Every 3-Row Mid-Size SUV for 2022 Ranked from Worst to Best
Car and Driver
Three-row crossovers aren’t the vehicles that will save the planet or encourage spirited mountain driving. They’re the answer for buyers who have a lot of kids and, subsequently, an ever-expanding pile of stuff, but don’t want to live with the power-sliding doors of a minivan. The charming aspect of a three-row SUV is that it can hold up to eight passengers, carry all the hockey or football equipment high schoolers can throw at it, and still offer better fuel economy than full-size SUV counterparts such as the Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition.
After multiple tests and countless hours of driving, we’ve ranked the current available mid-size crossovers and SUVs.
More SUVs Ranked from Worst to Best:
Compact | Sub-Compact | Mid-Size | Full-Size
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The 2022 Toyota 4Runner is starting to show its age among a handful of new competition. It’s been 12 years since the 4Runner was given a major update. Its rugged body-on-frame chassis and five-speed automatic transmission are old-school. The optional third row is on all trims except for TRD Pro. The 270-hp V-6 that’s in every 4Runner is a reliable workhorse but a thirsty one with an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
Base price: $38,820Powertrain: 270-hp 4.0L V-6 engine; five-speed automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 46 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 9 cubic feet
MORE 4RUNNER SPECS
The GMC Acadia is a compact version of Chevy’s Traverse; both models offer three-row seating. The Acadia comes with either a 288-hp turbocharged four-cylinder or a 310-hp V-6. Both engines use a nine-speed automatic; no CVT here, folks. The Acadia is on the smaller end of the segment, the shortest in length by over an inch—a plus for families that need more room in the garage for the kids’ bikes. Unfortunately, it means the Acadia has the least amount of combined second- and third-row cargo space on the list. The most fuel-efficient Acadia is the front-wheel-drive turbocharged four-cylinder, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
Base price: $30,995Powertrain: 288-hp 2.0L turbocharged inline-four, 310-hp 3.6L V-6 engine; nine-speed automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 41 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 12 cubic feet
MORE ACADIA SPECS
The Chevrolet Traverse has been refreshed with LED headlights and new front and rear fascias. It’s the biggest SUV on the list at over 17 feet long, giving it more cargo space behind the second row than anything else in the mid-size segment. The only powertrain is a 310-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine with a nine-speed transmission. Despite its size and power, it achieved 27 mpg during our highway fuel-economy test. Features include an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot with standard 4G LTE data. There’s also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration on every Traverse.
Base price: $34,895Powertrain: 310-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine; nine-speed automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 57 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 23 cubic feet
MORE TRAVERSE SPECS
If you’ve outgrown the Forester and Outback, meet the Subaru Ascent. Powered by a 260-hp flat-four, the Ascent’s 277 pound-feet of torque gives it a hearty push when needed. The standard CVT helps this 4656-pound all-wheel-drive three-row get an EPA-estimated 27 mpg on the highway. Its long list of standard safety features is where the Ascent shines brightest. Even on the cheapest Ascent, forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are standard. A 6.5-inch touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but step up to the Premium trim level for an 8.0-inch screen, Wi-Fi capability, and other features like blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and the free choice of either a second-row bench or captain’s chairs. Every Ascent has all-wheel drive.
Base price: $33,420Powertrain: 260-hp 2.5L turbocharged inline-four engine; continuously variable automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 47 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 17 cubic feet
MORE ASCENT SPECS
The Volkswagen Atlas was refreshed for 2021 with a friendlier-looking front end. Two engines are available: a standard 235-hp inline-four with front-wheel drive or a 276-hp V-6. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and are available with all-wheel drive. The V-6-powered Atlas SE with the Technology package, the SEL, and SEL Premium models offer max towing of 5000 pounds. This VW has a rather dull interior design compared to the Kia Telluride or Mazda CX-9. Base models come with a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but we think upgrading to the 8.0-inch touchscreen with two more speakers and extra USB ports is more than worth it. Even the base Atlas is thirsty. The most fuel-efficient version is the front-drive four-cylinder, which returned just 24 mpg on the highway during our fuel-economy test.
