8 Toyota 3 Row SUVs for Families: A Guide

Choosing a family car is no easy task. Whether you’re shuttling kids to soccer practice, taking a road trip, or just running errands you need a car that has space, comfort and reliability. Toyota’s 3 row SUVs are the top choice for many families looking for a car that can check all those boxes and more.

So what does Toyota have in 3 row SUVs? Let’s get into the details and see which one is right for you.

Toyota Three Rows SUVs: A Family’s Dream

When it comes to Toyota 3 row SUVs, the choices are endless. Toyota has something for everyone, from off roaders to those who want a smooth and quiet ride. The lineup includes the ever popular Toyota Highlander, its bigger brother the Grand Highlander, the rugged Toyota Sequoia, the adventurous Toyota 4Runner and of course the hybrids.

Let’s get into what makes each of these SUVs a 3 row contender.

Toyota Highlander: A Jack of All Trades

If you want a Toyota SUV that has a little bit of everything the Toyota Highlander is your best bet. This midsize SUV is versatile, comfortable and loaded with technology. It’s available in both gas and hybrid so you can choose the powertrain that fits your lifestyle.

Engine and Performance

The Highlander has a 2.4L turbocharged four cylinder engine that puts out 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. If you’re more eco friendly or just want to save on gas the Highlander Hybrid is a fuel efficient option without sacrificing too much power. The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5L four cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total of 243 horsepower.

Third Row Seating and Cargo

Third row seating is a bit tight, especially for adults but it’s doable for kids or short trips. But if you need to use the third row frequently the cargo space behind it is limited with only 16 cubic feet. But hey who needs legroom when you have a killer sound system and multiple USB ports to distract the kids, right?

Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside the Highlander has an ergonomic dashboard, soft touch interior accents and a roomy cabin – at least in the first and second rows. The second row captain’s chairs are a nice touch, more comfort and access to the third row.

Toyota Safety Sense is standard across the Highlander lineup with a suite of driver assist technologies like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard so everyone can stay connected on the go.

Downsides

One thing to note: if you have a growing family and lots of cargo you might find the third row a bit tight. As Alex Collantes, owner of Avenue Motors, jokes “The third row in a Highlander is great – if your kids don’t grow or need legroom!” But for families with younger kids the Highlander is a good choice.

Grand Highlander: The Big Brother

Enter the Toyota Grand Highlander – the bigger, bolder brother. Toyota knew some of us needed a little more room and they delivered with this model.

Engine and Performance

The Grand Highlander has three engine options: a 2.4L turbocharged four cylinder, the hybrid powertrain from the Highlander Hybrid and the top tier Hybrid MAX powertrain that puts out 362 horsepower. That’s more than enough power to get you and your 7 passengers moving whether you’re merging onto the highway or taking a weekend trip.

Third Row and Cargo

This is where the Grand Highlander excels: third row seating is actually usable for adults! And the cargo space behind the third row is larger with 20.6 cubic feet of space – perfect for grocery runs or family trips.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Like the Highlander the Grand Highlander has a comfortable and techy interior. The second row captain’s chairs add to the luxury and soft touch interior accents are throughout the cabin. The Grand Highlander Hybrid is particularly impressive with great fuel efficiency without sacrificing power or comfort.

Downsides

The Grand Highlander checks all the boxes but its bigger size makes it harder to maneuver in tight spaces or city streets. As Alex Collantes jokes “The Grand Highlander is great for family road trips – but parallel parking in the city? Good luck!”

Toyota Sequoia: The King of the Road

If you need a vehicle that’s built like a tank and can haul just about anything the Toyota Sequoia is your answer. This full size SUV is a beast in every sense of the word – perfect for large families or anyone who needs serious towing power.

Engine and Performance

The Sequoia has a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine that puts out 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. Whether you’re towing a boat or loading up the family for a camping trip the Sequoia has the power to get the job done.

Third Row and Cargo

The third row in the Sequoia is roomy with plenty of legroom for adults. But when all seats are in use the cargo space behind the third row is a bit tight with only 12 cubic feet. But when you fold down the third row it opens up 86.9 cubic feet of space.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside the Sequoia has soft touch interior accents, multiple USB ports and the latest in-car tech including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Toyota Safety Sense is standard so even this big beast is as safe as possible.

Downsides

The Sequoia’s size and power comes with a trade off: it’s a gas guzzler. “The Sequoia is great for towing your boat to the lake” says Alex Collantes “but be prepared to stop for gas – a lot.”

Toyota 4Runner: Off-Road Warrior with a Family Friendly Twist

If your family likes to take the road less traveled – literally – then the Toyota 4Runner is your SUV. Known for its off-road prowess the 4Runner is perfect for families who need a vehicle that can handle rough terrain without sacrificing comfort.

