car’s athletic, nimble handling. In addition to its performance credentials, the X5 also has comfortable seats, and the iDrive infotainment system is easy to use.
5) 2019 BMW X5
The X5 comes standard with seating for five-passengers, but can be upgraded with an available third row. While this brings the seating capacity up to seven, the third row is pretty confining and is best used for kids or short trips.
4) 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10 | $70,150
There are only a handful of SUVs on this list that have a truly usable third row, and the GLS is one such vehicle. With three rows and seating for up to seven, the GLS’s third-row actually provides adequate head- and legroom – even for adults.
4) 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS
Though considered an older member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, the cabin of the GLS is better for it – the infotainment system has straightforward controls instead of confusing touch screens. The GLS also offers a selection of very powerful engines, and handling provides a combination of responsive cornering and supple shock absorption.
3) 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10 | $53,700
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has an elegant, comfortable interior with upscale details such as pinstriped dash accents and integrated ambient lighting. Meanwhile, the squared climate vents and center console handles remind the driver that the GLE is quite capable off the beaten path.
3) 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
For 2020, the GLE is available with a third row that brings seating capacity to seven. Unfortunately, that third row is a bit cramped for adults and will be more ideal for kids. Thankfully, the first and second rows are supremely comfortable.
2) 2019 Audi Q7
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5/10 | $53,550
The Audi Q7 has a modern and lavish interior with comfortable, supportive seats and Audi’s high-tech MMI infotainment system. The Q7 also stands out for its athletic handling and solid lineup of engines, including an available 329-horsepower supercharged V6.
2) 2019 Audi Q7
While the Audi Q7 does so many things well, its third-row space is limited. As a result, the Q7, which is the U.S. News and World Report 2019 Best Luxury 3-Row SUV for Families award winner, comes in second on our list.
1) 2019 Lincoln Navigator
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10 | $73,205
The Lincoln Navigator is a brawny, capable SUV with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 450 horsepower. It yields a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. The suspension provides for a comfortable ride and there’s enough ground clearance to take this opulent SUV off-road.
1) 2019 Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator has seating for seven or eight, based on whether you select the second-row bench or second-row captain’s chairs. The third row of the Navigator is spacious, even for adults. In addition, both rear rows fold flat, providing an impressive 103.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Long-wheelbase versions of the Navigator feature 120.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
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19 Best Three-Row Luxury SUVs in 2019
- 2019 Lincoln Navigator
- 2019 Audi Q7
- 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
- 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS
- 2019 BMW X5
- 2019 Lexus RX 350
- 2019 Acura MDX
- 2019 BMW X7
- 2019 Volvo XC90
- 2019 Infiniti QX60
- 2019 Tesla Model X
- 2019 Land Rover Discovery
- 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser
- 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
- 2019 Lexus GX
- 2019 Infiniti QX80
- 2019 Lexus LX
- 2019 Lincoln MKT
- 2019 Cadillac Escalade
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Here Are the Top Luxury SUVs With a Third Row in U.S. News Rankings
There was once a time when shopping for a “family vehicle” immediately sent you down the path towards a minivan. Those days are gone, as three-row SUVs are more popular than ever. Their popularity has also meant the luxury market for three-row SUVs has matured.
Featuring vehicles from Lincoln, Acura, BMW, and Audi, this slideshow has over a dozen high-quality three-row luxury SUVs from which to choose. It should be noted that not all SUVs are created equal, and some may offer plenty of luxury but not the space you need. Others might have plenty of room, but lack the fit-and-finish you might expect from a luxury SUV.
That’s why U.S. News & World Report has compiled and ranked every single three-row luxury SUV – from worst to first. The best SUV for you might not be the best car overall, and even the best luxury SUVs will have some flaws, so check over these next slides carefully.
Our scores change periodically as we receive new data and expert reviews, so the scores you see here may not match what’s currently on the reviews. Be sure to take a look at each vehicle’s review to find the most up to date information.