Top 7 Best 3 Row SUVs of 2023: Your Ultimate Guide

When it comes to finding the perfect vehicle for family adventures or just handling the daily carpool chaos the three-row SUV segment is brimming with contenders. This year’s lineup is more exciting than ever with brands pushing the limits on luxury features eco-friendly drivetrains and tech-packed interiors. But let’s face it not every SUV is going to fit your garage your budget or your taste in cup holders.

Why Trust This Guide?

As an automotive journalist I’ve spent countless hours behind the wheels test driving the latest models discussing with industry experts like Alex Collantes owner of Avenue Motors and diving deep into consumer feedback. Each model listed here has been chosen for its performance design and how many times it will make you forget a coffee cup on the roof before it becomes annoying.

Here's your ultimate guide to the best 3 row suv 2023 offering something for every SUV enthusiast.

Comprehensive Reviews of Each Model

1. Kia Telluride

• Positives: Award-winning design ample space and user-friendly technology.
• Drawbacks: Its popularity might make you just another "Telluride parent" at soccer practice.

Alex Collantes' Take: "The Telluride continues to impress with its balance of luxury and value. It's like the Swiss Army knife of SUVs—ready for anything except maybe dodging those pesky parking tickets."

2. Ford Explorer

• Positives: Robust engine options and impressive towing capacity.
• Drawbacks: The touch screen might require a Ph.D. to figure out on bad days.

Alex Collantes' Take: "Ford really knows how to make a sturdy family hauler but I wish they’d sometimes remember that not everyone is a gadget wizard."

3. Chevrolet Traverse

• Positives: Generous cargo space and comfortable seating for long drives.
• Drawbacks: You may need to remind it who’s boss when the voice commands act up.

Alex Collantes' Take: "The Traverse offers a lot of SUV for your money but sometimes it feels like it's trying too hard to be a spaceship."

4. Honda Pilot

• Positives: Reliable with a high resale value and family-friendly features.
• Drawbacks: The styling is as exciting as watching paint dry—if the paint was also trying to blend into a beige wall.

Alex Collantes' Take: "Solid and dependable but Honda could really turn up the fun just a tad."

5. Toyota Highlander

• Positives: Excellent safety features and hybrid option.
• Drawbacks: The third row is best reserved for your least favorite in-laws or very flexible friends.

Alex Collantes' Take: "Toyota’s reliability is legendary and the Highlander hybrid is a guilt-free zone for mileage-conscious drivers."

6. Hyundai Palisade

• Positives: Luxurious interior and smooth ride.
• Drawbacks: Its size might make you think twice before squeezing into that last parking spot at the grocery store.

Alex Collantes' Take: "The Palisade is like that fancy hotel room you never want to leave very luxurious but you might need help finding the light switches."

7. Volkswagen Atlas

• Positives: Spacious and equipped with user-friendly tech.
• Drawbacks: It could be quieter. At times you might hear a symphony of road noise that’s not exactly Mozart.

Alex Collantes' Take: "Volkswagen’s got room to spare in the Atlas if they could just keep it a bit quieter it would be perfect for those long family trips."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which 3 row SUV is the best for fuel economy? A1: The Toyota Highlander especially the hybrid model stands out for fuel efficiency.

Q2: Are these SUVs suitable for off-road driving? A2: Models like the Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer offer off-road packages making them suitable for light to moderate off-road adventures.

Q3: What is the starting price range for these models? A3: Starting prices vary widely but typically range from $32000 to $50000 depending on the model and trim.

Q4: Which model offers the most advanced tech features? A4: The Ford Explorer and Hyundai Palisade are frontrunners in tech advancements.

Q5: How do these SUVs handle in snow? A5: All models offer all-wheel-drive options making them capable in snowy conditions especially the VW Atlas with its sturdy build.

Q6: Can I fit adult passengers comfortably in the third row? A6: The Chevrolet Traverse and VW Atlas offer the most spacious third rows suitable for adults.

Q7: Which SUV has the best warranty? A7: Hyundai Palisade comes with one of the best warranties in the segment a 10-year/100000-mile powertrain warranty.

Q8: What about resale value? A8: The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are known for holding their value well over time.

Q9: Are there any new entrants in the three-row SUV category for 2023? A9: While this list highlights established models always check for special editions or brand new models closer to your purchase date.

Q10: What safety features are common among these SUVs? A10: Advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are commonly available across these models.

Q11: Which model is the best for a large family? A11: The Chevrolet Traverse with its spacious interior and seating for up to eight is ideal for larger families.

Q12: How often should I service a three-row SUV? A12: Service intervals vary but generally it’s recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines which is usually every 5000 to 10000 miles.

Q13: Can I install car seats easily in these SUVs? A13: Yes most of these SUVs come with the LATCH system making car seat installation straightforward.

Q14: Which SUV is the quietest? A14: The Hyundai Palisade offers a particularly quiet ride reducing road noise effectively.

Q15: Are there any luxury options available in these SUVs? A15: The Hyundai Palisade offers a luxury trim with features comparable to premium brands.

Wrapping Up

Navigating the world of three-row SUVs doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With this guide you’re well-equipped to choose a vehicle that won’t just carry your family and friends but will also carry the day no matter where the road takes you. Always remember that no SUV is perfect except in the eyes of the proud new owner who just drove it off the lot for the first time.