16) 2018 Lexus GX
$52,155 | USN Overall Score: 7.3/10 | USN Interior Score: 7.0/10
The Lexus GX has seating for up to seven, though its 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space is a little sub par, and the side-opening, tailgate-like cargo door can be somewhat awkward. The GX features Lexus’ Enform infotainment and is available with a fantastic Mark Levinson sound system.
Though the standard V8 engine only makes 301 horsepower, it is capable of towing 6,500 pounds, which is more than rivals like the BMW X5 and Acura MDX. Impressive off-road abilities also set the GX apart from many other SUVs on this list.
15) 2018 Lincoln MKT
$43,530 | USN Overall Score: 7.6/10 | USN Interior Score: 7.9/10
The MKT might be a bit long in the tooth, but if you want an American luxury SUV with three rows, this is one of the more affordable options. It features the user-friendly SYNC 3 infotainment system, though the overall cabin design is a bit stale.
The MKT has an impressive 75.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and spacious first- and second-row seats. The third row is cramped for adults, but as long as your fifth and sixth passengers are kids, the MKT is a solid choice.
14) 2018 Cadillac Escalade
$74,695 | USN Overall Score: 7.8/10 | USN Interior Score: 7.7/10
The Cadillac Escalade makes a bold entrance and is backed by a standard V8 engine making 420 horsepower. For 2018, a 10-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous eight-speed. The Escalade can also tow an impressive 8,300 pounds.
The Escalade comes in two variants – regular wheelbase and ESV. It should be noted that the third row in the regular Escalade is a bit cramped – moving up to the extended ESV yields a more spacious third row and an impressive 120.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
12) 2018 Infiniti QX80 (tie)
$64,750 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10 | USN Interior Score: 7.9/10
The Infiniti QX80 has an opulent, high-grade interior and has refreshed styling both inside and out for 2018. The standard V8 engine makes 400 horsepower, and the platform provides surprisingly responsive handling.
Because its price is less than that of some rivals, it comes with fewer standard features. Additionally, it features an infotainment system that is a bit behind the times compared to other vehicles on this list.
12) 2018 Infiniti QX60 (tie)
$43,300 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10 | USN Interior Score: 8.3/10
If you want an Infiniti but don’t need the V8 power of the QX80, the QX60 also features comfortable seating for up to seven. And while the QX60’s infotainment system is somewhat similar to the QX80’s, it is straightforward and easy-to-use, and features plenty of USB ports.
The hybrid version of this SUV has been discontinued. However, the standard V6 provides good fuel economy, with as much as 27 mpg on the highway in base front-wheel-drive form. That same V6 puts out 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, sent through a CVT, which acts like an automatic transmission.
11) 2018 Lexus LX
$85,630 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10 | USN Interior Score: 7.6/10
The Lexus LX announces its arrival with the massive, bold grille, behind which is a standard V8 making 383 horsepower. That power is routed to an extremely capable full-time four-wheel drive system, complemented by features like crawl control, an adjustable suspension, and a center-locking differential.
The LX has just 44.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which is small for the class. New for 2018, Lexus offers a two-row model, which defeats the purpose of this list as it only sits five – and cargo space only increases to 50.5 cubic feet.
Be it two or three rows, seating is incredibly comfortable – for first- and second-row passengers at least. The third row will be uncomfortable for adults on anything but a drive around the corner.
9) 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport (tie)
$66,750 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | USN Interior Score: 7.9/10
The Range Rover Sport provides a fantastic blend of on-road performance and off-road capability. It features subtle updates for 2018, inside and out – including the high-tech Touch Pro Duo infotainment system.
The cabin has first-rate design and build quality, though cargo space suffers. It should also be noted that the third row in the Range Rover Sport is only suitable for children. True to the name, the Range Rover Sport is available with a wide range of potent engines, ranging up to a supercharged V8 making 575 horsepower.
9) 2018 Land Rover Discovery (tie)
$52,090 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | USN Interior Score: 8.4/10
If you want a Land Rover and need third-row seats that are actually suitable for adults, go with the Discovery. Its tall layout makes for a commanding seating position, as well as plenty of head- and legroom in all three rows.
