Midsize SUVs with Best Towing Capacity

There are many similarities between luxury three-row SUVs, and standing out from the crowd can sometimes be challenging. The 2025 Land Rover Discovery makes its mark by paying homage to its storied history as a sturdy and capable all-terrain vehicle. It finds a desirable middle ground in Land Rover's lineup in many ways. It's not as plush as the Range Rover, nor is it as hardcore as the Defender. Instead, the Discovery is an attractive three-row SUV that can tackle the morning carpool as easily as it scales terrain, which would leave most vehicles stranded. Thanks to smart electronic driver assistants, you don't have to be an expert off-roader to navigate treacherous terrain safely. In most cases, you select a drive mode to match the conditions, and the Discovery takes care of the rest.

Luxury SUVs with this kind of adventure capabilities are relatively rare and include the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Lexus GX. Both have undergone complete redesigns more recently than the Discovery, which has been in its current form since 2017. They're all excellent choices for their stated missions, but if you're looking for a city-bound SUV, the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class would be a better option.

There are plenty of luxury SUVs, but the 2025 Land Rover Defender delivers unparalleled off-road chops and attitude in the class. Evoking the spirit of iconic Land Rovers from the past, including the Defender Series II from the 1990s, the 2025 Defender places a premium on toughness to help owners get out and explore. As a result, this SUV has impressive ground clearance and a boxy design suited for trails or safaris. It also performs the double duty of looking premium enough to compete around town with the likes of Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes.

The Defender has three major body styles: the two-door Defender 90, the four-door Defender 110, and the extended Defender 130 with three rows of seats or a larger cargo space. Multiple engine options range from a small turbocharged four-cylinder to a smooth six-cylinder or thumping V8. This year, there's a new Defender Octa Edition with a massive 626 horsepower. All versions come with four-wheel drive and a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The suspension is geared for off-roading but is also supremely comfortable in the city.

The 2025 Defender's strengths are immediately apparent. When it comes to weaknesses, shoppers may find that several SUVs in this price range are more well-rounded for all kinds of everyday use. Some luxury SUVs have better technology features, higher fuel economy, or impressive cargo space — others may even have all three. However, for many Land Rover advocates, these issues pale compared to the Defender's capability in the rocks.

Pricing for the 2025 Defender starts around $60,000, but most versions crest the $70,000 mark, and the cost can quickly increase from there. Chief competitors include the Lexus GX and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, though the Defender more than holds its own against these rivals. Examples in the "well-rounded" group include the Genesis GV80, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. But the 2025 Land Rover Defender carries a legacy and a personality all of its own.

Land Rover's tradition of building luxury SUVs for both on- and off-road performance continues with the 2025 Range Rover Sport, part of the third-generation model introduced two years ago. Slightly smaller than the flagship Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport is built to cosset and comfort. Despite the name, the Sport isn't tuned to carve ribbons of backroad asphalt. That's not to say the Sport doesn't handle well; it does, especially when equipped with Dynamic Response Pro, its anti-roll feature. But as a distilled version of the full-size Rover, lush luxury is what the Sport really does best.

With seating for five, the Range Rover Sport interior features a low, sloping center console and angled dash with a 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. The spacious seats and cabin are impeccably trimmed in leather and metal, and the upright seating position and low dash make for plenty of outward visibility — all the better to see off-road obstacles ahead.

Off-road ability is a Range Rover hallmark and the Sport maintains the legacy. An optional two-speed transfer case, adjustable air suspension and multiple electronics control power to all four corners, delivering unflappable traction in rough terrain. A front and underbody camera system and wading-depth monitor also help the driver navigate potential trouble. While the idea of heading into the mud in a six-figure (or near enough) SUV may sound like a contradiction, Range Rover's history of traversing the boggy English countryside in high comfort is key to its appeal.

The Range Rover Sport isn't the only luxury SUV designed to handle tough terrain, though. Rivals include the Lexus LX, Lexus GX, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Lexus models don't have quite the same old-world cachet as the Range, but they're suitably luxurious and supremely capable in the dirt. Even if you never plan to go off-road, the Range Rover Sport still delivers an experience a notch above pavement peers such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne, and BMW X5.

The Range Rover Sport also distinguishes itself with an available high-performance plug-in hybrid system that delivers impressive performance, boasting an EV-only range of about 51 miles — more than nearly any other plug-in hybrid on the market.

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the more luxurious version of the standard Cherokee, which was discontinued after the 2023 model. The Cherokee name has been synonymous with off-road SUVs for half a century, with the Grand Cherokee joining in the early 1990s. The current fifth-generation Grand Cherokee debuted in 2022.

The Grand Cherokee roster is deep, with six distinct trim levels as well as a three-row Grand Cherokee L model and a plug-in hybrid 4xe variant. Shoppers also have two gas-only engines to consider: The base V6 is good for 293 horsepower, while the 357-hp V8 is offered in the top trims of the Grand Cherokee L.

