10 Best Midsize 3-row SUVs of 2022 and 2023

1. Kia Sorento
2. Kia Telluride
3. Mitsubishi Outlander
4. Volkswagen Tiguan
5. Hyundai Palisade
6. Honda Pilot
7. Volkswagen Atlas
8. Mazda CX-9
9. Toyota Highlander
10. Nissan Pathfinder

Best Midsize 3-row SUVs

Kia Sorento

Best Midsize 3-row SUVs, As it has a smaller size and a greater number of available powertrain configurations, the 2022 Kia Sorento is a compelling alternative to the larger Kia Telluride. Both of these Kias are pretty nice to look at and offer three rows of seating, although grownups probably won’t want to spend much time in the very rear seats of the Sorento since they reduce the amount of space available for cargo while they are in the upright position. On the other hand, the third row is able to be stowed away, the cabin transforms into an inviting space for a family of three or four.

In contrast to the Telluride, the Sorento may be purchased as either a hybrid or a plug in hybrid, which results in an improvement in the vehicle’s overall efficiency. Regardless of what drives you, the Kia offers a ride that is both comfortable and well mannered in its handling qualities. This is due to the fact that the entire package is cohesive and comes with a variety of well liked standard and optional features.

Beginning with the 2022 model year, the Sorento lineup will be expanded to include plug-in hybrid vehicles. Its powertrain generates a combined 261 hp thanks to the combination of a turbocharged 4 cylinder engine, an automatic gearbox with 6 speeds, and an electric motor. Kia says that the plug in version of the Sorento achieves 79 MPGe combined fuel economy and has a range of 32 miles when operating only on electric power. 4 wheel drive is standard equipment.

Although we are unsure of the price of the plug in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), we do know that it will be offered in two different trim levels: SX and SX P.

Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride stands out from the crowd of 3 row, mid size SUVs thanks to its alluring exterior design, unexpectedly luxurious interior, and unrivaled price range. It should come as no surprise that this is the biggest Kia which is able to fulfill its core objective as well as to bring families together along with their supplies in a comfy manner. With its rough exterior and sumptuous inside, the Telluride is a perfect contender for exhibition at a Land Rover dealership.

Every model comes included with a powerful entertainment system, and the highest trim level adds conveniences like ventilated back seats at a price that is astonishingly affordable. The luxury pickup truck may not be particularly exhilarating to drive, as well as its 291 hp V6 may not very fuel efficient, but the ride is comfortable, and the body roll is reduced to a lowest.

It is not difficult for it to pull a trailer weighing 5000 pounds, and 4 wheel drive cars are able to navigate mountainous terrain without much difficulty. The 2022 Telluride is the benchmark for excellence in its category, and it’s one of the wines that made our top ten list for the year.

The rebranding badge is prominently displayed on the Telluride’s marginally restyled grille, rear liftgate, as well as steering wheel cover in 2022, when the vehicle will also receive Kia’s new company logo as its identifying sign.

This SUV’s entry level & second highest trim levels both come with upgraded standard features, such as a 10 inch touchscreen (upgraded from an earlier display of 8.0 inches) and fully automated temperature control. Additionally, adaptive cruise control, which utilizes the navigation system to actively change the vehicle’s speed so that it enters and exits edges, has become standard along both models.

Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has undergone a comprehensive redesign, giving it a futuristic looking exterior and a more stylish inside. As a result of these changes, it is now in a position to compete effectively in the heavily saturated compact cross over segment. It also has traditional seats in a 3 row configuration, which is rare for this market sector but almost completely useless. Both the Outlander and the new Nissan Rogue share a platform and a number of mechanical components, including a 4 cylinder engine with an uninspiring output of 181 hp.

The Outlander receives more upgrades to its feature package, and its driving characteristics have been upgraded to be startlingly sporty. The quality of the materials used to construct its inside as well as the interior’s visual simplicity have both been significantly improved. In addition to these cutting edge networking possibilities, there is also a selection of cutting edge driver aid technologies. At some time in the future, a plug in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model will be introduced to the lineup.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is an entirely new model, and it ushers in the beginning of a new generation of the company’s compact crossover vehicle. According to Mitsubishi, the plug in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version will be ready in 2022, but it may be marketed as a 2023 model. In addition to having increased battery storage capacity and a more powerful electric motor than its predecessor from the previous generation, the Outlander with a plug will now be able to accommodate a third row, which was not possible in the model previously available.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan puts a decidedly European spin on an automobile category that originated in the United States: the SUV. Its handling is more athletic than many of its competitors, and its cabin has a controlled atmosphere and plenty of cutting edge technology. Even if the turbocharged 4 cylinder engine of the Volkswagen Tiguan isn’t exceptionally quick on our test track, it performs excellently, sounds refined, and should satisfy the majority of buyers. 