Being a Land Rover, the Discovery has fantastic off-road abilities and top-notch interior quality. Fuel economy suffers with the supercharged V6, but the turbodiesel provides V8-level torque and improved fuel economy.
7) 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser (tie)
$84,565 | USN Overall Score: 8.4/10 | USN Interior Score: 7.9/10
The Land Cruiser is closely related to the Lexus LX, albeit with more restrained styling. And just because it loses the Lexus badge doesn't mean buyers move down-market in the Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser also features a standard V8 engine making 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque.
The cabin is comfortable and outfitted with many standard features. Its third row is a bit cramped but can work in a pinch. It also has fantastic off-road abilities, with an adjustable suspension, full-time four-wheel drive, a limited-slip differential, and a terrain-select system.
7) 2018 Volvo XC90 (tie)
$46,900 | USN Overall Score: 8.4/10 | USN Interior Score: 8.8/10
The Volvo XC90 is a design standout – both outside and in the cabin. The third row has more space than the BMW X5 and Acura MDX, helping it earn the 2018 U.S. News & World Report Best 3-Row SUV for Families award.
The XC90 backs up its world-class exterior styling with a cabin that is equally as posh and sophisticated. At the center of the dash is the massive Sensus infotainment system, which comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XC90 also comes standard with adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.
5) 2018 Acura MDX
$44,200 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10 | USN Interior Score: 8.0/10
The Acura MDX is the 2018 winner of the U.S. News & World Report Best 3-Row SUV for the Money award. The MDX provides as much as 27 mpg on the highway (same as the hybrid), offers a smooth ride, and has composed and responsive handling.
The MDX may be tight when it comes to cargo space, but up to seven passengers can enjoy a hushed, comfortable cabin. For 2018, the infotainment system now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It should be noted that same infotainment system is a bit clunky and hard to use. However, going through CarPlay does make certain tasks easier.
6) 2018 Tesla Model X
$79,500 | USN Overall Score: 8.5/10 | USN Interior Score: 7.6/10
The headline-grabbing Tesla Model X wows with its Falcon Wing rear doors. However, they do serve a purpose: providing easy access to the rear seats. With the $6,000 third row option, the second row is turned into a pair of captain’s chairs and a rear row is added, increasing seating capacity to six.
All six occupants can enjoy the blistering acceleration of the Model X’s all-electric powertrain. The front-row occupants can also enjoy the massive, reconfigurable touch screen, and the long list of driver assistance features even allows for hands-free cruising in traffic (for short distances).
4) 2018 Audi Q7
$49,900 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | USN Interior Score: 8.8/10
The most family-friendly member of the Audi lineup boasts three rows of seating and room for up to seven passengers – though third-row space is a bit tight for adults. Overall, the cabin is well-appointed, comfortable, and quiet.
For its size, the Q7 handles quite well, and be it the base turbocharged four-cylinder engine or the supercharged V6, acceleration is strong. These engines are also efficient for the segment. The Q7 also boasts impressive infotainment and driver assistance features. The range-topping Prestige trim comes with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, which is a fully digital instrument panel that can project the navigation screen right in front of the driver.
3) 2018 BMW X5
$57,200 | USN Overall Score: 8.8/10 | USN Interior Score: 8.2/10
The BMW X5 has nimble, stable handling and a potent range of engines, topping out with the 567-horsepower V8 found in the thrilling X5 M. While the front seats are extremely comfortable, the third row is cramped and should be left for kids.
The cabin of the X5 is sharp and well-equipped, and the front row features the latest version of BMW’s iDrive, which has come a long way and is now much easier to use. We gave the X5 the 2018 U.S. News & World Report Best 3-Row Luxury SUV for Families award.
2) 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS
$69,550 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10 | USN Interior Score: 8.6/10
The full-size Mercedes-Benz GLS boasts an imposing presence, giving way to a massive, comfortable cabin. The third row is spacious, and there is plenty of cargo room with the rear seats folded.
