25) 2019 Dodge Journey
Price w/ 3 Rows: $23,895 | U.S. News Score: 5.9/10
The 2019 Dodge Journey places at the bottom of our midsize SUV rankings. However, it does have a few redeeming qualities, including a smooth ride and a user-friendly infotainment system. Its third row is easy to access, though it’s tight for adult passengers.
25) 2019 Dodge Journey
The Journey is more affordable than all other midsize SUVs, but almost all rivals offer more value. It has a very low predicted reliability rating, and doesn’t offer any active safety aids, aside from rear parking sensors. Moreover, the Journey struggles to compete due to its weak base engine and cumbersome handling.
24) 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander
Price w/ 3 Rows: $24,695 | U.S. News Score: 6.2/10
The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander suffers from a below-average predicted reliability rating and uninspiring performance. Its base engine lacks power, its third-row seats are cramped, and its ride is too stiff for most people.
24) 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander will cost you less than most three-row SUVs and returns decent fuel economy. However, most rivals offer nice cabins and more cargo space.
If you’re in the market for a plug-in hybrid SUV, the Outlander PHEV is one of the few options on the market today. It provides better acceleration than the base Outlander, gets 74 MPGe combined, and has an all-electric range of 22 miles.
23) 2019 GMC Yukon
Price w/ 3 Rows: $49,600 | U.S. News Score: 6.9/10
The 2019 GMC Yukon receives praise for its quiet, premium interior with high-quality materials. If you opt for the upgraded suspension, this GMC delivers a cushioned ride. Still, it lags behind its classmates in many areas.
23) 2019 GMC Yukon
The Yukon fares best in its Denali trim, which features a stronger engine and the upgraded suspension. You’ll also want to go with the XL long-wheelbase variant, since the standard Yukon is short on cargo space and has a cramped third row. It’s worth noting, though, that most competing models cost much less than the XL Denali when similarly equipped.
21) 2019 Toyota 4Runner (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $37,835 | U.S. News Score: 7.2/10
The 2019 Toyota 4Runner is a solid three-row SUV for people who prioritize off-road performance. In addition, it earns an excellent predicted reliability rating. The 4Runner’s ride is harsh, its interior is due for a redesign, and its third row is best left to children, but it offers more cargo space than most midsize SUVs.
21) 2019 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner comes with a V6 engine that provides plenty of power, along with a refined automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and precisely. Still, this Toyota fails to place well in our rankings due to its subpar gas mileage, clumsy handling, mediocre crash test ratings, and lack of safety features.
21) 2019 Ford Flex (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $30,575 | U.S. News Score: 7.2/10
The 2019 Ford Flex isn’t a top choice when it comes to SUVs with fresh designs, updated interiors, and good fuel economy. However, it offers a functional cabin with a good amount of cargo space and an intuitive available infotainment system.
21) 2019 Ford Flex
While the Flex’s base V6 engine should suffice in most cases, its optional twin-turbocharged V6 delivers better acceleration than you’ll find in many competing SUVs. This midsize SUV’s three rows of seats each offer enough room for adults, though they’re not very supportive for long trips. The Flex earns a below-average rating for predicted reliability.
19) 2019 Nissan Armada (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $47,100 | U.S. News Score: 7.3/10
The 2019 Nissan Armada receives a high predicted reliability rating and comes standard with a potent V8 engine. It doesn’t return very good fuel economy and its infotainment system is not up-to-date or intuitive, but the Armada delivers relatively agile handling and can tow a heavy load.
19) 2019 Nissan Armada
The Armada provides seating for up to eight passengers. Its first two rows are spacious, and even its third row has enough room for adult passengers. However, rivals offer more room for cargo. For the 2019 model year, Nissan added newly standard advanced driver assistance systems to the Armada, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
19) 2019 Toyota Sequoia (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $49,050 | U.S. News Score: 7.3/10
The 2019 Toyota Sequoia features an expansive cargo hold and plenty of legroom in all three rows. Its infotainment system lags behind the technology found in many competitors, but it comes loaded with active safety aids, such as blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection.
19) 2019 Toyota Sequoia
The Sequoia has a strong V8 engine, though it returns poor fuel economy and can’t tow as much as all other large SUVs. Moreover, this Toyota’s cabin lacks high-quality materials. On the plus side, the Sequoia receives an impressive predicted reliability rating.
18) 2019 GMC Acadia
Price w/ 3 Rows: $29,000 | U.S. News Score: 7.4/10
The 2019 GMC Acadia finishes in the bottom third of our midsize SUV rankings due to its tight third row, passable cargo capacity, and low predicted reliability rating. It does have some notable strengths, including good fuel economy and positive crash test results. A rear-seat alert system and GM’s Teen Driver safety technology come standard.
