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Top 10 Three-Row Midsize SUVs to Buy in 2026 – Best Family SUVs in the US

Top 10 Three-Row Midsize SUVs to Buy in 2026 – Best Family SUVs in the US

Top 10 Three-Row Midsize SUVs to Consider in 2026

Looking for a three-row midsize SUV in 2026? With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your family. To help, we’ve analyzed the top SUVs based on price, interior comfort, performance, cargo space, technology, safety, fuel economy, and overall value. Here’s a detailed guide to the 10 best three-row midsize SUVs in 2026.

1. Hyundai Palisade (2026 All-New)

  • Price & Value: Starts at $52,000 for standard AWD; hybrid trims around $58,000. Offers excellent luxury and technology for the price.

  • Luxury & Interior Quality: Premium cabin with leather seats, suede headliner, ambient lighting. Second-row seats have a full power relaxation mode with heating and ventilation. Third row is also power-operated and heated.

  • Powertrain Options & Performance: 3.5L V6 petrol producing 291 hp; hybrid system delivers 355 hp combined. Smooth and refined.

  • Driving Experience & Ride Comfort: Quiet, composed ride; stable on highways; minimal body roll.

  • Rear & Third-Row Seating Comfort: Second-row legroom 41.3 inches; third-row 34.6 inches; both rows comfortable for adults.

  • Cargo Space: 28.5 cubic feet behind third row, 45.8 behind second, 86.4 with all rear seats folded.

  • Technology & Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, 12-speaker Bose audio, UV sterilization tray.

  • Safety & Driver Assistance: Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking.

  • Fuel Economy: Petrol 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway; Hybrid 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway.

  • Reliability & Resale: Excellent Hyundai warranty; resale slightly lower than Toyota but ownership experience is strong.

2. Toyota Grand Highlander

  • Price & Value: Starts at $51,000 for gas AWD; hybrid trims up to $61,000.

  • Luxury & Interior Quality: Comfortable, functional cabin with leather upholstery, quality soft-touch dashboard.

  • Powertrain Options & Performance: Turbo 2.4L petrol 265 hp; standard hybrid 2.5L 245 hp; hybrid Max 3.5L 340 hp. Efficient and smooth.

  • Driving Experience & Ride Comfort: Stable and quiet ride; slightly firmer on rough roads.

  • Rear & Third-Row Seating Comfort: Second-row 41 inches; third-row 34 inches. Fold-flat third row for cargo.

  • Cargo Space: 28 cubic feet behind third row, 46 behind second, 85 with seats folded.

  • Technology & Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, JBL 10-speaker system, digital gauge cluster.

  • Safety & Driver Assistance: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0: adaptive cruise, lane departure alert, lane trace assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision system, automatic high beams.

  • Fuel Economy: Gas 21/27 mpg; Hybrid 27/33 mpg.

  • Reliability & Resale: Excellent; top resale in segment.

3. GMC Acadia

  • Price & Value: $47,000 base; Denali Ultimate up to $70,000.

  • Luxury & Interior Quality: More premium than Chevrolet Traverse; leather upholstery, head-up display, ventilated front seats.

  • Powertrain Options & Performance: 2.0L turbo-four 230 hp; optional six-cylinder and plug-in hybrid in some trims.

  • Driving Experience & Ride Comfort: Smooth, comfortable, slightly firm over bumps.

  • Rear & Third-Row Seating Comfort: Second-row 40.2 inches; third-row 33 inches.

  • Cargo Space: 23 cubic feet behind third row, 46 behind second, 81 with all seats folded.

  • Technology & Infotainment: 8-12-inch touchscreen depending on trim, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, premium audio, digital cluster.

  • Safety & Driver Assistance: Adaptive cruise, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, 360° camera.

  • Fuel Economy: 20/26 mpg.

  • Reliability & Resale: Moderate; premium trims expensive.

4. Chevrolet Traverse

  • Price & Value: $45,000 base; Premier trims $65,000.

  • Luxury & Interior Quality: Practical cabin; materials decent but not luxurious.

  • Powertrain Options & Performance: 2.0L turbo-four 230 hp; smooth but slightly underwhelming compared to rivals.

  • Driving Experience & Ride Comfort: Firm ride; stable handling; long-distance comfort good.

