2025 Midsize 3-Row SUV Comparability

The midsize 3-row SUV has grown in latest a long time to be America’s most popular manner of transporting households. Should you want or need greater than 5 seats and like the aesthetics of an SUV over a roomier minivan, then you definitely’ll discover what you’re searching for on this more and more numerous class.

Our editorial workforce lately gathered in Virginia to match a number of midsize 3-row SUVs back-to-back. The Kia Telluride is our Finest Purchase Award winner on this class, however the opponents we had out there had been (so as of gross sales quantity) the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Volkswagen Atlas. After miles of driving and deep discussions, we decided how they rank in opposition to one another primarily based on their strengths and weaknesses.

These SUVs are fairly good from fourth place to first. Relying in your desires and desires, one which’s decrease on the record may be the proper SUV for you. Our purpose is to rank these 4 SUVs so as of which is greatest for the most individuals buying on this class.

We’ve coated each caveat, so let’s proceed with the rankings.

4th Place: Ford Explorer

A Nice Engine in an Okay SUV

We must always point out on the outset that the Ford Explorer we examined for this comparability was an Explorer ST. ST stands for “Sports activities Applied sciences.” On this case, these applied sciences embrace a muscular 400-horsepower turbo V6 engine, brake and suspension upgrades, and an look bundle to match its efficiency.

We are able to’t wait to inform you the way it drives, so let’s begin there. This sort of efficiency in a 3-row SUV is often reserved for a costlier luxurious automobile. The mighty 400-horsepower Explorer ST is a blast to drive quick, but additionally agreeable in additional sedate on a regular basis driving. The brakes and suspension are tuned excellent to stability sporty efficiency with family-friendly consolation. Nonetheless, we discovered the steering surprisingly un-sporty. Editor Russ Heaps quipped that this in any other case enjoyable SUV “steers like a 50-year-old milk truck,” which we don’t suppose is what Ford was going for.

The Ford Explorer was notably the one SUV on this comparability with a hands-free driving possibility, BlueCruise. BlueCruise permits hands-free driving on greater than 130,000 miles of North American highways mapped by Ford. We’ve been impressed with this characteristic each time we’ve examined it, and it retains getting higher with little issues like shifting over a bit of bit when it will probably inform you’re passing a semi-truck on the freeway.

The fanatic in us feels a bit of bizarre placing the automobile with the perfect engine and probably the most entertaining driving expertise on the final place on this record. However keep in mind, we’re figuring out the perfect SUV for the widest vary of individuals. Until you’re particularly searching for a sensible 3-row SUV that’s additionally a hoot to drive, the Explorer merely ain’t it.

The Explorer ST is expensive. It begins at $55,835, and our tester was within the mid-$60K vary as soon as choices had been added. Even contemplating how good the engine is, we discovered it overpriced. Should you didn’t know a Ford Explorer may get that costly, don’t fear; the bottom mannequin begins within the low-$40K vary.

Such a lofty price ticket may very well be forgiven with a pleasant sufficient inside, however we agreed the Explorer’s inside felt the most affordable of the bunch. It has some good design aptitude; we like the best way the B&O premium audio system is neatly built-in into the sprint. However sit in any of the again seats, and also you received’t really feel such as you’re sitting in a automobile with a $60,000-plus price ticket. There’s an excessive amount of onerous plastic, the seat consolation is simply okay (editor Nelson Ireson discovered the motive force’s seat uncomfortably slender), and it lacks bodily HVAC controls (at the very least there’s a quantity knob).

We climbed into the third row of the Explorer, and it was downright punishing. There was a noticeable lack of padding within the seats in comparison with the opposite three, and the ground top was such that we had been squatting with our knees seemingly manner up within the air. Additionally, the cupholders had been weirdly low to offer the Explorer a bit of additional cargo width when these seats are folded down. Talking of which, the Explorer has the least cargo room on this comparability.

Wasn’t there something we favored about this inside? Sure, we just like the infotainment system. An replace for 2025 brings a 13.2-inch show with what Ford calls the Ford Digital Expertise. Along with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, you’ll be able to entry apps and providers from Google and Amazon, resembling video games and video streaming apps. It’s feature-rich, and it will get the fundamentals proper.

However one other side working in opposition to the Explorer that put it on the backside of this record is below-average resale worth. It could be simpler to advocate if it made extra monetary sense, nevertheless it’s not particularly inpexpensive and doesn’t maintain its worth all that properly.

Test this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the Explorer fashions on the market close to you.

third Place: Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Rugged and Premium

Honda has Acura, Volkswagen has Audi, and Ford has Lincoln. Jeep, nevertheless, doesn’t actually have a luxurious model counterpart, as Chrysler is in a comatose state of completely promoting a minivan from 2017 beneath two completely different names. For the reason that car-buying public is okay with paying huge bucks for a Jeep, dad or mum firm Stellantis markets bona fide luxurious SUVs beneath the Jeep banner. That’s what we’re right here with the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve. Beginning at $67,035, the Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve has the best beginning value of any trim of the SUVs we examined.