Though it has fewer standard features than some rivals, the GLS features a powerful lineup of engines, ranging from a twin-turbocharged V6 in the GLS450 to a twin-turbocharged V8 in the GLS550. For optimal performance, go for the range-topping AMG GLS63. It features a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 making 557 horsepower.
1) 2018 Lincoln Navigator
$72,555 | USN Overall Score: 9.3/10 | USN Interior Score: 9.2/10
Speaking of imposing, the Lincoln Navigator makes an entrance like few vehicles can. Completely redesigned for 2018, the Navigator boasts smooth exterior styling and a world-class cabin, with features like massaging seats.
The Navigator’s size makes access to the roomy third row simple. Seat comfort is outstanding and, combined with the cushioned suspension, makes for an absolutely soft and effortless driving experience. The Navigator also has tons of cargo space and the ability to tow up to 8,700 pounds.
Honorable Mentions: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$52,950 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | USN Interior Score: 9.0/10
Though not quite an SUV, the E-Class wagon provides plenty of cabin space, and something that even some SUVs lack – an available third row. The rear-facing jump seats in the third row are tiny, but they’ll accommodate small children in a pinch.
While the SUVs on this list provide some off-road capabilities, the E-Class benefits from refined handling characteristics. There is also a range of powerful engines available for E-Class wagon shoppers, including a potent 603-horsepower twin-turbo V8.
Loads of available features, such as a 13-speaker Burmester sound system, and an upscale exterior design complete the package.
Honorable Mentions: 2018 Tesla Model S
$74,500 | USN Overall Score: 9.3/10 | USN Interior Score: 8.3/10
The all-electric Model S is well-known for its blistering acceleration, especially with the available “Ludicrous Mode.” But one of the less-talked-about aspects of the Model S is its rear jump seat, which provides seating for up to seven passengers. The Model S also has the latest technology, including a massive center touch screen and plenty of advanced driver assistance features.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
To learn more about these luxury SUVs (and cars), check out their brand pages. Then, see how they stack up to the competition by exploring various luxury car and luxury SUV rankings.
And when it comes time to buy, use our Best Price Program to save on your new car. Shoppers who use the program save an average of $3,106 off their new car.
The Best 6-Passenger Luxury SUVs of 2018
- 16) 2018 Lexus GX - $52,155 | USN Overall Score: 7.3/10
- 15) 2018 Lincoln MKT - $43,530 | USN Overall Score: 7.6/10
- 14) 2018 Cadillac Escalade - $74,695 | USN Overall Score: 7.8/10
- 12) 2018 Infiniti QX80 (tie) - $64,750 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10
- 12) 2018 Infiniti QX60 (tie) - $43,300 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10
- 11) 2018 Lexus LX - $85,630 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10
- 9) 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport (tie) - $66,750 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
- 9) 2018 Land Rover Discovery (tie) - $52,090 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
- 7) 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser (tie) - $84,565 | USN Overall Score: 8.4/10
- 7) 2018 Volvo XC90 (tie) - $46,900 | USN Overall Score: 8.4/10
- 6) 2018 Tesla Model X - $79,500 | USN Overall Score: 8.5/10
- 5) 2018 Acura MDX - $44,200 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10
- 4) 2018 Audi Q7 - $49,900 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
- 3) 2018 BMW X5 - $57,200 | USN Overall Score: 8.8/10
- 2) 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS - $69,550 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
- 1) 2018 Lincoln Navigator - $72,555 | USN Overall Score: 9.3/10
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Best Cars for Families
High-End 3-Row SUVs for the Whole Family
Some buyers prefer quality over quantity, and vice versa. That’s how you end up with small luxury cars costing the same price as full-size pickups. But what if you require a luxury vehicle with room for the whole family?
There are plenty of modern luxury SUVs with three rows providing plenty of cabin and cargo space, and U.S. News & World Report has compiled the best. These are highest-ranking luxury vehicles with six or more seats.
Our scores often change when we get new expert reviews and data, so the scores and rankings today might not reflect updates down the line.
Read on to see which family-friendly, 3-row luxury SUV is right for you.
If you're interested in less-expensive six-passenger vehicles, click here.