Three-row SUVs are uniquely capable of carrying the whole family — and then some. The additional third row gives you the ability to bring along seven to eight people, compared to five in a standard two-row SUV. Beyond just extra seating, these vehicles often bring more cargo space, stronger towing capacity, and a greater sense of versatility for road trips, carpools, and weekend adventures.
Third-row SUVs are the perfect choice over a van if you’re looking for a vehicle that combines space, style, and capability. They offer the practicality of multiple seating rows without sacrificing the rugged design, higher ground clearance, or all-wheel-drive options that make SUVs so versatile. Whether you’re tackling family road trips, daily commutes, or light off-road adventures, a three-row SUV delivers the flexibility of a van with the confidence and appeal of an SUV.
2020 Nissan Pathfinder
Average Used Price: $14,041
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder continues its role as a family-friendly midsize SUV that balances comfort, space, and everyday practicality. While its rugged V6 power and towing ability remain key selling points, Nissan put a significant focus on updating the Pathfinder’s interior ergonomics for 2020.
To get it right, Nissan doesn’t rely solely on engineers. They bring in real customers to test prototypes, watching how they interact with every feature. “We gather data and see if it’s meeting what we were expecting,” Fischer said. These clinics offer fresh perspectives, catching issues the team might overlook.
-Nicole Wakelin, TopSpeed Contributor
Inside, you’ll find larger, more conveniently placed cupholders (that are better suited to today’s gigantic water bottle sizes), redesigned storage bins, and improved access to controls for both the driver and front passenger. These small refinements make a noticeable difference in daily use, especially for families constantly juggling coffee cups, water bottles, and kids’ snacks. Combined with its roomy third row and generous cargo capacity, the 2020 Pathfinder feels thoughtfully designed for real-world comfort and convenience. Nissan proves that it takes customer feedback directly to heart with the 2020 Pathfinder.
2020 Kia Sorento
Average Used Price: $14,211
The 2020 Kia Sorento stands out as one of the best values in the three-row SUV segment, offering space, comfort, and versatility without the hefty used price tag of larger competitors. As a midsize crossover, it manages to seat up to seven passengers while remaining easy to maneuver and efficient for everyday driving.
Under the hood, buyers can choose between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine for better fuel economy or a more powerful 3.3-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for stronger performance and towing ability. Front-wheel drive comes standard, while all-wheel drive is available for those who need extra traction in bad weather or weekend camping expeditions. Inside, the Sorento offers a practical, well-designed cabin with user-friendly technology, quality materials, and thoughtful touches that make family life easier.
2020 MAZDA CX-9
Average Used Price: $17,591
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is one of those three-row SUVs that manages to feel more like a luxury crossover than a family hauler. It’s stylish, comfortable, and surprisingly fun to drive, something you don’t often say about a seven-seater. Under the hood, every CX-9 comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 227 horsepower.
Customer satisfaction for the CX-9 ranks very high as well. It, of course, certainly helps that Mazda’s premium push made the CX-9 feel like an affordable luxury car, and that’s reflected in its excellent interior build quality that punches above its class.
– Isaac Atienza, TopSpeed Automotive Journalist
From the sleek exterior styling to the refined cabin with soft-touch surfaces and intuitive tech, everything about the CX-9 feels thoughtfully crafted. Yet it still comes at a price that makes sense for families or anyone wanting a touch of class without overspending.
2020 Hyundai Palisade
Average Used Price: $18,630
If you’re looking for a three-row SUV that offers a premium feel without the premium price tag, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is a standout choice. The Palisade is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offers a smooth and quiet ride, with a well-insulated cabin that minimizes road noise, providing a serene driving experience.
In summary, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade combines luxury, comfort, and practicality at a competitive used price point. Whether you’re commuting, road-tripping, or carpooling, it offers a refined driving experience that stands out in the crowded three-row SUV market.
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2020 Volkswagen Atlas
Average Used Price: $18,462
If you’re searching for a spacious and practical three-row SUV that doesn’t break the bank, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is a strong contender. The Atlas offers generous interior space, comfortably seating up to seven passengers. Its straightforward design prioritizes functionality, making it a solid choice for families and those needing ample cargo capacity.
