For families who need extra space without overspending, the mid-size three-row SUV segment remains one of the most competitive, and 2025 brings more value-packed options than ever. These vehicles offer the ideal blend of passenger room, cargo capacity, and modern tech, all while keeping prices within reach for budget-conscious buyers.
From school runs to road trips, today’s best picks combine efficient powertrains with impressive safety ratings, advanced driver-assistance systems, and infotainment features that keep everyone entertained. Many also boast refined interiors and upscale touches once reserved for luxury brands, proving you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for affordability.
Whether you’re prioritizing fuel economy, towing ability, or all-weather capability, these 2025 models deliver strong all-around performance without straining your wallet. In a market where full-size SUVs can quickly climb in cost, these mid-size three-row standouts strike the perfect balance of practicality, comfort, and long-term value.
to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA. Models are ranked based on their starting MSRP, from most affordable to least affordable.
102026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Starting MSRP: $34,800
The Santa Fe is now in its third year since its drastic redesign. Hyundai managed to make their value-oriented mid-size SUV look, and in some cases feel, like an entry-level luxury car. With fantastic styling inside and out, plenty of room on the inside, andan incredibly affordable price tag, it really is hard to argue against.
277 HP
231 HP
311 LB-FT
271 LB-FT
FWD or AWD
0-60 MPH
135 MPH
119 MPH
The Santa Fe comes in either gas-only or hybrid form. If efficiency is your biggest concern, the hybrid will serve you well. However, if power is what you’re after, the bigger, heftier engine in the gas-only model is the way to go. Hyundai’s affordable three-row SUV may not be the most agile, but it is incredibly comfortable and does a good job of keeping road noise out of the cabin.
92025 Kia Telluride
Starting MSRP: $36,390
Kia’s flagship three-row SUV is one of our favorite cars on the road right now. When looking at the Telluride, it’s really hard to find any glaring faults. It has an agreeable starting price, comes loaded with tons of standard equipment, and deliversa ton of space in all three rows.
291 HP
262 LB-FT
Top Speed
The Telluride is a pretty impressive jack-of-all-trades. Every model comes with a stout V-6 that delivers more power than most will realistically need. Steering is well weighted, and the crossover handles corners with confidence. The only thing we will say against the Kia is that its ride can be a little firm.
82025 Hyundai Palisade
Starting MSRP: $37,200
The Palisade first debuted back in 2020, sharing much of its core DNA with the excellent Kia Telluride. The three-row crossover is just as successful as its corporate cousin, with a muchmore refined interior than most options in its class. We also applaud how well equipped it comes from the word go. It may be worth waiting for the next generation Palisade, though, which is just around the corner.
131 MPH
The Palisade features the same V-6 engine under its hood as you would find in the Telluride. This means it delivers the same impressive amounts of power. It is just as capable as well, able to tow up to 5,000 pounds. When equipped properly, it can also be a pretty competent off-road machine.
72025 Mazda CX-90
Starting MSRP: $38,045
Slowly but surely, it seems that Mazda is making a play to move slightly upmarket. The CX-90 is the perfect example of this. While it comes with a pretty affordable starting price, it is easily one of the most luxurious options in the segment. The only tradeoff is that the third row isn’t massive.
280 HP
340 HP
323 HP
332 LB-FT
369 LB-FT
130 MPH
118 MPH
Gas-powered CX-90s come equipped with asilky-smooth inline-six, something we’re not used to seeing outside of the likes of BMW and Land Rover. Opt forthe plug-in hybrid modeland you get a turbocharged inline-four instead. The gas models are the way to go if you’re looking for the athleticism that Mazda is known for, though.
62025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Starting MSRP: $39,035
Sitting between the two-row Grand Cherokee and the massive Wagoneer is the Grand Cherokee L. Just like Mazda, Jeep has made a play to be an entry-level luxury brand, at least with models like this. The interior is plush and loaded with features, andthere is tons of space, though if you climb the trim ladder too far things can get quite expensive.
