Best Three-Row SUV

Kia Telluride

The Telluride punches well above its price with luxury-car interior quality, a spacious three-row cabin, and 87 cubic feet of cargo space. It's the three-row SUV that consistently tops both expert and community rankings.

$38,000–$55,000

Amazon

Pros

21 cubic feet behind third row — more than Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, or Toyota Highlander
Luxury-grade interior with Nappa leather, heated/ventilated second-row seats, and Mercedes-like button quality
Smooth, refined 3.8L V6 with an 8-speed automatic that CNET calls 'as close to perfect as you'll ever find in a mass-market vehicle'
Standard adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert across all trims
Second-row buckets tilt and slide at the push of a button for easy third-row access

Cons

Lane-keeping assist described as 'pretty much useless' by CNET reviewer
Fake wood trim is the one interior element that doesn't match the premium feel
19/24 mpg city/highway with AWD — not efficient for daily commuting
No rear-seat entertainment system at launch (though one was in development)

Why we recommend it

If your family of four ever needs to haul grandparents, friends, or a dog alongside your gear, the Telluride is the three-row SUV that doesn't make you feel like you compromised. The interior quality genuinely rivals vehicles costing $20k more.

What the community says

“Inlaws just purchased a Honda pilot touring right at $50k. Is super nice. Solid v6 engine and the interior felt great.”
r/whatcarshouldIbuy · read thread →

“Out of your choices I would go with the Highlander. The correct choice would be a Sienna.”
r/whatcarshouldIbuy · read thread →

What the experts said

“The Telluride is our pick for the best three-row SUV in its class.”
CNET · read full review →

“The premium graining on the soft plastics is lovely, the buttons and switches feel solid and operate with Mercedes-Benz-like slickness and all the controls are easy to reach and use.”
CNET · read full review →