  • Rear & Third-Row Seating Comfort: Second-row 41.3 inches; third-row 33.5 inches.

  • Cargo Space: 23 cubic feet behind third row, 45 behind second, 82 cubic feet folded.

  • Technology & Infotainment: 17-inch touchscreen, 360° camera, wireless smartphone integration.

  • Safety & Driver Assistance: Super Cruise, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision alert, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert.

  • Fuel Economy: 19/27 mpg.

  • Reliability & Resale: Moderate; strong competitors in reliability.

5. Mazda CX-90

  • Price & Value: $50,000 base; premium trims up to $62,000.

  • Luxury & Interior Quality: Premium feel with soft-touch materials, leather, ambient lighting.

  • Powertrain Options & Performance: Inline-six 3.3L 280 hp; optional plug-in hybrid 360 hp. Smooth, sporty drive.

  • Driving Experience & Ride Comfort: Engaging steering; slightly firm ride.

  • Rear & Third-Row Seating Comfort: Second-row 40.6 inches; third-row 32.3 inches.

  • Cargo Space: 21.7 cubic feet behind third row, 45 behind second, 79 fully folded.

  • Technology & Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, premium audio.

  • Safety & Driver Assistance: Adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, 360° camera.

  • Fuel Economy: Petrol 20/28 mpg; PHEV 24/30 mpg.

  • Reliability & Resale: Average; premium experience justifies price.

6. Honda Pilot

  • Price & Value: $47,000 base; top trims $55,000.

  • Luxury & Interior Quality: Practical, comfortable; leather in higher trims.

  • Powertrain Options & Performance: 3.5L V6 280 hp; smooth and reliable.

  • Driving Experience & Ride Comfort: Smooth ride, easy handling.

  • Rear & Third-Row Seating Comfort: Second-row 41.3 inches; third-row 33 inches.

  • Cargo Space: 16.5 cubic feet behind third row, 46 behind second, 83 folded.

  • Technology & Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear entertainment optional.

  • Safety & Driver Assistance: Honda Sensing suite: adaptive cruise, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation, road departure mitigation, blind-spot monitoring.

  • Fuel Economy: 20/27 mpg.

  • Reliability & Resale: Excellent.

7. Hyundai Santa Fe

  • Price & Value: $45,000 base; hybrid AWD trims $52,000.

  • Luxury & Interior Quality: Suede headliner, leather seats, ambient lighting.

  • Powertrain Options & Performance: Gas, turbo, hybrid 2.5L options; efficient and smooth.

  • Driving Experience & Ride Comfort: Composed ride; slightly firm on rough roads.

  • Rear & Third-Row Seating Comfort: Second-row 40.2 inches; third-row 32.3 inches.

  • Cargo Space: 23 cubic feet behind third row, 45 behind second, 79 fully folded.

  • Technology & Infotainment: 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, blind-spot camera, premium audio.

  • Safety & Driver Assistance: Adaptive cruise, lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking.

  • Fuel Economy: Gas 21/28 mpg; Hybrid 28/34 mpg.

  • Reliability & Resale: Above average.

8. Ford Explorer

  • Price & Value: $50,000 base; top trims $65,000.

  • Luxury & Interior Quality: Comfortable cabin; leather upholstery in higher trims; panoramic sunroof optional.

  • Powertrain Options & Performance: 2.3L turbo-four 300 hp, 3.0L V6 400 hp, hybrid option 318 hp. Strong acceleration for highway driving.

  • Driving Experience & Ride Comfort: Confident handling, stable ride; slightly firm over rough roads.

  • Rear & Third-Row Seating Comfort: Second-row 41 inches; third-row 33.5 inches.

  • Cargo Space: 21 cubic feet behind third row, 47 behind second, 87 cubic feet folded.

  • Technology & Infotainment: 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, 12-speaker B&O audio, digital gauge cluster.

  • Safety & Driver Assistance: Ford Co-Pilot360: adaptive cruise, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, emergency braking, reverse brake assist.

  • Fuel Economy: 20/27 mpg; Hybrid 24/31 mpg.

  • Reliability & Resale: Average; strong powertrain options.

9. Kia Sorento

  • Price & Value: $45,000 base; top trims $53,000.

