9) 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (tie)
Price With 3 Rows: $30,850 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the most practical midsize SUVs on the market, with a class-leading warranty and great safety scores. The Santa Fe comes only with a 3.3-liter V6 engine, which provides satisfying acceleration and enough power for most driving scenarios.
9) 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (tie)
Most Santa Fe models seat seven passengers in three rows, but if you go for the top-of-the-line Limited Ultimate trim level, seating capacity will be reduced to six. Standard features include a rearview camera, an infotainment system with a 7-inch display, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and satellite radio. One downside: The Santa Fe is a little skimpy on cargo space compared to most of its competitors.
9) 2018 Chevrolet Traverse (tie)
Price With 3 Rows: $29,930 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
The fully redesigned 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is a great midsize SUV for buyers who prefer handling and ride quality that’s more like a car’s. All Traverse models come powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine.
9) 2018 Chevrolet Traverse (tie)
The Chevy Traverse comes standard with three rows, which can be configured to seat seven or eight passengers. It also has one of the largest cargo capacities in its class. Standard features include six USB ports, an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a rear seat reminder, and a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot.
6) 2018 Buick Enclave (tie)
Price With 3 Rows: $39,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
Fresh off a redesign for 2018, the Buick Enclave brings excellent cabin quality and more refined performance to the midsize SUV class. A 3.6-liter V6 engine comes standard, and balanced handling provides a smooth ride.
6) 2018 Buick Enclave (tie)
The Enclave comfortably seats seven passengers across its three rows and offers plenty of cargo space. The cabin is nicer than many competitors’, which makes it easy to overlook the occasional hard plastic trim piece.
Other standard features include an infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a hands-free power liftgate.
6) 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe (tie)
Price With 3 Rows: $47,450 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The family-friendly Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the best vehicles in the large SUV class, offering truck-like capacity with accommodations for up to nine. The Tahoe combines a powerful 5.3-liter V8 engine and a well-balanced suspension for a ride that is comfortable and composed. A 6.2-liter V8 is available.
6) 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe (tie)
Buyers can configure the Chevy Tahoe to seat seven, eight, or nine passengers; it is one of the few vehicles on the market with that kind of capacity. However, the third row and cargo areas are a little smaller than some buyers might expect.
Standard features include an infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, keyless entry, and remote start.
6) 2017 Honda Pilot (tie)
Price With 3 Rows: $30,595 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The comfortable and spacious Honda Pilot is a great option for families, thanks to its versatile seating arrangements, large cargo area, and strong safety scores. All Pilot models come powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine.
6) 2017 Honda Pilot (tie)
The Pilot seats eight across three rows, but second-row captain’s chairs are available for more comfort and personal space, reducing seating capacity to seven.
All Pilot models include a multi-angle rearview camera, push-button start, and Bluetooth, but you need to step up to the next trim level to get an infotainment system. Other available features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various active safety systems.
5) 2018 Mazda CX-9
Price With 3 Rows: $32,130 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The Mazda CX-9 is one of the most fun-to-drive vehicles in the midsize SUV class, with exceptional car-like handling. The CX-9’s 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine isn’t especially powerful, but this SUV’s agility makes up for it.
5) 2018 Mazda CX-9
The CX-9 comes standard with three rows and seating for seven. The design is upscale and the cabin is finished in high-quality materials. The highest trim level, Signature, uses genuine wood and metal accents for a luxury feel.
All CX-9 models include a rearview camera, push-button start, an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross traffic alert.
4) 2018 Toyota Highlander
Price With 3 Rows: $31,030 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
Toyota’s Highlander is one of the most established vehicles in the midsize SUV class and is well worth a look. With the choice of four-cylinder or V6 engines and a comfortable ride, it’s a great choice for families. The Highlander’s price is a little higher than average for the class, but it includes features that cost extra in competitors.
4) 2018 Toyota Highlander
Toyota helps the Highlander stand out with an upscale and stylish interior. The base Highlander seats eight, but upper trims can be equipped with second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating to seven.
The Highlander’s standard features include an infotainment system with a 6.1-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and active safety features such as pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
3) 2018 Kia Sorento
Price With 3 Rows: $29,500 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV that provides an excellent value. This safe and comfortable vehicle is a great choice for families, with lots of available features, two engine choices, and a class-leading warranty for peace of mind.
3) 2018 Kia Sorento
The base Sorento seats five, but you can upgrade to seating for seven. To get a Sorento with the optional third row, you need to step up to the LX trim level, one up from the base model. The third row is included in the V6 model, which is the least expensive way to get it, or it can be added to the four-cylinder model with $3,190 worth of options packages. Other features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and satellite radio.
2) 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Price With 3 Rows: $30,500 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
The Atlas is an all-new addition to Volkswagen’s lineup for 2018. The Atlas currently tops our midsize SUV rankings thanks to its spacious interior and value-oriented features menu. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes standard and a 3.6-liter V6 is optional.
2) 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas comes standard with seven seats across three rows, and it’s one of the better vehicles in the class when it comes to adult comfort. The Atlas also offers plenty of cargo space. Though the Atlas’ cabin has a minimalist interior design and uses mostly high-quality materials, it’s not especially stylish or upscale.
Standard features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and an infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touch screen.
1) 2018 Ford Expedition
Price With 3 Rows: $51,695 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10
The Ford Expedition, redesigned for 2018, tops our large SUV rankings thanks to its combination of performance and family-friendly practicality. The Expedition features brawny and modern exterior styling and a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that easily keeps up with the V8s in competitors.
1) 2018 Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition seats seven or eight passengers and is a great choice for a large SUV with an adult-friendly third row. The Expedition offers plenty of cargo space, and the Expedition Max long-wheelbase model provides even more. The interior build quality is among the nicest in the class. All Expedition models include a rearview camera, four USB ports, and an infotainment system with Bluetooth wireless integration and voice recognition.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
If you’re shopping for a 3-row SUV, the above vehicles are a great place to start. If you’re looking for more information about any of these models, be sure to check out our midsize SUV rankings.
If you are ready to buy your next new vehicle, be sure to use our U.S. News Best Price Program to find the dealership in your area with the best prices. Shoppers who use the program save an average of $3,279 off their new car purchase.
Best 3-Row SUVs: Photos and Details
9) 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (tie)
9) 2018 Chevrolet Traverse (tie)
6) 2018 Buick Enclave (tie)
6) 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe (tie)
6) 2017 Honda Pilot (tie)
5) 2018 Mazda CX-9
4) 2018 Toyota Highlander
3) 2018 Kia Sorento
2) 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
1) 2018 Ford Expedition
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Haul the Whole Team in These High-Capacity SUVs
This article doesn't cover luxury vehicles. If you are looking for the Best 3-Row Luxury SUVs, click here.
If you need a 3-row SUV, you have more choices than ever, from traditional large SUVs to peppy, light crossovers. The list for 2018 includes some classics, a couple fully redesigned models, and an all-new entry. Most of these vehicles seat seven or eight passengers, but a couple can be configured to accommodate six in more luxurious seats, and one can even hold nine.
These are the highest-rated 3-row SUVs on the market, according to U.S. News methodology, which uses data and expert reviews to score vehicles on the criteria that matter most to buyers. If you are looking to buy a 3-row SUV in the coming year, the following vehicles are your best bets.
Keep in mind that U.S. News scores are updated constantly, so the scores in this slideshow might not match the scores in our Best Cars rankings.