Best Overall: Kia Telluride & Hyundai Palisade

It's no surprise that these two SUVs are consistently at the top of every list. They share a platform but offer distinct personalities, making them excellent choices for a wide range of buyers.

• Upscale Experience: Both feature cabins that feel more luxurious than their price tags suggest. With high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and smart design, they punch well above their weight.
• Practicality: The third row is surprisingly spacious and can accommodate adults on shorter trips, a major advantage over many competitors. The cargo space behind the third row is also generous.
• Tech & Safety: They come loaded with standard tech and safety features, including large infotainment screens and a full suite of driver-assistance systems.
• Why Choose One Over the Other? The **Telluride** has a rugged, more classic SUV exterior, while the **Palisade** offers a more modern, refined aesthetic. The Palisade also tends to have a slightly smoother ride, while the Telluride's suspension is tuned for a firmer, more connected feel.

Best for Maximum Space: Chevrolet Suburban & GMC Yukon XL

When you need to haul people and a lot of cargo without compromise, these full-size SUVs are the undisputed champions. They are built on a truck platform, which provides immense interior volume and serious towing capabilities.

• Unmatched Interior Room: The third row in both the Suburban and Yukon XL is genuinely adult-friendly for long road trips. More importantly, you still have a massive amount of cargo space behind the third row, a key differentiator from mid-size SUVs.
• Power and Towing: With powerful V8 engine options, they can easily handle towing a boat or large trailer, making them ideal for serious haulers.
• Refined Ride: Despite their large size, modern versions of these SUVs offer surprisingly smooth and quiet rides, thanks to advanced suspension systems like GM’s Magnetic Ride Control.
• Why Choose One Over the Other? The **Suburban** is the classic, no-nonsense choice. The **Yukon XL** is its more luxurious sibling, offering a fancier cabin and more premium features for a higher price point.

Best for Fuel Efficiency: Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid & Kia Sorento Hybrid

In today's market, you don't have to sacrifice a third row for great fuel economy. These hybrid SUVs offer a compelling combination of efficiency and practicality.

• Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid: This vehicle perfectly fills the gap between the standard Highlander and the full-size Sequoia. It provides a legitimately usable third row and a decent amount of cargo space, all while delivering excellent MPG thanks to its efficient hybrid powertrain. It's a reliable, no-frills choice for families that want to save at the pump.
• Kia Sorento Hybrid: As a slightly smaller and more affordable option, the Sorento Hybrid offers a compelling value proposition. Its third row is best for kids, but its fuel economy is exceptional, and it still provides a comfortable, stylish cabin. This is a great choice for families who need a third row for occasional use and prioritize low running costs.

Best for Driving Experience: Mazda CX-90

If you're a driver who still wants to feel engaged with the road, the Mazda CX-90 offers a rare blend of family utility and sporty performance that most competitors simply can't match.

• Premium Interior: Mazda's cabins are known for their minimalist design and high-end materials, and the CX-90 is no exception. It feels more luxurious than its price tag suggests.
• Dynamic Handling: The CX-90 has a rear-biased all-wheel-drive platform and a powerful inline-six engine, which gives it a handling dynamic that is more engaging and fun to drive than most other SUVs in its class.
• Sleek Design: With its long hood and elegant proportions, the CX-90 has a sophisticated look that stands out from the crowd of other 3-row SUVs.

Comparison Table