The 4xe has the potential to save you money at the pump, but only if you have regular access to an EV charger. On a full charge, it should return up to 26 miles of electric-only driving, but once the battery is depleted, fuel economy is only marginally better than the V6. The 4xe costs quite a bit more than the V8-powered Grand Cherokee, and unless you're using electric propulsion most of the time, it'll take an eternity to recoup the price difference. On the plus side, it makes noticeably more power.

The Grand Cherokee distinguishes itself from other SUVs by delivering plenty of all-terrain ability as well as luxury in its top trims. If you need both, it's really the only choice unless your budget can accommodate a Land Rover or Lexus model. More affordable alternatives will force you to choose between adventure or refinement.

If you don't need wilderness-taming capabilities, the Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Honda Passport are our top picks. If you're willing to sacrifice comfort and refinement for off-road prowess, the Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, and Toyota Land Cruiser are excellent choices.

After more than 10 years without a major update, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner arrives with a top-to-bottom redesign that gives it an all-new look, more power, and more technology and features throughout. This midsize SUV now rides on the same underpinnings as the recently updated Toyota Tacoma, so that means it has a sturdy steel frame and an off-road ready suspension. The new 4Runner also shares the Tacoma's engine options, so the base offering is now a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The optional powerplant is a hybrid setup that combines the base gas engine with an electric motor to boost overall output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2025 4Runner will be available with rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, or full-time four-wheel drive depending on the trim. One notable new feature for off-road enthusiasts is a stabilizer bar disconnect system for improved suspension articulation in rough terrain.

After years of adding incremental feature updates, the 4Runner's cabin is now available with a full range of up-to-date technology. The main dashboard interface is an 8-inch touchscreen on base models or a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with numerous USB-C power ports and digital key functionality. The gauge cluster is also updated with a 7-inch standard screen and an optional 12.3-inch screen. All models are upgraded with Toyota's latest suite of safety technology.

The 4Runner has a small, but strong group of off-road-capable competitors. Chief among them is the Ford Bronco, which also offers four doors and powerful engines. Same goes for the Jeep Wrangler which has become far more comfortable in recent years, without losing its off-road prowess.

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.

The Kia Telluride set buyers and rivals on notice when it debuted five years ago. Following Kia's well-honed playbook of exceeding expectations, offering more features than competitors at a lower price, the Telluride rose to the top of nearly every critic's list and has mostly held its position since. The 2025 Kia Telluride maintains course, with just a few minor enhancements and feature shuffling to keep the model fresh and competitive.

Kia's largest SUV, the Telluride slots above the midsize-ish Sorento and offers seven- or eight-passenger seating, depending on configuration, in three rows. The Sorento also offers a third row, but is small by comparison, something for occasional use or reserved for young children. The Telluride on the other hand is voluminous and spacious, with third-row seats that can accommodate adult passengers.

Telluride trim levels also range from essential and affordable to near-luxury, and even to off-road-inspired and off-road-capable. It offers some of the most legroom and largest cargo space in the class and ample in-car connected tech. Even the base model gets a 12.3-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB charging ports. The Telluride's muscular V6 engine is the most powerful among its peers, but still returns comparable fuel economy. A full slate of driver-assist features, including sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, comes standard.

But while the Telluride is arguably the best value among three-row SUVs, loaded with quality and features at a competitive price, it's worth considering others. The Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, and Toyota Highlander are staples of the class for good reason. All provide some combination of exceptionally roomy interiors, advanced tech, and competitive fuel economy. The Highlander offers a hybrid version with even better mileage, while the new Mazda CX-90 is available in both gas and plug-in hybrid forms, the latter with up to 25 miles of all-electric range. The Hyundai Palisade is essentially a Telluride in a different skin, while the Chevrolet Traverse is a bit of a dark horse with class-leading cargo capacity.

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.

Cadillac continues pursuing General Motors’ EV agenda with its fourth all-electric model, the three-row, six- or seven-seat Vistiq SUV, slated to launch in the second quarter of 2025 as a ’26 model.

The powerful and spacious midsize vehicle is aimed at luxury buyers who prefer a domestic brand, or want to save a few dollars versus most competitive imports.

In Cadillac’s EV lineup, it follows the hulking Escalade IQ SUV and the built-to-order Celestiq ultra-luxury sedan, both arriving in late 2024, and the two-row Lyriq SUV, which launched in mid-2022.

Design-wise, the Vistiq is a fairly standard slab-sided two-box SUV, relieved with some interesting sculpting on the side panels and a slight rearward curve to the roofline. It has that familiar Cadillac face with thin vertical stacks of LED headlights flanking a shield-shaped grille that sports an illuminated Cadillac emblem.

