The average household size is shrinking steadily as time goes by, but if you have an above-average family, or maybe you just think bigger is better, you’re probably looking at a three-row SUV. When it comes to three rows, one of the main concerns people have is how much space it offers in the last row and if it can an adult there. The other important factors are how much cargo space is offered and how much can the SUV tow. So, all things considered, here are the best three-row SUV options available in 2022.
2022 Chevy Traverse - $33,700
The 2022 Chevy Traverse offers 33.5 inches of legroom in the third row and 23 cubic feet of cargo behind the third-row seating. This gives families all the room they need at a bargain price compared to other three-row SUVs.
The Chevrolet Traverse comes in six trim levels with an AWD option available in every configuration. The Traverse is offered with just one engine option - a 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. It also only comes with one transmission option, a nine-speed automatic. It can do 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Only one engine and one transmission option should make the vehicle more reliable and parts easier to replace in the future. The max tow capacity is 5,000 pounds.
The 2022 Chevy Traverse starts at only $33,700 for the LS model and goes up to $54,740 starting for an AWD High Country.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas - $34,335
Where the Atlas really shines is in the technology department, which includes stuff like state-of-the-art navigation and VW Digital Cockpit Pro. It is also one of the most affordable three-row SUVs on the market. How much space does it have? The Atlas offers a generous 33.7 inches of legroom in the third row. The cargo space behind the third row is a respectable 21 cubic feet.
The 2022 Atlas comes in five trims, starting with the SE. It is offered with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged mill that produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and is paired with an eight-speed auto transmission. With the SEL and SEL R-Line models, you get 4Motion All-Wheel Drive. The R-Line Atlas comes standard with a 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque (optional on standard SEL models.) The 2022 Atlas offers a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas starts at only $34,335 for the standard SE version and goes up to $51,505 starting for the SEL Premium R-Line.
2022 Ford Explorer - $35,510
The Ford Explorer is offered in eight trims in total. It offers 32.2 inches of legroom in the third row and up to 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, which is more than enough room for your three big dogs. The SUV can also tow up to 5,600 pounds on the ST and Limited Models with Class IV Tow Package.
The Explorer comes with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost Engine with an EPA-estimated economy of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. If you need something more powerful, there's the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 that produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Finally, if you want an efficient mill, the 3.3-liter hybrid mill with an EPA-estimated economy of 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway should do the trick. It is available on Limited and Platinum models. All the engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard (higher models feature SelectShift Paddle Shifters). 4WD is available on all models. The Ford Explorer is a unibody so it drives more like a car and is easy to maneuver in tight parking lots.
The 2022 Ford Explorer starts at $35,510 for the Explorer Base and goes up to $56,985 for a Hybrid Platinum model.
2022 Honda Pilot - $38,080
The 2022 Honda Pilot is offered in Black Edition along with five other trims. How much space does it offer? Well, the Honda Pilot offers 31.9 inches of legroom in the third row and 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space. This Honda may not be the cheapest or have the most space, but buyers who are after safety, reliability, and efficiency will like it. The Honda Pilot makes it on this list for its spacious interior.
The Honda Pilot comes standard with a V-6 that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. AWD is available on all models. The FWD models are rated for 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Honda is also known for its safety and reliability, and the Pilot's 5-star overall crash rating from government crash tests is a testament to its build quality.
The 2022 Honda Pilot starts at $38,080 for the Sport trim and climbs to $51,870 for the Black Edition.
2022 Buick Enclave - $44,095
The Buick Enclave is based on the same chassis as the Chevy Traverse and both the SUVs are almost identical in dimensions. So, what’s the difference? The Traverse and Enclave offer the same third-row legroom of 33.5 inches, but the Traverse offers slightly more headroom in the rear at 39.2 inches versus the Enclave’s 37.6 inches. The Enclave offers 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly more than the Traverse. The Enclave comes with a more luxurious interior like perforated leather seats and woodgrain trim. It also comes standard with captain's chairs in the second row and seats seven passengers. The Traverse featured a bench seat in the middle row and could seat eight people in total.
They even share the same engine, transmission, and towing capacity. The towing capacity of 5,000 pounds is also the same. The 2022 Buick Enclave also has more safety features that come as standard. When it comes down to choosing between the Enclave and Traverse you have to decide if you like that more luxurious look and feel or if you just need to get from A to B with your whole family and you don’t need to spend the extra money.
