Go ahead — let the kids live it up in these 2023 SUVs with three rows of seats.
Nowadays, numerous manufacturers offer spacious, roomy, and downright luxurious cabins inside the best seven-seater SUVs. The best position isn’t reserved for just the driver anymore — and you can bet your passengers and kids will thank you. These top three-row SUVs offer some of the best amenities and legroom, so everybody is riding in style.
Evolution of the 7-Seater SUV
In the ’60s and ’70s, station wagons were the family hauler of choice. Some even had rear-facing folding seats in the tailgate for a little extra room. Indeed, many memorable family road trips played out in the wagon.
But as time went on, car companies realized there was an unsatiated demand for third-row seating, especially for families with more than two kids looking to spread out. Third-row seating started as a minivan feature, but as the minivan faded from favor, the seven-seater SUV came into its own.
Today, you don’t have to look far to find a long list of mid- and full-size SUVs that offer third-row seating. In fact, some of the bigger SUVs can even accommodate eight passengers.
Many SUVs also have decent luggage space, even with the third row occupied. And there’s the option to fold, stow, or otherwise remove the back-row seats when you don’t need them.
Nowadays, the latest models come packed with features — not just for the one who calls “shotgun.” Depending on the model, riders can enjoy entertainment centers, heated and ventilated seats, and enough personal space to stop sibling fights over who’s touching who. Surprisingly, your family might actually show some enthusiasm about a road trip when you have a seven-seater SUV to drive.
Yes, these family taxis do have a few downsides. First, given their size, they aren’t precisely sporty or incredibly fun to drive. Their breadth and width can also make them difficult to park and maneuver. Although many modern camera aids and parallel parking wizardry give you a fighting chance even if you aren’t a pro driver. SUVs also tend to have terrible fuel economy until the new era of EVs rescues the seven-seater SUVs from terrible mpg.
But at the end of the day, these three-row SUVs offer you the chance to bring along your favorite people and pets on all your driving adventures. If you’re going to have a third row, you might as well put it to good use.
The 10 Best 2023 3-Row SUVs
2023 Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevy Suburban has long been the people-hauler of choice for folks looking for generous second- and third-row legroom. Plus, with the model’s best-in-class max cargo volume of 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat, you have the flexibility to haul passengers or gear, depending on your use case. The monstrous LS can even seat up to nine people when optioned with the front bench seat.
Available in six trims, you can pick the ‘Burban that matches your lifestyle. Were you thinking of taking the family on rough-and-tumble adventures? Opt for the Z71 trim package to outfit your Suburban with recovery hooks, a skid plate, and all-terrain tires riding on 20-inch wheels.
The standard engine is a 5.3L V8 that musters a healthy 355 horsepower. Available for bigger jobs are a 420-horsepower, 6.2L V8 and a 277-horsepower, 3.0L Duramax diesel. All engines pair up with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Busy bodies planning to haul a trailer or camper must add the Max Trailering package for up to 8,300 pounds of towing capacity.
New for 2023 is Chevrolet’s advanced semi-autonomous driver assistant exclusive to the Premier and High Country trims. Using Super Cruise makes it a lot easier and safer when crushing miles on the open highway. Strength and capability aside, this seven-seater SUV is the way to go if you crave cavernous cargo and passenger space.
With a starting MSRP of $58,795, the 2023 Suburban pricing sits mid-pack in its class.
2023 Ford Expedition
Ford’s answer to the seven-seater SUV is the Expedition, which can seat up to eight people, depending on your configuration. Comfort is king in Ford’s flagship SUV, featuring available heated and ventilated second-row seats, something rarely found for front-row passengers in other cars.
With 36 inches of legroom for the third row, there’s more than enough space for optional power-reclining seats. Should you need to haul gear instead of people, the second and third rows can fold down to accommodate up to 121.5 cubic feet of cargo space or the equivalent of four queen-size mattresses.
With 10 trim levels to choose from, ranging from the luxurious Platinum to the off-road-ready Timberline and the performance-oriented Stealth Performance Edition, the Expedition can be kitted out to fit your driving style — and your weekend expedition goals. Add on the Trailer Tow Package, and you can haul up to 9,200 pounds.
The base 2023 Ford Expedition XL STX has a starting MSRP of $53,875 and an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in combined driving.
