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Families often love three-row SUVs. They’re versatile enough for even larger families with plenty of seating and cargo space. Yet not all three-row SUVs are the same. While one may have a spacious third row, another may have little more than a cursory bench crammed into the back of a cramped cabin. So how are you supposed to know which SUVs have the best third-row and which you should avoid? J.D. Power surveyed owners of the following vehicles and found that three SUVs have a great third row while three don’t.

A white 2022 Kia Telluride against a white background.
2022 Kia Telluride | Kia

1. The 2022 Kia Telluride is the No. 1 SUV with a great third-row

The 2022 Kia Telluride is ranked number one on J.D. Power’s list of the Best Midsize SUVs of 2022. The Kia Telluride has a great third-row, perfect for families. Current owners of the Kia Telluride say that one of the highlights of their SUV is the ease of getting in and out of the rear seat. The 2022 Kia Telluride price starts at $36,345. It has a 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes 291 hp and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

2. The 2022 Chevy Traverse has a spacious third row

The 2022 Chevy Traverse is second on J.D. Power’s list. It’s one of the SUVs with the most spacious third rows. Similar to the 2022 Kia Telluride, current owners of the Traverse love how easy it is to get in and out of the third row. The Chevy Traverse comes with a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Its price starts at $29,800.

3. The 2022 Hyundai Palisade is one of the best three-row SUVs

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade also has an incredibly spacious third-row. It’s one of the best parts of this family-friendly SUV. The 2022 Hyundai Palisade price starts at $36,295 and it comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes 291-hp and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

1. The 2022 Toyota Highlander has a super small 3rd row

The 2022 Toyota Highlander is tied for #2 on J.D. Power’s Best Midsize SUVs of 2022, yet its third row leaves something to be desired. While there’s a lot to love about the Highlander – it has great safety scores and updated technology – that tight third row may be enough to make you say no thanks. The 2022 Toyota Highlander price starts at $35,855.

2. The 2022 Kia Sorento has a tight third row

The 2022 Kia Sorento is ranked #4 on the J.D. Power list of the Best Midsize SUVs of 2022, but it still has a small third row. The “ease of getting in/out of third row seats” is one of the top things that current owners dislike. The Kia Sorento price starts at $29,590.

3. The 2022 GMC Acadia isn’t roomy in back

The 2022 GMC Acadia is the third SUV on the list of the Best Midsize SUVs of 2022 that also happens to have a rather small third row. While the Acadia is a pretty good SUV in general, its small rear seat doesn’t leave much room for kids.

If you need the rear seat space offered in a three-row SUV, you’ll want to pay attention to more than just whether your SUV has three rows. This list is a great starting point for narrowing down the SUVs that offer you the most room, but you’ll also want to test drive any vehicle you’re considering and perhaps have your kids get in and out of it to see just how easy it is. After all, you’ll be living with it for a while.

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