The 2022 Buick Enclave starts at $42,800 for the Essence trim and goes up to $59,945 for an AWD Avenir model.
2022 Volvo XC90 - $51,995
The Volvo XC90 comes in three trims including a plug-in hybrid model called the Recharge. Coming straight to the point - how much room does it offer? The XC90 offers 31.9 inches of legroom in the third row and 21.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The XC90 also has a 5-Star Crash rating from the NHTSA and was given the Top Safety Pick award.
The XC90 comes with a T5 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine that produces 250 horsepower. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that routes the power to the front wheels. If you want more power, you can opt for the 2.0-liter, turbocharged and supercharged model that makes 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. There are two more powertrains; you can choose from the T8 eAWD with 2.0L T5 gas paired with two electric motors producing a total of 400 horsepower or upgrade to the 455-horsepower Extended Range version. The XC90 has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The XC90 starts at $51,995 for a base Inscription and goes up to $80,495 for an Ultimate Package.
2022 Ford Expedition - $53,375
The 2022 Ford Expedition is available in six trims, not counting the MAX trim. Almost no other brand gives you as many configurations as Ford does. The Expedition offers 36.1 inches of legroom in the third row. With all the seats in place, you’ll have 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space or 36 cubic feet in the MAX versions available at your disposal. There's no doubt it is one of the best third-row SUVs that you can buy new in 2022.
The Expedition comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission, but there are plenty of engine options. For starters, there's a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 that produces 380 horsepower on the XL, STX, and XLT. That goes to up to 400 horsepower on the higher trims. On the new Timberline trim, there's a 3.5L EcoBoost High-Output mill under the hood that puts out 440 Horsepower. Intelligent 4WD is available on all trims. The Expedition has a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds, which is as good as a half-ton truck's towing capacity!
The 2022 Ford Expedition starts out at $53,375 for the XL and goes up to $87,845 for a Platinum MAX with 4X4.
2022 GMC Yukon - $52,500
The 2022 GMC Yukon comes in four trims. It offers 36.7 inches of legroom for passengers in the third row. Behind the rear seats, the Yukon features 25.5 cubic feet or 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the XL. That’s more than the Ford Expedition, its main competitor. The Yukon is a great option if you want the absolute most interior space and cargo capacity. Pair that with the new Turbo Diesel and you’re ready for an epic road trip.
The standard Yukon SLE and SLT come with a 5.3-liter, V-8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. In the Yukon AT4, you can have the 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 Horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque (standard on Denali), but that’s not all. There's also an option for a 3.0-liter, turbo-diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque that is good for 756 miles of range on a full tank. The Yukon offers a towing capacity of up to 8,200 pounds.
The Yukon starts at $52,500 and climbs as high as $80,895 for a 4WD Denali XL. For a near identical option, check out the Chevy Tahoe, GMC’s sister brand.
2023 Toyota Sequoia - $58,300
The new Toyota Sequoia comes in five trims and is completely redesigned for the 2023 model. It offers 35.3 inches of legroom in the third row. Behind the third-row seats, you’ll have anywhere from 11.5 to 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
It's even got a new heart in the form of a 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V-6 'i-Force Max' hybrid mill that produces a whopping 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offers an economy of 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The new Sequoia has a towing capacity of up to 9,520 pounds. That's more than the Ford Expedition. Toyota has really stepped up its game with the new 2023 Sequoia.
The 2023 Sequoia starts out at 58,300 and can go as high as 76,900 for the TRD Pro model. This is definitely a three-row SUV to consider if you’re looking for reliability, comfort, and even off-road capability.
2022 Jeep Wagoneer - $58,845
The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer offers 36.7 inches of legroom in the third row. That’s close to the same as the GMC Yukon. Behind the rear seats, you get 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Wagoneer comes with a 6.4-liter, V-8 engine that makes 471 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Wagoneer offers a maximum towing capacity of 7400 pounds. It will do 0-60 in six seconds. That’s impressive for how big it is. The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer starts at $58,845 and climbs to a staggering 111,000 for the Wagoneer Series III top-of-the-line.