2023 Genesis GV80
Luxurious, beautifully crafted, impressive build quality, and an abundance of tech describe the 2023 Genesis GV80 in a nutshell. It’s amazing how much value is packed into the GV80 compared to other top-shelf seven-seater SUVs in its class. The classy and distinguished full leather interior features added touches like a Lexicon 14-channel audio system, a sizable 14.5-inch high-def LCD infotainment screen, and tri-zone climate control.
Third-row, seven-passenger seekers only have one choice of trim: the range-topping 3.5T V6 AWD Advanced+. In particular, your third-row passengers only get 30.3 inches of legroom and are likely going to prefer shorter trips. However, if you occasionally utilize the third row and want a luxury SUV that isn’t going to break the bank, the GV80 doesn’t sacrifice any creature comforts.
The 3.5L twin-turbo V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission send 375 horsepower to all four wheels. Combined city and highway will get you 20 mpg as per EPA estimates. With a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the GV80 isn’t a heavy-duty hauler but can trailer a small load if the need arises.
Luxury doesn’t come cheap, but the GV80 does undercut a lot of its rivals. For 2023, the Genesis GV80 Advanced+ model starts at $70,000.
2023 Hyundai Palisade
The upscale seven-seater 2023 Hyundai Palisade is hard to beat when it comes to carrying capacity and price. Depending on your configuration, the Palisade can haul seven or eight passengers. Choosing a bench seat or captain’s chairs for the second row will govern how many can squeeze into Hyundai’s grandiose coach. What’s more, 31.5 inches of third-row legroom will determine who sits all the way to the rear.
No worries — Hyundai goes the extra mile to make sure your back-of-the-bus passengers get some amenities of their own, including third-row USB ports. Now everyone’s device can stay charged on that family road trip. The Palisade is available in five trim levels, with the range-topping Calligraphy sitting comfortably at an affordable $49,200.
All models come equipped with a 3.8L V6 that ushers 291 horsepower and returns 22 mpg overall. With a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Palisade isn’t as much of a workhorse as some of the other SUVs capable of towing. Although, it still gives you some room for hauling a small or lightweight trailer in a pinch.
The starting MSRP for the base 2023 SE trim is a budget-friendly $35,250.
2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Jeep brings the premium seven-seater Grand Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer L to the market. The swanky SUV features an expansive cabin with third-row seating that will please even the pickiest passengers.
Foremost is the Grand Wagoneer’s third-row seating, which has the most overall passenger volume in its class — a fancy way of saying you’ll hear fewer complaints about cramped legs and inadequate space from the rear. Thanks to a long wheelbase, third-row passengers enjoy 36.6 inches of legroom.
Even with your back row occupied, the Grand Wagoneer boasts a downright spacious boot where you can actually hope to fit some cargo. Plus, the power-folding third-row bench seat neatly tucks away if you need more storage space. Our review of the Grand Wagoneer L reveals more nifty details.
The Grand Wagoneer is offered in four models, with the top-end Series III dishing out the most luxurious options. However, the “base” Series I isn’t exactly bare bones. Add on the Heavy-Duty Trailer-Tow package, and the Grand Wagoneer configured with the Hurricane engine is good for hauling 9,800 pounds.
Along with all of its best-in-class accolades, the Grand Wagoneer does carry one of the heftier price tags. The Series I MSRP starts at $88,640, and the Series III rings up at $107,995.
2023 Land Rover New Range Rover LWB
The New Range Rover seamlessly brings together modern and aesthetic grace with technological advancements — and for the first time, space for up to seven adults. If you’ve got the money to shell out for a premium SUV with go-anywhere potential and the seating capacity to bring the whole family along, the New Range Rover LWB is about as perfect a package as you can get.
The optional third row, which has 35.8 inches of legroom, doesn’t leave you a ton of rear cargo space, but you could easily add a roof box and call it good. Granted, folding all the rear seats will open up the cabin to a sizeable 92.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
There are enough interior design options to attain a prestigious look straight out of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine. And it all comes together to ensconce the passengers in a priceless realm of calm and refinement.
Four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic are standard. Combined EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg for the 3.0L six-cylinder twin-charger gas/electric mild hybrid. Rated at 396 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, Land Rover’s definitive luxury seven-seater SUV can tow up to 7,716 pounds.
The 2023 New Range Rover has a starting MSRP of $104,500. For the long-wheelbase SE model with seven-passenger seating, be ready to ante up $110,500.