The Volkswagen Tiguan is sold in a number of markets across the world; however, in the United States, dealers only sell the long wheelbase variation of the vehicle. This model offers a third row of seating for passengers who have a need for it. Competitors such as the Honda CR V, Mazda CX 5, and Toyota RAV4 do not offer the same degree of adaptability within their cabins.

Volkswagen has given its compact SUV a fresh new look for 2022 in order to help it better coordinate with the redesigned Atlas and the new Atlas Cross Sport in the company’s lineup of mid size SUVs. Revamped LED headlights, a reworked grille and bumpers, and new wheel designs give the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan a more contemporary appearance than its predecessor. 

The driver’s compartment of the Tiguan has also been modernized and now features a new steering wheel that is equipped with controls that are responsive to touch. The heated seats and digital instrument displays are now standard equipment on every model. Every trim level, with the exception of the entry level S, receives a new climate control panel with a touch sensitive display, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and VW’s Travel Assist mode for semi autonomous driving. The Tiguan’s third row of seats will continue to be accessible for passengers. The 2022 Tiguan should be available at Volkswagen dealerships before the end of the year 2021.

Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade SUV strives for a class above experience and comes close to accomplishing it, especially in higher trims, where the cabin might be mistaken for one of the Genesis luxury vehicles. However, the Hyundai Palisade SUV does not quite achieve its goal. Despite its outward look, it is not a Genesis but rather a Kia Telluride that shares its base with another excellent vehicle, the Hyundai Santa Fe. Front wheel drive is standard, although 4 wheel drive may be added for an additional cost. 

The basic engine is a 3.8 liter V6 that operates smoothly and is combined with an 8 speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment consists of a variety of high tech driving aids as well as highly developed informational and entertainment networking technologies. The cabin is roomy and comfortable, and it can provide seating for as many as eight passengers when configured in its most fundamental 3 row layout.

The Hyundai Palisade lineup will come equipped with a number of active safety features as standard equipment beginning in 2022. These features, which include blind spot collision avoidance and rear cross traffic collision avoidance, are designed to take action in the event that the driver disregards the accompanying warnings of potential roadblocks. Now standard on every model are side mirrors that incorporate turn signals into their design. The high end Calligraphy model’s inside was once upholstered in a rich brown leather that is no longer available.

Honda Pilot

Those who place a high importance on functionality but dislike the lifestyle associated with minivans may find the 2022 Honda Pilot to be a welcome alternative. Despite having a platform and a potent V6 engine, the 3 row SUV cannot match the roominess and adaptability of the Honda Odyssey. This is the case even if both vehicles have the same base. 

The Pilot makes up for the fact that it does not have sliding doors or space to stretch out in the third row by offering a higher driving position, 4 wheel drive as an optional extra, and a towing capability of up to 5000 pounds. In addition to that, the inside is big and comfortable, and it offers a plethora of popular amenities and driving aids as standard equipment. Unfortunately, the outside styling is entirely forgettable, particularly when contrasted with that of competitors such as the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade.

Some people feel that the 2022 Honda Pilot is a far better option than a minivan, despite the fact that it isn’t very glamorous and isn’t particularly pleasurable to drive.The Pilot now comes standard with new features in 2022, such as full LED headlights and an 8.0 inch touchscreen that is compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. However, the price of this upgrade is significantly more than that of the previous model.

As a result of the discontinuation of the LX and EX trim levels, Honda’s product line now begins with the EX L, which has a base price of slightly more than $40,000. That is approximately $7000 more than the LX from the previous year. In addition to that, there is a whole new paint color available called Sonic Gray Pearl. According to Honda, a new model would be introduced later on in this year.

Volkswagen Atlas

The unremarkable 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is an excellent illustration of why enormous, boxy SUVs receive a bad image, but it is also a decent option to a minivan. The reason for this is because of the vehicle’s size and shape. The Atlas is superior to many other mid size utes in terms of its ability to transport families because of its spacious cargo compartment and three rows of seating, all of which are easily capable of accommodating adults. 

VW also fits it with several well liked driver assistance features and desirable standard features, which increases its value offer and is especially noticeable in the variations that fall in the center of the lineup. Both the standard engine, which is a turbo four, and the powerful V6 engine are available, and both may be paired with either front or 4 wheel drive. Although the huge SUV is not a lot of fun to drive, it has excellent road manners because of its design.

Unfortunately, it does not seem or feel as polished as some of its competitors do due to its unoriginal interior style and its jarring ride over broken terrain. Despite this, the 2022 Atlas is a success in the size XL category.

