Top 10 Three-Row SUVs 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

If you need a true family hauler that seats seven or eight and still swallows a Costco run, the Best Overall three-row SUV for 2027 is the Kia Telluride, starting at $39,190, thanks to its rare combination of a genuinely adult-usable third row, 22.3 cubic feet of cargo behind it, a fresh 274-hp turbo engine, a new hybrid option, and the longest warranty in the class.

The Best Value pick is the Subaru Ascent, starting at $42,245, the only mainstream entry that bundles standard all-wheel drive, eight-passenger seating, and a strong safety record under one accessible price. Below are all ten ranked picks with real MSRP, powertrain figures, EPA mileage, third-row measurements, and cargo numbers so you can match a vehicle to your family instead of a spec sheet to a showroom.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted the categories that actually matter when a third row leaves the showroom and starts hauling kids, gear, and grandparents. Pricing reflects starting MSRP before destination unless noted, and figures are drawn from manufacturer sites plus independent testing.

• Third-row usability and cargo — 25%: real adult legroom (in inches) and cubic feet behind the raised third row.
• Reliability and ownership cost — 20%: brand track record, warranty length, fuel and maintenance expense.
• Safety — 15%: IIHS and NHTSA results plus standard driver-assist content.
• Powertrain and efficiency — 15%: horsepower, EPA combined MPG, and hybrid or EV options.
• Comfort and tech — 15%: seat quality, ride, infotainment, and second-row flexibility.
• Value — 10%: standard equipment and resale relative to price.

Sources include Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, U.S. News, IIHS, and the EPA.

1. Kia Telluride 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $39,190 | Best for: families who want one SUV to do everything

The redesigned 2027 Telluride drops its old V6 for a 2.5-liter turbo four making 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft, returning an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined, while a brand-new 329-hp turbo-hybrid lifts that to roughly 35 mpg combined. It offers 32.1 inches of third-row legroom and a class-leading 22.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, with seating for seven or eight and available all-wheel drive.

Kia backs it with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and the model has a strong IIHS history. It remains the rare SUV that feels premium without a premium badge.

Pros:

• Most cargo behind the third row in the mainstream class
• New hybrid option finally addresses the old V6 thirst
• Best-in-class warranty and strong resale
• Roomy, upscale interior that punches above its price

Cons:

• Popular trims climb quickly toward $50,000
• Turbo-four lacks the V6's effortless sound

Verdict: The most complete three-row SUV you can buy in 2027, and the default recommendation for most families.

2. Toyota Grand Highlander

Starting MSRP: $45,000 | Best for: big families who want hybrid efficiency without sacrificing space

The Grand Highlander was built to fix the regular Highlander's cramped way-back, and it delivers 33.5 inches of third-row legroom — among the best here — plus 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row. The standout powertrain is the 362-hp Hybrid MAX rated near 27 mpg combined, with a thriftier base hybrid available from about $46,205; seating is for seven or eight.

Toyota's reliability reputation and broad standard safety suite anchor its appeal. For shoppers who want room and a hybrid in one box, it is the Telluride's closest rival.

Pros:

• Adult-friendly third row with real legroom
• Powerful 362-hp Hybrid MAX option
• Toyota reliability and resale strength
• Hybrid efficiency unusual for this size

Cons:

• Pricing runs higher than most rivals
• Base gas engine feels ordinary

Verdict: The smart pick for high-mileage families who want Toyota dependability and a usable third row.

3. Hyundai Palisade

Starting MSRP: $44,160 | Best for: buyers wanting near-luxury feel at a mainstream price

The 2026 Palisade pairs a 3.5-liter V6 making about 287 horsepower (around 20 mpg combined AWD) with a new 329-hp hybrid that reaches up to 34 mpg combined in front-drive form. Cargo behind the third row measures 19.5 cubic feet, and top Calligraphy trims deliver quilted leather and tech that shame some luxury badges.

Seating is for seven or eight, all-wheel drive is available, and Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty matches Kia's. It is a corporate cousin of the Telluride with a plusher, more design-forward cabin.

Pros:

• Genuinely upscale interior at Calligraphy trim
• New hybrid adds efficiency and range
• Long powertrain warranty like Kia
• Strong standard safety content

Cons:

• Slightly less cargo than the Telluride
• Loaded trims approach $60,000

Verdict: Pick it over the Telluride if interior plushness and design matter more than maximum cargo.

4. Honda Pilot

Starting MSRP: $42,195 | Best for: practical families who value a removable middle seat and rugged options

Honda's Pilot runs a smooth 285-hp 3.5-liter V6 returning up to 22 mpg combined in front-drive trim, with 32.5 inches of third-row legroom and 22.4 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row — nearly matching the Telluride. It seats up to eight, offers a clever removable second-row middle seat, and the TrailSport trim adds genuine off-road hardware.

