There comes a time when two rows just are not enough.
Maybe your family is growing.
Maybe your kids’ sports gear is multiplying.
Maybe you just want extra space for road trips, carpool duty, and everything life throws at you.
That is where the new generation of 3-row SUVs comes in — and the 2025 and 2026 models are better than ever.
Stronger third rows.
More cargo space behind the third row.
Better fuel economy.
Smarter family-friendly features.
Whether you need a budget-friendly hauler, a rugged adventure machine, or a luxury cruiser, here is your complete guide to the best new 3-row SUVs for 2025 and 2026.
Why Finding the Right 3-Row SUV Matters More Than Ever
Not every SUV with a third row is created equal.
Some have tiny back seats that only fit toddlers.
Some have no cargo space once you fold up the third row.
Some burn through gas faster than a pickup truck.
Choosing the right 3-row SUV now means:
- Enough real third-row space for teenagers, not just toddlers.
- Decent cargo room even with all seats in use.
- Good fuel economy and lower maintenance costs.
- Long-term reliability so you are not buying again in a few short years.
It is not just about seat count.
It is about finding an SUV that actually fits real family life.
Best Affordable 3-Row SUVs for 2025 and 2026
You do not need to spend luxury money to get serious space, safety, and features.
2025 Kia Telluride
- Seating: 7–8 passengers
- Cargo Space Behind Third Row: 21 cubic feet
- MPG: 20 city / 26 highway
- Starting Price: Around $39,000
The Telluride continues to dominate for a reason.
It feels like a luxury SUV inside but costs thousands less.
The third row is genuinely usable for adults, and the ride comfort is among the best in the segment.
Best For:
Families who want luxury-level features, real-world comfort, and excellent value.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
- Seating: 7–8 passengers
- Cargo Space Behind Third Row: 18 cubic feet
- MPG: 19 city / 26 highway
- Starting Price: Around $40,000
The Palisade is the Telluride’s upscale twin — softer styling, a bit more focus on interior materials, and a slightly more luxurious ride feel.
It brings tons of tech, smooth driving manners, and strong safety ratings.
Best For:
Buyers wanting a polished feel without luxury brand pricing.
2025 Honda Pilot
- Seating: 7–8 passengers
- Cargo Space Behind Third Row: 18.6 cubic feet
- MPG: 20 city / 27 highway
- Starting Price: Around $42,000
Honda redesigned the Pilot to be bigger, bolder, and better for families.
It is rugged enough for light off-road adventures and offers smart features like a removable second-row middle seat.
Best For:
Families needing rugged practicality plus Honda’s long-term reliability.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
- Seating: 7–8 passengers
- Cargo Space Behind Third Row: 20.6 cubic feet
- MPG: 21 city / 28 highway (gas), higher for hybrid
- Starting Price: Around $45,000
Finally — a Toyota Highlander with a truly adult-usable third row.
The Grand Highlander offers more space, smarter storage, and excellent hybrid options for those who want better MPG.
Best For:
Buyers who want Toyota dependability with real third-row functionality.
Best Midsize 3-Row SUVs
If you need a good balance of family space and easier city parking, these midsize 3-row SUVs deliver.
2025 Subaru Ascent
- Seating: 7–8 passengers
- Cargo Space Behind Third Row: 17.8 cubic feet
- MPG: 20 city / 26 highway
- Starting Price: Around $39,000
Standard AWD, strong safety scores, and real-world practicality make the Ascent a great family choice — especially for those living in snowy areas.
Best For:
Families who want real all-weather confidence without buying a giant SUV.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
- Seating: 7 passengers
- Cargo Space Behind Third Row: 20.6 cubic feet
- MPG: 20 city / 27 highway
- Starting Price: Around $40,000
The Atlas offers adult-friendly third-row space and some of the best cargo room in the midsize SUV class.
It also brings German driving feel at a mainstream price.
Best For:
Drivers who need lots of interior room and appreciate a European driving feel.
