If you’re in search of the most reliable three-row SUVs for families in 2023 or 2024, your quest ends here. We present to you the top five three-row SUVs that offer exceptional value for your investment. These SUVs are not only reasonably priced but also feature spacious, upscale interiors, excellent performance, remarkable fuel efficiency, and top-tier safety features. Regardless of your budget or family’s needs, you’ll find the perfect SUV on this list. Let’s dive in!
1. 2023 Honda Pilot
Kicking off our list at number five is the 2023 Honda Pilot. The Honda Pilot is a versatile SUV that caters perfectly to families. The 2023 model year introduces a stunning redesign that turns heads at every corner. With its striking exterior and an interior that oozes sophistication, the Pilot is an eye-catcher. It comes standard with eight passenger seats, ensuring ample room for the whole family. For those seeking extra luxury, the optional seven-passenger seats with second-row captain’s chairs add an additional touch of comfort and elegance.
The cargo area has been expanded, providing you with even more space for your family adventures. Every Pilot is equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available. According to EPA estimates, the Pilot boasts an average fuel economy of up to 19 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway.
The Pilot offers six exciting trim levels to choose from, with the mid-range EX-L being our recommended choice. It comes standard with leather upholstery, a larger 9.0-inch display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a power tailgate, and more. If you lead an adventurous lifestyle, consider the new TrailSport trim. It offers enhanced ground clearance, a specialized suspension with a 1.0-inch lift, and all-terrain tires for conquering any untamed path. Additionally, the TrailSport comes standard with an all-wheel drive for confident exploration.
All Pilots come with a suite of advanced safety features as part of Honda Sensing. However, it’s worth noting that the Pilot does have a couple of drawbacks, including cramped third-row seats and a dated infotainment display.
2. 2023 Kia Telluride
Next up, we have the 2023 Kia Telluride. The Kia Telluride is another outstanding choice for families. It offers spacious comfort and is loaded with premium materials. The 2023 model year brings significant changes to the Telluride, including new front and rear bumpers, headlights, a grille, and an updated dashboard with a larger 12.3-inch dual display for the infotainment system and driver information.
The Telluride’s cabin is well-designed and features premium materials. The seats are comfortable and supportive, offering ample legroom and headroom in all three rows. Even the third row is surprisingly spacious, making it suitable for adults. The cargo area is exceptionally roomy, and you can fold down the third and second rows of seats to create a large storage area.
The Telluride comes standard with eight-passenger seating, and a seven-passenger configuration with captain’s chairs is also available. Kia offers a variety of trims to choose from, with the S-Trim being our top recommendation for its excellent value for money.
Under the hood, every Kia Telluride is powered by a reliable 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, available with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The Telluride offers a great driving experience with a solid ride, comfortable suspension, and good handling. It also boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 5,500 pounds.
According to EPA estimates, the front-wheel drive version is the most fuel-efficient, with ratings of 20 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway. Additionally, every Telluride comes equipped with a wide range of standard safety and convenience features. With a competitive starting price and a class-leading 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty, the Kia Telluride is an excellent choice for families.
3. 2023 Hyundai Palisade
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offers even more impressive features at a similar price point. It’s worth noting that Hyundai and Kia are jointly owned companies, and both the Telluride and Palisade are mechanically identical SUVs. They ride on the same platform and share many similarities. However, the Palisade stands out with more attractive exterior styling and a more upscale interior.
The Palisade is available in five trim levels, and no matter which one you choose, it offers spacious seating for the entire family. The interior is beautifully appointed with high-quality materials, a nice fit and finish, and straightforward controls. You can opt for eight-passenger seats or seven-passenger seats with second-row captain’s chairs. The cargo area is remarkably spacious, and you can fold down the third and second rows for a large storage area.
The dashboard comes standard with a higher-resolution 12-inch touchscreen display, featuring the latest connectivity options, including in-dash navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Notably, you can lock and unlock the Palisade through voice commands using Hyundai’s Blue Link app.
In terms of safety features, both models come standard with Toyota’s latest safety Sense 3.0. The Palisade offers three different powertrain options, including two shared with the regular Highlander. The default setup is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower, available with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
The Palisade Hybrid variant shares the hybrid powertrain with the regular Highlander Hybrid, combining a 2.5-liter hybrid engine with two electric motors for a combined output of 243 horsepower. For those seeking peak performance, a new hybrid Max powertrain is exclusively available for the Grand Highlander. It combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering a remarkable net power output of 362 horsepower.
Despite its impressive power, it maintains a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. In terms of fuel economy, the Palisade has an EPA estimate rating of up to 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway, which is average but not exceptional.
4. 2023 Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander
The 2023 Toyota Highlander and the new Grand Highlander for 2024 offer a solution for families looking for spacious, adult-friendly third-row seating, ample cargo capacity, an upscale interior, and the latest technology. Both models provide excellent build quality, a nice fit and finish, and straightforward control setups.
The Grand Highlander, in particular, comes with a nicely equipped interior, even on the base trim, and offers standard features such as a large 12.3-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and electrically adjustable front seats. You can choose between a second-row bench or second-row captain’s chairs.
Safety features are a strong point for both models, with Toyota’s latest safety Sense 3.0 being standard. In terms of powertrains, there are three options, including a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower, available with front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive.
The Palisade Hybrid variant shares the hybrid powertrain with the regular Highlander Hybrid, combining a 2.5-liter hybrid engine with two electric motors for a combined output of 243 horsepower. For those seeking peak performance, a new hybrid Max powertrain is exclusively available for the Grand Highlander. It combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering a remarkable net power output of 362 horsepower.
Despite its impressive power, it maintains a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. In terms of fuel economy, the Palisade has an EPA estimate rating of up to 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway, which is average but not exceptional.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Highlander and Grand Highlander boils down to your preferences. If you prefer a smaller-sized SUV, especially if you don’t frequently use the third-row seats, the Highlander is an excellent option to consider. However, if you’re looking for a third-row SUV that comfortably accommodates adults, the new Grand Highlander is easily one of the safest choices available.
