27) 2018 Dodge Journey
$22,995 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.0/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 7.8/10
The Dodge Journey lands at the bottom of our midsize SUV rankings. However, it features a well-built interior and intuitive infotainment technology. It also provides a smooth ride and handles well on winding roads.
The 2018 model year brings standard third-row seating at a price that’s thousands less than any other model in its class.
26) 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan
$25,995 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.1/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 7.2 /10
For those searching for a respectable minivan at budget pricing, the Dodge Grand Caravan deserves a look. It comes standard with third-row Stow ‘n Go seats, and you can also add them as an option in the second row. This setup makes for better versatility than many rivals because you can fold the seat into the floor to increase cargo space. Moreover, when the seats are in their upright position, there’s extra storage room beneath the floor. The Grand Caravan also features a 6.5-inch touch screen and a durable cabin that’s easy to clean.
25) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
$23,945 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.1/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 7.3/10
The Mitsubishi Outlander offers good value for a 3-row SUV due to its reasonable starting price, respectable fuel economy, and long warranty. It also earns good marks in crash tests and is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick. The 2018 Outlander includes an easy-to-use 7-inch touch-screen infotainment display as standard. If you move up from the base trim, you’ll also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
24) 2018 Toyota 4Runner
$35,460 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.4/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 7.2/10
If you’re seeking a highly capable 3-row family hauler with loads of cargo space, the Toyota 4Runner is arguably unmatched. It provides a rugged interior and stellar off-road chops. However, since it’s tuned for hitting the trails, it has a stiff ride and handles like a truck.
In its standard configuration, it seats five, so you’ll have to upgrade to get a third row. The rearmost seats are best-suited for children.
23) 2018 Nissan Armada
$46,090 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 7.5/10
The Nissan Armada places at the bottom of U.S. News’ large SUV rankings. Still, it has a high towing capacity, a quality interior, and a lower base price than rivals. The Armada boasts a powerful V8 engine, expansive second-row seats that offer plenty of comfort, and seating for up to eight passengers. Like many SUVs, its third row should be reserved for children.
It comes standard with front and rear parking sensors, an 8-inch touch screen, voice recognition, navigation, and a rearview camera.
22) 2018 Nissan Pathfinder
$31,040 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 7.8/10
Despite its potent and fuel-efficient V6 engine, top-notch towing capacity, and intuitive infotainment technology, the Nissan Pathfinder struggles to compete in our midsize SUV rankings. The 2018 model year adds new standard features like automatic emergency braking and a Rear Door Alert system, which reminds the driver to check the rear seats before exiting the vehicle. The Pathfinder also fares well in crash tests and has enough third-row space to accommodate adults for short trips.
21) 2018 GMC Yukon
$49,100 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
The GMC Yukon offers an upscale cabin, a fuel-efficient base V8, good handling, and plenty of standard features. If you want extra power, you can opt for a Denali model, which is equipped with a more potent V8 and a new, smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon’s third row doesn’t offer enough room for adults, but you can choose an XL model with a more spacious third row and increased cargo capacity.
An 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, the Teen Driver safety system, a rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors come standard.
20) 2018 GMC Acadia
$29,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.0/10
An upscale interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and coddling ride quality are the GMC Acadia’s most notable attributes. Its standard four-cylinder engine should suffice around town, but the optional V6 offers much more muscle for highway driving and passing maneuvers. The Acadia also earns good scores in crash tests. Standard equipment includes niceties like a 7-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
19) 2018 Ford Flex
$30,285 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
The Ford Flex utilizes a boxy body shape to offer tons of space for passengers and cargo. Its base V6 engine provides enough power for most driving situations, though a stronger, twin-turbocharged V6 is available. The Flex hasn’t been fully redesigned since it was introduced in 2009, so it doesn’t stand up to many other vehicles in our midsize SUV rankings.
Nonetheless, it offers Ford’s responsive SYNC 3 touch-screen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Several advanced safety features are also available.