Under the hood, the Atlas comes with two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 delivering 276 horsepower. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available.
2020 Chevrolet Traverse
Average Used Price: $18,572
If you need a three-row SUV that’s roomy, practical, and still affordable, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is worth a close look. It comfortably seats up to eight passengers and delivers a smooth, composed ride that works well for both daily commutes and long family trips.
Overall, the Traverse handles moderate bumps and inconsistencies in the road well, but it can get a little clunky and rattly over rougher roads. Road noise is kept to a minimum, though, so you don’t really hear any exterior noise creeping in unless you’re on bad roads.
– Philippe Daix, TopSpeed Contributor
Power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, while front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available for added confidence in poor weather. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, it’s also versatile enough for trailers, boats, or extra gear. With its combination of size, capability, and thoughtful features, the 2020 Traverse delivers a lot of SUV for the money.
2020 Acura MDX
Average Used Price: $22,758
If you’re seeking a three-row SUV that blends luxury, reliability, and performance, the 2020 Acura MDX stands out as a compelling choice. With an average used price of around $22,758, it offers a refined driving experience without the premium price tag of some competitors. Under the hood, the MDX features a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, the MDX comfortably seats up to seven passengers, with high-quality materials and a suite of standard features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and AcuraWatch safety suite. While the third-row seating is best suited for children or shorter trips, the overall cabin space and cargo capacity are generous for the segment.
2020 Ford Expedition
Average Used Price: $23,852
If you need a full-size SUV that can handle anything from a weekend road trip to towing a big trailer, the 2020 Ford Expedition is built for it. It comfortably seats up to eight people, with plenty of room to stretch out in all three rows, and the cargo space behind the third row is generous for gear, luggage, or sports equipment.
Power comes from a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that cranks out 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. That combination gives the Expedition strong towing ability, up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped, without feeling sluggish on the highway. The FX4 Off-Road Package adds rugged capability for those who want to tackle trails or rough terrain, while still maintaining a smooth ride on pavement. Overall, the 2020 Expedition is a versatile, powerful, and family-ready SUV that doesn’t compromise on space, comfort, or capability.
2020 Toyota Highlander
Average Used Price: $26,139
The Toyota Highlander received its latest major redesign in the 2020 model year, which launched its fourth generation with a new TNGA-K platform, updated styling, and standard connectivity features. Inside, the Highlander seats up to eight passengers, with ample legroom and a user-friendly infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cabin is quiet and well-built, featuring quality materials throughout. While the third-row seats are best suited for children or shorter trips, the overall space and comfort make it a great choice for families.
It got bigger and roomier, yet more maneuverable and more fuel-efficient. Its dashboard became more stylish and higher-tech, yet also more user-friendly. Its ride quality improved, yet so did its handling. And its exterior design became more modern, adding some trendy curves compared to its boxy, straight-lined predecessor.
– Brady Holt, TopSpeed Contributor
It comes with a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a smooth ride and respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy is competitive for its class, with estimates of 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. Whether you’re commuting, road-tripping, or carpooling, the 2020 Toyota Highlander offers a balanced mix of performance, comfort, and practicality, making it a standout option in the midsize SUV segment.
2020 Toyota Sequoia
Average Used Price: $37,614
If you’re in the market for a full-size SUV that offers impressive towing capacity, ample interior space, and a reputation for reliability, the 2020 Toyota Sequoia is a compelling choice. Powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, it delivers robust performance suitable for both daily driving and heavy-duty tasks.
The 2020 Toyota Sequoia might not be the newest or most sophisticated SUV on the market, but it still offers an impressive level of interior comfort and vast amounts of space. Its powerful V-8 and ladder frame backbone allow it to pull 7,400 pounds on its hitch, while the optional 4WD system allows it to explore more than just the mall parking lot.
– Mark McNabb, TopSpeed Contributor
The Sequoia’s towing capacity reaches up to 7,400 pounds when properly equipped, making it a solid option for hauling trailers, boats, or other heavy loads. For those looking for additional off-road capability, optional TRD trims offer impressive capability. Additions include Fox Shocks, skid plates, a center differential locker, and more.