The best third-row SUVs of 2021 and 2022

2021-12-16 08:04:58 By : Mr. Ian Sun

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If you plan to use the third row of your vehicle frequently, let us at least suggest that a minivan is more sensible than any product you see in this list of the best three-row SUVs. Their third row is bigger, more comfortable and easier to reach. Children will definitely be happier. These are our two best choices. 

Well, since that doesn't get in the way, we fully understand why the minivan is totally frustrating, and if the kids want to be happier, they can buy their own damn vehicle. You are buying, you are driving, you are seen, and you would rather own a three-row SUV. fair enough. Fortunately, there are more options than ever before, and they are really good. The best people do a particularly good job of being family-friendly without looking like a monotonous means of transportation, although in reality, you can't go wrong with any mainstream three-row SUV. Now, some luxury options are a bit suspicious, including those that are very attractive but narrow in the third row (think Genesis GV80 and Land Rover Defender). We are focusing on three-row SUVs here, so we must have a third row available.  

In this list, we divide content into four subcategories:

Please note that we define a crossover as an SUV because most buyers can use these terms interchangeably, but acknowledge that a "crossover" is actually a vehicle with a one-piece structure similar to a car, rather than traditionally defined Truck-like body frame structure "off-road vehicle." In other words, we consider all crossover SUVs, but not all SUVs are crossovers (especially the part of the full-size segment and the flagship luxury segment).

Hyundai Palisade is mechanically related to Kia Telluride, and choosing between this pair of cleverly executed family porters can basically boil down to a coin toss. Or, more realistically, which one you think looks better. For its part, Palisade has a more luxurious atmosphere, which is most obvious in its limited edition (shown above) and calligraphic decoration level, which can easily compete with real luxury brand SUVs. The main reason for this is that the stylish, well-made cabin not only looks great, but also has practical storage space, user-friendly infotainment technology and more space than almost all competitors-bigger children and even adults People will be very comfortable in the third row, and you can put more things behind the raised third row. Hyundai's driver assistance and safety technologies are also one of the best implemented technologies in the industry. If there is a major flaw in its game, it is the lack of a hybrid system or a more powerful version. 

The Kia Sorento basically has the outer dimensions of a two-row mid-size SUV, but managed to sandwich the third row in the middle for those who can foresee the need for one at times, but the frequency is not enough to ensure driving a bigger, thirsty, and more expensive one. Vehicles, such as Kia’s Telluride. It basically applies to those who don't necessarily think that bigger is better. And on its own, there are countless other reasons for the attractiveness of Kia Sorento. Completely redesigned for 2021, it has a modified style to be consistent with the successful telluride but not replicated. There are even slightly different styles, including the sporty SX Prestige and the more robust X-Line, which can now be paired with most trim levels (top left). Inside, the material is improved, the design is beautiful, the technology is rich, and it is humanized. The same well-executed driver assistance and safety functions that are impressive in Palisade and Telluride are also available in Sorento. However, perhaps most importantly, Sorento is one of the very few three-row SUVs offered as a hybrid. Its 37 mpg beats the competition of V6 power and now has a unique 2022 plug-in hybrid option (top right). 

If you have read the above description of modern Palisade, then you have understood its mechanical commonality with tellurides, and they have the same basic advantages: space, technology, quality and value. Their performance has also surpassed their competitors. Of the two, Kia Telluride has received greater praise, mainly because its styling seems to resonate with more people. Basically, the style is the tiebreaker. Its blocky proportions and restrained details are not just the taste of Range Rover. Oops, "telluride" is even written on the hood, just like a Range Rover. Basically, although the Kia Telluride is one of the best three-row family trucks, it does not look like a three-row family truck. Win-win. 

Telluride and Palisade may be excellent class-leading three-row crossovers, but their fuel economy averages only 21 mpg in this segment. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a total fuel consumption of 35 miles per gallon. The difference is as big as it seems. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, in addition to environmental benefits, using Highlander Hybrid can save an average of US$850 per year on the pump. When you consider that its cost is only $1,400 higher than the equivalent V6-powered Highlander, you will see an incredibly fast payback time. Indeed, it only has 243 horsepower, which means that it is slower in this segment. If you find yourself driving on the highway often, you will feel very nervous, but considering how most people drive their three-row family For trucks, we think the advantage of 14-mpg will be enough to make up for this. However, in addition to fuel economy, the recently redesigned Highlander is very attractive by virtue of its interior quality comparable to Palisade, smooth driving and handling, and rich functional content. If there is a reason to stop, it is the rather narrow third-row seats, comparable to Sorento's seats. Obviously, you must be willing to sacrifice the largest three rows of space for maximum fuel economy. We guess that many buyers will think this is acceptable.

Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban have long been the best-selling full-size SUVs, but these sales do not reflect the strength of their relative competitors. However, the new generation of independent rear suspension in 2021 has completely changed it. The Tahoe's third row and its GMC Yukon double row have gone from almost uninhabitable to one of the largest of any vehicles. The cargo space has expanded, including the extended Suburban and Yukon XL, and the cargo floor is lower. Ride and handling have also been significantly improved. In addition to suspension-related improvements, there is also a new diesel engine option that can provide you with crossover-like fuel economy, numerous new features, and first-class interiors. GMC Yukon even got its own interior design for the first time, but it is unique to the Denali interior level. Add it all up and you will get the full-size SUV series that we can now recommend. 

Before Tahoe's redesign, recommending Expedition was an easy choice. Now, the competitive environment between the two has largely become balanced. In terms of interior design and quality, infotainment functions, and available diesel engines, the scale is leaning toward GM SUVs. Although it can do nothing about the latter, at least Expedition will get an updated interior in 2022. However, Ford still has the largest and most comfortable third-row seats, plus resistance: the silky smooth 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 produces 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque (and in the new 2022 Expedition It is up to 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet in the forest line, as shown in the upper left picture). In addition to top-notch torque, its horsepower also discourages most competitors, including General Motors' 5.3-liter V8, which can be found in most trim levels. In other words, just because it has been around for a while does not mean you should ignore it. 

MDX has been completely redesigned for 2022. It is more luxurious than its predecessor, making Acura's three-row crossover a more convincing competitor to Audi, BMW and Lexus worldwide. It also has Acura's latest in-vehicle technology, although the interface is acquired. However, most importantly, MDX is not only more attractive than before, but also beyond its three-row competition-thanks to Acura's latest generation of super-handling all-wheel drive system and more attention to driving pleasure. But at the same time, MDX is still one of the smartest luxury SUV choices. The third row is more suitable for teenagers or adults, and the versatile second row has a removable middle seat section, which means you don’t need to choose between a seat that can accommodate seven people or the more comfortable second-row captain’s chair. There is also the problem of using your money to get more equipment, as well as the traditionally strong resale value and reliability of MDX. 

You don’t hear us saying this often, but the Lincoln pilot is too motivated. With a standard 400-horsepower turbocharged V6, Aviator eliminates the basic and upgraded engines of most competitors. This is absolutely commendable, and we have no real complaints. It's just that Aviator is very good. It can easily provide a less powerful engine and cater to more buyers at a lower price. They will still get a spacious, well-equipped, easy-to-use and high-style interior, as well as a refined driving experience, trying to make you "easy" rather than "sporty" while driving. Yes, even with 400 horsepower, Aviator is more about travel speed than corners (for Lincoln). And, speaking of Grand Touring, the trim of the pilot of this name is actually a plug-in hybrid car with 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It also has a useful electric range of 21 miles. 

You can buy the XC90 equipped with a 400-horsepower plug-in hybrid system and various high-tech leather lining options for nearly $80,000, and get a special luxury SUV that truly fits the price tag. However, at the same time, you can buy the XC90 T5 basic model for less than $50,000, and then purchase a well-equipped and well-made family SUV that is more spacious, more efficient, and more stylish than most luxury models. Such wide appeal and competitiveness is rare. Regardless of price or interior level, XC90 is an excellent luxury SUV.  

Escalade is a brand new model in 2021, which has been thoroughly improved to be more competitive. The shift to an independent rear suspension makes the third row never habitable and one of the largest on the market, while also conducive to riding, handling and cargo space. The styling is more refined, and the interior has been significantly upgraded in terms of materials, design and technology. Specifically, it is the three 38-inch OLED screens surrounding the drive. Escalade is also equipped with GM's highly advanced Super Cruise hands-free driving technology. Another key new element is the addition of a diesel engine, which provides the same 460 pound-feet of torque as a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine, but saves you an average of $950 in fuel per year. This is what you want to get.

The top Navigator Black Label styles are easy to be amazed. These styles can be dressed up as a dark green or ice blue exquisite color "theme". They are really special. If you have money, the most expensive Navigator is undoubtedly the most ideal. At the same time, each Navigator benefits from the same mid-century modern style general interior design (updated to a larger touch screen in 2022), unparalleled passenger space, a rich list of features, exquisite road manners and can generate 450 horsepower and 510 Pound-feet of torque. Although it has a significant power advantage compared to the 6.2-liter Escalade, it is also more efficient (although Lincoln does not provide the fuel-efficient answer for the diesel Escalade). Of course, in many ways it is still huge and quite a truck, but the Navigator can still stand tall in the face of the world's best flagship luxury SUV. 

Mercedes GLS is so much larger and better than three-row luxury SUVs such as Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 that it surpasses them and enters the highest echelon of luxury SUVs: flagship. It has three rows in some ways just a reward for those looking for the most advanced SUV that Mercedes has to offer (Maybach GLS 600 doesn’t even have it), but the last row is also really suitable for adults, which is very popular among luxury manufacturers. Rare. Therefore, GLS can compete with Range Rover and Navigator at the same time...not to mention the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls Royce Cullinan under the guise of Maybach. Of course, we think that the Maybach and AMG GLS 63 versions are marginal offensive in terms of overkill and luxury, but if you want the best, it's definitely hard to argue with them. 

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