293 HP
257 LB-FT
RWD or 4WD
117 MPH
Every three-row Grand Cherokee L comes equipped with Jeep’s classic V-6 engine under the hood. While it may not be the quickest option in its segment, a sturdy chassis and available four-wheel drive mean it is particularly capable. It is also strong enough to pull up to 6,200 pounds.
52025 Honda Pilot
Starting MSRP: $40,200
While it might not be the flashiest option out there, the Honda Pilot checks all the most important boxes and more. It is spacious on the inside and comes packed withtons of value in the form of standard features. If you’re the kind of family that likes to travel off the beaten path, TrailSport models also have you covered.
285 HP
112 MPH
The V-6 under the hood of every Pilot makes it plenty peppy, and its ten-speed automatic shifts so smoothly you’ll barely notice it. Honda’s three-row SUV handles well, and its ride quality certainly sits near the top of the segment. While the TrailSport won’t be able to follow Wranglers and 4Runners through Moab, it can definitely go further off the beaten path than most crossovers.
42026 Chevrolet Traverse
Starting MSRP: $40,800
If you need Tahoe levels of interior space but don’t have a garage big enough for one, the Traverse is your next best bet. Its cavernous interior means that the whole family will be more than comfortable on long road trips, and you should have a ton of space in the cargo area for luggage too. It is also one of thesafest crossovers on the road.
328 HP
326 LB-FT
125 MPH
Somewhat surprising is the fact that this American SUV comes with an inline-four engine under the hood as the only option. The powertrain is an overachiever, though, and manages to move the large crossover around with ease. If you’re looking for off-road capability, the ZR1 trims comes packed with rugged equipment.
32025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Starting MSRP: $40,860
While we have always liked the value offered in the regular Highlander, we’ve always felt like it was a bit small for its segment. The Grand Highlander fixes that with an extended wheelbase. It features the same long list of standard features andfamily-focused layout, just with a more spacious third row.
265 HP
245 HP
362 HP
310 LB-FT
175 LB-FT
400 LB-FT
113 MPH
117
The non-hybrid Grand Highlander comes equipped with a pretty potent turbocharged inline-four that delivers reasonable amounts of pep. If you have the budget, though, we’d upgrade to the hybrid. Base hybrid models are much more efficient and don’t sacrafice all that much real-world acceleration. Hybrid Max models deliver better performance at the cost of some efficiency.
22026 Kia EV9
Starting MSRP: $54,900
Kia is constantly expanding on their EV lineup, with the EV9 being a large part of their electric identity. Much like the brand’s gasoline-powered Telluride,it is hard to find fault here. With tons of modern tech and high-end feautres, the EV9 is a bargain, especially considering it qualifies for the $7,500 tax credit until September.
215 HP
379 HP
258 LB-FT
443 LB-FT
516 LB-FT
280 Miles
270 Miles
The base Light model is rear-wheel drive and comes with either a 76.1 kWh battery or a 99.8 kWh battery. Every other model features a dual-motor setup and the larger of the two battery packs. Kia says you may add up to 100 miles of range by charging for 13 minutes. A performance-oriented EV9 GT model is on the horizon as well.
12026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
Starting MSRP: $58,955
Just like Kia, Hyundai has put a big emphasis on their electric lineup as we zip forward into the future. The Ioniq 9 is theflashiest and most luxurious modelin their lineup, despite coming with a fairly reasonable price tag for an EV of this size. If you take delivery before September, you can also qualify for the $7,500 tax credit.
303 HP
442 HP
446 LB-FT
320 Miles
311 Miles
Every Ioniq 9 comes with a pretty impressive 110.3 kWh battery pack, which means it delivers more range across the board than the Kia EV9. The brand claim that you can charge from ten percent to 80 percent in as little as 24 minutes. Performance models are particularly impressive, capable of a 4.4 second zero to 60 run.
