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Misty Jain

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  • Published: May 16 2025 05:57 PM
  • Last Updated: May 16 2025 06:17 PM

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 starts to outgrow the back seat—or when road trips start to feel a bit cramped—it might be time to upgrade to a three-row SUV. Thankfully, 2025 brings some excellent options to the table. These vehicles are more than just people movers; they’re modern, comfortable, and packed with features to make family life easier.

Here’s a closer look at three of the best 3-row SUVs you’ll find on American roads this year.

2025 Kia Telluride 

Kia’s Telluride continues to lead the pack in 2025—and it’s not by accident. It checks nearly every box a family might have: space for up to eight, intuitive tech, a smooth ride, and a price tag that doesn’t hurt.

While it may not win awards for fuel efficiency or flashiest design, the Telluride is a masterclass in balance. It offers plenty of space, great comfort, and a level of luxury that seems above its price point. And when it comes to long-term peace of mind, Kia’s solid track record for reliability seals the deal.

✨ Why Families Love It:

  • Cavernous interior with room for everyone

  • Easy-to-use infotainment and controls

  • Great value without feeling “budget”

2025 Hyundai Palisade

Built on the same platform as the Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade takes a slightly different approach—it leans into refinement. From its upscale interior to the sleek exterior design, this SUV looks and feels like it belongs in a higher price bracket.

Inside, the Palisade is all about comfort. The seats feel very comfortable, the technology is up-to-date, and the drive is extremely smooth. Hyundai also throws in a generous warranty, which gives buyers even more reason to consider this stylish family hauler.

✨ Standout Traits:

  • Upscale design, inside and out

  • Comfortable seating in all three rows

  • Loaded with smart features, even on base trims

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

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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