SUVs with 3rd Row with Best Gas Mileage

It's been over 20 years since Kia introduced the Sorento midsize crossover to the U.S. market. Now in its fourth generation, the Sorento is one of the most popular SUVs in the Kia lineup, second only to the compact Sportage.

One reason for the Sorento's popularity is its wide range of engine options. Not only are there two gas engine choices — including a powerful turbocharged version — the Sorento is also available with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain, the latter of which promises more than 30 miles of electric-only driving.

In addition to its multiple engine options, the Sorento is available in varying levels of luxury and performance. Buyers looking for a more adventurous experience should consider the Sorento X-Pro, which has a rugged look, all-terrain tires, and standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive.

As a smaller three-row SUV, the Sorento fits in an in-between niche class, with only the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mitsubishi Outlander as direct competitors. The Sorento might not have as much room inside as a Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, or its Kia Telluride sibling, but the first two rows of seats are comfortable and spacious, especially when fitted with the second-row captain's chairs. The third row is tight for adults, but provides adequate space for small children. Luxurious amenities such as leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats are available.

While cargo space behind the second row is smaller than in some rivals, there's plenty of usable space, especially with the third-row seat folded down.

Last year, the Hyundai Santa Fe received the most significant redesign in its 24-year history. The boxy yet futuristic exterior stands out from more conventionally styled SUVs, and after a six-year absence, a third row of seats is included. That puts the Santa Fe in a somewhat unusual position in the Hyundai lineup since there's already another three-row SUV: the Palisade.

The Santa Fe measures about 6 inches shorter than the Palisade, making it more maneuverable in tight parking spaces. Inside, it's only marginally smaller for passengers in the third row, but cargo space is reduced by 20%. The Santa Fe is a few thousand dollars less than the Palisade, though, and it's also available with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. If you only need moderate cargo space, the Santa Fe makes better financial sense and is easier to drive.

The Santa Fe only has a handful of rivals among similarly sized three-row SUVs. These include the Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Kia Sorento. The Santa Fe scores points for its more spacious third-row seat, lengthy warranty, and comfortable seats and ride. It receives light criticism for its rough-sounding engine, but that's only when you're accelerating aggressively.

Overall, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is the better choice among moderately sized three-row SUVs. We suggest checking out the Kia Telluride or the related Palisade if you need more capabilities.

Slotting into the lineup between the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Sequoia, the Toyota Highlander three-row midsize SUV has a reputation for reliability and efficiency, two important traits in a family vehicle. Available in both standard gas and hybrid versions, the Highlander is at the top of its competitor set, providing up to 29 mpg and 36 mpg from its powertrains, respectively.

With all seats in use, the Highlander provides just over 16 cubic feet of cargo space, which is similar to the trunk in a midsize sedan. But when the rear seats are folded down, capacity swells to over 97 cubic feet. That's only 4 cubic feet less than a Toyota Sienna minivan.

One drawback is the size of the third-row seat itself. It's small, and its bottom cushion is mounted right on the floor. This makes the back row best suited for occasional use or small children only. For regular third-row use, the larger Toyota Grand Highlander might be a better bet, and it returns similarly strong fuel economy.

Popular Highlander rivals include the Kia Telluride which is slightly larger, but priced similar to the gas-powered Highlander. Other alternatives include the luxurious Mazda CX-90 and the spacious Volkswagen Atlas.

It's surprising that it has taken Lexus this long to arrive at the three-row luxury SUV party, but the 2025 Lexus TX, now in its second year of production, makes up for lost time with a big, roomy interior, a bundle of tech and driver safety features, and a trio of gas, electric, and rechargeable powertrains. Its combination of capabilities makes it something of a unicorn, especially its hybrid options.

Slotting above the popular RX, the TX bridges the gap between that midsize crossover and the larger, truck-boned LX, itself a cushier three-row version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Lexus attempted a smaller three-row option with the RX-L, an extended body built on the standard RX's wheelbase. It offered only an extra 6 inches of overall length, which made for a cramped third row and not much cargo space.

The TX solves those problems with a longer wheelbase, plenty of legroom in both rear rows, and more cargo space than its competitors, regardless of how the seating is configured. The TX seats seven in standard configuration, but second-row captain's chairs and a rear center console are available if you don't mind reducing capacity to six. Either way, the third-row seat is no penalty box, but rather a relatively spacious area where two adults can stretch out comfortably.

A full complement of in-car tech includes a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more than a dozen standard driver-assist features. Highlights under the hood include a standard four-cylinder engine that quickly reaches its limits trying to motivate this big SUV. The 366-horsepower hybrid is better suited to the job, or you can opt for the 404-hp, V6-based plug-in hybrid that gets up to 29 mpg combined and generates up to 33 miles of electric range.

This versatility puts the TX up against an interesting array of competitors, ranging from gas-only rivals like the Acura MDX, Lincoln Aviator, and Volvo XC90 to hybrid and plug-in hybrids like the XC90 Recharge, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. And with a starting price of around $56,000, the TX should appeal to a wide swath of SUV buyers.

