The 5 Best Midsize 3-Row SUVs of 2025: A Family Hauler Showdown
2025 Kia Telluride --
The 5 Best Midsize 3-Row SUVs of 2025: A Family Hauler Showdown
For growing families and busy lifestyles, a midsize three-row SUV is the perfect blend of practicality and style. In 2025, buyers have plenty of outstanding options to choose from. In this blog, we rank the top five picks—from the ultra-popular Kia Telluride to the rugged yet refined Ford Explorer. Read on to discover which SUV best suits your needs.
#1 Kia Telluride: The Unbeaten Champion
Overview
Since its debut, the Kia Telluride has set new standards in the three-row segment. Known for its spacious cabin, upscale interior, and impressive feature list, the Telluride remains a favorite among families. The Telluride’s robust 3.8-liter V6 engine provides smooth performance, while its solid build quality and long warranty instill buyer confidence.
Key Features
- Luxurious Interior: High-quality materials, intuitive touchscreen infotainment, and plenty of driver-assistance technologies.
- Roomy Third Row: Thoughtfully designed seating that can comfortably accommodate adults when needed.
- Value Proposition: Competitive pricing with an impressive list of standard features and a top-tier warranty.
Why Choose the Telluride?
The Telluride is praised for its balanced combination of performance, comfort, and style. Whether it’s daily school runs or long family trips, this SUV offers all the space you need—making it our top pick for a midsize three-row SUV.
#2 Hyundai Palisade: Sophistication Meets Utility
Overview
Sharing its underlying architecture with the Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade brings a touch of refinement to the segment. With a comfortable ride and a cabin that oozes elegance, the Palisade is ideal for families that want a premium feel without a luxury price tag.
Key Features
- Premium Design: Upscale materials and a sleek, modern exterior that stands out on the road.
- Advanced Technology: A high-tech infotainment system paired with essential driver-assistance features keep everyone safe and connected.
- Spacious Cabin: With generous legroom and a user-friendly third row, the Palisade prioritizes family comfort.
Why Choose the Palisade?
For those looking for a three-row SUV that marries luxury and function, the Palisade is hard to beat. Its luxurious appointments and family-friendly design make it the perfect companion for both city driving and weekend adventures.
#3 Toyota Grand Highlander: Roominess Reimagined
Overview
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a game changer in midsize SUVs. Designed as an evolution of the popular Highlander, the Grand Highlander offers extra room and a sophisticated interior. With adult-friendly seating in the third row and a choice between conventional and hybrid powertrains, it caters to a wide range of family needs.
Key Features
- Spacious Interior: Ample legroom throughout all rows ensures comfort for tall passengers.
- Fuel-Efficient Options: Available as a gas model or a hybrid, with the hybrid version offering stellar fuel economy without sacrificing power.
- Versatility: Configurable seating options let you choose between a bench or captain’s chairs in the second row for enhanced comfort.
Why Choose the Grand Highlander?
If you need plenty of room and value efficiency, the Grand Highlander is your go-to model. It’s perfect for long road trips with a full load of passengers and cargo, making it a versatile choice for modern families.
#4 Mazda CX-90: A Sporty Alternative for Family Fun
Overview
For buyers who want a three-row SUV that feels almost sporty, the Mazda CX-90 is an outstanding choice. With its bold design, refined handling, and an available inline-six powertrain that delivers impressive acceleration, the CX-90 stands out in the crowded midsize segment. It offers a premium interior that showcases Mazda’s commitment to driver engagement—even if it sacrifices a bit of rear-seat space and cargo room.
Key Features
- Dynamic Driving Experience: The CX-90 is engineered for quick acceleration and sharp handling, offering an engaging ride that’s rare among family SUVs.
- Upscale Cabin: A beautifully designed interior with high-quality finishes and a user-friendly infotainment system.
- Hybrid Option: For those looking for improved fuel efficiency, the plug-in hybrid variant brings added power and eco-friendly credentials.
Why Choose the CX-90?
If you crave driving excitement without compromising on family practicality, the Mazda CX-90 is worth a closer look. It’s perfect for families that appreciate the joy of driving along with the benefits of a spacious, feature-packed vehicle.
#5 Ford Explorer: The Reliable Workhorse
Overview
Rounding out our list is the Ford Explorer, a longstanding icon in the three-row SUV market. With a powerful engine lineup and a redesigned, upscale cabin for 2025, the Explorer balances performance with everyday utility. Though its interior may not be as refined as some competitors, the Explorer delivers on capability, safety, and value.
Key Features
- Robust Performance: With engine options that include a turbocharged 4-cylinder and a potent twin-turbo V6, the Explorer offers reliable power for all your driving needs.
- Enhanced Safety: Equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems like Ford Co-Pilot360 and BlueCruise hands-free driving, it helps keep families secure on every journey.
- Versatile Interior: The Explorer’s three-row seating configuration provides ample passenger space and a flexible cargo area that adapts to your storage needs.
Why Choose the Explorer?
For families that need a practical, reliable SUV with proven performance and top-notch safety features, the Ford Explorer is a great pick. It’s the ideal workhorse for tackling daily tasks, long trips, and everything in between.
Final Thoughts
Each of these five midsize 3-row SUVs brings something unique to the table. The Kia Telluride leads the pack with its unbeatable blend of luxury, reliability, and value; the Hyundai Palisade follows closely with a premium touch; Toyota’s Grand Highlander redefines spaciousness and versatility; Mazda’s CX-90 injects sporty dynamics into family transportation; and the Ford Explorer remains a trusted, capable workhorse.
When choosing your next family SUV, consider what matters most to you—whether it’s cutting-edge technology, fuel efficiency, driver engagement, or pure passenger space. With these outstanding options, you’re sure to find the perfect ride for your family’s adventures in 2025.