2025 Ford Explorer
- Seating: 6–7 passengers
- Cargo Space Behind Third Row: 18.2 cubic feet
- MPG: 21 city / 28 highway
- Starting Price: Around $41,500
With strong towing numbers, sporty rear-drive-based handling, and multiple powertrain options, the Explorer remains a top versatile pick.
Best For:
Families who want strong towing ability plus family-hauling space.
Best Luxury 3-Row SUVs
If you have the budget, these luxury 3-row SUVs deliver serious space, tech, and comfort.
2025 Lexus TX
- Seating: 6–7 passengers
- Cargo Space Behind Third Row: 20.1 cubic feet
- MPG: 20 city / 26 highway (gas), higher for hybrid versions
- Starting Price: Around $56,000
The TX is Lexus’ new 3-row SUV — finally giving Lexus fans a proper full-size family hauler with hybrid options too.
Best For:
Luxury buyers needing real family space without sacrificing Lexus reliability.
2025 Acura MDX
- Seating: 6–7 passengers
- Cargo Space Behind Third Row: 16.3 cubic feet
- MPG: 19 city / 26 highway
- Starting Price: Around $52,000
The MDX blends strong driving dynamics, real-world family comfort, and Acura’s reputation for reliability and lower ownership costs.
Best For:
Luxury buyers who still want practical driving costs and long-term durability.
2025 Volvo XC90
- Seating: 6–7 passengers
- Cargo Space Behind Third Row: 15.8 cubic feet
- MPG: 22 city / 28 highway (mild hybrid), higher for plug-in hybrid
- Starting Price: Around $60,000
The XC90 remains one of the safest and most stylish family SUVs.
It offers strong plug-in hybrid options too for eco-minded luxury buyers.
Best For:
Buyers prioritizing top safety, Scandinavian style, and efficient luxury.
Best Hybrid and Efficient 3-Row SUVs
If you want family space without brutal gas bills, these hybrid 3-row SUVs are smart choices.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
- Seating: 7–8 passengers
- Electric Range (Hybrid Max): N/A (regular hybrid)
- MPG: 36 city / 32 highway (standard hybrid)
Toyota brings hybrid power to full-size family SUV buyers.
Great MPG, real space, and smooth daily driving manners.
Best For:
Families who want serious size without serious fuel bills.
2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid
- Seating: 6–7 passengers
- MPG: 27 city / 28 highway
- Starting Price: Around $50,000
One of the few hybrids offering real towing strength — up to 5,000 pounds — plus good fuel savings.
Best For:
Families who haul trailers and still want hybrid commuting economy.
2025 Toyota Sequoia i-Force Max
- Seating: 7–8 passengers
- MPG: 21 city / 24 highway (full-size hybrid SUV)
- Starting Price: Around $65,000
The Sequoia’s twin-turbo V6 hybrid setup offers huge towing (over 9,000 pounds) with much better MPG than old-school V8s.
Best For:
Big families needing serious hauling muscle without sacrificing fuel economy.
What to Look for in a 3-Row SUV
When you are shopping for a family-ready 3-row SUV, look beyond just seat counts:
- Third-row space: Can adults or tall teens fit comfortably?
- Cargo space behind third row: Enough for strollers, groceries, or luggage?
- Access: Is it easy for kids and grandparents to climb into the third row?
- Fuel economy: Important for road trips and daily commutes.
- Towing capacity: Useful for boats, trailers, and family camping trips.
- Safety ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-star NHTSA ratings matter.
- Long-term reliability: Saving a few thousand now can cost you way more later if you buy an unreliable brand.
Smart family SUV shopping is about long-term comfort, safety, and peace of mind — not just monthly payments.
Final Thoughts: The Right 3-Row SUV Makes Family Life Better
The best new 3-row SUVs for 2025 and 2026 are built for real-world family life.
They are spacious enough for growing families, efficient enough for long commutes, safe enough for peace of mind, and reliable enough to last.
Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly Telluride, a hybrid Grand Highlander, or a luxury Lexus TX,
there has never been a better time to choose smart, buy smart, and drive happy.
Stick with BidForAutos.com — where we help you drive smarter, safer, and better every day.
