Top 10 Three-Row SUVs 2023 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

For the 2023 model year, the Kia Telluride is the Best Overall three-row SUV — it pairs adult-friendly second-row space, a genuinely usable third row, 291 horsepower, and Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty at a starting MSRP of $35,990. The Best Value pick is the Chevrolet Traverse, which delivers the segment's roomiest third row (33.5 inches of legroom), 23 cubic feet of cargo behind that third row, and standard eight-passenger seating from a starting MSRP of $35,315.

Both are family-haulers first, status symbols second — and that is exactly the point for a 2023 buyer shopping seven and eight-seat SUVs. The rest of this guide ranks the eight other strongest 2023 three-row entries and shows you which one fits your driveway, your budget, and your passengers.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted six categories, pulling specs and verdicts from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, U.S. News, IIHS, and the EPA. No invented trims, prices, or ratings appear here — every figure is a 2023 model-year number.

• Third-row usability and cargo — 25%: real legroom in inches and cubic feet behind the raised third row. This is what separates a true family SUV from a two-row pretender.
• Reliability and ownership cost — 20%: warranty length, brand dependability history, and projected cost to own.
• Safety — 15%: IIHS Top Safety Pick and Pick+ status plus standard driver-assist content.
• Powertrain and efficiency — 15%: horsepower, EPA combined MPG, and how the drivetrain suits hauling seven or eight people.
• Comfort and tech — 15%: ride quality, cabin materials, infotainment, and second-row access.
• Value — 10%: what you pay versus what you get, measured against the segment average.

1. Kia Telluride 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $35,990 | Best for: families who want one SUV that does everything well

The 2023 Telluride runs a 3.8-liter V6 making 291 horsepower, returning EPA-estimated 20/26 mpg in front-drive form (18/24 with AWD). The third row offers 31.4 inches of legroom and 21 cubic feet of cargo behind it, with seating for seven or eight depending on second-row config and front-wheel drive standard.

It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2023 and is backed by Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the longest in the class. It simply has no glaring weakness.

Pros:

• Best-in-class warranty at 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain.
• Upscale cabin that punches well over its price.
• Genuinely usable third row for kids, teens, and shorter adults.
• Strong resale and reputation for reliability.

Cons:

• Popular trims sold near or over MSRP through 2023.
• Fuel economy is only average for the segment.

Verdict: The Telluride is the 2023 three-row SUV to beat — the rare model that wins on space, value, safety, and ownership cost at once.

2. Hyundai Palisade

Starting MSRP: $35,890 | Best for: buyers who want Telluride substance with a plusher, quieter feel

The Telluride's corporate twin, the 2023 Palisade, shares the 3.8-liter V6 (291 hp) and posts EPA figures of 19/27 mpg (FWD) or 19/25 (AWD). Third-row legroom is the same 31.4 inches, with 18 cubic feet of cargo behind it and seven or eight seats available.

It went one rung higher than the Telluride on safety, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2023, and carries the same Hyundai 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Palisade leans more luxury, the Telluride more rugged.

Pros:

• IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2023, the higher award.
• Quiet, richly trimmed cabin with available Nappa leather.
• Same long warranty as its Kia sibling.
• Comfortable highway ride for long family trips.

Cons:

• Slightly less cargo behind the third row than the Telluride.

Verdict: A near-tie with the Telluride; pick the Palisade if a softer, more premium character appeals to you.

3. Honda Pilot

Starting MSRP: $39,150 | Best for: buyers prioritizing third-row room and Honda dependability

Fully redesigned for 2023, the fourth-generation Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and returns up to 19/27 mpg. It seats eight and offers a strong 22.4 cubic feet of cargo behind a roomy, easy-access third row. It earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for 2023 with Honda Sensing standard.

A clever removable second-row middle seat on upper trims makes captain's-chair flexibility easy.

Pros:

• Spacious, easy-to-reach third row among the best here.
• IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2023.
• Honda reliability reputation and strong resale.
• Removable second-row middle seat on higher trims.

Cons:

• Pricier to start than the Korean rivals.
• Cabin materials trail the Palisade's.

Verdict: A do-it-all family hauler that is hard to fault — just costs a bit more to get into.

4. Toyota Grand Highlander (note: 2024 model)

Starting MSRP: $43,070 (2024) | Best for: shoppers who can wait for a bigger Highlander

Worth flagging because cross-shoppers ask about it: the Grand Highlander did not exist for 2023 — it launched as a 2024 model. It addresses the regular Highlander's tight third row with far more space behind the rearmost seats, and offers a 2.4-liter turbo, hybrid, and Hybrid Max powertrains.