18) 2018 Chevrolet Suburban
$50,200 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.7/10
The Chevrolet Suburban excels due to its cushioned ride and cavernous, upscale interior. Its quiet cabin seats up to nine passengers. The Suburban comes standard with the Teen Driver safety system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, an 8-inch touch-screen interface, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. However, it doesn’t claim a top spot in our large SUV rankings since some competitors return better fuel economy, earn higher safety and predicted reliability scores, and can tow more.
17) 2018 Toyota Sequoia
$48,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 7.5/10
The Toyota Sequoia offers plenty of room for adults in all three rows and above-average cargo space. It provides a coddling ride and handles well, despite its huge footprint. The 2018 model adds a standard suite of advanced driver assistance technologies, including lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection. To top it off, the Sequoia is priced competitively for the class.
16) 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
$30,850 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 7.9/10
If you’re seeking cutting-edge interior technology at a reasonable price, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a wise choice. It comes standard with a responsive 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and satellite radio. It also includes Hyundai's Blue Link system, which lets you link your smart devices to the vehicle so you can remotely start the engine or lock the doors. The Santa Fe receives excellent safety scores, earns above-average predicted reliability ratings, and comes with an industry-leading warranty.
15) 2018 Ford Explorer
$32,140 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 7.6/10
The Ford Explorer secures a spot just above the halfway point in our midsize SUV rankings. It offers lots of space behind the third row, so you can have passengers in all seven seats and still have room for cargo. The Explorer also earns a superb rating for predicted reliability. It comes standard with a V6 engine that should be fine for most drivers. However, you can choose a turbo-four to save gas or a robust twin-turbo V6 for more power.
While its standard infotainment system is basic and includes only Bluetooth and voice-activated commands, Ford’s SYNC 3 interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available.
14) 2018 Toyota Sienna
$30,750 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
The Toyota Sienna’s aging design places it low in our minivan rankings, though this doesn’t mean that it lacks appealing features. It’s the only minivan available with all-wheel drive. It also offers expansive room for cargo, provides an adult-friendly third row, and has a powerful, fuel-efficient engine.
For 2018, Toyota added a full suite of advanced safety technologies as standard. The Sienna’s comfortable interior is full of high-quality materials and boasts an upgraded standard infotainment system with navigation and smartphone integration.
13) 2018 Kia Sedona
$27,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.4/10
The Kia Sedona only costs a bit more than the Grand Caravan (the cheapest model in our minivan rankings), but you get a lot more for your money. It’s higher-end and more comfortable than the Dodge, and it earns higher safety scores. The Sedona also has an above-average predicted reliability rating, and it features versatile Slide-N-Stow second-row seats. You can also choose optional second-row lounge seats, which are some of the nicest in the class. The Sedona comes with a strong V6 engine and is covered by a top-notch warranty.
Standard equipment includes an intuitive infotainment system. If you choose to upgrade to the more advanced 8-inch touch screen, you’ll enjoy access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
12) 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
$29,930 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.7/10
The fully redesigned Chevrolet Traverse takes home U.S. News’ 2018 Best 3-Row SUV for Families award. This makes perfect sense due to its comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, high cargo capacity, wealth of standard tech features, and carlike ride and handling. It’s also less expensive than many rivals.
The Traverse comes with a Wi-Fi hot spot, a rearview camera, a rear-seat reminder, the Teen Driver safety system, six USB ports, and a 7-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Many other features are available, including wireless device charging and a multitude of advanced active safety technologies.
11) 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
$30,750 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.8/10
The all-new Volkswagen Atlas scores well in crash tests and secures a leading position in our midsize SUV rankings. It’s chock full of standard features, including an easy-to-use 6.5-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automatic post-collision braking, and a rearview camera.
The Atlas offers roomy, supportive seats in all three rows and a ton of space for cargo. Despite its large footprint, it drives like a smaller vehicle.
