Top 10 Three-Row SUVs in 2027
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateNote: Prices vary significantly based on condition and market; these are representative of the model's typical market positioning.
Direct Answer
The 2027 Kia EV9 takes the 🏆 BEST OVERALL title for its class-leading electric range, spacious third row, and rapid-charging capability that outpaces rivals like the 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 9. The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is the runner-up for families needing a proven, fuel-efficient gas-electric powertrain with a cavernous cargo area.
If you prioritize maximum passenger volume and towing capacity in a traditional ICE package, the 2027 Chevrolet Tahoe remains the segment benchmark. This ranking focuses on real-world usability, safety, and ownership costs for the 2027 model year.
How We Ranked These
We evaluated every 2027 three-row SUV available or confirmed for production in North America using five weighted criteria: third-row comfort (legroom, headroom, ingress/egress — 25%), cargo capacity behind the third row (20%), powertrain efficiency and range (including EV range and hybrid MPG — 20%), standard safety features (IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star ratings — 20%), and value (MSRP vs.
Feature content, warranty, and predicted reliability — 15%). We excluded models with confirmed discontinuation or production delays. Data sources include EPA filings, manufacturer specs, and early 2027 model-year press releases as of October 2026.
1. 2027 Kia EV9 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2027 Kia EV9 redefines the three-row SUV segment by proving that an electric platform can deliver genuine family utility without compromise. Built on Kia’s E-GMP architecture, the EV9 offers up to 304 miles of EPA-estimated range in its rear-wheel-drive Light Long Range trim, and the GT-Line AWD still manages 280 miles.
The third row is surprisingly livable for adults up to 6 feet tall, with 33.4 inches of legroom and a power-folding mechanism that is intuitive. The 2027 model adds a heat pump as standard across all trims, improving cold-weather range retention by up to 15%.
When to use it: If your household has a daily commute under 100 miles and you take weekend trips of up to 250 miles, the EV9 eliminates gas stops. The 800V charging architecture allows a 10–80% charge in 24 minutes at a 350 kW DC fast charger — a real advantage over the slower-charging 2027 Rivian R1S (which uses a 400V system).
The cabin is whisper-quiet, and the Highway Driving Pilot 2 semi-autonomous system handles lane changes and highway interchanges on mapped roads. For families with two or three kids, the captain’s chairs in the second row (optional on Wind and GT-Line) create a walk-through path to the third row, a feature missing in the 2027 Volvo EX90.
Pricing starts at $56,395 for the Light RWD, while the fully loaded GT-Line AWD hits $75,395.
2. 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is the ICE-era champion for families who want maximum space without plugging in. It uses Toyota’s Hybrid Max powertrain — a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with dual electric motors producing a combined 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
This setup achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined (city/highway) in the XLE and Limited trims, which is exceptional for a vehicle with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. The third row offers 33.5 inches of legroom, identical to the EV9, but the Grand Highlander’s lower step-in height makes it easier for young children and elderly passengers.
Use the Grand Highlander Hybrid when you need 5,000 pounds of towing capacity (the EV9 is limited to 5,000 lbs as well, but range drops significantly under load). The 2027 model adds Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, which includes a new Proactive Driving Assist that gently brakes and steers around pedestrians and cyclists.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a 90-day trial of Toyota Audio Plus for connected navigation. Pricing starts at $44,720 for the XLE Hybrid and tops out at $53,925 for the Platinum Hybrid Max. The only downside is the CVT-style eCVT that drones under hard acceleration.
3. 2027 Chevrolet Tahoe
The 2027 Chevrolet Tahoe remains the full-size benchmark for sheer size and capability. It rides on a revised independent rear suspension (introduced in 2021) that now includes adaptive air springs standard on the High Country trim, lowering the vehicle for easier entry and raising it for off-road clearance.
The third row offers 34.9 inches of legroom — best in class for a body-on-frame SUV — and behind it sits 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for a full set of golf clubs and a stroller. The 2027 model introduces a new 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six producing 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, achieving an estimated 24 mpg highway on 2WD models.
Choose the Tahoe if you tow frequently: the 6.2L V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft) can pull 8,400 pounds when properly equipped, and the Max Trailering Package adds a trailer brake controller and hitch guidance with a rear camera mirror. The cabin is massive, with second-row captain’s chairs that slide and recline, and the Power Sliding Center Console (optional) creates a walk-through path.
The 2027 GMC Yukon is mechanically identical but starts $3,000 higher, making the Tahoe the value pick in this segment. Pricing begins at $56,200 for the LS and climbs to $78,400 for the High Country with the diesel engine.