Cadillac once again goes to its Ultium platform and battery for the Vistiq’s underpinnings and power pack. It uses a 12-module Ultium battery that Cadillac says will give it 300 miles of driving range despite its size. (Official numbers aren’t out yet). Caddy says all four trim levels will use the same dual-motor powertrain with electronic all-wheel drive, capable of delivering 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque when the red Velocity Max button on the steering wheel is engaged. Cadillac claims a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds for the Vistiq in Velocity Max mode, dropping to 4.7 seconds when that red button is left alone.

The Vistiq’s closest cousin in the Caddy pantheon is the internal combustion XT6 SUV, which has about the same passenger space but 20% less cargo space. The Vistiq is 6 inches longer than the XT6, can tow more, and deliver more than twice the maximum horsepower.

The luxury three-row electric SUV segment is a pretty small one, so the Vistiq doesn't have much direct competition. Pricing for all trims hasn’t been announced, but Cadillac says the base price, including destination fees, will be $78,790. We expect pricing will soar into the high $80,000s or even the low $90,000s. Most of the Vistiq’s probable competitors start in the low $80,000s although the Rivian R1S is a few thousand less and offers actual off-road capability.

Likely competition in size and price includes the Lucid Gravity, Rivian R1S, Volvo EX90, and the aging Tesla Model X. While not a luxury brand, Kia fields a highly competitive three-row electric SUV with its EV9, and some shoppers might find a fully loaded version to be just as pleasing as the Vistiq at a lower cost. Likewise, the new three-row [Volkswagen ID.

Buzz](/overview/volkswagen/id-buzz/) doesn’t offer the luxury or power of the Vistiq, but the modern version of the iconic microbus makes a statement that shoppers might find hard to ignore. Mercedes-Benz offers a pair of three-row electrics in the EQB SUV and EQS SUV. But they bracket the Cadillac in size and pricing, so neither is directly competitive.

Cadillac’s come a long way in recent years and its EVs can compete with the best in the luxury and near-luxury segments. We’ve not yet been able to spend any time on the road with the Vistiq and will have to come back with driving and overall competitiveness impressions closer to its launch date.

The Vistiq is a global model. In the U.S., it will be available at Cadillac dealerships in all 50 states.

Three-row crossovers like the 2025 Subaru Ascent are red-hot with families. And for good reason: they’re spacious, packed with features, and each has a distinct personality. For the Ascent, the personality is what truly sets it apart. As a member of the Subaru family, the Ascent is expected to carry some off-road capability and a rugged demeanor. Its outdoorsy styling and standard all-wheel drive mark a clear distinction from rivals. Venture off the pavement or regularly encounter slippery conditions, and the Ascent is well-equipped for the job.

For 2025, the Ascent has some new versions, like the Bronze Edition and Onyx Edition Touring, and has done away with some old ones. But the core principles have remained the same since its 2019 debut. The Ascent offers excellent space for passengers in the first two rows, with a third row of seats best suited for children. Cargo space is also limited compared with some competitors. So the Ascent is not the highest on our list of most practical three-row SUVs — although it does come with an astonishing 19 cupholders — instead focusing on serving those with an active lifestyle who will appreciate an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard roof rails for mounting a bike rack or cargo box, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability on some models.

Subaru also equips the 2025 Ascent with a healthy set of safety features called EyeSight, a brand staple. These features and a gutsy turbo engine ensure the Ascent is value-packed on all trim levels. There are more practical choices out there, such as the all-around competency of the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Volkswagen Atlas. There are also glitzy options like the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid and Jeep Grand Cherokee L. But the Ascent has a style and character all its own, and for the Subaru faithful, that’s more than enough.

Hyundai has fully embraced electrification with hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles. The all-new 2026 Ioniq 9 takes its place at the top of the Hyundai EV model lineup, joining the Ioniq 5 compact crossover and Ioniq 6 premium sedan.

Built on Hyundai's E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), the new Ioniq 9 is the brand's largest EV with seating for up to seven passengers in a roomy, comfortable cabin. While the overall dimensions of the Ioniq 9 are similar to the gas-powered Hyundai Palisade, the electric powertrain allows for a much longer wheelbase, improving interior space and drivability.

The Ioniq 9 will be available with single-motor rear-wheel-drive or dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrains. A Performance version boasting 422 horsepower will also be offered, making it one of Hyundai's most powerful vehicles. Hyundai expects the Ioniq 9 to have a maximum range of 335 miles, with every trim getting at least 300 miles on a charge. Charging from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger should take about 25 minutes.

With only a handful of three-row electric vehicles available, the Ioniq 9 will be vying for a piece of a rather small pie. Rivals include the Rivian R1S, and the Hyundai’s cousin, the Kia EV9. While the new Volkswagen ID. Buzz also offers three rows of seats, it is more minivan than SUV, so it is an outlier but still could be considered an alternative to the Ioniq 9.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 goes into production in the Spring of 2025 at the Korean brand's new facility in Bryan County, Georgia.