10) 2018 Mazda CX-9
$32,130 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
Mazda's midsize CX-9 boasts a first-rate cabin with high-end materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. If you crave class-topping driving dynamics, add the CX-9 to your list. It delivers athletic handling and performs well in crash tests. Additionally, the CX-9 gets exceptional gas mileage. Mazda also added new advanced safety features as standard for the 2018 model year.
9) 2018 Dodge Durango
$30,990 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.4/10
The midsize Dodge Durango offers outstanding cargo capacity and plenty of room for adults in all three rows. While its available third row must be added to lower trims, it comes standard in upper trims. The Durango delivers sufficient power in its base configuration, offers potent engine choices, and has a high towing capacity when properly equipped.
Despite its large size, the Durango provides great driving dynamics. It offers a coddling ride and provides impressive agility around corners. Predicted reliability scores, safety, and fuel economy are all about average.
8) 2018 Honda Pilot
$30,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
The Honda Pilot features an adult-friendly third row and class-leading cargo capacity. Its comfortable, luxurious cabin seats up to eight passengers. The Pilot comes with a strong V6 engine and earns impressive safety ratings. It’s equipped with Bluetooth and a multi-angle rearview camera. You have to choose an upper trim to get features like an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and the Honda Sensing suite of active safety systems.
7) 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
$47,500 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.0/10
The Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with GM’s Teen Driver safety system and a customizable rear-seat reminder. It also comes with an intuitive 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors. The highly reliable Tahoe delivers plenty of power, returns decent fuel economy, and provides a hushed, coddling ride. It’s one of few vehicles on the market that can accommodate nine passengers due to its optional front-row bench seat.
6) 2018 Kia Sorento
$30,390 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.3/10
The Kia Sorento approaches the top of this list and it’s U.S. News’ 2018 Best 3-Row SUV for the Money. Keep in mind that the base Sorento seats five, so getting a third row requires an upgrade. It returns good fuel economy, earns outstanding scores for safety and predicted reliability, and has an attractive interior. The Sorento also provides a quiet, comfortable ride and offers three excellent engine options.
Standard features include Bluetooth, a USB port, and a rearview camera, but we suggest stepping up to Kia’s user-friendly 7- or 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
5) 2018 Buick Enclave
$39,995 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.7/10
Buick completely redesigned the Enclave for the 2018 model year. It sits near the crest of our midsize SUV rankings because of its upscale cabin, long list of standard equipment, exceptional predicted reliability score, and significant room for up to seven passengers plus their cargo. It even has a third row that’s fit for adults. The Enclave also provides a coddling ride and gets good gas mileage.
A Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, remote start, and a power liftgate come standard.
4) 2018 Toyota Highlander
$31,030 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.4/10
The Toyota Highlander earns an above-average predicted reliability score and performs well in crash tests. It has a luxurious interior with room for up to eight passengers and substantial space for cargo. However, its third row is best-suited for children. The Highlander places at the apex of our competitive midsize SUV rankings.
This SUV comes with an adequate four-cylinder engine, Bluetooth, a 6.1-inch touch-screen infotainment system, and a full suite of active safety features. A powerful V6 is available in the base model and standard on all other trims. The larger engine is the better choice since it is both more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the base engine.
3) 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
$26,995 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.9/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.8/10
Aside from the low-ranking Dodge Grand Caravan, the Chrysler Pacifica is the least expensive minivan on the market. Nonetheless, it comes packed with plenty of fantastic amenities, including Bluetooth and an intuitive 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Rounding out its qualities are Chrysler’s signature second- and third-row Stow n’ Go seats, an upscale interior, lively acceleration, and composed handling.
2) 2018 Honda Odyssey
$29,990 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 9.0/10
The fully redesigned Honda Odyssey not only tops our minivan rankings, but it’s also U.S. News’ 2018 Best Minivan for the Money and Best Minivan for Families. It features strong acceleration, agile handling, intuitive technology, and a spacious interior. Additionally, it earns high safety scores and above-average ratings for predicted reliability.