Available all-wheel drive and Honda's strong crash-test record round out a no-drama family tool. There is no hybrid, which is its main competitive gap.

Pros:

• Big cargo hold behind the third row
• Removable second-row seat adds flexibility
• TrailSport brings real off-road capability
• Proven V6 reliability

Cons:

• No hybrid option offered
• Fuel economy trails hybrid rivals

Verdict: A rugged, flexible choice for families who prefer a torquey V6 over a hybrid.

5. Subaru Ascent 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $42,245 | Best for: all-weather families who want standard AWD without paying extra

The Ascent is the value champion because standard all-wheel drive comes baked in at a price where rivals charge thousands for it. Its 2.4-liter turbo flat-four makes 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft, returning about 21-22 mpg combined, with seating for seven or eight and 17.8 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row.

Third-row legroom of 31.7 inches is best for kids and shorter adult trips, but Subaru's standard EyeSight safety suite and strong IIHS results give families peace of mind. Warranty is 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain.

Pros:

• Standard AWD at no price premium
• Excellent standard safety with EyeSight
• Easy-to-park size for the segment
• Strong winter and light-trail traction

Cons:

• Third row and cargo are tighter than rivals
• No hybrid; mileage is only average

Verdict: The best dollar-for-dollar three-row SUV if all-weather capability tops your list.

6. Kia EV9

Starting MSRP: $54,900 | Best for: families ready to go fully electric without losing a third row

The EV9 proves an electric three-row can be practical: EPA range runs 230 to 304 miles depending on trim, output spans 201 hp (RWD) to 379 hp (dual-motor AWD), and the flat skateboard floor frees up a roomy cabin. Cargo behind the third row is 20.2 cubic feet, seating is for six or seven, and fast charging plus a 10-year powertrain warranty ease the EV transition.

The third row suits kids best but the overall packaging is among the smartest in any EV. It is the priciest entry here, so budget and home charging matter.

Pros:

• Up to 304 miles of EPA range
• Flat-floor cabin with smart packaging
• Fast charging and long warranty
• Quiet, refined electric driving

Cons:

• Highest starting price in this group
• Needs home charging to be convenient

Verdict: The standout electric three-row for families ready to leave gas behind.

7. Chevrolet Traverse

Starting MSRP: $42,795 | Best for: buyers who want maximum total cargo and a torquey turbo

The redesigned Traverse swaps its old V6 for a 2.5-liter turbo four making 328 horsepower — the most powerful gas engine among mainstream rivals — rated around 21-22 mpg combined. It pairs 32.1 inches of third-row legroom with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and a cavernous 98 cubic feet maximum, plus seven- or eight-passenger seating and available all-wheel drive.

The cabin is roomy and the Z71 trim adds off-road flavor. Chevy's warranty is shorter than the Korean rivals, which dents its long-term value.

Pros:

• Most powerful gas engine in the mainstream set
• Huge maximum cargo volume
• Spacious, family-friendly cabin
• Z71 off-road trim available

Cons:

• Warranty trails Kia and Hyundai
• Turbo-four can feel strained when fully loaded

Verdict: Buy it for big cargo and strong power; look elsewhere for the longest warranty.

8. Volkswagen Atlas

Starting MSRP: $40,785 | Best for: shoppers wanting a usable third row at a lower entry price

The Atlas leans on a 2.0-liter turbo four making 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft, returning up to 23 mpg combined in front-drive form, with a legitimately usable third row and 20.6 cubic feet of cargo behind it. Buyers choose seven-passenger bench or six-passenger captain's chairs, and 4Motion all-wheel drive is available.

VW backs it with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, longer than several rivals. It is a roomy, European-flavored family hauler that undercuts much of the class on entry price.

Pros:

• Spacious third row for the price
• Low starting MSRP in the segment
• Longer basic warranty than many rivals
• Comfortable highway ride

Cons:

• Turbo-four works hard when loaded
• Reliability history is mixed

Verdict: A roomy, affordable entry point for families who want space without a hybrid premium.

9. Mazda CX-90

Starting MSRP: $50,495 | Best for: driving enthusiasts who want a premium-feeling three-row PHEV

The CX-90 is the driver's choice, and the plug-in hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft, delivering about 26 miles of electric range, a 56 MPGe rating, and 26 mpg as a regular hybrid. A turbocharged inline-six powers gas trims.

The trade-off is space: third-row legroom is 30.4 inches and cargo behind it is just 14.9 cubic feet, the smallest here, with seating for seven or eight and standard all-wheel drive. The cabin, however, feels genuinely upscale.

Pros:

• Plug-in hybrid with usable electric range
• Premium interior and sharp handling
• Standard all-wheel drive
• Strong IIHS safety results

Cons:

• Smallest third row and cargo in this group
• PHEV trims push past $50,000 quickly

Verdict: A premium, fun-to-drive PHEV best for buyers who prioritize feel over maximum space.