Base price: $32,565Powertrain: 235-hp 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine, 276-hp 3.6L V-6 engine; eight-speed automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 55 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 20 cubic feet
MORE ATLAS SPECS
The Dodge Durango is the quickest SUV on this list, it tows the most, and is essentially a three-row muscle car. The Durango has three flavors of engine: a 293-hp V-6 with 6200 pounds of max towing all the way up to 475-hp V-8. Every powertrain is supported by an eight-speed automatic. Max towing with the V-8 jumps to 8700 pounds (with the Tow N Go package), meaning it tows more than any mid-size pickup. The Durango offers solid handling with a comfy ride. An 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard—that’s larger than most optional displays on other SUVs. A 10.1-inch screen is optional. The third row is decently roomy and allows the Durango to seat seven. The V-6 Durango scored 22 mpg on our highway fuel-economy test, and the all-wheel-drive V-8 Durango managed 23 mpg, beating its EPA estimate.
Base price: $34,872Powertrain: 293–295-hp 3.6L V-6, 360-hp 5.7L V-8, 475-hp 6.4L V-8 engine; eight-speed automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 43 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 17 cubic feet
MORE DURANGO SPECS
The 2022 Honda Pilot gets more standard features than last year’s model, but with those updates comes a substantial bump in its starting price by nearly $7000. Every Pilot now has LED headlights and taillights, a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, and a 280-hp V-6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot’s three rows provide plenty of room, and a host of active-safety tech is available. With standard all-wheel drive, a Honda Pilot Elite model returned 27 mpg on our highway fuel-economy test.
Base price: $32,645Powertrain: 280-hp 3.5L V-6 engine; nine-speed automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 46 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 16 cubic feet
MORE PILOT SPECS
The Ford Explorer is a smooth-riding three-row with solid powertrain options. A 300-hp 2.3-liter inline-four engine and 10-speed automatic are standard, and if that’s not enough, the 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 in ST models rockets the Explorer to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. A hybrid Explorer is also available. The Explorer’s bigger optional 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen sits vertically, but if Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all you’re after, that’s standard on models with the smaller 8.0-inch screen, too. The Explorer fell short in our most recent three-row comparo because you can get more features and a nicer interior for a more reasonable price elsewhere. Rear-drive hybrid Explorers return the best fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg on the highway. For towing, a base Explorer can pull up to 5300 pounds, while models with the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 tow a bit more at 5600 pounds.
Base price: $34,170Powertrain: 300-hp 2.3L turbocharged inline-four, 365-hp 3.0L twin-turbo V-6, 400-hp 3.0L twin-turbo V-6, 318-hp electric-hybrid 3.3L V-6 engine; 10-speed automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 47 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 18 cubic feet
MORE EXPLORER SPECS
The new Toyota Highlander packs a bunch of cargo space with the third row folded and a hybrid powertrain with impressive fuel economy. A 295-hp V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission can be paired with your choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Other standard features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa—even on the base trim. The Highlander Limited and Platinum have a giant 12.3-inch display. A somewhat low roofline can be a bit of a problem for adults in the third row, but there’s plenty of room for kids. The front-drive Highlander Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 35 mpg highway, while the gas-only version still achieves an impressive 29 mpg.
Base price: $36,300Powertrain: 295-hp 3.5L V-6 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission; 243-hp 2.5L inline-four hybrid engine, continuously variable transmissionCargo space behind second row: 48 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 16 cubic feet
MORE HIGHLANDER SPECS
New for 2021, the fifth-generation Nissan Pathfinder is still using some of the older SUV’s parts. The 284-hp 3.5-liter V-6 makes a return, but this time the sluggish CVT has been replaced by Nissan’s nine-speed automatic transmission. Although it rides on the same wheelbase as before, the overall dimensions have grown, and that’s good news for third-row passengers. The wider third row now seats three, upping the total passenger capacity to eight, and increased sound deadening has made the Pathfinder quieter to ride in.