The S model will no longer be offered as part of the selection for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. Instead, the SE trim will serve as the entry level option. Although this results in a beginning price that is greater than the one for the previous model year, the Atlas SE has a starting price that is actually cheaper than the previous model year’s and includes desirable standard luxuries such as a digital gauge cluster.

When ordered with the Technology package, the SE now comes equipped with USB C connectors in the third row. In addition, there is now a wheel kit available with a diameter of 20 inches. When combined with the supplemental V6, the trailer hitch is now included as a standard feature on the SE model equipped with the Tech pack. 

The addition of 4 wheel drive and wheels measuring 20 inches is now a standard feature on all SEL versions. All SEL Premium trim levels come included with the R Line look, which includes rims of 21 inches in diameter. The newly available R Line Black appearance option gives the mid sizer a more sombre overall look.

Mazda CX-9

Customers who would want to be driving a Miata but are unable to live with a vehicle that has such little inside capacity might look at the 2022 Mazda CX-9, which is a 3 row crossover. It boasts a stunning exterior design, an almost luxurious interior, and a surprising amount of enjoyment to be had behind the wheel. The turbocharged 4 cylinder engine included in the CX-9 is responsible for the car’s decent acceleration; nevertheless, it is the chassis that is responsible for the CX-9’s characteristic level of driving passion.

These characteristics make it seem more like a sports sedan than an SUV. The inside of the vehicle features a beautiful cabin; nevertheless, the third row of seating is quite cramped, particularly when compared to more spacious competitors such as the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Despite this, as auto enthusiasts, we think that making this sacrifice is justified, and we predict that others will concur with us on this point.

In 2022, Mazda will expand the CX-9 model portfolio to include a new Touring Plus trim level. A frameless rearview mirror, ventilated front seats, power driver seat adjustments, black painted 20 inch wheels, black grille trim, aluminium colored roof rails, and roof rails of a different color are all included in this model in addition to all of the features that come standard with the Touring trim level. The remainder of the range now comes equipped with 4 wheel drive as standard.

Toyota Highlander

Although it has a lot to offer, the Highlander is merely a middle of the pack contender in the market for mid size SUVs, which already includes over two dozen different cars. There are eleven distinct possibilities for the trim. The front wheel drive configuration is the standard, although 4 wheel drive may be purchased as an option.

Powertrains that are hybrid and those that are not hybrid are both available. All trim levels of the Highlander provide acceptable handling and a pleasant ride, although the Highlander’s driving manners might benefit from some improvement. Even in the most basic trim level, the L, the inside is well appointed and comes standard with a variety of driver aid technology, modern conveniences, and a straightforward information and entertainment system.

The Limited and Platinum trim levels give off a strong sense of being a Lexus thanks to their luxurious leather cabins, high end JBL sound systems, and other cutting edge technological amenities. In spite of this, competitors like the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade provide a higher level of luxury and more capacity in the third row. The Mazda CX-9 has a more attractive cabin and improved driving characteristics, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is capable of driving off road. In spite of the fact that it is capable, the Highlander is a far less appealing option.

A brand new turbocharged 2.4 liter 4 cylinder will take the place of the standard V6 engine in the Highlander beginning in 2023. Toyota states that the new engine achieves the same combined fuel economy of 24 mpg as the previous V6, which raises the issue of why the shift to fewer cylinders was made in the first place.

The new engine generates 265 horsepower and 309 lb ft of torque. Both a new infotainment display measuring 12.3 inches and a digital gauge cluster measuring 12.3 inches are available on the Limited and Platinum trim levels. In addition, the higher end models come standard with power folding exterior mirrors, and the XLE and XSE trims come with a power operated rear liftgate that can be opened without the need of the driver’s hands.

Nissan Pathfinder

The cabin of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is spacious enough to accommodate as many as eight people, making it an ideal vehicle for transporting large families. The inside is quiet, and the ride is so comfortable that passengers will look forward to it not only on lengthy drives but also on their regular commutes.

The Pathfinder is equipped with a V6 engine, an 8 speed automatic gearbox, and front wheel drive as standard; 4 wheel drive is optional and adds some off road capabilities to the Pathfinder, but the Pathfinder still can’t compete with a Jeep or a Bronco on the trail. Additionally, the Pathfinder is able to pull trailers. It surpasses competitors like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander with its towing capability of 6000 pounds.

Nissan plans to expand the Pathfinder lineup with the addition of the rugged Rock Creek variant in 2023. 4 wheel drive is standard on this model, in addition to having a front grille and lower bumper that have been modified and a suspension that is lifted somewhat higher than usual. In the Rock Creek trim, the power output of the V6 is increased to 295 horsepower. The Rock Creek is differentiated from the standard Pathfinder by its unique fabric and vinyl upholstery, orange stitching, and the presence of a Rock Creek emblem on both the seats and the center console.