18) 2019 GMC Acadia
The Acadia offers an upmarket interior with an easy-to-use infotainment interface. Its 7-inch touch screen comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The Acadia provides a coddling ride, and its base four-cylinder engine should suffice for most drivers, though a lively V6 is available.
15) 2019 Nissan Pathfinder (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $31,530 | U.S. News Score: 7.5/10
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder receives praiseworthy ratings for safety and predicted reliability. Its ride is a bit stiff and it won’t wow you with its handling, but it does come with an energetic V6 engine that returns competitive gas mileage for the class.
15) 2019 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder doesn’t offer smartphone connectivity, though it features a responsive infotainment system and desirable available niceties, like wireless device charging and a Wi-Fi hot spot. This Nissan’s cabin also isn’t very fancy, its second- and third-row seats lack comfort for long trips, and its maximum cargo space lags behind most rivals’.
15) 2019 Ford Explorer (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $32,365 | U.S. News Score: 7.5/10
The 2019 Ford Explorer is light on standard features, and its cabin design is uninspiring, especially in lower trims. Still, it offers powerful engines, lots of space for passengers, and more cargo volume than most midsize SUVs. The Explorer also features impressive driving dynamics for such a large SUV.
15) 2019 Ford Explorer
The Explorer’s standard V6 engine delivers more than enough power for most driving situations, though an available turbocharged four-cylinder offers comparable acceleration and better fuel economy. For those requiring even more punch and towing prowess, the optional turbocharged V6 is exceptionally muscular.
15) 2019 Dodge Durango (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $31,440 | U.S. News Score: 7.5/10
Dodge’s 2019 Durango features a powerful engine lineup and class-leading towing capacity. Engine options include an eager V6 and two potent V8s. The Durango receives mixed reviews for its handling, but it provides a smooth ride. Standard safety features in this midsize SUV are minimal, and it earns J.D. Power’s lowest possible predicted reliability rating.
15) 2019 Dodge Durango
The Durango’s cabin feels dated, but it offers a large cargo area, and its first two rows of seats have a good amount of space. This Dodge’s third row is spacious enough to accommodate some adults, though it’s best suited for children. Inside, you’ll find an intuitive touch-screen infotainment interface with smartphone app integration.
14) 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe
Price w/ 3 Rows: $48,000 | U.S. News Score: 7.7/10
The 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe is well-rounded thanks to its solid V8 power, strong towing capability, and quiet, agreeable ride. Its interior provides seating for up to nine people and a respectable mix of high-quality materials and hard plastics. While the Tahoe’s first two rows offer praiseworthy space and comfort, the third row is short on legroom.
14) 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe
The Tahoe doesn’t offer much room behind its third-row seats, its cargo load height is high, and overall capacity is below-average for the class. However, it features an outstanding predicted reliability rating and first-rate infotainment technology. You get an 8-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and smartphone connectivity as standard.
12) 2019 Buick Enclave (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $40,000 | U.S. News Score: 7.8/10
The 2019 Buick Enclave delivers smooth performance and features a premium interior with roomy, well-cushioned seats in all three rows. In addition, it has a long list of standard niceties, like heated front seats, six USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and an intuitive touch screen with smartphone app integration.
12) 2019 Buick Enclave
The Enclave provides more cargo space than most midsize SUVs and comes standard with a hands-free power liftgate. You’ll find a wealth of in-cabin storage compartments as well. The Enclave gets its power from a refined V6 engine mated to a polished nine-speed automatic transmission. It features precise steering, strong brakes, and composed handling.
12) 2019 Chevrolet Suburban (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $50,800 | U.S. News Score: 7.8/10
The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban secures a position near the top of our large SUV rankings. It boasts a voluminous interior with room for up to eight passengers and a significant amount of cargo. However, its huge footprint makes it a chore to maneuver in tight areas.
12) 2019 Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban has one of the nicest cabins in its class, with a healthy assortment of standard features, such as an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and Chevrolet’s Teen Driver system. This Chevy offers two V8 powertrains, and delivers responsive steering and a pleasant ride.
10) 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $24,295 | U.S. News Score: 7.9/10
Volkswagen’s 2019 Tiguan is one of only a few compact SUVs to come standard with third-row seating, though the third row is only roomy enough for children. It performs well in crash tests and earns a high predicted reliability rating.
10) 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan is not that powerful or sporty, and its gas mileage could be better, but it offers a relaxed ride and has a quiet, high-quality cabin. Moreover, this compact SUV features a long warranty and comes standard with a touch-screen infotainment system with smartphone app integration. Several useful advanced driver assistance technologies are available in upper trim levels or as part of a package.
