SUVs that are spacious, technologically advanced, and fuel-efficient are becoming more and more popular as families expand and road trips change. To satisfy drivers who want more than just seating space, automakers have thrown their best foot forward for 2025, focusing on innovation, safety, and style. This guide will guide you through the best three-row SUV options for 2025 that combine luxury, performance, and usefulness.
Everything from interior technology and passenger comfort to driving dynamics and fuel economy will be covered, along with a useful specification table to help compare the best models.
Why Choose a 3-Row SUV in 2025?
Three-row SUVs nowadays are used for purposes other than moving people. These days, they can handle anything from school runs to off-road excursions thanks to their cutting-edge safety technology, electric or hybrid drivetrains, and opulent materials.
Purchasing the Best 3 Row SUV of 2025 is a wise choice for anyone looking for comfort without compromising functionality, whether they need more room for a growing family or flexibility for cargo and equipment.
What Defines the Best 3 Row SUV?
To earn the title of the Best 3 Row SUV, a vehicle must excel in:
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Passenger and Cargo Space
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Third-Row Comfort
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Fuel Efficiency
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Towing Capacity
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Interior Tech and Features
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Safety Ratings
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Overall Value
Let’s dive into the top performers of 2025 that meet these criteria.
Top 3-Row SUVs for 2025
1. Kia Telluride
Kia’s flagship SUV continues to dominate thanks to its refined interior, user-friendly technology, and generous space across all three rows. For 2025, it adds updated styling and new driver assistance features.
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Why It’s a Best 3 Row SUV: Excellent value for the features, adult-friendly third row, premium feel without the luxury price.
2. Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander expands Toyota’s lineup with more space, more tech, and an optional hybrid powertrain for impressive fuel economy.
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Why It’s a Best 3 Row SUV: Available as a hybrid with 36 mpg, class-leading interior space, and Toyota reliability.
3. Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade brings elegance and practicality to the segment with available quilted leather seats, dual-screen infotainment, and powerful engine options.
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Why It’s a Best 3 Row SUV: Quiet ride, upscale interior, and top-tier safety features make it ideal for families.
4. Honda Pilot TrailSport
Redesigned in 2023 and refined through 2025, the Honda Pilot now offers rugged TrailSport trims for off-road-ready adventurers needing 3-row versatility.
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Why It’s a Best 3 Row SUV: Trail capability with family functionality, intuitive tech, and roomy third row.
5. Ford Explorer ST-Line
The Explorer combines sportiness with practicality, especially in the ST-Line model which features unique styling and optional hybrid engines.
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Why It’s a Best 3 Row SUV: Balanced ride, responsive engines, and optional electrification.
6. Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse has been redesigned for 2025 with bolder styling and more tech. It remains one of the most spacious in its class.
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Why It’s a Best 3 Row SUV: Massive cargo room and seating for up to eight with a smooth ride.
7. Volvo XC90 Recharge (Plug-In Hybrid)
Luxury meets sustainability in this Scandinavian SUV, which offers three-row seating, refined styling, and electric-only driving capability.
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Why It’s a Best 3 Row SUV: Premium build quality, PHEV efficiency, and award-winning safety features.
Key Trends in 2025 3-Row SUVs
The race for the Best 3 Row SUV has sparked major trends across the industry:
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Electrification: More hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available than ever.
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Luxury Features in Non-Luxury Brands: Heated/ventilated seats, panoramic sunroofs, and digital cockpits are becoming standard.
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Safety Focus: Nearly all top contenders feature full suites of driver-assistance technologies.
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Customization: Multiple trims, off-road packages, and interior layouts allow buyers to tailor their SUVs.
Why the 3-Row SUV Market Matters
The three-row SUV market is more important than ever in 2025. With the strength of a truck and the space of a minivan, these cars are bridging the gap between the two.
Because automakers are aware of this, almost all of them have made significant investments to develop their best three-row SUVs, which do more than simply transport people; they create experiences.
Specification Table: Best 3 Row SUV Models of 2025
| Model | Engine Type | Horsepower | MPG (City/Hwy) | Towing Capacity | Seats | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Telluride | 3.8L V6 | 291 hp | 20 / 26 | 5,500 lbs | 8 | Dual 12.3” screens, AWD, Highway Drive Assist |
| Toyota Grand Highlander | 2.5L Hybrid | 245 hp | 36 / 33 | 3,500 lbs | 8 | Hybrid, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 3.8L V6 | 291 hp | 19 / 26 | 5,000 lbs | 7-8 | Quilted leather, Digital Key |
| Honda Pilot TrailSport | 3.5L V6 | 285 hp | 18 / 23 | 5,000 lbs | 7-8 | Off-road tuned, All-terrain tires |
| Ford Explorer ST-Line | 2.3L Turbo or Hybrid | 300 hp | 27 / 28 | 5,300 lbs | 6-7 | Sport trim, SYNC 4, CoPilot360 Assist |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 2.5L Turbo | 315 hp | 21 / 27 | 5,000 lbs | 7-8 | 17.7” touchscreen, Super Cruise |
| Volvo XC90 Recharge | 2.0L Turbo PHEV | 455 hp | 66 MPGe | 5,000 lbs | 6-7 | PHEV, 35-mile EV range, Advanced Pilot Assist |
How to Choose the Best 3 Row SUV for You
Choosing the Best 3 Row SUV isn’t one-size-fits-all. Consider the following factors:
1. Interior Space and Comfort
If you regularly use the third row, models like the Grand Highlander and Traverse offer the most adult-friendly space.
2. Budget
The Telluride and Palisade offer near-luxury features without luxury pricing.
3. Fuel Efficiency
If mileage matters, consider the Grand Highlander Hybrid or the XC90 Recharge.
4. Towing or Hauling
Frequent towing? The Pilot, Explorer, and Telluride are strong picks.
5. Tech and Infotainment
All 2025 models include smartphone integration, but brands like Hyundai, Ford, and Chevrolet push the envelope with massive screens and connected services.
Final Thoughts: The Best 3 Row SUV in 2025
The market for 3-row SUVs in 2025 is crowded with strong, fashionable, and efficient models, ranging from sophisticated hybrids to tough off-roaders. There is a Best 3 Row SUV that fits your lifestyle, whether your top priorities are high-end technology, space, or fuel efficiency.
These cars are the future of powerful yet practical driving as they develop with more intelligent engineering and environmentally friendly performance. Your next SUV might be a good investment for your family for the next ten years, so take the time to test drive a few, compare specs, and keep your long-term needs in mind.