Mitsubishi introduced the latest generation of the Outlander in 2022 and the redesigned compact SUV provided the boost the brand desperately needed after a challenging decade of dwindling budgets and a limited lineup. The Outlander is based on the Nissan Rogue; in some ways, the current Outlander is even better than its Nissan cousin.

The Outlander stands out from most of its competitors with its available plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Relatively rare among compact crossover SUVs, Outlander’s PHEV system delivers much better performance than the sluggish non-hybrid version but is quite a bit more expensive. Its 38 miles of electric driving range make it usable as a purely electric vehicle, and it charges relatively quickly with a DC fast charger.

Overall, the Outlander is a good value, with a long list of standard features, a third-row seat, ample cargo space, and surprisingly good handling. Among the few compact three-row SUVs, including the Kia Sorento and Volkswagen Tiguan, it's a worthy choice. The Outlander PHEV competes with the plug-in versions of the Sorento, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4 Prime, even though the Tucson and RAV4 aren't available with a third row.

The small SUV class is easily one of the most competitive among carmakers. Standing out from the very crowded field is no easy feat, but the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan manages to make its mark. It's the only entrant from a European manufacturer and one of the few that offers a third row of seats. The result is an engaging driving experience with more flexibility than most other SUVs deliver. Add in a comfortable ride quality and a spacious cabin with above-average materials, and the Tiguan should attract plenty of shoppers.

As handy as the third row may be, it offers very limited space and is better suited for small children. That should still make the Tiguan a solid carpool vehicle, though. Cargo space is also small behind the rearmost seats, but that's common for most three-row SUVs. Holding back the Tiguan are its comparably thirsty engines and some occasional lurches caused by an overly sensitive gas pedal.

As a result, the VW Tiguan is more of a mid-pack entrant in the class, with some very serious rivals that have undergone full redesigns more recently. These include the sporty Mazda CX-50, the fuel-efficient and family-friendly Honda CR-V, and the value-driven Kia Sportage if you don't need a third row of seats. If three rows are a requirement, the Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Outlander also upstage the Tiguan in several areas.

This year, Volkswagen gave the Tiguan more advanced safety features and expanded its standard features. That should make it more appealing to buyers, but we suggest you also evaluate the competition to see what is the best fit for you.

No one really buys a three-row SUV looking to carve tight corners on open back roads. But with the 2025 Mazda CX-90, it's nice to know you can. Or at least the Mazda makes the possibility more exciting than its competitors, even if it's only the occasional cloverleaf interchange with a cabin full of nervous passengers. With its sport-tuned steering and suspension, standard all-wheel drive, and cracking turbo engines, the CX-90 is a lithe wide receiver in a class of SUV linebackers.

An impeccable interior is another of the CX-90's standout traits, with a refinement and quality that rivals many European and other luxury alternatives. Settling into any of its seats, it's easy to see why the CX-90 costs a little more than some competitors, but still rates as a bargain compared to the next price tier. Class-leading fuel economy and an available plug-in hybrid that can cover up to 26 miles on battery power round out some of the Mazda's attributes.

The CX-90 can't match its peers in overall utility, though. The interior, while refined, is smaller than most. That goes for the cramped third row and limited cargo space. The infotainment is serviceable, but dated software and the lack of a touchscreen fall short of the smoother interfaces and cloud-based operating systems in other SUVs.

The Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, and the Toyota Highlander and larger Grand Highlander all offer more space and more modern tech. Even if they're not as fun on a 270-degree on-ramp.

The Ford Explorer has been around for more than 30 years, and Ford says it has sold more than 8 million of these family-sized SUVs. Now in its sixth generation, the 2025 Explorer gets a major refresh with new styling, an upgraded cabin, and advanced technology.

The Explorer battles in one of the most competitive vehicle segments in the U.S.: the three-row SUV. The Explorer's strong rivals include the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L. In 2023, the popular Ford outsold almost all of its competition, and there's every reason to believe that success will continue with the updated 2025 Explorer.

With seating for up to seven passengers and plenty of cargo space, the Explorer provides a high level of comfort and utility. Four trims are offered: Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum, all well equipped with a long list of standard features. Four-wheel drive is available on all versions, and Ford offers the Explorer with a choice of two powerful engines, including a 400-horsepower EcoBoost turbocharged V6.

Ford's infotainment system is greatly improved, with a new Google-based operating system. It integrates popular features such as Google Maps and Google Assistant, and is displayed on a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen. The Explorer also comes with the latest advanced driver-assist features and, for the first time, is available with Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving system.

The midsize Cadillac XT6 lives in the supersized shadow of the premium brand’s flagship, the considerably larger and more expensive Escalade. The enormous Escalade may be the more popular of the two, but the three-row XT6 is the better choice for most families. Cadillac’s largest crossover slots above the XT4 and XT5 in the brand’s growing SUV lineup. Although it was last refreshed in 2020, the XT6 remains properly handsome, without too much bling, and its ride comfort is as good as it gets in this class. It also delivers a premium experience with a plush interior, intuitive tech, and good passenger space. Seating for seven is standard, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing it to six.

