Family-Friendly Adventure Awaits: The Best Three-Row SUVs for Your Trip

Embarking on a road trip with the family is an adventure like no other. The thrill of exploring new places, creating lasting memories, and sharing laughs along the way is something that every family cherishes. To make sure your road trip is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, choosing the right three-row SUV is crucial. 

In this article, we will explore the best three-row SUVs that offer the perfect combination of space, comfort, and safety for your next family adventure. Whether you have a small family or a large one, these SUVs are designed to accommodate everyone and everything you need to bring along. 

From the luxurious interiors of the Toyota Highlander to the versatility of the Honda Pilot, we have handpicked the top SUV models that cater to the needs of families. We will delve into their standout features, seating capacity, cargo space, and advanced safety technologies that provide peace of mind on the road.

So, gather your loved ones, pack your bags, and get ready for the ultimate family-friendly adventure. With the right three-row SUV, the open road is yours to explore and enjoy together.

Considering a more spacious option for your family? Delve into a guide for buying a van to compare the advantages of vans and SUVs for your next family adventure.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Three-Row SUV

When it comes to choosing a three-row SUV for your family road trip, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you'll want to think about the seating capacity. How many people do you need to accommodate? Do you have young children who require car seats? Ensuring that there is enough room for everyone is essential for a comfortable journey.

Another important factor to consider is cargo space. Road trips often involve packing a lot of luggage, camping gear, and other essentials. Having ample cargo space will allow you to bring everything you need without feeling cramped or sacrificing passenger comfort.

Additionally, advanced safety features are crucial for a family-friendly SUV. Look for features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind while on the road.

If you're new to the SUV market, understanding what is an SUV can help you make an informed decision, ensuring you select a vehicle that meets all your road-tripping needs.

Top Three-Row SUVs for Family Road Trips

Now that we've discussed the factors to consider, let's dive into the top three-row SUVs that are perfect for family road trips. These SUVs offer a spacious interior, comfortable seating, and a host of family-friendly features that will make your journey a breeze.

Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is a versatile and reliable three-row SUV that is ideal for family road trips. With seating for up to seven passengers, everyone can ride in comfort. The interior is thoughtfully designed, with soft-touch materials and ample legroom in all three rows. The second-row seats even slide and recline for added comfort.

In terms of cargo space, the Sorento offers a respectable 11.3 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 73 cubic feet with all seats folded down. This allows you to bring along all your camping gear, luggage, and anything else you may need for your adventure.

Pros

- Spacious and comfortable interior

- User-friendly infotainment system

- Excellent fuel economy for its class

Cons

- Limited cargo space compared to some rivals

- The base engine may feel underpowered

Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade is a standout three-row SUV that combines luxury, comfort, and practicality. With seating for up to eight passengers, the Palisade is perfect for larger families or those who frequently travel with friends. The interior is well-appointed, with high-quality materials and an abundance of features to keep everyone entertained.

When it comes to cargo space, the Palisade shines with 18 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 86.4 cubic feet with both rows folded down. This generous cargo capacity means you won't have to leave anything behind on your family road trip.

Pros

- Upscale interior with premium materials

- Smooth and quiet ride

- Impressive cargo space

Cons

- Some rivals offer more powerful engine options

- The infotainment system can be slow to respond at times

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a reliable and spacious three-row SUV that has long been a favorite among families. With seating for up to eight passengers, the Pilot offers ample room for everyone to stretch out and relax. The seats are comfortable, and the cabin is well-insulated, providing a quiet and comfortable ride.

Cargo space is also plentiful in the Pilot, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet with both rows folded down. This means you can bring along all your gear, whether it's for a camping trip or a visit to the beach.

Pros

- Smooth and composed ride

- Comfortable and spacious interior

- Honda Sensing suite of safety features comes standard

Cons

- Some rivals offer more modern infotainment systems

- The third-row seats may feel cramped for taller passengers

Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is a versatile and family-friendly three-row SUV that offers a comfortable and quiet ride. With seating for up to eight passengers, there's plenty of room for the whole family. The interior is well-designed, with soft-touch materials and an intuitive infotainment system.

Cargo space is a standout feature of the Traverse, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet with both rows folded down. This impressive cargo capacity means you won't have to leave anything behind on your family road trip.

Pros

- Spacious and comfortable interior

- Generous cargo capacity

- Smooth and quiet ride

Cons

- Some rivals offer more powerful engine options

- Fuel economy may be lower than some competitors

Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a reliable and family-friendly three-row SUV that offers a comfortable and quiet ride. With seating for up to eight passengers, there's plenty of room for the whole family. The interior is well-designed, with high-quality materials and an intuitive infotainment system.

Cargo space is also plentiful in the Highlander, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded down. This means you can bring along all your gear, whether it's for a camping trip or a visit to the beach.

Pros

- Comfortable and quiet ride

- User-friendly infotainment system

- Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assist features comes standard

Cons

- Some rivals offer more powerful engine options

- The third-row seats may feel cramped for taller passengers

Anticipating the release of new models can be exciting; get a sneak peek at the 2024 Nissan Murano to see how it compares with our top family-friendly vehicle picks.

Safety Features to Look for in a Family-Friendly SUV

When it comes to family road trips, safety is paramount. That's why it's important to choose a three-row SUV that is equipped with advanced safety features. Here are some key safety features to look for in a family-friendly SUV:

1. Lane Departure Warning

This feature alerts you if you unintentionally drift out of your lane, helping to prevent accidents caused by drowsiness or distraction.

2. Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.

3. Blind-Spot Monitoring

This feature alerts you if there is a vehicle in your blind spot, helping to prevent accidents when changing lanes.

4. Automatic Emergency Braking

 Automatic emergency braking detects potential collisions and applies the brakes if the driver fails to respond, reducing the severity of the impact or even preventing it altogether.

By choosing a three-row SUV that is equipped with these advanced safety features, you can enjoy your family road trip with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected.

Beyond the latest models, understanding the essential features that make for family-friendly vehicles for vacations can ensure your chosen SUV offers the best in safety and comfort.

Conclusion: Making Memories with The Best Three-Row SUV for Your Family Road Trip

Choosing the right three-row SUV for your family road trip is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey. The Kia Sorento, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and Toyota Highlander are all excellent options that offer spacious interiors, ample cargo space, and advanced safety features.

For those considering pre-owned options, exploring used SUVs for sale in Maryland can offer great value and selection for your family's adventure needs.

Before making your decision, consider factors such as seating capacity, cargo space, and safety features. By taking these factors into account, you can find the perfect three-row SUV that will accompany you and your family on countless adventures, making memories that will last a lifetime. So, gather your loved ones, pack your bags, and get ready for the ultimate family-friendly adventure. With the right three-row SUV, the open road is yours to explore and enjoy together.

For those on a tighter budget but still dreaming of the perfect family getaway, exploring the best budget Toyota SUVs offers a gateway to adventure without breaking the bank.