Best 3 Row SUV (2025): 6 Real Options That Actually Work
May 5, 2025

When we looked at the best electric SUVs and later dug into the best motorcycles of the year, one thing became hard to ignore. People aren’t just chasing features anymore. They’re making decisions based on what fits their lives, not just what looks good on paper. That mindset is shaping the way 3 row SUVs are built, bought, and used in 2025.
There’s still a clear demand from growing families, but the audience has expanded. Grandparents are moving in. Road trips are getting longer. Some drivers need to fit kids and sports gear, others just want to avoid a minivan. This segment used to be defined by compromise. Today, it’s closer to balance or at least the attempt at it.
That shift didn’t happen overnight. A few years ago, most 3 row SUVs were either oversized crossovers or rebranded trucks. Now we’re seeing real versatility. More electric options. Better hybrid systems. Cabin layouts that actually make use of the third row. And for once, luxury trims that don’t forget the basics.
What counts as the best 3 row SUV in 2025 depends on what you’re solving for. Some want silence and zero emissions. Others care about towing power or long-term comfort on the highway. That’s why we’re not looking for just one winner. Instead, we’re focusing on six vehicles that stand out in their own category, not based on marketing, but based on how they hold up under daily use.
Each of the models listed here was chosen because it delivers something distinct. These aren’t just crowd favorites or brand-driven picks. They’re practical, current, and built to last. And for drivers in 2025, that might be what “best” actually means.
2025’s Most Useful 3 Row SUVs by Category
- Best Luxury 3 Row SUV: 2025 BMW X7 M60i
- Best Family 3 Row SUV: 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
- Best Hybrid 3 Row SUV: 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
- Best Performance 3 Row SUV: 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
- Best Budget 3 Row SUV: 2025 Kia Sorento
- Best Electric Luxury 3 Row SUV: 2025 Rivian R1S
- Why These 3 Row SUVs Stand Out in 2025
Best Luxury 3 Row SUV: 2025 BMW X7 M60i

The 2025 BMW X7 M60i stands out as one of the few three-row SUVs that delivers full-size space without stepping away from genuine luxury. It’s not trying to be a people mover dressed in premium trim. It actually feels high-end from the driver’s seat to the third row.
Under the hood, the X7 M60i carries a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with a mild hybrid system. It produces 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. More importantly, it delivers that power in a way that feels composed rather than aggressive. The hybrid assist smooths out acceleration and slightly improves efficiency at lower speeds.
Inside, the materials feel exactly like what you'd expect in this price range. BMW’s curved display setup runs the updated iDrive 8.5 interface, and there’s a clear focus on both visual simplicity and tactile quality. The second row can be optioned with captain’s chairs, and the third row is surprisingly usable for adults on short trips, not just an afterthought for kids.
Ride quality is one of the X7’s strongest traits. The adaptive air suspension automatically adjusts to road conditions and weight distribution. Even with all three rows occupied, the cabin stays quiet and level. Combined with precise steering and responsive brakes, the driving experience is far more refined than most large SUVs in this class.
Standard features include a full suite of active safety tech: lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic jam assist all work seamlessly. This SUV doesn’t just feel premium, it behaves like it too.
Starting around $81,000, the X7 M60i isn’t an entry-level purchase. But for buyers who want full-size practicality with uncompromised refinement, it easily earns its place as one of the best 3 row SUV options for 2025.
Best Family 3 Row SUV: 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

Among all the 3 row SUVs released for 2025, the Toyota Grand Highlander is probably the most family-centered model in the bunch. It doesn’t try to be sporty or flashy. It’s built to be practical, safe, and incredibly usable on a daily basis. Exactly what most families actually need.
The most important feature here is space. The third row is genuinely adult-friendly, not just for kids under ten. Headroom and legroom are both impressive, and access to the back row is easy even with car seats in place. Behind the third row, there’s still enough cargo space for actual luggage, not just a couple of backpacks.
Toyota offers the Grand Highlander in multiple powertrains, including a 2.4-liter turbocharged gas engine, a regular hybrid, and the more powerful Hybrid MAX version. If your priority is efficiency, the standard hybrid is the way to go, with an estimated 36 mpg combined. The MAX setup adds more punch, producing 362 horsepower while still managing good fuel economy for a vehicle this size.
Interior design is straightforward and family-friendly. Physical buttons are still present for climate control, which matters when you’re trying to make quick adjustments without going through screens. There’s also a good mix of storage bins, USB ports, and cupholders across all rows.
Standard safety equipment includes Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite, with features like pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert. These systems are tuned to be helpful without being too sensitive, a detail many family drivers will appreciate.
Starting in the low $40,000 range, the Grand Highlander isn’t trying to be cheap. It is trying to be worth it. For drivers who need space, flexibility, and long-haul reliability, it’s one of the best 3 row SUV options you can buy in 2025.
Best Hybrid 3 Row SUV: 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV brings something rare to the three-row hybrid space, a strong sense of driving engagement. While most plug-in hybrid SUVs lean heavily toward fuel savings and comfort, this model manages to deliver those benefits without sacrificing steering feel or throttle response. It’s a solid option for drivers who need space but still enjoy being behind the wheel.
Mazda uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a 17.8 kWh battery pack. Combined output is 323 horsepower with premium fuel, which is more than enough to move a fully loaded cabin with confidence. The CX-90 can drive up to 26 miles on electric power alone, which covers daily errands or short commutes without using gas at all.
The interior leans upscale but stays clean and functional. Materials in the upper trims include Nappa leather, open-pore wood, and subtle metal accents. Mazda doesn’t go overboard with screens or distracting lighting. The infotainment system uses a rotary dial, which some drivers prefer for its simplicity, especially while driving.
Third-row space is better suited for occasional use by adults or regular use by kids and teens. The second row is more generous and can be optioned with either a bench or captain’s chairs. Cargo space behind the third row isn’t massive, but with the seats folded flat, the CX-90 becomes a very usable hauler.
One of the most underrated features is how quiet and composed the ride is, especially in hybrid mode. Even with the gas engine running, the cabin remains calm. And thanks to Mazda’s tuning, the transitions between electric and gas power are almost unnoticeable.
Pricing starts in the upper $40,000s, with well-equipped trims climbing into the mid-50s. For drivers who want high efficiency without giving up driving feel, the CX-90 PHEV easily qualifies as one of the best 3 row SUV picks for 2025.
Best Performance 3 Row SUV: 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is not subtle, and it does not try to be. While most three row SUVs focus on comfort, utility, or efficiency, this one is built for pure power. If performance is the priority and practicality is a bonus, this is the most aggressive pick in the best 3 row SUV lineup for 2025.
Under the hood is a supercharged V8 that delivers over seven hundred horsepower. This amount of power pushes the Durango from zero to sixty miles per hour in just over three and a half seconds, making it one of the fastest options in its class. That level of performance used to be reserved for two row sport utility vehicles or muscle cars, but here it lives in a seven seat package.
Despite its size and weight, the Durango SRT Hellcat handles surprisingly well. All wheel drive comes standard, and the suspension system has been tuned for better cornering without sacrificing everyday ride comfort. It feels planted at high speeds and confident through sharp turns, especially compared to other vehicles with similar passenger capacity.
Inside, it feels just as bold. The design includes heavily bolstered front seats, performance data displays, and real material upgrades throughout the cabin. The second and third rows remain usable, although this is clearly a vehicle built around the driver. Cargo space is solid for the segment, especially when the third row is folded down.
Fuel economy is understandably not the focus here. But for buyers who care more about performance than savings at the pump, that trade off is expected. Pricing starts around ninety thousand dollars, and production is limited, making it a niche but memorable option.
For those who want the feel of a sports car with the size of a full family vehicle, the Durango SRT Hellcat is the most extreme and entertaining choice among 2025's best 3 row SUV models.
Best Budget 3 Row SUV: 2025 Kia Sorento

