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Best Luxury 3-Row SUVs for 2022: Reviews, Photos, and More


PUBLISHED THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022
SUV parked next to grassy area as family unloads for a picnic

Well-appointed and delightful to drive.

Looking for a big vehicle to drive off-road, take on family vacations, or help you enjoy the carpool commute? A luxury three-row SUV ensures comfort and convenience are always available to you and your crew. With superb hauling capability, deluxe interiors, and flexible cabin arrangements that can adapt to your needs, these spacious SUVs tackle the journeys that matter most. For families and friend groups that want to travel together in style, a luxury three-row SUV makes a compelling case for consideration.

Learn more about the 10 best luxury three-row SUVs for 2022 shoppers in this updated list, based on CarMax vehicle and sales data from August 1, 2021, through January 31, 2022. This data includes all SUVs with a third row sold over $35,000, ranked by total sales.

  1. Nissan Armada

  2. Cadillac Escalade

  3. Chevrolet Suburban 1500

  4. Ford Expedition

  5. Toyota 4Runner

  6. Volkswagen Atlas

  7. GMC Yukon

  8. Lexus GX 460

  9. Dodge Durango

  10. Chevrolet Tahoe

10. Nissan Armada

Built to handle the errands and adventures of family life, the Nissan Armada offers off-road capability and an upscale interior for up to eight passengers. All 2017-2020 models are powered by a 390-hp 5.6L V8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard RWD. For regular dirt-track driving, shop for all-wheel drive—it's an available option on all four trims. The Armada is an impressive hauler, too: the 2017-2020 model with the 5.6L engine can tow an estimated 8,500 lbs., when properly equipped.

Standard features of the 2017-2020 Nissan Armada include:

  • Navigation system

  • Eight-inch touchscreen

  • 13-speaker Bose® audio system

  • Bluetooth® connectivity

  • Rearview camera

Learn more! View all our Nissan Armada research.

9. Cadillac Escalade

If you're looking for luxury, the Cadillac Escalade deserves your consideration. Running on a powerful 6.2L V8 engine, and capable of towing an estimated 8,300 lbs. when properly equipped, the 2017-2020 Escalade is a versatile pick for you and your crew.

The 2017-2020 Escalade seats seven passengers as standard; opt for a model with a second-row bench to seat eight. Available in four trims, all 2017-2020 Escalades feature leather upholstery and wood accents; higher trims add features such as a head-up display.

Regular road trips call for the 2017-2020 Escalade ESV, a supersized version of the standard Escalade. Its longer wheelbase takes third-row legroom to 34.5 inches, with a huge 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2017-2020 Cadillac Escalade includes these standard features:

  • Teen driver system

  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto integration

  • Magnetic ride control system

  • Power liftgate

Explore more Cadillac Escalade research today.

8. Chevrolet Suburban 1500

The full-size Chevrolet Suburban 1500 is a capable and upscale SUV, ideally suited to big families that enjoy life on the move. Seating up to nine passengers across three rows, the 2017-2020 Suburban 1500 is powered by a standard 355-hp 5.3L V8 engine with 2WD. An optional 420-hp 6.2L V8 engine is available from 2019 onward.

The 2017-2020 Suburban has 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and the ability to tow an estimated 8,300 lbs. with the V8 engine, when properly equipped.

All 2017-2020 models have tri-zone automatic climate control, an available Wi-Fi hotspot, and satellite radio as standard.
Choose one of the upper trims for upgrades like leather upholstery and heated seating.

The 2017-2020 Chevrolet Suburban LS base trim features:

  • Rearview camera

  • Eight-inch touchscreen

  • Five USB ports

  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Learn more at our Chevrolet Suburban 1500 research page.

7. Ford Expedition

Seating up to eight, the 2018-2021 Ford Expedition has cavernous space for adults and children alike. Total passenger volume tops out at 171.9 cubic feet, with up to five sets of LATCH child-seat connectors and a third row that offers 36.1 inches of legroom.

All 2018-2021 Expedition models are powered by a standard 375-hp 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive provide a smooth and seamless driving experience. Standard passenger convenience features for 2018-2021 models include 15 drink holders and rear privacy glass.

Standard features of the 2018-2021 Ford Expedition include:

  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel

  • Bluetooth functionality

  • Nine-speaker audio

  • Conversation mirror

  • Trailer sway control

Continue your Ford Expedition research to learn more.

6. Toyota 4Runner

If your luxury SUV needs to perform off-road, the Toyota 4Runner is well equipped for dirt trails and rocky roads. All 2017-2021 4Runners are powered by a 270-hp 4.0L V6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. For weekend adventures, the 2017-2021 4Runner with 4WD has 9.6 inches of ground clearance and standard skid plates, allowing for easy navigation over rough terrain.

The 2017-2021 4Runner seats five as standard, but there's an optional third row available on the entry-level SR5 trim, range-topping Limited, and special edition trims, bringing seating capacity up to seven. Groceries and sports bags fit behind the third row in 9 cubic feet of storage space. With those seats folded flat, cargo space increases to a respectable 46.3 cubic feet.

Standard features of the 2017-2021 Toyota 4Runner SR5 include:

  • Power liftgate

  • Hill-start assist

  • Cloth upholstery

  • Rearview camera

Learn more at our Toyota 4Runner research page.

