Need extra space for passengers and cargo? A three-row mid-size SUV could be the answer. Here we've ranked the best mid-size SUVs available in 3-row configurations. Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best mid-size three-row SUVs based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.
Read about how we test and evaluate vehicles here.
Best Mid-Size 3-Row SUVs at a glance
1
2025 Kia Telluride
2
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
3
2025 Mazda CX-90
4
2025 Hyundai Palisade
5
2025 Honda Pilot
6
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
7
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
8
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
9
2025 Ford Explorer
10
2025 Kia Sorento
1
2025 Kia Telluride
10
/10
C/D RATING
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Starting at
$37,805
EPA MPG
20–22 combined
C/D SAYS: You can't do much better than the Telluride among three-row SUVs, as it has tons of space and is more luxurious than its price suggests. Learn More
#3 in Kia SUVs
#3 in Best SUVs Under $50,000#3 in Best AWD SUVs#3 in Best SUVs Under $40,000
2
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
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Starting at
$42,355
EPA MPG
22–24 combined
C/D SAYS: The Toyota Grand Highlander's winning recipe consists of plentiful room, handsome interior trim, pleasant road manners, and competitive value Learn More
#1 in Toyota SUVs and Crossovers
#2 in Best 8-Seater SUVs#3 in Best SUVs with Captain's Chairs
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3
2025 Mazda CX-90
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
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Starting at
$39,575
EPA MPG
25 combined
C/D SAYS: With the CX-90, Mazda takes its three-row SUV uptown with a stylish look, a plush interior, and solid performance—but top models have commensurately high pricing. Learn More
#3 in Best 3-Row SUVs under $50,000
#3 in Mazda SUVs and Crossovers#3 in Best 3-Row SUVs under $40,000
4
2025 Hyundai Palisade
9.5
/10
C/D RATING
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Starting at
$38,695
EPA MPG
21 combined
C/D SAYS: The well-equipped Palisade delivers great value in any configuration, but higher trims rival luxury makes at a relatively reasonable price. Learn More
#2 in Best 3-Row SUVs under $50,000
#2 in Hyundai SUVs and Crossovers#3 in Best 8-Seater SUVs
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5
2025 Honda Pilot
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
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Starting at
$41,650
EPA MPG
20–22 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2025 Honda Pilot is a capable family hauler with some extra off-road capability, which is enough to make it the mid-pack choice in the mid-size SUV class. Learn More
6
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
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Starting at
$35,795
EPA MPG
22–24 combined
C/D SAYS: Blending plenty of useable space and functionality with distinctive style, the Santa Fe offers a fresh take on the traditional three-row SUV formula. Learn More
#3 in Cheapest Mid-Size SUVs
#3 in Cheapest 3-Row SUVs
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7
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
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Starting at
$41,030
EPA MPG
21 combined
C/D SAYS: The luxurious and spacious three-row Grand Cherokee L offers go-anywhere capability without sacrificing on-road comfort. Learn More
#2 in Jeep SUVs and Crossovers
8
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
8
/10
C/D RATING
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Starting at
$42,195
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The Chevrolet Traverse can haul a lot of people and cargo, but its rough-edged engine sound and mundane road manners hold it back. Learn More
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9
2025 Ford Explorer
8
/10
C/D RATING
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Starting at
$41,745
EPA MPG
20–24 combined
C/D SAYS: The long-running Ford Explorer SUV wears a handsome exterior and offers powerful powertrains but lacks the overall refinement of the competition. Learn More
10
2025 Kia Sorento
8
/10
C/D RATING
VIEW PHOTOS
Starting at
$33,405
EPA MPG
23–26 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2025 Sorento may serve as a supplement to Kia's popular Telluride SUV, but its wider range of powertrains—including two hybrids—gives it a unique appeal. Learn More
#1 in Cheapest Mid-Size SUVs
#2 in Cheapest 3-Row SUVs
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