10) 2019 Honda Pilot (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $31,450 | U.S. News Score: 7.9/10
Fantastic cargo capacity and three adult-sized rows of seats make the 2019 Honda Pilot a welcome choice for families. It may not be as stylish or upscale as some competing midsize SUVs, but the Pilot provides a gentle ride, a capable V6 engine, and commendable maneuverability despite its size.
10) 2019 Honda Pilot
The Pilot receives terrific marks in crash tests and comes equipped with a sought-after array of active safety aids, including automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist, and road departure mitigation. Aside from safety features, the Pilot is light on standard niceties, though an abundance of amenities are available.
9) 2020 Hyundai Palisade
Price w/ 3 Rows: $31,550 | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
The all-new 2020 Hyundai Palisade debuts with three generous rows of seats, a sizable cargo area, and an elegant cabin that’s packed with attractive features. It receives an above-average rating for predicted reliability and comes with Hyundai’s lengthy, industry-leading warranty.
9) 2020 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade has a competent V6 engine and exhibits the ride and handling dynamics of a smaller crossover. It includes multiple standard high-tech driver assistance systems and offers many optional features that aren’t typically found in non-luxury vehicles, like a blind spot camera, an ultrasonic rear occupant alert, and a semiautonomous driving mode with lane centering and adaptive cruise control.
6) 2019 Chevrolet Traverse (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $29,930 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse is the winner of our Best 3-Row SUV for Families award. It’s not as stylish inside as some rivals, and it doesn’t provide the most engaging driving experience, but it’s roomy, reliable, comfortable, and feature-filled.
6) 2019 Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse delivers ample acceleration and a coddling ride. It seats up to eight passengers and can accommodate adults in its third row. Additionally, the Traverse provides more cargo space than nearly every classmate. Standard features include Teen Driver and an easy-to-operate infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and smartphone connectivity.
6) 2019 Kia Sorento (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $26,290 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
Kia refreshed the Sorento for the 2019 model year. Now, it comes standard with three rows, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It gets a few newly available safety features as well. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Sorento is a coveted Top Safety Pick+.
6) 2019 Kia Sorento
The Sorento is the winner of U.S. News’ Best 3-Row SUV for the Money award. It has a handsome cabin with two spacious rows of seats and a third row that’s ideal for children. The Sorento doesn’t offer as much cargo capacity as competitors, and it’s not very athletic, but it’s well-priced, fuel-efficient, and comfortable to drive.
6) 2019 Subaru Ascent (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $31,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
The 2019 Subaru Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive and an eager, fuel-efficient V6 engine. While some rivals offer sleeker cabin styling, the Ascent’s interior is made up of mostly premium materials and includes a praiseworthy feature set, which includes a 6.5-inch touch screen, four USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard.
6) 2019 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent seats up to eight people. Its first two rows are roomy, but its third row is not fit for adults. This Subaru handles well, soaks up road imperfections with ease, can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and performs well in off-road situations. It earns terrific crash test scores and an above-average rating for predicted reliability.
4) 2019 Volkswagen Atlas (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $30,895 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
Despite its large footprint, three adult-sized rows, and commodious cargo hold, Volkswagen’s 2019 Atlas drives like a smaller car. It receives outstanding crash test ratings and comes standard with rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
4) 2019 Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas isn’t going to win any races, but it provides a gentle ride and offers enough power for driving around town. This midsize SUV features a nice cabin with a 6.5-inch touch screen and smartphone connectivity. However, some competing models have more appealing interiors with higher-quality materials.
4) 2019 Toyota Highlander (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $31,830 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
Like many Toyota vehicles, the 2019 Highlander excels due to its superior predicted reliability rating and exceptional selection of standard advanced driver assistance technologies. Its third row is only suitable for children, and cargo space is limited, but it offers a quiet, top-notch cabin with seating for up to eight passengers.
4) 2019 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander’s base four-cylinder engine delivers unremarkable acceleration, but a potent and fuel-efficient V6 is available. This midsize SUV favors comfort over agility, with a ride that’s stable and serene, much like that of a sedan. The Highlander earns impressive marks in crash tests as well.
2) 2019 Mazda CX-9 (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $32,280 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a sportier midsize three-row SUV than the 2019 Mazda CX-9. It boasts superb athleticism, a comfortable ride, and lively acceleration. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine returns some of the highest fuel economy ratings in the class, though it can’t tow as much as some rivals. The CX-9 receives fantastic crash test scores and an above-average predicted reliability rating.
2) 2019 Mazda CX-9
The CX-9 offers a high-class cabin that’s constructed with premium materials. It seats seven passengers, and unlike many SUVs, its third row can accommodate adults. This Mazda’s cargo capacity lags behind rivals though. Notable standard features in the CX-9 include a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment interface, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking.