5. Volkswagen Atlas

With a spacious and intuitive cabin, multiple trims, and two powertrain options, the 2018-2021 seven-seat Volkswagen Atlas is a versatile choice. The standard engine for the 2018-2021 Atlas is a 235-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with FWD. To unlock available AWD, you'll need to shop for a model with the optional 276-hp 3.6L V6 engine.

The 2018-2021 Atlas is also equipped with the latest in tech and passenger comforts, including an available panoramic sunroof and standard smartphone connectivity. Mix it up with the rear rows' split-folding, lay-flat seats, and you can take the 2018-2021 Atlas cargo storage from 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row to a total of 96.8 cubic feet.

The 2018-2021 Volkswagen Atlas S base trim includes these standard features:

  • Rearview camera

  • Cruise control

  • 6.5-inch touchscreen

  • LED headlights

Find out more on our Volkswagen Atlas research page.

4. GMC Yukon

If you're seeking a versatile interior and easy-to-navigate upgrades, the GMC Yukon is an upscale option. For theme park visits as a family or festival trips with friends, the 2017-2020 Yukon seats eight passengers as standard. Choose a model with second-row captain's chairs if you prefer seven seats, or a front-row bench seat to accommodate nine. The 2017-2020 Yukon has two engine options and three trim levels (SLE, SLT, and Denali). The standard engine is a 5.3L V8, with a larger 6.2L V8 option delivering 422 hp.

The 2017-2020 SLE base trim offers luxurious features like parking sensors and smartphone connectivity. The range-topping Denali trim includes some sophisticated driver tech across 2017-2020 models, including adaptive suspension dampers and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The 2017-2020 GMC Yukon SLE includes these standard features:

  • Rearview camera

  • System navigation

  • Teen driver monitoring

  • Tri-zone automatic climate control

Explore more GMC Yukon research today.

3. Lexus GX 460

For off-road ability, a high-end interior, and flexible configurations, check out the Lexus GX 460. The 2017-2021 GX 460 is powered by a blistering 301-hp 4.6L V8 engine that delivers 4WD capability via a six-speed automatic transmission. Available in three all-luxury trim levels for 2017-2021, the GX 460 seats up to seven (optional second-row captain's chairs reduce capacity to six).

With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the 2017-2021 GX 460 offers good visibility and clearance on rugged trails, while its side-opening tailgate protects you from the elements as you unload equipment. Optional driver-assistance features for off-road enthusiasts include a crawl control feature (from 2017) and the Torsen® limited-slip center differential (from 2018).

Got lots of cargo to configure? The tailgate window flips up to accommodate longer items such as surfboards or building materials. From 2018, the GX 460's second- and third-row seats fold down flat to reveal a total of 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

Standard features of the 2017-2021 Lexus GX 460 base trim include:

  • NuLuxe® upholstery

  • Eight-inch touchscreen

  • Backup camera

  • Power moonroof

  • Nine-speaker sound system

Learn more! View all our Lexus GX 460 research.

2. Dodge Durango

The 2017-2021 Dodge Durango is a robust and athletic SUV with seating for up to seven passengers. Powered by Pentastar® V6 and Hemi® V8 engine options, the Durango has some impressive towing and cargo figures that make it a useful crossover for work and play. The 2017-2021 Durango has a 295-hp 3.6L V6 base engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. If you'd like to up the ante, shop for available V8 engine options on the 2017-2021 Durango's higher trims.

The 2017-2021 Durango with the V6 engine can tow an estimated 6,200 lbs., when properly equipped.

It has 17.2 cubic feet of fixed cargo storage and generous legroom throughout, with 33.5 inches in the third row.

Standard features of the seven-seat 2017-2021 Dodge Durango SXT include:

  • All-speed traction control

  • 18-inch alloy wheels

  • Uconnect® infotainment system

  • Bluetooth connectivity

  • Keyless ignition and entry

Continue your Dodge Durango research here.

1. Chevrolet Tahoe

Taking the top spot on our list is the luxuriously appointed 2017-2020 Chevrolet Tahoe, a full-size crossover with seating for seven, eight, or nine passengers (trim dependent). Standard 2017-2020 models are powered by a 355-hp 5.3L V8 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. A larger 422-hp 6.2L V8 engine is available for the 2018 model year onward; it's unlocked through one of the Premier trim's option packages.

Staying connected matters, especially when your family is on the move. The 2017-2020 Tahoe base trim has lots of connectivity and charging options, including smartphone syncing and 11 charging points throughout the vehicle (a mix of USB, 110v, and auxiliary 12v outlets). If you're planning to hook up a trailer, the Chevrolet Tahoe can handle that too. 2017-2020 2WD models powered by the 5.3L engine have an estimated towing capacity of 8,400 lbs., when properly equipped.

The 2017-2020 Chevrolet Tahoe LS base trim includes these standard features:

  • Premium cloth seats

  • Teen driver monitoring system

  • Remote keyless entry

  • Active aero shutters

  • Tri-zone automatic climate control

Read more Chevrolet Tahoe research to help you decide.

If you're shopping for a stylish vehicle with deluxe features, a luxury three-row SUV delivers. With luxury as standard, these three-row SUVs are sure to please your passengers and satisfy your own driving ambitions.

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