4. 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 9
The 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the Korean sibling to the Kia EV9, sharing the E-GMP platform and 800V architecture, but with a longer wheelbase and a more aerodynamic shape. It offers up to 315 miles of range in the Long Range RWD trim, beating the EV9 by 11 miles, and the third row has 34.1 inches of legroom — slightly less than the Kia but still comfortable.
The 2027 model adds a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) adapter with 3.6 kW output as standard, allowing you to power camping gear or tailgate appliances directly from the battery.
The IONIQ 9 is the better choice if you prioritize interior design and technology: the dual 12.3-inch curved display runs Hyundai’s ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) system, which supports over-the-air (OTA) updates for infotainment and vehicle functions. The Ultimate trim includes a head-up display with augmented reality navigation that projects turn arrows onto the road ahead.
However, the third row does not have power-folding seats, and the cargo space behind it is 18.9 cubic feet — less than the EV9’s 20.2. Pricing starts at $57,500 for the SE RWD and reaches $74,100 for the Calligraphy AWD.
5. 2027 Honda Pilot
The 2027 Honda Pilot continues to be the most family-friendly three-row SUV from a packaging perspective. The TrailSport trim adds a 1.0-inch lift and all-terrain tires (Continental TerrainContact A/T) for light off-roading, while the Elite trim offers second-row captain’s chairs with a removable center seat that stores under the cargo floor.
The third row provides 32.5 inches of legroom and the Magic Slide second-row seats tilt forward even with a child seat installed, making access easy. The 3.5L V6 produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that is smooth and responsive.
Use the Pilot when you need reliability and resale value: Honda’s i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system is standard on all but the LX trim, and the 2027 model adds Trailer Stability Assist as standard. The Honda Sensing 360 suite now includes Low-Speed Braking Control for the third row, preventing accidental collisions when reversing.
Cargo space behind the third row is 18.5 cubic feet, but the under-floor storage adds 2.5 cubic feet for valuables. Pricing starts at $39,950 for the LX FWD and $52,950 for the Elite AWD.
6. 2027 Volvo EX90
The 2027 Volvo EX90 is the Swedish luxury contender, offering a 111 kWh battery with an EPA-estimated 300 miles of range in the Twin Motor Plus trim. The third row is tight — 31.9 inches of legroom — but the Lithium-ion battery pack is integrated into the floor, keeping the center of gravity low.
The 2027 model introduces Luminar Iris lidar as standard, enabling Level 2+ hands-free driving on highways via the Pilot Assist system, which can change lanes and navigate interchanges.
Choose the EX90 if safety and interior materials are your top priorities: the cabin uses Nordico (a vegan leather made from recycled PET bottles) and FSC-certified wood trim, and the Bowers & Wilkins audio system with 25 speakers is among the best in any SUV. However, the third-row headroom is limited to 36.7 inches, making it uncomfortable for adults over 5’8”.
The cargo space behind the third row is only 12.9 cubic feet, the smallest in this top 10. Pricing starts at $79,995 for the Twin Motor Plus and reaches $91,145 for the Twin Motor Ultimate.
7. 2027 Ford Expedition
The 2027 Ford Expedition gets a major refresh with a new 3.5L EcoBoost V6 producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque in the Platinum trim, paired with a 10-speed automatic. The third row offers 36.1 inches of legroom — best in the full-size segment — and behind it sits 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
The 2027 model adds a 15.5-inch portrait touchscreen running the Sync 4A system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster.
Use the Expedition if you need maximum towing: the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package boosts capacity to 9,300 pounds, and the Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes reversing a trailer intuitive. The Ford BlueCruise 1.5 system now offers hands-free driving on over 130,000 miles of mapped highways in the US and Canada.
The Stealth Performance Package (optional on the Limited) adds a dual exhaust and 22-inch wheels. Pricing starts at $57,825 for the XL STX and $83,975 for the Platinum Max.
8. 2027 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
The 2027 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is the plug-in hybrid choice for driving enthusiasts. It combines a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder with a 17.8 kWh battery and an electric motor for a combined 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The EPA-rated 26 miles of all-electric range is enough for most school runs, and the 8-speed automatic transmission uses a multi-plate clutch instead of a torque converter for sharper shifts.
The third row offers 30.1 inches of legroom — tight but acceptable for children — and behind it sits 14.9 cubic feet of cargo.
Choose the CX-90 PHEV if you want sporty handling in a three-row SUV: the Kinematic Posture Control system brakes the inside rear wheel during cornering to reduce understeer, and the Mi-Drive system offers Off-Road, Sport, and Normal modes. The cabin is premium with Nappa leather and real wood trim on the Turbo S Premium Plus trim.