The 2025 Kia Sorento continues to be one of the most well balanced and affordable three row SUVs on the market. It offers a rare mix of price, comfort, and practicality, which makes it a smart choice for families or first time SUV buyers who need more space without stretching their budget.
Kia provides multiple engine options with the Sorento, including a fuel efficient four cylinder and a hybrid version for those who prioritize mileage. Even the base model includes a long list of standard features such as wireless smartphone integration, advanced safety tech, and multiple USB ports across all three rows. That level of value is difficult to find in this price range.
Interior space is managed well considering the Sorento’s slightly smaller footprint compared to larger rivals. The third row is best for children or occasional use, while the first and second rows offer supportive seating and decent legroom. If the third row is folded, cargo capacity opens up significantly, giving you more flexibility for shopping, travel, or daily hauling.
Ride quality is composed and quiet in city driving. On the highway, the Sorento holds steady without feeling disconnected. It is not a performance SUV by any measure, but it drives with a level of smoothness and predictability that most families will appreciate.
Starting around thirty thousand dollars, the Sorento is one of the most accessible entries in the three row SUV market. What it lacks in luxury or raw power, it makes up for with long term value, reliability, and smart packaging.
For shoppers looking to get the most for their money without giving up functionality, the 2025 Kia Sorento is clearly among the best 3 row SUV options this year.
Best Electric Luxury 3 Row SUV: 2025 Rivian R1S

The 2025 Rivian R1S continues to define what a modern electric luxury SUV can be. With genuine off road ability, strong range, and a minimalist but high quality interior, the R1S delivers something few vehicles manage to combine. It is a rare example of a vehicle that works just as well in daily city driving as it does on backcountry trails.
Rivian equips the R1S with dual or quad motor setups, depending on trim, allowing for precise all wheel control and serious torque. Acceleration is quick, with the most powerful version going from zero to sixty in under four seconds. Yet despite the power, the R1S drives with composure. The ride feels smooth even on rough pavement, and the adaptive air suspension keeps the cabin balanced on uneven ground.
Inside, the cabin is clean and functional. There are no traditional buttons, but the interface is responsive and simple once you get used to the layout. The third row is usable for adults, not just children, and access is easier than in many competitors. When not in use, the seats fold flat to offer a wide cargo area.
One of the biggest strengths of the R1S is its range. Depending on configuration, it offers between two hundred sixty and over three hundred miles per charge. Charging speeds are also competitive, especially when using Rivian’s growing fast charger network across the United States.
This SUV is not cheap. Pricing starts in the mid eighty thousand range and rises quickly with options. But for drivers who want capability, luxury, and sustainability in a single vehicle, the R1S stands as a unique entry in the best 3 row SUV category for 2025.
Why These 3 Row SUVs Stand Out in 2025
Choosing a three row SUV in 2025 is no longer just about space. Buyers today are looking for specific qualities, whether that means low emissions, long distance comfort, or a third row that actually works for everyday use. The best 3 row SUV models are the ones that combine these needs without forcing trade offs in reliability, usability, or cost.
What stands out this year is how many automakers are finally treating this segment as more than a utility class. We are seeing thoughtful cabin design, more efficient powertrains, and options that fit different lifestyles instead of trying to serve everyone with one formula. That shift has brought more clarity to shoppers who know what they want but expect to get more for their money.
Whether the priority is luxury, fuel economy, or just a vehicle that can carry people and gear with minimal fuss, the options above reflect the most relevant choices available right now. Each one fits a different kind of driver, but all of them earn a place in the current best 3 row SUV conversation for real reasons that matter beyond the spec sheet.