A good midsize 3-row SUV will provide a combination of utility, comfort, and value. These family hauliers will typically offer seating for seven, or six if you opt for second-row captain’s chairs. They can also tow a boat or camper.
No one buys a three-row SUV to carve turns on the open back roads, but the 2025 Mazda CX-90 is fun to drive when it needs to be. It has standard advanced safety features and a long list of options.
1. Honda Pilot
With its rugged appearance, off-road capability, and strong towing capacity, the Honda Pilot is a highly functional family haulier that’s also well-appointed inside. A refined 285-horsepower V6 powers the Pilot, which reaches freeway speeds easily while carrying a full load. The second-row centre seat can be tucked away to expand cargo space, and a variety of small-item storage options add to the vehicle’s utility.
In town, the Pilot feels agile for a large SUV with quick acceleration and impressive passing power. It also rides comfortably on the highway, soaking up bumps with a relaxed gait. Honda’s standard all-wheel drive system helps the Pilot handle icy or snowy roads, and it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The new-for-2025 Pilot TrailSport adds off-road capability with a raised ride height, special all-terrain tires, and a hill-descent control system. Front passengers are spoiled with comfortable, shaped seats, while legroom in the third row is tighter than in some competitors, including the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas. However, the Honda Pilot remains one of the top 3-row midsize SUVS for families.
2. Toyota Highlander
Toyota’s Highlander is among the more affordable options in this class, boasting strong fuel economy. However, the Highlander lacks some features that its rivals offer, such as a third-row seat that can comfortably fit adults, and its cargo space is relatively small. Its rear seats fold flat, boosting flexibility, and it’s rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds with the available all-wheel drive and Dynamic Torque Vectoring systems in upper trims.
The standard eight-inch infotainment touchscreen and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of advanced driver-assist features are appealing to family buyers. If you want more luxury features, the XLE adds SofTex leatherette seating surfaces and a hands-free power liftgate, while the Limited gets dual 12.3-inch digital displays and ventilated front seats.
Highlander’s standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist work well, but some of its optional driver aids don’t always respond as quickly as we like. The Highlander’s configurable digital instrument panel is also busier than many rivals’, making it hard to see information at a glance. The Grand Highlander addresses the Highlander’s shortcomings with a larger, more adult-friendly third row and better cargo space.
3. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is a solid choice for families seeking a capable and spacious three-row SUV. It combines practicality with good fuel economy and an array of standard safety features. It has received high marks from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and you can add a suite of active safety technology to enhance your visibility. A hybrid version is also available, allowing you to drive for more extended periods on electric power.
The Sorento’s comfortable cabin is well-appointed, with upscale materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. A curved panoramic display sits atop the dash, splitting into a 4.3-inch digital gauge screen and a 12.3-inch reconfigurable touchscreen for the infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features, and a premium Bose audio system is available as an option. The X-Line and X-Pro trims offer more rugged styling and enhanced capability for off-road driving or towing a trailer. The X-Line also increases ground clearance and offers torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. Kia’s Smart Power Tailgate lets you open and close the cargo hold hands-free.
4. Hyundai Santa Fe
A fresh design and an extended warranty make the 2025 Santa Fe one of our top picks among mid-sized 3-row SUVS. A reimagined rear area is its biggest draw.
The blocky design of the new Santa Fe’s tailgate creates a larger opening, making it easy to load large items and bulky cargo, such as camping gear and sports equipment. It’s also a little lower, which improves visibility for back-seat passengers.
All models, except the range-topping Calligraphy, have second-row bench seats, providing room for six or seven occupants. The seatbacks slide forward to give easy access to the third row.
Front-seat occupants enjoy ample headroom and legroom, along with comfortable seats. The infotainment system includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. Premium models include a head-up display, heated front seats, a wireless phone charger and adaptive cruise control. The top-spec Calligraphy model receives even more premium features, including a dual power sunroof, black 21-inch wheels, and exclusive second-row captain’s chairs that accommodate six passengers. It also features Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, which is particularly useful on the open highway or in traffic.
5. Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is a family-friendly SUV that serves as a modern interpretation of the station wagon. It seats up to seven, can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and offers a spacious cabin that’s well-appointed in most models. The second row provides impressive legroom, and folding the seats down reveals a spacious cargo hold that can accommodate substantial loads.
A 269-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers the 2025 Atlas, available in either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Configurations. It’s capable on the highway and handles nimbly in town, with a ride that’s smooth over all but the most brutal potholes.
Its sole drawback is its below-average fuel economy. If efficiency is a priority, the Honda Pilot and Kia Sorento are better choices. Also worth considering is the Toyota Highlander, which is faster and has a more compelling driving personality. Lastly, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Subaru Outback offer a more rugged off-road experience. To see how these contenders compare in person, visit us at Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Kennesaw. We’re happy to help you find the best new SUV for your family.
