October 12, 2024
Comfort, space, and family-ready – find the best 3-row SUVs designed for American families.
When it comes to family vehicles, comfort, safety, and space are top priorities—and few vehicles offer the combination of these features better than a three-row SUV. Whether you’re shuttling the kids to school, packing for a weekend getaway, or simply navigating daily life, a spacious SUV with three rows of seating can provide the versatility needed for growing families.
These vehicles offer ample room for passengers and cargo, plus modern amenities that keep everyone comfortable and entertained. With so many options available, finding the right SUV can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the top 5 family SUVs with three rows of seating in 2024 that are available in the U.S., offering a blend of style, technology, and practicality.
Here are our top picks for families looking for spacious, reliable, and well-rounded SUVs.
1. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best family SUVs on the market. Praised for its luxurious interior, smooth ride, and generous list of standard features, the 2024 Telluride offers seating for up to eight passengers across its three rows. It provides plenty of legroom even in the third row, which is a rarity among SUVs in this class.
Under the hood, the Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower, making it capable of towing up to 5,500 pounds. The Telluride also boasts a host of advanced safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, making it a top choice for safety-conscious families. With available all-wheel drive and an impressive 20 city/26 highway MPG, the Telluride is perfect for both long road trips and everyday commuting.
2. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is another excellent option for families needing a spacious and reliable SUV. With seating for up to eight passengers, the Highlander offers a refined interior with high-quality materials, especially in the higher trims. Its 2024 model offers a hybrid variant that provides class-leading fuel efficiency, boasting up to 36 MPG combined, making it a smart choice for eco-conscious families.
The Highlander also shines in the tech department, with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes an 8-inch touchscreen (with a larger 12.3-inch available), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The third row is on the smaller side, but for families with young children, it offers ample space.
3. Honda Pilot
Known for its family-friendly design, the Honda Pilot continues to be a solid choice for those needing a roomy and capable SUV. The 2024 Pilot has been completely redesigned, featuring a more rugged appearance and improved performance. It offers three rows of seating with space for up to eight passengers, and the interior is equipped with plenty of storage options, making it ideal for long road trips or hauling gear for weekend adventures.
Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. One of the Pilot’s standout features is its CabinTalk intercom system, which allows the driver to speak to rear passengers through the sound system—a great feature for parents needing to communicate with kids in the back. With a smooth ride, available all-wheel drive, and a strong safety record, the Pilot is built for family comfort and peace of mind.
4. Chevrolet Traverse
If space is your top priority, the Chevrolet Traverse is hard to beat. Offering one of the largest interiors in its class, the Traverse provides ample room for passengers and cargo, with seating for up to eight people. Even adults can sit comfortably in the third row, thanks to its generous legroom, and the cargo area offers over 23 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to over 98 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
The Traverse comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and plenty of towing capability. Chevrolet’s Teen Driver technology, which allows parents to monitor and set limits for younger drivers, is a big plus for families with teens. The 2024 model also includes a range of connectivity features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
5. Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade rivals the Kia Telluride in many ways, offering a luxurious and spacious cabin, a comfortable ride, and an array of tech and safety features. Like the Telluride, the Palisade can seat up to eight passengers across three rows, with enough room in the third row for adults. Its upscale interior features soft-touch materials, available Nappa leather, and a panoramic sunroof that adds to the open, airy feel of the cabin.
The Palisade’s 3.8-liter V6 engine provides 291 horsepower, offering a smooth, composed driving experience. The 2024 model also introduces Hyundai’s Digital Key 2.0, allowing you to use your smartphone to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle without needing a physical key. Hyundai’s commitment to safety is evident with features like forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-following assist, and blind-spot monitoring coming standard across all trims.
Finding the Perfect Family SUV
For families who need ample seating, storage, and modern conveniences, these five SUVs stand out as the best options available in 2024. The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer luxury and high-tech features at competitive prices, while the Toyota Highlander’s hybrid variant makes it a fuel-efficient standout. The Honda Pilot excels with its family-focused design and tech, and the Chevrolet Traverse provides unmatched interior space for larger families.
Ultimately, the best SUV for your family depends on your specific needs—whether it’s towing capacity, third-row comfort, or advanced safety features. With so many excellent options on the market, 2024 promises to deliver the perfect vehicle for every family’s adventure.