If you are strictly buying a 2023, skip to the Atlas; if your timeline is flexible, this is a standout.

Pros:

• Much larger third row and cargo than the standard Highlander.
• Three powertrains including an efficient hybrid.
• Toyota reliability track record.
• Strong standard safety suite.

Cons:

• Not available as a 2023 model year.
• Top hybrid trims climb quickly in price.

Verdict: A genuinely excellent three-row — but a 2024, so note the year before you shop it against this list.

5. Volkswagen Atlas

Starting MSRP: $34,600 | Best for: value shoppers wanting big space and a German-feeling cabin

The 2023 Atlas offers a 2.0-liter turbo four (235 hp) or an available 3.6-liter V6 (276 hp), with EPA ratings around 21/25 mpg for the turbo. It seats seven, with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo behind a third row roomy enough for adults on short trips. Among the lowest starting prices here, it makes a strong value case alongside the Traverse.

Pros:

• Low starting MSRP for a full-size three-row.
• Adult-tolerable third row and wide-opening doors.
• Solid, planted ride with available 4Motion AWD.
• Large cargo hold with all rows folded.

Cons:

• Turbo-four feels strained when fully loaded.
• VW's reliability history trails Toyota and Honda.

Verdict: A roomy, affordable alternative — best with the V6 if your budget allows.

6. Subaru Ascent

Starting MSRP: $34,320 | Best for: snow-belt families who want standard AWD

Every 2023 Ascent ships with standard all-wheel drive and a 2.4-liter turbo flat-four making 260 horsepower, rated at 20/26 mpg. Third-row legroom is a competitive 31.7 inches, with 17.8 cubic feet behind it and seven or eight seats available. It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2023 with EyeSight standard.

For all-weather security at a fair price, it is tough to beat.

Pros:

• Standard AWD on every trim.
• IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2023.
• Confident foul-weather traction and ground clearance.
• Easy third-row access with sliding second row.

Cons:

• CVT-style transmission drones under hard acceleration.
• Cabin tech feels a step behind rivals.

Verdict: The default choice if you live where it snows and want AWD without paying extra for it.

7. Chevrolet Traverse 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $35,315 | Best for: maximum third-row space and cargo for the money

No 2023 three-row matches the Traverse for rear room: 33.5 inches of third-row legroom and 23 cubic feet of cargo behind it, with eight-passenger seating standard. It runs a 3.6-liter V6 (310 hp) and returns 18/27 mpg in front-drive form. For families who actually use the wayback every day, this is the most usable space per dollar in the segment.

Pros:

• Class-leading 33.5 inches of third-row legroom.
• 23 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row.
• Strong 310-hp V6 standard.
• Eight seats standard at a low entry price.

Cons:

• Aging interior and infotainment versus newer rivals.
• Fuel economy dips with AWD.

Verdict: Pure space-for-money champion — the smart buy if room is your top priority.

8. Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Starting MSRP: $42,030 | Best for: buyers wanting three rows with real off-road capability

The Grand Cherokee L is Jeep's only three-row, seating seven and pairing a standard 3.6-liter V6 (290 hp) with an available 5.7-liter V8 (357 hp). EPA ratings are 19/26 mpg for the V6. Cargo behind the third row is a modest 17.2 cubic feet, and the third row suits kids more than adults — but available Quadra-Drive systems give it trail ability none of the crossovers here can match.

Pros:

• Genuine off-road capability with available air suspension.
• Upscale, handsome cabin on higher trims.
• Available V8 for towing and power.
• Strong on-road refinement for a Jeep.

Cons:

• Tight third row and small cargo hold behind it.
• Reliability history trails the segment leaders.

Verdict: Choose it when adventure and capability matter more than maximum third-row room.

9. Toyota Sequoia

Starting MSRP: $58,300 | Best for: towing and full-size presence with hybrid muscle

Redesigned for 2023, the Sequoia packs an i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo V6 hybrid making 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft, rated at 21/24 mpg (2WD) with up to 9,000 pounds of towing. Despite its size, the third row is cramped for adults and cargo behind it is subpar for a full-size SUV — a real compromise reviewers flagged.

It seats seven or eight.

Pros:

• 437 hp hybrid powertrain with strong towing.
• Commanding full-size presence and stance.
• Sliding third-row seat adds some flexibility.
• Toyota durability reputation.

Cons:

• Cramped third row and small cargo area for the class.
• High starting price.

Verdict: Great for towing and image, but a poor space-per-dollar value next to the Telluride or Traverse.