Though the Grand Cherokee L may be had for a modest value, beginning within the low-$40K vary, the loaded Summit Reserve mannequin we examined is a real luxurious SUV. After we climbed into the massaging Palermo leather-based seats with tasteful quilted stitching, we immediately felt like we had been in an SUV from a luxurious model. This cabin is stuffed with premium supplies and trendy tech options. The Uconnect infotainment system is certainly one of our favorites on this class, and we welcomed the redundant bodily controls for audio and local weather settings. Stellantis automobiles have heated/ventilated seat controls hidden within the display screen, however this one additionally has buttons. One gripe: The row of buttons mounted above the display screen is tough to see.

Our tester was outfitted with the elegant McIntosh 19-speaker audio system, which sounds as stunning because it appears. There are many reminders that you just sprung for the McIntosh, like expensive-looking audio system within the sprint with “McIntosh” branding and illuminated “McIntosh” logos within the rear door speaker grilles. That is merely among the finest automotive audio programs we’ve ever examined; essential improve for audiophiles.

Driving the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve is a delight. The V6 beneath the hood delivers predictable energy, and the delicate Quadra-Carry adaptive suspension system soaks up highway imperfections and ensures secure steering. Editor Scott Hinderer famous that the Jeep “felt secure with little physique roll via a sequence of S curves that would have constituted a slalom course” and that the “steering and suspension felt nice.” Jeep additionally says this non-obligatory suspension system improves off-road functionality, however that wasn’t a part of our testing course of. In our expertise driving the Grand Cherokee L with the usual suspension on the extra reasonably priced trims, trip high quality is nice however not exemplary like it’s right here.

This had the nicest and most snug second-row seating, with a pleasant heart console. However the catch with the Grand Cherokee L is what’s behind the second row. An excellent tilt-and-slide system for the second-row captain’s chairs makes the third row pretty straightforward to entry, however there’s not a lot room again there. Among the fanciness of the Summit Reserve is diminished whenever you’re crammed into that little third row. This was shocking, contemplating the 204-inch general size of the Grand Cherokee L makes it one of many greatest SUVs on this class.

The small third row could be extra forgivable if there have been numerous cargo room behind it, however there’s not. That stated, we had been pleasantly stunned that this Jeep has a very flat load flooring with all the seats folded down, even with that second-row heart console. It has a lid that opens from behind, and it flips all the best way over to cleverly create a flat load flooring. Nonetheless, somebody who had this earlier than us was utilizing it to haul tires, and there have been noticeable marks and scuffs on the beautiful Tupelo-colored leather-based upholstery. This fancy inside can’t take a beating the best way its extra minivan-like rivals can.

The upscale inside and refined driving expertise make the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve a stunning luxurious SUV, however its small third row and cargo maintain make it simply okay as a household hauler. This identical SUV is obtainable because the non-L, 2-row Grand Cherokee for $2K much less, and we couldn’t assist however surprise if that may make extra sense for most individuals out there for an SUV like this. It’s a completely pretty solution to transport 4 or fewer folks, so why trouble with the third row when a extra reasonably priced 2-row possibility is obtainable?

Resale worth, gasoline economic system, and beginning value are all about common for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. As a monetary resolution, you can do higher, and you can do worse.

Test this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the Grand Cherokee L fashions on the market close to you.

2nd Place: Volkswagen Atlas

The Finest Third Row

If we had been to decide on one SUV to take a seat within the third row for a cross-country highway journey, we’d choose the Volkswagen Atlas. Evaluating the inside dimensions on paper, the Atlas has probably the most third-row legroom and probably the most cargo area on this comparability, and climbing round in it confirmed what a distinction that additional area makes.

When a few us went for a trip within the third row, we anticipated to be desirous to get out, as is commonly the case on this class. However this third row is genuinely snug for normal-sized adults. We additionally appreciated that every aspect will get three cupholders, certainly one of which is oddly small, however the different two are completely soda-can-friendly. Possibly the tiny one is for whenever you give your youngsters a Purple Bull on the best way to Grandma’s.

The Atlas has a most seating capability of seven, whereas some rivals can accommodate eight. That’s as a result of Volkswagen determined to not trouble with a center third-row seat, which we applaud. That center seat in the best way again of a midsize SUV is often ineffective. By forgoing it, the Atlas offers the 2 passengers within the third row way more hip room. We are able to affirm that two grownup males can sit again there with no need to cuddle.

Did we point out that there’s truly usable cargo area behind the third row? The Atlas is the cargo area chief on this comparability. It has 20.6 cubic ft of room behind the third row, which is 10% greater than the Pilot with the following greatest cargo maintain.