2023 Lexus LX 600
The design of the 2023 Lexus LX 600 will accommodate your passengers — all six of them — on or off-road in comfort. You’ll have to opt for the Premium, F Sport, or Luxury trim levels to get the third-row seating and capacity to carry seven passengers, but your riders will thank you.
The third-row seats allow 31.1 inches of legroom but can recline to make up for the tight quarters. The new Ultra Luxury model of the LX has 33.8 inches of legroom.
Should you need more cargo space, the third row folds flat with the touch of a button — perfect for stowing gear for any off-pavement adventures you wish to take. Lexus’ classy SUV is surprisingly game to get off-road with all-time AWD and off-road features like crawl control and multi-terrain select.
Furthermore, the LX 600 has a towing capacity of 8,000 pounds should you find you need to hook up a trailer. Learn more from our review of the Lexus LX 600 F Sport.
The Premium grade starts at $89,160, while the Ultra Luxury seven-seater SUV squeezes you for an eye-watering $129,250. All five editions come with a 409-horsepower, 3.4L twin-turbo V6 and a 10-speed automatic that consumes an EPA-estimated 19 mpg.
2023 Lincoln Navigator
If you want space — and lots of it — for your passengers, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator delivers in spades. The Lincoln has optional seating for up to eight, though the standard seven gives your second-row passengers a bit more personal space.
The Navigator is available in five different trim levels, with the Black Label showcasing all of Lincoln’s interior luxuries and creature comforts. If towing a boat, camper, or power-sports toy is your end game, the Navigator boasts a trailering capacity of 8,100 to 8,700, depending on your drivetrain and trim package. Plus, 36.1 inches of legroom (40.9 inches with the second-row seat fully forward) allows your back-row passengers to stretch out in comfort.
The Standard model starts at $79,725. The 380-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission consume 18 mpg for the 4WD version.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is a proficient, four-wheel drive, seven-seater SUV with a pleasant ride and ample cargo area for your family’s gear. Configurable as a seven- or eight-seater, it has 148.5 cubic feet of passenger volume — leaving lots of space for everyone.
Access to the third row is a breeze, meaning one touch of a button will fold the second-row seat backs and slide them forward. The 28 inches of leg and knee room makes for a tight fit unless the seats ahead are moved as far forward as possible.
Equipped with everything from easy daycare drop-offs to weekend warrior adventures, the redesigned Pathfinder further demonstrates its role as a practical choice. Seven drive and terrain modes, a max towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, and easy-folding seats mean you can rest assured that the Pathfinder will take a family road trip or solo adventures in stride.
Affordably priced and better in every way than the aging Armada, the base Pathfinder has a starting price tag of $35,000. It returns an estimated 23 mpg, which translates to savings at the lot and the pump.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
The redesigned Sequoia uses the same 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid setup as the Tundra. The result is a smooth and refined powertrain and increased towing capacity. Inside, a large touchscreen, a full suite of tech, and a sublime cabin underline the 2023 Sequoia’s makeover.
Second- and third-row bench seats are standard, which account for the eight-passenger capacity. Opting for second-row captain’s chairs reduces the count to seven. Thankfully, third-row seating is adult-friendly, given its 33.7 inches of legroom and better than 35 inches of headroom. Unfortunately, stowing the third row doesn’t result in a flat load surface.
Though the base Sequoia might seem a bit more practical when compared to the luxury SUV options on the market, you still get Toyota’s legendary reliability. And if you have little kids, dogs, or passengers prone to making a mess, sometimes functional is plenty fashionable.
MSRP on the base SR5 starts at $50,500, which includes all of Toyota’s safety and driver-assistance features. The EPA estimates the rear-wheel-drive models will get 22 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. Four-wheel-drive advocates can expect a slight drop in fuel economy, slipping to 20 mpg.
Do we miss the trusty V8 found in the old model? Yes, but the new Sequoia hybrid powertrain delivers more power, more torque, impressive fuel economy, and an overall better experience.
Read our review of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia to learn more details and insights.
7-Seater SUVs: Made for Gear- and People-Hauling
These are just some of the many new seven- and eight-passenger SUVs on the market. All have impressively smooth rides and fashionably cozy interiors. A few even step up their off-road and towing capabilities.
With so many SUVs to choose from, shopping to find one to fit your lifestyle has never been easier. And, hey, your kids will thank you too.
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