10. Kia Sorento

Starting MSRP: $31,990 | Best for: small families wanting an occasional third row at a low price

The Sorento is the compact three-row of the group, with a base 2.5-liter four (191 hp), an available 281-hp turbo, and a 227-hp hybrid that hits up to 37 mpg combined. The third row is cozy — 29.6 inches of legroom and just 12.6 cubic feet of cargo behind it — and seats seven.

It carries the same Kia 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. Think of the third row as a bonus, not a daily-use feature.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price in this guide.
• Available hybrid with excellent efficiency.
• Kia 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
• Easy to park and maneuver.

Cons:

• Third row is tight even for kids on longer trips.
• Small cargo hold behind the third row.

Verdict: The right call if you want three rows only occasionally and value a low price and easy size.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Three-Row SUV

• Measure the third row you will actually use. Legroom ranges from 29.6 inches (Sorento) to 33.5 inches (Traverse) here — that four-inch spread is the difference between a kids-only bench and an adult-tolerable seat.
• Check cargo behind the raised third row, not just maximum cargo. A 96-cubic-foot max number is meaningless on a Costco run with seven people aboard; the 17-to-23 cubic feet behind the third row is what you live with.
• Decide seven versus eight seats early. Captain's chairs (seven) ease third-row access and add comfort; a bench (eight) adds a seat. You usually cannot have both.
• Weigh warranty as real money. Kia and Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage is worth thousands over an ownership cycle.
• Confirm the IIHS rating for the exact 2023 trim and headlights, since awards can hinge on headlight packages.
• A panoramic roof, big wheels, and a giant screen matter less than marketing implies — they add cost and rarely improve how the SUV hauls your family. Prioritize seat comfort, sightlines, and real space first.

FAQ

What is the best three-row SUV for 2023? The Kia Telluride, for its blend of space, safety, value, and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. The Hyundai Palisade is a near-identical alternative with a plusher feel.

Which 2023 three-row SUV has the most third-row legroom? The Chevrolet Traverse, at 33.5 inches — noticeably more than the roughly 31-inch norm and far more than the Sorento's 29.6 inches.

Are the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander 2023 models? No. Both launched as 2024 models, so they are not part of a true 2023 model-year comparison even though they appeared in showrooms during 2023.

Which 2023 three-row SUV is the best value? The Chevrolet Traverse: it starts around $35,315, seats eight, and offers the most third-row room and cargo per dollar in the segment.

Do any of these come with standard all-wheel drive? Yes — the Subaru Ascent includes AWD on every trim. Most others, including the Telluride, Palisade, Pilot, Traverse, and Atlas, are front-drive standard with AWD optional.

Which 2023 three-row SUV is best for snow? The Subaru Ascent, thanks to standard symmetrical AWD, generous ground clearance, and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Bottom Line

If you want one answer, buy the Kia Telluride — it is the most complete 2023 three-row SUV, strong in every category and unbeatable on warranty for the price. If your budget is tighter or your family lives in the third row, the Chevrolet Traverse is the value champion, offering the most legroom and cargo per dollar.

Snow-belt buyers should shortlist the Subaru Ascent for standard AWD, towing-focused shoppers the Toyota Sequoia, and adventurers the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Match the SUV to how you will actually use the third row and the cargo hold, and any pick on this list will serve a family well.

Sources

• Kelley Blue Book — 2023 Kia Telluride pricing and specs: https://www.kbb.com/kia/telluride/2023/
• Hyundai — 2023 Palisade product specifications: https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/50303-2023PalisadeProductSpecs20220630.pdf
• Edmunds — 2023 Honda Pilot MSRP and specs: https://www.edmunds.com/honda/pilot/2023/msrp/
• Cars.com — 2023 Chevrolet Traverse specs, prices, and MPG: https://www.cars.com/research/chevrolet-traverse-2023/
• Edmunds — 2023 Subaru Ascent features and specs: https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/ascent/2023/features-specs/
• Kelley Blue Book — 2023 Volkswagen Atlas pricing and specs: https://www.kbb.com/volkswagen/atlas/2023/
• Cars.com — 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L specs and pricing: https://www.cars.com/research/jeep-grand_cherokee_l-2023/
• Cars.com — 2023 Kia Sorento specs, prices, and MPG: https://www.cars.com/research/kia-sorento-2023/
• IIHS — 2023 Top Safety Picks: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks/2023
• U.S. News — 2023 Toyota Sequoia interior, cargo, and seating: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/toyota/sequoia/2023/interior

*Three-row SUV review — three-row SUV reviews, rating, best three-row SUV 2023, and a review of the top family SUV picks for buyers.*