Engine and Performance

The 4Runner has a 4.0L V6 engine that puts out 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission which might feel a bit old school but gets the job done especially with the TRD Off-Road Trims and Multi-Terrain Select system.

Third Row and Cargo

The third row in the 4Runner is optional and to be honest it’s not the most spacious. It’s best for kids or short trips. With the third row up cargo space is quite limited at 9 cubic feet. But with the seats down it opens up to 89.7 cubic feet of space so it’s perfect for your next adventure.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The 4Runner’s interior is more utilitarian than luxurious with soft touch interior accents and durable materials that can withstand off-road abuse. It does have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay but don’t expect the same level of tech as the Highlander or Sequoia.

Downsides

The 4Runner’s off-road capabilities comes at the cost of on-road comfort. It’s not the smoothest ride and not the most fuel efficient. As Alex Collantes says “The 4Runner is great for getting you to the top of the mountain – but don’t expect a smooth ride back down.”

Hybrid Options with Third Row Seating: Efficiency Meets Space

Toyota has been a leader in hybrid technology and that includes their 3-row SUVs. If you’re looking for a combination of fuel efficiency and space the Highlander Hybrid and Grand Highlander Hybrid are worth checking out.

Highlander Hybrid: The Eco-Friendly Option

The Highlander Hybrid has a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a total of 243 horsepower. Not the fastest SUV out there but makes up for that with 36 MPG combined fuel economy.

Third Row and Cargo

The third row in the Highlander Hybrid is the same as the standard Highlander – tight but usable for short trips or kids. Cargo space is limited with the third row up but you can fold it down when you need more space.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside the Highlander Hybrid is similar to the non-hybrid version with soft touch interior accents and multiple USB ports to keep everyone connected. The ride is smooth and quiet perfect for daily commutes or long road trips.

Downsides

The only downside? It’s not exactly a powerhouse. If you’re looking for something with a bit more oomph you might want to check out the Hybrid MAX option in the Grand Highlander Hybrid. As Alex Collantes says “The Highlander Hybrid is like a Prius with an extra row – great on gas but don’t expect it to win any drag races.”

Grand Highlander Hybrid: Power Meets Efficiency

For those who need more space and power but still want the hybrid benefits the Grand Highlander Hybrid is a great option. With the Hybrid MAX powertrain you get the best of both worlds – 362 horsepower and great fuel efficiency.

Third Row and Cargo

The third row in the Grand Highlander Hybrid is big enough for adults and the cargo space behind it is more than other Toyota SUVs.

Interior

The interior of the Grand Highlander Hybrid is great with soft touch interior accents, second row captain’s chairs and all the tech you’d expect in a modern SUV – multiple USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Downsides

The Grand Highlander Hybrid is almost perfect but its size can be a challenge in tight spaces. As Alex Collantes says “The Grand Highlander Hybrid is the perfect road trip car – just don’t try to squeeze it into a compact parking space.”

Toyota Safety Sense: Your Precious Cargo

No matter which Toyota SUV you choose you can rest assured it comes with Toyota Safety Sense. This suite of advanced safety features includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and pre-collision system.

These features are standard across the Toyota 3-row SUV lineup so you and your family are protected on every trip. The Toyota SUVs have received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

Pricing and Trim Levels: Something for Every Budget

Toyota’s 3-row SUVs come in a range of prices and trims so there’s a model for every budget. From the base Highlander to the top of the line Sequoia Platinum there’s something for everyone.

Highlander

• Base: $36,000

• Hybrid: $39,000

• Top: $51,000

Grand Highlander

• Base: $41,000

• Hybrid: $44,000

• Hybrid MAX: $54,000

Sequoia

• Base: $58,000

• Top: $79,000

4Runner

• Base: $41,000

• TRD Off-Road: $47,000

• Top: $54,000

Downsides

The only downside here? The Toyota 3-row SUVs can get expensive especially as you go up the trim levels. As Alex Collantes says “These SUVs are great – but if you want all the bells and whistles be prepared to pay for it. Or you could always just get a minivan… but where’s the fun in that?”

Find Your Perfect Toyota 3-Row SUV

You have choices when it comes to Toyota SUVs with 3-row seating. You want a rugged off-roader like the 4Runner, a family friendly hybrid like the Highlander Hybrid or a road trip machine like the Grand Highlander Hybrid? Toyota’s got you covered.

Each model has its own strengths and weaknesses but they all have Toyota’s quality, reliability and safety. And with so many to choose from you’ll find a Toyota SUV that’s just right for your family.

So when you’re shopping for the best Toyota 3-row SUV for your family be sure to consider your options and maybe bring a tape measure to see just how tight that 3rd row really is!

References:

• Toyota Website

• NHTSA

• IIHS toyota

• toyota models