Base price: $34,560Powertrain: 284-hp 3.5L V-6 engine; nine-speed automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 45 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 16 cubic feet
MORE PATHFINDER SPECS
Mazda’s CX-9 gives buyers more than they’re probably expecting from this class, while appealing to our preference for vehicles that are fun to drive. We’ve awarded this Mazda a 10Best Trucks and SUV award in 2018 and 2019 because it drives with a sporty verve while also delivering a luxurious ride. And it looks like a luxury SUV inside and out but is priced in the thick of the mainstream three-row segment. Even the base CX-9 comes with a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A gutsy turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.
Base price: $35,060Powertrain: 250-hp turbo 2.5L inline-four engine; six-speed automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 38 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 14 cubic feet
MORE CX-9 SPECS
The Kia Sorento has many powertrain options with either front- or all-wheel drive, including a base 191-hp four-cylinder, a 281-hp turbo-four, and a hybrid version. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard, though higher trims come with a 10.3-inch screen. The Sorento’s is a rather luxurious cabin with materials that go beyond black plastic. The second-row bench seats can also be changed to captain’s chairs to make crawling into the third row easier. But when it comes to towing, the Sorento’s max capacity is only 3500 pounds. The Sorento is like a diet Kia Telluride, but with a hybrid powertrain, less towing capacity, and a lower starting price.
Base price: $30,665Powertrain: 191-hp 2.5L inline-four, 281-hp 2.5L turbocharged inline-four engine, eight-speed automatic transmission; 227-hp 1.6L turbocharged inline-four hybrid engine, six-speed automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 38 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 12 cubic feet
MORE SORENTO SPECS
Jeep’s fifth-generation Grand Cherokee debuted in 2021, adding a three-row model dubbed the Grand Cherokee L. It’s 15 inches longer than the previous Grand Cherokee, and a smoother ride is a major benefit from its longer wheelbase. The rumble from the available 5.7-liter V-8 is unlike anything else in the segment (save for the Durango), and the V-6 is no sleepyhead either. Overland and Summit trims come standard with air springs, which can lift the Grand Cherokee L to provide up to 10.3 inches of ground clearance. The new Grand Cherokee has more cargo space than ever, and its third row has a good amount of headroom and footroom for folks with size-12 shoes. The V-8 has the highest towing capacity of the two engines at 7200 pounds.
Base price: $40,570Powertrain: 290-hp 3.6L V-6, 357-hp 5.7L V-8; eight-speed automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 46 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 17 cubic feet
MORE GRAND CHEROKEE L SPECS
The Hyundai Palisade is the Kia Telluride’s fraternal twin—sharing a platform, powertrain, and suspension—but its looks, inside and out, are where the two are most different. We think the Telluride has an advantage where looks are concerned, but the Palisade is still the next-best choice if your local Kia dealership is out of stock. The fit-and-finish quality are in stark contrast to many of the competitors in this segment. Second-row ventilated seats and a suede-like headliner for under $49,000? You can’t get that combo in a Cadillac Escalade for $103,000.
Base price: $33,860Powertrain: 291-hp 3.8L V-6 engine; eight-speed automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 45 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 18 cubic feet
MORE PALISADE SPECS
The Kia Telluride arrives as the best of the best with mildly refreshed looks for 2022, and even more standard features that make the Telluride’s lowest trims feel a little fancy. To start, the smallest touchscreen found in a Telluride is now 10.3 inches. More importantly, the new Telluride drives better than it needs to, and its interior styling and quality are distinctive in this segment. The Telluride can tow up to 5000 pounds and comes with a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty. It’s earned our coveted 10Best award each year since the model’s debut in 2020. We put an all-wheel-drive Telluride SX through the rigors of our 40,000-mile long-term road test, and not only was it one of the most requested vehicles in our fleet, but it was also faultless in terms of reliability.
Base price: $34,015Powertrain: 291-hp 3.8L V-6 engine; eight-speed automatic transmissionCargo space behind second row: 46 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 21 cubic feet
MORE TELLURIDE SPECS
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