  • Luxury & Interior Quality: Leather seats, ambient lighting, soft-touch dashboard, spacious cabin.

  • Powertrain Options & Performance: Gas 2.5L 281 hp, turbo 2.5L 281 hp, hybrid 1.6L 227 hp, PHEV 1.6L 261 hp. Efficient and versatile.

  • Driving Experience & Ride Comfort: Comfortable ride, composed handling; hybrid smooth.

  • Rear & Third-Row Seating Comfort: Second-row 40 inches; third-row 31 inches.

  • Cargo Space: 12.6 cubic feet behind third row, 45 behind second, 75 fully folded.

  • Technology & Infotainment: 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, Bose premium audio, head-up display.

  • Safety & Driver Assistance: Forward collision avoidance, adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert.

  • Fuel Economy: Gas 24/29 mpg; Hybrid 39/35 mpg combined.

  • Reliability & Resale: Above average; good warranty.

10. Kia Telluride (2025 Model for 2026 List)

  • Price & Value: $48,000 base; SX Prestige up to $59,000.

  • Luxury & Interior Quality: Highly luxurious for the price; leather upholstery, heated/ventilated seats, ambient lighting, premium materials.

  • Powertrain Options & Performance: 3.8L V6 291 hp; smooth and powerful, handles long drives easily.

  • Driving Experience & Ride Comfort: Comfortable ride with minimal body roll; quiet cabin.

  • Rear & Third-Row Seating Comfort: Second-row 41 inches; third-row 33.5 inches.

  • Cargo Space: 21 cubic feet behind third row, 46 behind second, 87 fully folded.

  • Technology & Infotainment: 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio, head-up display.

  • Safety & Driver Assistance: Forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist.

  • Fuel Economy: 20/26 mpg.

  • Reliability & Resale: Strong; excellent combination of space, comfort, and features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which three-row midsize SUV offers the best luxury for 2026? +
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade leads in luxury with leather seats, suede headliner, ambient lighting, fully powered second and third rows with heating and ventilation, and premium technology including a head-up display and 12-speaker Bose audio system.
What are the pricing ranges for the top three-row midsize SUVs in 2026? +
Prices range from $45,000 for base Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe to around $70,000 for fully loaded GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate. Most SUVs like Palisade, Grand Highlander, and Telluride fall between $50,000 and $60,000 depending on trim and hybrid options.
Which SUVs offer the best fuel economy? +
The Kia Sorento hybrid achieves up to 39 mpg combined, while Hyundai Palisade Hybrid reaches 28 city / 34 highway mpg. Other hybrids like Grand Highlander and Mazda CX-90 PHEV improve efficiency compared to petrol-only models.
How spacious are these three-row SUVs? +
Second-row legroom ranges from 40 to 41.3 inches, and third-row ranges from 31 to 34.6 inches. Cargo space behind the third row ranges from 12.6 cubic feet (Sorento) to 28.5 cubic feet (Palisade), with total folded capacities reaching 75 to 87 cubic feet.
Which SUVs have the most powerful engine options? +
Ford Explorer offers a 3.0L V6 producing 400 hp. Hyundai Palisade Hybrid delivers 355 hp, while Mazda CX-90 PHEV has 360 hp. SUVs like Telluride, Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, and Acadia also provide strong V6 performance for highway driving and towing.
What advanced safety features are standard? +
Most SUVs include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and digital driver alerts. Toyota models add pre-collision systems and automatic high beams, while GM vehicles offer Super Cruise for hands-free highway driving.
Which SUV offers the best technology and infotainment? +
Hyundai Palisade and Mazda CX-90 feature 12.3-inch touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, head-up display, premium audio systems, and additional features like UV sterilization trays. Other models have 10-12 inch displays, digital clusters, and premium audio depending on trim levels.
Which SUVs would you personally recommend? +
Based on luxury, hybrid options, and overall value, the Hyundai Palisade is the top recommendation. Mazda CX-90 is ideal for those seeking a premium driving experience without needing maximum cargo or third-row space. Toyota Grand Highlander is excellent for reliability and resale.
Which three-row SUV is least recommended in 2026? +
The Dodge Durango is the lowest-rated in the segment with limited all-around performance, despite a strong V8 engine. Consider alternatives like the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max or Hyundai Palisade Hybrid for better overall balance.

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