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Misty Jain

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  • Published: May 16 2025 05:57 PM
  • Last Updated: May 24 2025 10:30 AM

Check out the best 3-row SUVs of 2025 – Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota Grand Highlander with space, style & power for your family rides!


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When your family’s outgrowing the back seat or those road trips start feeling cramped, maybe it’s time to think about moving up to a three-row SUV. The good news? 2025 has some really solid choices that aren’t just about fitting more people—they’re comfy, packed with smart features, and just make family life smoother.

2025 Kia Telluride: The All-Rounder Everyone Loves

Kia’s Telluride keeps shining in 2025, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. It checks off almost everything a family needs: seats up to eight people, easy tech that just works, and a smooth ride—all without costing an arm and a leg.

It might not be the flashiest or the most fuel-efficient SUV out there, but it nails the balance of space, comfort, and a bit of luxury that feels way more expensive than it is. Plus, Kia’s reputation for reliability gives you peace of mind if you’re thinking long term.

Why so many families swear by it:

  • Huge interior space that fits everyone comfortably

  • Simple, user-friendly infotainment system

  • Great value without feeling cheap

2025 Hyundai Palisade: A Touch of Luxury for Everyday Drives

Built on the same platform as the Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade goes a bit further into style and comfort. Its interior feels upscale, and the outside design looks sharper—like something from a pricier class.

Inside, the seats are cozy, the tech feels modern, and the ride is smooth and quiet. Hyundai also offers a strong warranty, which is a nice bonus for families wanting some extra security.

What stands out about the Palisade:

  • Stylish and polished both inside and out

  • Comfortable seating in all three rows

  • Loaded with smart features even in base models

2025 Hyundai Palisade: A Touch of Luxury for Everyday Drives

Built on the same platform as the Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade goes a bit further into style and comfort. Its interior feels upscale, and the outside design looks sharper—like something from a pricier class.

Inside, the seats are cozy, the tech feels modern, and the ride is smooth and quiet. Hyundai also offers a strong warranty, which is a nice bonus for families wanting some extra security.

What stands out about the Palisade:

  • Stylish and polished both inside and out

  • Comfortable seating in all three rows

  • Loaded with smart features even in base models

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander: Space and Flexibility for Bigger Needs

If you’re one of those families that always needs every seat filled or carries a ton of gear, the Toyota Grand Highlander could be just what you need. Think of it as a bigger version of the regular Highlander, with more room in the third row and plenty of cargo space.

It’s also the most flexible when it comes to engines — you get gas, hybrid, and even a powerful Hybrid MAX version with over 360 horsepower. So whether you want to save on gas or want a bit more power, Toyota has you covered.

Here’s why it shines:

  • Real, roomy third-row space adults won’t hate

  • Massive cargo space for all your stuff

  • Multiple hybrid options for better fuel efficiency

For families that constantly fill all three rows—or haul a lot of gear—the Toyota Grand Highlander is a welcome solution. You can consider it as a larger version of the regular Highlander, offering more room for passengers in the third row and plenty of additional storage capacity.

It’s also the most flexible of the bunch in terms of powertrains, offering gas and hybrid options—including a turbocharged Hybrid MAX variant with over 360 horsepower. So whether you want better fuel economy or a bit of extra punch, Toyota has you covered.

Where It Shines:

  • Legit third-row space for adults or teens

  • Massive cargo area for all your stuff

  • Multiple hybrid options for better efficiency

Best 3 Row SUVs 2025 Quick Specs and Side by Side Comparison

Specification

2025 Kia Telluride

2025 Hyundai Palisade

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

Seating Capacity

7–8

7–8

7–8

Engine

3.8L V6 (291 HP)

3.8L V6 (291 HP)

2.4L Turbo I4 (265 HP) / Hybrid Options (245–362 HP)

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

8-Speed Automatic

8-Speed Auto / CVT / 6-Speed (Hybrid MAX)

Drivetrain

FWD / AWD

FWD / AWD

FWD / AWD

Fuel Economy (Combined EPA)

20–22 MPG (Gas)

21 MPG (Gas)

22–24 MPG (Gas), 36–37 MPG (Hybrid), 26–27 MPG (Hybrid MAX)

Cargo Space (3rd Row Up)

21 cu ft

18 cu ft

20.6 cu ft

Max Cargo Space

87 cu ft

86.4 cu ft

97.5 cu ft

Key Highlights

Roomy cabin, family-focused features

Classy interior, loaded tech, comfy ride

Spacious 3rd row, hybrid choices, high utility

Starting MSRP (Approx.)

$36,390

$37,200

$43,630 (Gas), $44,210 (Hybrid)

 A Few Quick Notes:

  • Specs can shift slightly depending on trim and package.

  • EPA mileage numbers are estimates—real-world results may vary.

  • Prices exclude taxes, destination charges, and dealer fees.

Conclusion

Choosing the right three-row SUV isn’t just about size—it’s about how well a vehicle fits into your daily life. Need a dependable all-rounder that doesn’t break the bank? Go with the Kia Telluride. Want a bit more luxury for your everyday drives? Check out the Hyundai Palisade. Or if space is non-negotiable and you need those third-row seats all the time, the Toyota Grand Highlander is tough to beat.

No matter your pick, 2025 offers some truly family-ready options worth your time—and your driveway.

FAQ

The Kia Telluride offers a spacious cabin with seating for up to eight, easy-to-use technology, a smooth ride, and excellent value. Its reputation for reliability makes it a dependable family SUV.

While both share a platform, the Hyundai Palisade focuses more on upscale design and comfort. It has a stylish interior and exterior, plush seating, and advanced tech features, making it feel more luxurious.

The Grand Highlander provides more third-row legroom and greater cargo space compared to the regular Highlander. It also offers multiple powertrain options, including hybrids, to suit different driving needs.

All three models — Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota Grand Highlander — offer seating for 7 to 8 passengers, accommodating larger families comfortably.

The Toyota Grand Highlander’s hybrid models lead in fuel economy, offering up to 36-37 MPG combined, while the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade have gas-only options with slightly lower mileage.

Cargo space behind the third row varies slightly: Kia Telluride offers 21 cubic feet, Hyundai Palisade 18 cubic feet, and Toyota Grand Highlander about 20.6 cubic feet.

The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade come with a 3.8L V6 engine producing 291 HP. The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more variety, including a 2.4L turbocharged engine and hybrid powertrains ranging up to 362 HP.

Yes, the 2025 Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota Grand Highlander all offer both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.

Starting prices are roughly $36,390 for the Kia Telluride, $37,200 for the Hyundai Palisade, and $43,630 for the Toyota Grand Highlander, with hybrids costing slightly more.

The Hyundai Palisade stands out for its advanced technology, comfortable seating across all rows, and an exceptionally smooth ride, making it perfect for buyers wanting luxury and convenience.

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