So, with all of that inside area, why isn’t the Volkswagen Atlas the victor of this comparability? Effectively, after we received behind the wheel, we had been happy with the standard of the supplies and the upscale but conservative design befitting a complicated German automobile, particularly since this SE w/ Tech Package deal had the bottom sticker value in our comparability at $45,020 as examined.

However as quickly as we began enjoying with the controls, like attempting to make the satellite tv for pc radio work and modify the local weather management, we received annoyed. The Atlas has the steepest studying curve for the consumer interface for issues just like the infotainment system, local weather management, and different important features. There’s no quantity knob (when will they be taught?) and no onerous knobs, buttons, or switches for the local weather management. Every thing runs on the unintuitive touchscreen and irritating touch-sensitive controls. Tapping (and typically shouting) on the piano black trim with little photos on it simply isn’t as straightforward or satisfying as bodily controls. It’s nigh inconceivable to make these changes whereas retaining your eyes on the highway. The steering wheel controls aren’t significantly better.

Fortunately, issues received higher after we truly began driving. With its most up-to-date refresh, the Atlas ditched its former V6 and turbo 4-cylinder choices for one new turbo-4, and we prefer it. Its declare to fame is extra torque and higher gasoline economic system than the outgoing V6, and our testing proved that declare proper. That is additionally one of many extra refined 4-cylinder engines on this class, with out an excessive amount of noise getting into the cabin.

Resale worth is one other notable weak spot; the Atlas’s residual worth is the bottom on this comparability. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re planning on retaining it for a very long time, this isn’t as huge of an issue.

Should you prioritize a giant inside, can get previous the educational curve of the irritating controls, and don’t thoughts subpar resale worth, the Atlas may be your loved ones’s subsequent trip.

Test this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the Atlas fashions on the market close to you.

1st Place: Honda Pilot

Minivan in Disguise

Let’s face it: Nearly everybody who buys a midsize 3-row SUV could be higher off with a minivan. However we are able to perceive the choice for the aesthetics of an SUV. With that in thoughts, the Honda Pilot does the perfect minivan impression of the 4 SUVs we examined, placing it within the high spot in our rankings right here.

The Honda Pilot doesn’t have probably the most premium inside, and it doesn’t even have probably the most area. What it does have is probably the most thoughtfully designed and family-oriented cabin of those 4 rivals. Certainly one of our favourite options is the detachable center seat within the second row. We had been capable of pop the entire thing out with no instruments required, and we may even stow it beneath the rear cargo flooring. This class-exclusive characteristic offers the Pilot the consolation of second-row captain’s chairs with the comfort of an eighth seat if you happen to want it in a pinch.

We discovered the third row pretty straightforward to get out and in of, and Honda did an excellent job integrating little steps like working boards to make ingress and egress for youths simpler. As soon as we had been settled in, we discovered enough legroom, two giant cupholders per aspect, and a USB-C port on either side. Nonetheless, that center third-row seat is very slender, even for youths.

Though there’s fairly a little bit of plastic on this inside, Honda does a pleasant job of not making it really feel low cost. Simply take into consideration how straightforward it will likely be to scrub when muddy footwear, canine hair, and spilled drinks ravage the inside. Balancing out the plastic appointments are surprisingly high-quality and cozy leather-based seats within the Black Version examined, which begins at $56,030. A few family-friendly touches borrowed from the Odyssey minivan embrace the CabinTalk intercom and CabinWatch inside digicam system. Nonetheless, editor Scott Hinderer identified that the piano black inside trim “will scratch and smudge simply, particularly in such a high-touch space.”

Talking of the Black Version, we dig the black exterior trim, the black wheels, and the crimson inside stitching, however we’d somewhat save a couple of bucks and go along with the equally outfitted Pilot Elite. If that’s a bit of out of your finances, don’t fear; the Pilot is terrific no matter trim.

So, the inside does the dwelling room-on-wheels factor brilliantly, however how does it truly drive? There aren’t any surprises when piloting the Pilot, and we don’t suppose that’s a nasty factor. The tried and true Honda V6 beneath the hood delivers assured acceleration, whereas the chassis offers a pleasing trip high quality that’s cozy on long-distance drives. As a lot of this class migrates to turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, we discover the grunt of the V6 fairly satisfying.

The automobile itself is one thing of a jack of all trades, however one space by which the Pilot is the grasp of this comparability is resale worth. Based mostly on our information, the resale worth of the opposite three SUVs on this record is both common or beneath common. In the meantime, the Honda Pilot is towards the highest of its class with a well-above-average resale worth. Which means extra money in your pocket when it’s time to promote or trade-in.

In our knowledgeable opinion, these strengths mix to make this the perfect SUV for many households out there for a midsize SUV on this comparability.

Test this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the Pilot fashions on the market close to you.