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We ranked the best mid-size SUVs of 2022 with 3 rows of seating based off of their interiors, powertrains, technology, and options. Which one is number one?
Ranking the Best 3-Row Mid-Size SUVs of 2022
The mid-size SUV is a growing body style found from nearly every major manufacturer, but the ones we’re looking at all feature three rows of seating. These 3-row mid-size SUVs have become a nice marrying of everything we like in smaller SUVs and full-size SUVs. You can find affordability, advanced tech, and great fuel efficiency in the same SUV that features additional seating and luxury amenities. We took a look at all the available 2022 mid-size SUVs with three rows of seating and ranked them according to how well they scored with our writers. Here’s what we found!
10. 2022 Chevrolet Traverse
The Breakdown
A brawnier and more athletic front end
Third row is actually adult-friendly
Standard Chevy Safety Assist
Wi-Fi hotspot and six USB ports
Potential missing features due to shortages
A viable minivan alternative in Chevy’s lineup
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.3/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$34,895 - $52,395
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
18 City / 27 Hwy (MPG)
The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse got its needed refresh and makes it worthy of your consideration in this SUV segment. The exterior looks better, the interior has more options, and the tech has improved. Passengers can enjoy wireless phone mirroring, tri-zone automatic climate controls, and available perforated leather seat upholstery. Cargo space expands to up to 98 cu-ft of space. An eight-inch infotainment screen is standard fare along with the Chevy Safety Assist suite of advanced safety features. Under the hood is a 3.6L V6 engine putting out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. That’s paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels or all four as an added option. The Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
9. 2022 Subaru Ascent
The Breakdown
Classy interior
Great AWD system
Full of safety tech
Third row is cramped
Noisy interior
Just one powertrain
Could use more refinement
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.4/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$33,470 - $46,570
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
21 City / 27 Hwy (MPG)
Subaru hits the 3-row mid-size SUV category with their 2022 Subaru Ascent. Powering this SUV is a horizontally opposed 2.4L four-cylinder that makes 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Paired to that engine is a CVT and standard AWD. The Ascent can be outfitted to tow up to 5,000 pounds and is more than capable of wandering into some rough terrain. Inside feels like a larger version of the Forester, and that’s a good thing. It’s well laid out, comfortable, and can expand to 86.5 cu-ft of cargo room. The infotainment system in the Ascent starts at six and a half inches and grows to a full eight inches on higher trims. That’s a little small in today’s market, but the software is quick and responsive for users. Subaru adds their EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard fare to the Ascent, providing the SUV with a great list of advanced assistance and safety features.
8. 2022 GMC Acadia
The Breakdown
Long list of standard driver aids
Potent optional V6 engine
High-end finishes on Denali
Supply chain issues crimp feature availability
Third row is on the tiny side
Best amenities reserved for Denali
A solid middle of the road mid-size SUV
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.5/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$35,995 - $47,795
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
22 City / 29 Hwy (MPG)
The 2022 GMC Acadia remains virtually the same over last year, only dropping the naturally aspirated four-cylinder and making the GMC Pro Safety Plus suite of advanced driver aides standard. Under the hood is either a 2.0L turbocharged I4 or a 3.6L V6 both paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The best towing comes with the V6 engine at 4,000 pounds, while the best fuel economy is found in the I4. Inside is great with the Denali trim that features leather upholstery, luxurious interior trim, and all the best features. Otherwise, it’s pretty basic compared to the competition. Cargo room can reach up to 79 cu-ft of space and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen is the only option.
7. 2022 Dodge Durango
The Breakdown
Huge SRT 392 motor and adaptive suspension
8,700-lb towing capacity
19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system
Limited list of driver aids
No hands-free liftgate option
HEMI has abysmal fuel economy
In a sea of 4-cyl SUVs, the Durango stands tall
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.6/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$38,590 - $70,185
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
19 City / 26 Hwy (MPG)
Dodge loves horsepower and the 2022 Dodge Durango is sure to prove that. Under the hood is the choice of a 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8, or the SRT 392’s 6.4L HEMI V8 that pumps out 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Paired to every engine choice is an eight-speed automatic that sends power to either the rear wheels or all four optionally. Either V8 option will allow the Durango to tow up to 8,700 pounds while the V6 reaches the best fuel economy. The interior of the Durango offers a sporty design with upholstery that ranges from cloth to Nappa leather. Flipping all the seats down opens up the SUV to 85.1 cu-ft of cargo room. On the tech front, an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system is standard with a ten-inch system available on higher trims. Standard advanced safety features are limited to just blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert at the base trim. Additional features are found only on the higher trim levels.
6. 2022 Ford Explorer
The Breakdown
400hp ST models offered only in RWD
Active Park Assist 2.0 parallel parks for you
Massaging seats improve road trips
Timberline comes with real off-road gear
Fully loaded models can top $60K
No sign of slowing down after 30 years
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.8/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$34,540 - $55,410
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
27 City / 28 Hwy (MPG)
Ford brought on a new generation of the Explorer for 2020, and for 2022 they made its top trims carry more creature comforts. The 2022 Ford Explorer still provides the 2.3L EcoBoost I4, 3.0L EcoBoost V6, and 3.3L hybridized V6 as engine options. Paired to those engines is a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear or to all four wheels optionally. Towing capacity tops out at 5,600 pounds. The hybrid option is one of the best in this group at 27 mpg combined. Inside, Ford provides an 8-inch or a vertical 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with phone integration software built in and standard Wi-Fi hotspot. The interior design itself is functional, well laid out, and can be packed with great features like massaging and ventilated seats. Ford also does well to include a host of standard advanced safety features from their Co-Pilot 360 suite.