10. Toyota Sequoia

Starting MSRP: $64,825 | Best for: families who tow heavy and want full-size hybrid muscle

The body-on-frame Sequoia is the heavy-duty option, built on truck bones with a 437-hp i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo V6 hybrid producing 583 lb-ft, EPA-rated around 20-22 mpg combined, and roughly 9,500 pounds of towing. Its sliding third row trades legroom for space, but cargo behind it is a modest 12 cubic feet because of that solid axle, with seating for seven or eight.

Standard power-folding third-row seats and Toyota's reputation help justify the price. This is the pick when capability outranks cargo efficiency.

Pros:

• 437-hp hybrid with serious towing
• Truck-tough construction and durability
• Strong resale value
• Standard power-folding third row

Cons:

• Small cargo hold behind the third row
• Highest price and stiffest ride here

Verdict: The choice for families who tow heavy and want full-size hybrid capability.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Three-Row SUV

• Real adult-usable third row: look for at least 32 inches of legroom if adults will ride back there regularly; the Grand Highlander (33.5 in) and Telluride (32.1 in) lead, while the CX-90 (30.4 in) is kids-only.
• Cargo behind the third row: this is the number families overlook most. Anything near 20-plus cubic feet (Traverse, Telluride, Pilot) holds a real grocery or sports-gear load; the Sequoia's 12 and CX-90's 14.9 fill fast.
• Sliding and reclining second row: a second row that slides lets you split legroom between rows on the fly, which matters more day to day than raw maximum cargo.
• Safety content: prioritize standard automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and strong IIHS results; Subaru EyeSight and Toyota Safety Sense come standard and are proven.
• What matters less than marketing implies: maximum cargo volume with all seats folded looks impressive on a brochure, but few families ever fold every seat — the cargo figure behind the raised third row is the one you actually live with, and horsepower bragging numbers rarely change everyday family driving.

FAQ

Which three-row SUV has the most usable third row? The Toyota Grand Highlander leads with 33.5 inches of third-row legroom, followed closely by the Honda Pilot at 32.5 inches and the Kia Telluride at 32.1 inches. These three seat adults in back for real trips, not just short hops.

Should I get seven or eight seats? Choose eight-passenger bench seating if you regularly carry more than two kids in the second row or want occasional extra capacity. Pick seven-seat captain's chairs for easier third-row access, more second-row comfort, and a built-in pass-through aisle.

Is a hybrid three-row SUV worth the extra cost? For high-mileage families, yes. The Telluride Hybrid (about 35 mpg) and Grand Highlander hybrids roughly match or beat gas rivals on power while cutting fuel use by a third, often paying back the premium within a few years of heavy driving.

Which three-row SUV is best for towing? The Toyota Sequoia, with its 437-hp i-FORCE MAX hybrid and roughly 9,500-pound capacity, is the clear towing leader here. Most car-based rivals such as the Telluride and Pilot top out around 5,000 pounds.

Do I need all-wheel drive on a three-row SUV? Only if you face regular snow, ice, or light off-road use. The Subaru Ascent and Mazda CX-90 include it standard, while most rivals offer it as an option that adds cost and slightly lowers MPG.

Which three-row SUV holds the most cargo behind the third row? The Chevrolet Traverse leads at 22.9 cubic feet, just ahead of the Honda Pilot at 22.4 and the Kia Telluride at 22.3 — the practical trio for families who haul gear with all seats in use.

Bottom Line

The Kia Telluride earns Best Overall for 2027 by combining the most cargo behind the third row in its class, a fresh turbo engine, a new hybrid option, an adult-usable third row, and the longest warranty money can buy, all from a starting price under $40,000. The Subaru Ascent takes Best Value by handing families standard all-wheel drive and a top-tier safety suite at a price where rivals nickel-and-dime those features.

Beyond those two, the Grand Highlander rewards high-mileage hybrid buyers, the Palisade delivers near-luxury polish, the EV9 leads the electric charge, and the Sequoia stands alone for heavy towing. Match the third-row legroom and cargo numbers to how your family actually travels, and any pick on this list will serve for years.

Sources

• Kia — 2027 Telluride official specs and pricing
• Cars.com — 2027 Kia Telluride MPG
• Edmunds — 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid review
• Autoblog — 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander review and specs
• Edmunds — 2026 Hyundai Palisade rating and review
• U.S. News — 2026 Honda Pilot review and pricing
• U.S. News — 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV review
• Edmunds — 2026 Kia EV9 prices and specs
• U.S. News — 2026 Chevrolet Traverse review
• U.S. News — 2026 Subaru Ascent interior and seating
• Autoblog — 2026 Volkswagen Atlas review and warranty
• Autoblog — 2026 Toyota Sequoia review and specs

*Three-row SUV review — three-row SUV reviews, rating, best three-row SUV 2027, and a review of the top family SUV picks for buyers.*