The Odyssey’s luxury-like interior includes a 5-inch display, Bluetooth, and hands-free text messaging. You can opt for a plethora of additional features, like an 8-inch touch screen, a rear-seat entertainment system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a wireless phone charger, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
1) 2018 Ford Expedition
$51,790 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.4/10 | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.7/10
It comes as no surprise that the completely redesigned Ford Expedition wins our 2018 Best Large SUV for Families award and leads our large SUV rankings by a wide margin. It offers an abundance of cargo space and three rows of roomy, comfortable seats in its handsome cabin. The Expedition is powered by a potent twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Standard features include satellite radio, four USB ports, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and Ford’s intuitive SYNC voice recognition system.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Did you find a 6-passenger vehicle that suits your priorities and budget? Have a look at our rankings of 3-row SUVs, large SUVs, and minivans to read each vehicle’s review and compare models. Then, visit our new car financing deals and lease deals pages to check out manufacturers’ current offers.
When you’re ready to buy, be sure to use our U.S. News Best Price Program to save money on your new car purchase. Shoppers who use the program save an average of $3,106 off MSRP.
The Best 6-Passenger Vehicles of 2018
- 27) 2018 Dodge Journey
- 26) 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan
- 25) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 24) 2018 Toyota 4Runner
- 23) 2018 Nissan Armada
- 22) 2018 Nissan Pathfinder
- 21) 2018 GMC Yukon
- 20) 2018 GMC Acadia
- 19) 2018 Ford Flex
- 18) 2018 Chevrolet Suburban
- 17) 2018 Toyota Sequoia
- 16) 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 15) 2018 Ford Explorer
- 14) 2018 Toyota Sienna
- 13) 2018 Kia Sedona
- 12) 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
- 11) 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
- 10) 2018 Mazda CX-9
- 9) 2018 Dodge Durango
- 8) 2018 Honda Pilot
- 7) 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 6) 2018 Kia Sorento
- 5) 2018 Buick Enclave
- 4) 2018 Toyota Highlander
- 3) 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
- 2) 2018 Honda Odyssey
- 1) 2018 Ford Expedition
Recommended Articles
-
2022 Fisker Ocean: What You Need to Know
-
2021 Audi Q7 vs. 2021 Volvo XC90: Head to Head
-
The 11 Best Diesel Pickup Trucks of 2021
-
10 Vehicles With the Best Headlights for 2021
-
The 12 Best Four-Door Sports Cars of 2021
-
Best SUV Leases in January 2021
-
Best SUV Lease Deals Under $300 in January 2021
-
2020 Best Cars for the Money
-
Best Cars for Families
These Vehicles Will Carry Your Whole Family in Comfort
Growing families need loads of space – not only for passengers, but also for cargo. Most of today’s cars offer only two bucket seats up front, because the days of front-row bench seats have long disappeared. That means you won’t be finding a lot of 2-row vehicles with six seats.
In order to enjoy more room, you’ll need to consider a 3-row SUV or minivan. There are many solid options to choose from, so picking the one that best suits your priorities and budget is no easy task.
The following vehicles are either SUVs or minivans that seat at least six passengers, although some of the SUVs require an upgrade to get three rows. Where that’s the case, we’ve included the price with the added row. We’ve chosen and ranked the vehicles based on their U.S. News overall score as a first priority, followed by their interior score.
It’s important to note that the vehicles in this article come from a number of different classes. They may have the same number of seats, but they are scored differently in our rankings. After all, a minivan is very different from a full-size SUV, which is different from a midsize crossover. Bear that in mind as you look at the ranking below.
Keep in mind that U.S. News rankings and reviews have a tendency to change often. This is because we constantly update our scores based on new data and expert opinions from automotive journalists. So, the scores in this slideshow may not match the scores in our rankings.
This article covers 6-passenger vehicles from mainstream brands. If you’re interested in 6-passenger vehicles from luxury brands, click here.
Continue reading to learn more about today’s best 6-passenger vehicles.