When it comes to swank, however, the Cadillac’s cabin materials and finishes fall short of the Genesis GV80 and Lincoln Aviator. Though well-placed and easy to use, its 8-inch touchscreen is the smallest in this class. Cadillac does include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and we were impressed by the excellent sound quality of the SUV's premium 14-speaker Bose audio system.

The XT6 doesn't drive as sporty as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, or Acura MDX, but it is powerful enough for most buyers. This year, the XT6 is available with GM’s Super Cruise driver-assist system that allows hands-free driving on specific roads that meet certain conditions. In this class, only the Lincoln Aviator is also available with similar autonomous driving technology.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder deserves more attention than it gets. It’s overshadowed by bigger sellers like the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Highlander, as well as top-rated favorites like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. It’s also fighting against the memory of a long-lived predecessor that was bland and uncompetitive. The 2025 Pathfinder is neither of those things, and although it’s far from a class leader, it has a lot going for it.

This is especially true of the Pathfinder Rock Creek. It’s the off-road-oriented trim level that’s not just the coolest-looking Pathfinder, but the most powerful and capable one that’s actually capable of finding a path. Considering that its on-road performance, ride, and handling aren’t overtly hampered by its off-road additions, the Rock Creek is the one we’d most recommend. That it costs thousands less than off-roadish versions of rival SUVs speaks to a value proposition present in most Pathfinders.

The Pathfinder also boasts a high-quality cabin, excellent safety credentials, and an ample features list. We also think it’s pretty easy to live with thanks to sensible controls and a second-row seat that uniquely slides and tilts to grant easy access to the third row without needing to remove a child seat. That said, space in the way back is just a little less than most competitors, as is cargo capacity behind the third row. The driving experience also doesn’t stack up to top competitors, especially in terms of the Platinum trim level’s ride quality.

As a result, we rank the Pathfinder in the middle of the class. The Pilot, Telluride, and Palisade are all better in terms of space and driving experience, just to name a few top choices. It’s more spacious than the Highlander, though, and its value over the Explorer is notable. Again, the 2025 Pathfinder is unlikely to earn a trophy, but it’s still worth considering.

We don't typically think of Audi as a bargain brand. But relative to its traditional three-row luxury SUV rivals, the 2025 Audi Q7 is a bit of an underrated value. It measures up to its BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS peers with a high quality interior, coddling ride comfort, comparable advanced tech and safety features, and a European pedigree. But it does it for much less than either of its German peers — about 30% less than the Mercedes — while sacrificing little in return.

The Q7 seats seven and comes with a gutsy turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It's nimble and quick, agile enough to please even discerning enthusiast drivers. Those seeking a bit more vitality can upgrade to the optional turbo V6 engine, capable of reaching 60 mph in fewer than 6 seconds.

For 2025, the Q7 gets a good scrub with restyled front and rear ends, including new grille and light designs. The updated look should give the Q7 more visual swagger alongside its more recently refreshed rivals, and carry it through to its next incarnation as a fully electric or hybrid electric SUV. Audi has pledged to introduce only electric vehicles after 2026.

And while the Q7 sacrifices little, it does ultimately give up something, namely size. Slightly larger than a typical midsize SUV, the Q7 is still 5 to 6 inches shorter than the X7 or GLS, offering less cargo space and less expansive third-row accommodations.

But the Q7 offers performance and utility equal to or better than similarly sized and priced rivals like the Acura MDX, Lincoln Aviator, and Volvo XC90.

The 2025 Honda Pilot is one of our favorite three-row SUVs. It has a robust V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower, a spacious interior, and lots of cargo space. The Pilot was redesigned in 2023, receiving several updates, including larger dimensions, some rugged exterior looks, and an updated infotainment system. These updates, along with a comfortable ride and easy-to-use controls, keep the Pilot competitive with top rivals.

Like all three-row SUVs, the Pilot is large. In fact, it’s the biggest vehicle that Honda has ever made, but that doesn’t keep it from being relatively agile. The Pilot has quick acceleration, impressive passing power (even when fully loaded), and stable handling for a vehicle its size. The cabin is constructed with quality materials and provides drivers with a simple, easy-to-operate set of controls. Passengers will appreciate the abundant small-item storage and they’re unlikely to run out of cupholders (the Pilot has 14).

All of the Pilot's seats are comfortable and spacious. The third row can accommodate most adults, and getting in and out is pretty easy, thanks to a removable center seat in the second row. That seat, once removed, can be stored in the subfloor of the trunk — a thoughtful solution for owners who only occasionally need seating for eight. The Pilot’s infotainment interface is easy to use, but the screen is a bit smaller than what’s offered by rivals; an optional touchscreen is 9 inches, but several competitors offer 12-inch screens.

If you’re looking for some off-road capability, the Pilot has you covered there, too. The TrailSport trim has all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, and underbody skid plates to protect the underbody from damage. The Volkswagen Atlas offers a more modern design and better fuel economy, while competitors like the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-90 are a bit more refined. Still, the Pilot is very well-rounded and worth a closer look.