Finally, our editors take a turn at the wheel and come to a consensus on an overall rating for the vehicle relative to its competitive set.

Next, we drive it on a real-world driving loop that tests its performance on city streets, through twisty mountain curves, and in high- and low-speed freeway conditions. We take each vehicle to a private test track, where we measure acceleration, braking and handling performance. Our list of the top-ranked 3-row SUVs is the result of hundreds of hours of driving, testing and comprehensive evaluation. Naturally, the price tends to goes up as the size increases, but if you need the versatility, there’s no substitute. But if you’ll be using the third-row seat regularly then you’ll need a true minivan substitute, which gets you into the larger 3-row SUV size classes. If you’ll only use it rarely, then a smaller 3-row SUV is probably the right choice, unless you intend to fold down the rear seats and haul a large amount of cargo. This is especially true of luxury 3-row SUVs, which often sit at the very top of the brand’s model lineup.Ī key question for any 3-row SUV shopper is how much you plan to use the third-row seat. They look cooler than minivans while providing much the same versatility, and unlike minivans, they may come packed with off-road capability or even high-performance racetrack credentials. SUVs have taken over our roads in recent years, due in no small part to the family-friendliness of 3-row SUVs.

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