2) 2019 Ford Expedition (tie)
Price w/ 3 Rows: $52,130 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The 2019 Ford Expedition finishes at the top of our large SUV rankings, and it’s the winner of our Best Large SUV for Families award. It’s hard to find flaws with this Ford, aside from its high sticker price. The Expedition features a robust engine, a high towing capacity, and an attractive cabin. Additionally, it earns a near-perfect rating for predicted reliability.
2) 2019 Ford Expedition
The Expedition offers expansive seating for eight passengers and a massive cargo hold. It provides a coddling ride, and its handling is impressively composed for a vehicle of its size. This Ford comes with a basic standard feature set, which includes Bluetooth, four USB ports, a 4.2-inch display screen, and Ford’s MyKey teen driver safety system. However, a long list of desirable niceties is available.
1) 2020 Kia Telluride
Price w/ 3 Rows: $31,690 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
The Kia Telluride is a brand-new SUV for the 2020 model year. It secures a spot at the apex of our midsize SUV rankings thanks to its luxury-grade cabin, fantastic cargo capacity, and outstanding ratings for safety and predicted reliability. Moreover, the Telluride comes packed with standard high-tech driver assistance aids, like a driver attention monitor, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, safe exit assist, and a blind spot collision avoidance system.
1) 2020 Kia Telluride
The Telluride isn’t as sporty as some classmates, but it provides a pleasant ride, ample power, competitive towing capacity, and some light off-roading capability. Its first two rows are comfortable for adults, but its third row is best left to children. The Telluride includes several desirable niceties as standard, such as synthetic leather seats, an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Did you decide on a three-row SUV that suits your budget and priorities? If not, visit our three-row SUV rankings to learn more about these vehicles. Once you’ve narrowed it down, check out our new car financing deals and lease deals pages to see a list of up-to-date manufacturer-sponsored incentives.
Finally, don’t forget to use our U.S. News Best Price Program to find the dealer in your area with the lowest prenegotiated prices. Shoppers who have used the program in the past saved an average of over $3,000 off their vehicle.
25 Best 3-Row SUVs of 2019:
- 1) 2020 Kia Telluride
- 2) (tie) 2019 Ford Expedition
- 2) (tie) 2019 Mazda CX-9
- 4) (tie) 2019 Toyota Highlander
- 4) (tie) 2019 Volkswagen Atlas
- 6) (tie) 2019 Subaru Ascent
- 6) (tie) 2019 Kia Sorento
- 6) (tie) 2019 Chevrolet Traverse
- 9) 2020 Hyundai Palisade
- 10) (tie) 2019 Honda Pilot
- 10) (tie) 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 12) (tie) 2019 Chevrolet Suburban
- 12) (tie) 2019 Buick Enclave
- 14) 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 15) (tie) 2019 Dodge Durango
- 15) (tie) 2019 Ford Explorer
- 15) (tie) 2019 Nissan Pathfinder
- 18) 2019 GMC Acadia
- 19) (tie) 2019 Toyota Sequoia
- 19) (tie) 2019 Nissan Armada
- 21) (tie) 2019 Ford Flex
- 21) (tie) 2019 Toyota 4Runner
- 23) 2019 GMC Yukon
- 24) 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 25) 2019 Dodge Journey
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Best Cars for Families
SUVs With Room for the Whole Family
This article doesn’t cover luxury vehicles. If you’re looking for the Best Luxury 3-Row SUVs, click here.
In the United States, SUVs are more popular than all other vehicle configurations. SUVs with three rows are especially desirable due to their versatility and family-friendly design.
While many three-row SUVs ride and drive like smaller cars, they provide extra room for passengers and cargo. At a minimum, these vehicles typically offer good ground clearance, respectable performance, and a fair amount of capability. This means you can use them for family hauling, towing, mild off-roading, and potentially as a substitute for a work truck.
In order to help you make an informed buying decision, we’ve ranked all of today’s three-row SUVs by their overall U.S. News score. We’ve also included photos and detailed information pertaining to each model’s strengths and weaknesses.
Keep in mind that our scores and rankings change on a constant basis as new data and expert research become available. For this reason, the scores in this slideshow may differ from the scores in our new car rankings.
Some SUVs on our list are tried and true, while others have been recently refreshed or completely redesigned, and others have emerged as brand-new models. Aside from being equipped with three rows of seats and sharing other obvious similarities, these SUVs differ in many areas. One model may be exceedingly family-friendly, while another may be more capable or performance-oriented. Some SUVs with three rows are reasonably priced, yet others are quite expensive.
In the end, choosing the best three-row SUV comes down to your budget and priorities. Continue reading to learn about the best three-row SUVs for 2019.