The three-row SUV has supplanted the minivan as the family vehicle of choice. Regardless of your feelings towards the declining minivan (I, for one, love them!), most automakers are giving the people what they want: seven seats housed within an SUV. They tend to be sportier, provide a livelier drive experience, and exude a level of style that the humble minivan can’t match. Here, we look at five three-row SUVs to consider as your next family hauler—all of which start below $45,000. All in no particular order:
Ford Explorer
Why we like it:
- Rotary gear shift that provides more space
- Comfortable seating for everyone
- Aggressive design
Don’t sleep on the Ford Explorer. While it’s the elder statesman on this list, and easily overlooked with the number of new models hitting the market, the Explorer continues to be a rock solid SUV.
Up front, the Explorer has a super clean design. The rotary gear shift dial creates a wealth of room in the centre console, while the infotainment setup minimizes button overload. Opt for the twin-panel moonroof to really feel the cabin open up.
Seating is wide and comfortably firm across the board, which is great for longer hauls with the family. And, of course, the distinctive Ford look gives it an aggressive, truck-like appearance to help you command the highway trek.
VW Atlas
Why we like it:
- Smart entry to the third row
- Smooth eight-speed transmission with Tiptronic
- Available 4MOTION AWD
When Volkswagen released the Atlas, it gave the automaker the first true family vehicle it could boast about in decades. (While I am a fan of minivans, the Routon was not a vehicle that elicited much excitement.)
Designing three rows can be challenging, but VW got it right with the Atlas. There’s enough room on the way back for the kids to be comfortable. Thanks to VW’s clever design, adults and baby seats fit incredibly well in the second row, the latter of which does not need to be removed to access the third row.
VW’s 4Motion is always a great addition, giving you more peace of mind that you can easily handle various road and weather conditions. From the outside, the Atlas mixes sleek with stoic. The front end is striking and attractive, while, from the side, its distinct lines give it a strong, silent stance.
Subaru Ascent
Why we like it:
- Rugged design and drive quality
- Good value for the entry-level model
- Standard Symmetrical Full-Time AWD
The Subaru Ascent is a relatively recent entrant in the three-row SUV class. Staying true to all things Subaru, the Ascent balances space for the entire family with the driving capability to help you conquer the great outdoors.
Of course, Subaru’s Symmetrical Full-Time AWD system comes standard, and there’s enough ground clearance that you won’t second-guess taking the unbeaten path to the secluded campsite. Roof rails, tie-downs, and cargo hooks are also standard, giving you greater cargo flexibility.
The lower-end trims offer enough more than enough—infotainment that connects to your smartphone, Subaru’s Eyesight, and all the aforementioned standards. This is one of the non-Hyundai or Kia vehicles that doesn’t need too much extra to meet your wants and needs, which is quite refreshing.
Kia Telluride
Why we like it:
- Choose from seven or eight seats
- Rectangular LED headlights
- A suite of safety tech comes standard
Whether you choose the seven- or eight-seat model, the Kia Telluride is chock full of features to handle every inch of family life.
It doesn’t hurt that it’s a looker, as well. The Telluride has a Range Rover-esque design, and one could easily argue the Telluride beats the Range in terms of appearance. The rectangular LED headlights are, in a word, sexy.
Inside, the cabin is serene and calming. From the controls to the seats, everything in the Telluride is perfectly placed and spaced. Find USB ports near each seat and even a 110-volt household outlet.
Mazda CX-9
Why we like it:
- Gorgeous exterior design
- Sporty drive experience
- Clean interior layout
The Mazda CX-9 is arguably the most gorgeous model on this list. While all have distinct, attractive designs, the CX-9’s curves and long front end make it an absolute standout.
The driving experience matches its look. Sporty meets slick, it handles incredibly well thanks to Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus and feels much smaller than it actually is.
Mazda keeps the front seats clean and clear of clutter. The screen perched on top of the dashboard provides all the info you need, while a small stack of buttons below handles all your HVAC needs. It’s simple and perfectly uses empty spaces to its advantage.