5. 2022 Honda Pilot
The Breakdown
Panoramic roof offers plenty of light
Folded rear seats adds 100 cu-ft of volume
V6 motor offers plenty of get-up-and-go
Rear entertainment screen folds into the ceiling
Second row center console cannot be moved
Keep your eyes out for the incoming design
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.9/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$40,285 - $51,845
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
20 City / 27 Hwy (MPG)
The Honda Pilot was improved in 2021 with a 9-speed automatic transmission being made available across the board along with other minor enhancements. For 2022, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment unit is standard across the board, even on the new base EX-L trim level. Under the hood of the Pilot is a single engine option in the form of a 3.5L V6 that makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. FWD is standard with AWD available. Going with the FWD Pilot allows for good fuel economy, while the AWD version opens up towing with a 5,000-pound capacity. The Pilot’s interior offers a numerous cubbies and compartments for storage, accommodating passenger space, quality materials, and provides an overall enjoyable space to ride in. Honda rounds out the Pilot nicely with standard advanced safety tech like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.
4. 2022 Mazda CX-9
The Breakdown
Standard 10.3-inch infotainment screen
Genuine wood trim inlays are a nice touch
Styling that could be mistaken for a luxury brand
Needs an optional, more potent engine
Tight cargo space versus the competition
No panoramic sunroof available
CX-9 trades in elegance and style
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$36,505 - $48,435
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
22 City / 29 Hwy (MPG)
Mazda offers one of the more luxurious examples in the 3-row mid-size SUV segment with their 2022 Mazda CX-9. On the powertrain front, i-Active AWD is standard across the lineup powered by one of a 2.5L I4 engine producing 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93 octane fuel. Otherwise, drivers can expect 227 and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular. Towing is limited to a 3,500-pound maximum, but the CX-9 counteracts that by providing great handling creating an engaging driver. The interior of the CX-9 looks great, features quality materials, and offers some great luxury amenities. The third row is a little small and that space affects the max cargo space as well at a maximum of just 71.2 cu-ft. Mazda sweetens the deal by tossing in a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and the i-Activsense suite of advanced safety features and driver-assistance aides.
3. 2022 Kia Telluride
The Breakdown
Plenty of tech offered in all trim levels
Standard active safety and driver assistance systems
A host of luxury trappings with the SX model
Ventilated second row seats
Wi-Fi is notably absent
Value, looks, and luxury all in one SUV
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.4/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$34,015 - $43,915
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
20 City / 26 Hwy (MPG)
The Kia Telluride has only been on the scene for a short time, but the 3-row mid-size SUV has made its mark. A 3.8L V6 engine is the only option available, making 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with FWD, but AWD is available. Going with AWD provides a max towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The interior and available technology is where Kia really excels. Jumping inside you’ll find a well-designed interior that looks and feels like it costs more than it actually does. The Telluride also hosts one of the largest spaces to haul cargo at a max 87 cu-ft with the seats down. A 10.25-inch infotainment unit can be found at all trim levels. Kia also really forces the hand of other manufacturers by providing a great list of standard advanced safety features and one of the best warranties coverages in the business, but doesn’t offer any complimentary maintenance.
2. 2022 Hyundai Palisade
The Breakdown
Love the dramatic styling
Fully loaded base model
Tons of space
Odd price gap between Limited and SEL
Not as capable off-road as some rivals
Average fuel economy numbers
A Palisade N-Line could be cool
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.8/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$34,335 - $47,875
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
19 City / 26 Hwy (MPG)
The 2022 Hyundai Palisade is one of the best values in the 3-row mid-size SUV segment. The inside is laid out well with quality materials, there’s available quilted leather upholstery, and seating is comfortable for all passengers. Similar to the Telluride, the Palisade can be found with either an 8-inch or 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen that is responsive and provides phone integration software. The Palisade also shares powertrain components under the skin. The only available engine option is a 3.8L V6 that makes 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with that engine is an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels or all four optionally allowing it to reach a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Hyundai bakes in a great list of standard advanced safety features into the 2022 Hyundai Palisade, plus it has the best warranty coverage available and includes 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance coverage.
1. 2022 Toyota Highlander
The Breakdown
New Bronze Edition spruces up lineup
Any trim is available with AWD
Almost all trims available with hybrid
Full suite of driver-assistance aids is standard
Higher trims could be mistaken for a Lexus
Cargo volume is on the small side
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.9/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$35,085 - $48,690
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
36 City / 35 Hwy (MPG)
The Toyota Highlander experienced a refresh in 2020 that gave it an appealing new look. Along with that new look came great updates to the interior like the available 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Passengers will find a decent amount of room inside with a max cargo space of 84.3 cu-ft and will experience some updated interior quality in both material usage and ride feel. Powering the 2022 Toyota Highlander is either the powerful 3.5L V6 paired to an 8-speed automatic, or the economical 2.5L I4 hybrid setup that sends power through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In either case, customers have the choice between the standard FWD or an optional AWD setup. The nonhybrid models are capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, while the hybrids can reach one of the best fuel ratings in the segment. Toyota adds to the Highlander by providing numerous standard advanced safety features and even includes complimentary maintenance for up to 2 years or 25,000 miles.
