1. 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Powertrain: Gas and Hybrid options
Seating: 7–8 passengers
Cargo Space: 21 cubic feet behind third row
Toyota expanded the Highlander lineup with the Grand Highlander — giving you more legroom, real third-row space, and better towing capacity.
Expect the same bulletproof reliability and strong resale value that the Highlander is famous for, but with a bigger, roomier interior designed for families who actually use the third row.
Why it’s a top pick:
More practical than the regular Highlander without feeling massive.
Who it’s for:
Families who need third-row space but want Toyota quality.
2. 2025 Honda Pilot
Powertrain: 3.5L V6 gas
Seating: 7–8 passengers
Cargo Space: 18.6 cubic feet behind third row
The Pilot was fully redesigned for 2023, but Honda will bring updates for 2025 — expect minor tech upgrades, styling tweaks, and possibly a hybrid version.
The Pilot still offers one of the best-balanced family SUVs out there: smooth ride, strong power, tons of cargo flexibility, and Honda’s unbeatable reliability.
Why it’s a top pick:
Real third-row space and solid driving comfort.
Who it’s for:
Families who want reliability and comfort without jumping to luxury brands.
3. 2025 Mazda CX-90
Powertrain: Inline-6 gas and plug-in hybrid
Seating: 6–8 passengers
Cargo Space: 15.9 cubic feet behind third row
Mazda’s CX-90 is a true luxury alternative without the luxury badge price.
You get rear-wheel drive handling, beautiful interiors, available plug-in hybrid power, and a genuinely premium feel throughout.
The CX-90 proves you can have family space and driving enjoyment at the same time.
Why it’s a top pick:
Feels like a luxury SUV for thousands less.
Who it’s for:
Families who appreciate good driving dynamics and high-end interiors.
Best New Hybrid 3-Row SUVs Coming in 2025 and 2026
4. 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Powertrain: 2.5L Hybrid or Hybrid MAX Turbocharged
Seating: 7–8 passengers
MPG: 34–36 MPG
The hybrid version of the Grand Highlander delivers impressive fuel economy while keeping all the space and flexibility families need.
And with the Hybrid MAX system, you can get performance numbers (362 hp) that make it genuinely quick — without killing fuel economy.
Why it’s a top pick:
Space, power, and MPG in one family-ready package.
Who it’s for:
Families who drive a lot and want to save serious money on gas.
5. 2026 Honda Pilot Hybrid (Expected)
Powertrain: Two-motor hybrid
Seating: 7–8 passengers
MPG: Estimated 30–35 MPG
Honda is finally expected to roll out a hybrid Pilot by 2026 — combining their proven two-motor hybrid system with the spacious Pilot platform.
If the CR-V and Accord hybrids are any clue, this will be one of the best-driving, most efficient family SUVs you can buy.
Why it’s a top pick:
Reliable, efficient, and built for real family life.
Who it’s for:
Buyers who love Honda quality and want better MPG without going electric.
6. 2025 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid (Rumored)
Powertrain: 1.6L Turbo Hybrid (TBD)
Seating: 7–8 passengers
MPG: Estimated 30–33 MPG
Hyundai is expected to bring a hybrid version of the Palisade in 2025, based on their global lineup.
Given Hyundai’s strong hybrid track record (Tucson, Santa Fe), this should offer good performance and real-world MPG gains without losing the Palisade’s luxury feel.
Why it’s a top pick:
Combines upscale interiors with family practicality and better MPG.
Who it’s for:
Buyers who want premium comfort at a better price.
Best New Electric 3-Row SUVs Coming in 2025 and 2026
7. 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 7
Powertrain: Electric
Seating: 6–7 passengers
Range: Around 300 miles
The Ioniq 7 is Hyundai’s first full-size electric SUV — designed to go head-to-head with Tesla’s Model X but at a much more accessible price point.
Expect massive second-row space, real third-row usability, ultra-fast charging, and lounge-like comfort.
Why it’s a top pick:
A true electric family SUV that looks and feels futuristic without feeling weird.
Who it’s for:
Families who want to go electric without losing space or comfort.
8. 2026 Kia EV9
Powertrain: Electric
Seating: 6–7 passengers
Range: Up to 300 miles
The EV9 is a huge moment for Kia — a three-row EV SUV with real presence, rugged styling, and an interior that feels as good as anything twice the price.
With available AWD, strong towing numbers, and fast charging, it is one of the most versatile EVs on the market.
Why it’s a top pick:
Great value, strong range, and serious family flexibility.
Who it’s for:
Families ready to make the EV jump, but who still need real-world practicality.
9. 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV 3-Row Variant (Rumored)
Powertrain: Electric
Seating: 7 passengers (expected)
Range: Around 300 miles
Chevy is reportedly working on a larger version of the Blazer EV to offer full three-row capability, expected to launch in late 2026.
If it delivers the same performance and styling as the standard Blazer EV with added space, it will be a strong new option for big families going electric.
Why it’s a top pick:
Expands affordable three-row EV options beyond Tesla and Rivian.
Who it’s for:
Chevy loyalists and value-focused EV buyers.
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Powertrain | Seats | Range/MPG | Best For |
| Toyota Grand Highlander (Gas/Hybrid) | Gas, Hybrid | 7–8 | 21 MPG Gas, 36 MPG Hybrid | All-purpose family buyers |
| Honda Pilot (Gas/Hybrid) | Gas, Hybrid | 7–8 | 22 MPG Gas, 30–35 MPG Hybrid | Practical families |
| Mazda CX-90 | Gas, Plug-In Hybrid | 6–8 | 26 MPG Gas, 30 mi EV | Luxury-for-less buyers |
| Hyundai Ioniq 7 | Electric | 6–7 | ~300 mi | Electric family movers |
| Kia EV9 | Electric | 6–7 | Up to 300 mi | Affordable electric SUV seekers |
Final Thoughts: Should You Wait for These New 3-Row SUVs?
If you need a new family SUV today, there are good choices on the market.
But if you can hold off until 2025 or 2026, you will get better efficiency, better tech, and much better flexibility — whether you want gas, hybrid, or electric.
The next generation of 3-row SUVs is being designed for real families who need real space — without the crazy fuel bills, cramped back rows, or tech that feels five years old.
Stick with BidForAutos.com — where we help you find the perfect SUV for your crew, your life, and your future.