However, the third-row access is difficult due to the low roofline and small door opening. Pricing starts at $49,945 for the Preferred PHEV and $60,275 for the Turbo S Premium Plus.
9. 2027 Nissan Armada
The 2027 Nissan Armada is fully redesigned, moving to a new 3.5L twin-turbo V6 producing 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque — more than the outgoing 5.6L V8. The third row offers 33.5 inches of legroom and power-folding seats on the Platinum trim. Behind the third row sits 20.2 cubic feet of cargo, and the second-row captain’s chairs (optional) provide a walk-through path.
The 2027 model adds a 14.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in (Maps, Assistant, Play Store) and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Use the Armada if you want off-road capability without a luxury price: the Pro-4X trim adds Bilstein dampers, all-terrain tires, and metal skid plates, plus a locking rear differential for serious trail use. The Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection makes parking easier in tight spots.
The 9-speed automatic is smooth, but fuel economy is poor at an estimated 18 mpg combined. Pricing starts at $56,300 for the SV and $74,100 for the Pro-4X.
10. 2027 Toyota Sequoia 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2027 Toyota Sequoia earns the 💎 BEST VALUE tag for offering a hybrid V6 powertrain with 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque at a starting price of $59,320 for the SR5 trim. The i-FORCE MAX system pairs a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 with a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery and an electric motor integrated into the 10-speed automatic, achieving an estimated 22 mpg combined.
The third row has 33.2 inches of legroom, and behind it sits 11.5 cubic feet of cargo — the smallest in this top 10, but the split-folding third row stows flat against the floor.
Choose the Sequoia if you want Toyota reliability and off-road capability in a single package: the TRD Pro trim adds Fox internal-bypass shocks, 33-inch Falken Wildpeak A/T tires, and a locking rear differential. The Capstone trim offers semi-aniline leather and 22-inch chrome wheels for a luxury feel.
The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 14-inch touchscreen are standard on all trims. The main compromise is third-row legroom — the Grand Highlander offers more space for less money. Pricing tops out at $78,100 for the Capstone.
FAQ
What is the most affordable 2027 three-row SUV? The 2027 Honda Pilot starts at $39,950 for the LX FWD, making it the cheapest entry point in this top 10. The 2027 Kia EV9 is the most affordable electric option at $56,395.
Which 2027 three-row SUV has the most cargo space behind the third row? The 2027 Chevrolet Tahoe leads with 25.5 cubic feet, followed by the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid at 20.6 cubic feet. The Volvo EX90 has the least at 12.9 cubic feet.
Can the 2027 Kia EV9 tow a camper? Yes, the EV9 can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the Tow Package (standard on Wind and GT-Line trims). However, towing reduces range by approximately 40–50%, so plan for 150–170 miles per charge while towing.
What is the safest 2027 three-row SUV? The 2027 Volvo EX90 comes standard with Luminar lidar and 8 cameras, and Volvo targets a zero-fatality design philosophy. The 2027 Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid both offer IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings.
Which 2027 three-row SUV has the best fuel economy? The Kia EV9 achieves 304 miles per charge (equivalent to ~100 MPGe), while the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid gets 27 mpg combined. The Ford Expedition is the thirstiest at 18 mpg combined.
Is the 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 9 worth the premium over the Kia EV9? The IONIQ 9 offers 11 more miles of range and a more luxurious interior with augmented reality HUD, but the EV9 has more cargo space and power-folding third-row seats. The $1,105 price difference favors the Kia for most families.
Sources
- 2027 Kia EV9 Official Specs
- 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid EPA Fuel Economy
- 2027 Chevrolet Tahoe Towing Capacity
- 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Range and Charging
- 2027 Honda Pilot Safety Ratings (IIHS)
- 2027 Volvo EX90 Lidar and Safety Tech
- 2027 Ford Expedition BlueCruise Coverage
- 2027 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Specs
- 2027 Nissan Armada Pro-4X Off-Road Features
- 2027 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Pricing
Bottom Line
The 2027 Kia EV9 dominates the three-row SUV segment with its 304-mile range, 24-minute fast charging, and adult-friendly third row, making it the 🏆 BEST OVERALL choice for families transitioning to electric. The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid remains the top pick for gas-only buyers who need maximum cargo space and 27 mpg.
For towing and sheer size, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition are unmatched. The Toyota Sequoia offers 💎 BEST VALUE with its hybrid powertrain and off-road capability at a competitive price. Always test-drive with your family and measure your garage before buying — the EV9 and Grand Highlander are the most practical for daily life in 2027.
*Top 10 Three-Row SUVs in 2027 ranked by third-row comfort, cargo capacity, efficiency, safety, and value for families.*