Best 3-Row Mid-Size SUVs of 2023

We ranked the best 3-row mid-size SUVs of 2023 based off of their interiors, powertrains, technology, and options. Which one is number one?

Ranking the Best 3-Row Mid-Size SUVs of 2023

A three-row mid-size SUV slots in as the perfect option for a growing family. There’s enough seating for everyone, it’s more capable than a minivan, and they aren’t as lumbering as a full-size SUV. The segment continues to remain competitive as more auto manufacturers continue to add features that one up each other year after year. For 2023, the three-row mid-size SUV class is looking to be a well-rounded bunch with a couple that continue to excel to the top of our ranking. Take a look at what the Carsforsale.com team scored each of these three-row mid-size SUVs and figure out which is the best buy for you!

10. 2023 Buick Enclave

The Breakdown

Good exterior styling

Energetic V6

Generous cabin area

Easy, smooth ride

Stacked with infotainment

Not cheap

Middle-of-the-road gas mileage

No real upgrades since 2018

CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
6.5/10

How Do We Score?

CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.

MSRP
$46,195 – $53,430

BEST FUEL ECONOMY
18 City / 26 Hwy (MPG)

The 2023 Buick Enclave is a nice looking three-row mid-size SUV, but it’s essentially a premium version of the Chevrolet Traverse at the end of the day. Under its hood is a 3.6L V6 making 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard while all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. Being a premium three-row mid-size SUV option, the Enclave offers a decently spacious cabin with leather upholstery at every level. While it’s a nice touch, the price it comes at, middling performance, and the lagging behind technology isn’t helping its case against the rest of this class.

9. Chevrolet Traverse

The Breakdown

Spacious iterior

Excellent infotainment system

Robust engine

Lackluster safety equipment

Short warranty coverage

Low quality interior

We’d love a hybrid

CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
6.8/10

How Do We Score?

CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.

MSRP
$35,915 - $53,395

BEST FUEL ECONOMY
18 City / 27 Hwy (MPG)

The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse gains a slight edge to its Buick corporate cousin as it can be found with some of the same features, the exact same powertrain, and similar options for a lower price. That lower price does introduce lower quality materials throughout the interior like cloth seating, plus it comes with less standard features on the base models than the Buick’s. However, the Traverse is much more approachable at a its starting price and carries good enough performance specs to keep it on par with most of the three-row mid-size SUV segment.

8. GMC Acadia

The Breakdown

Excellent Denali trim

Spacious interior

Quiet cabin

Cheap materials

Very limited features

Tiny infotainment screen

We’re holding out hope for better in 2024

CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7/10

How Do We Score?

CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.

MSRP
$38,195 - $49,500

BEST FUEL ECONOMY
22 City / 29 Hwy (MPG)

The final GM of the segment is the 2023 GMC Acadia, a three-row mid-size SUV that’s expanded to meet the needs of various kinds of shoppers. The Acadia comes with either a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine making 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque that makes decent fuel economy numbers or a 3.6L V6 making 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both are paired to a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels or all four optionally. GMC changes things up by offering both the off-road centric AT4 trim and the luxuriously appointed Denali trim. All this makes the GMC Acadia one of the more enticing options from the GM stable. If they could update that infotainment system and add a couple more safety features as standard, we could see this model launch ever closer to the top 3 of our list easily.

7. Volkswagen Atlas

The Breakdown

Spacious interior

Excellent pricing

We like the digital cockpit

Lackluster driving engagement

Poor fuel economy

Cheap interior

Lots of room for improvement

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
$35,150 - $52,340

BEST FUEL ECONOMY
21 City / 25 Hwy (MPG)

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas doesn’t excel in any one area, but the modest three-row mid-size SUV makes up for it with its added two years or 20,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. There are two engines that can be found in the Atlas, neither of which are very exciting or exceedingly beneficial over the other. The first is a 3.6L V6 engine making 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft. The other is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that makes 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission and FWD or AWD optionally. The interior of the Atlas isn’t as illustrious as others in its class, but it gets the job done. The available infotainment and digital gauge displays are up to modern standards.

6. Nissan Pathfinder

The Breakdown

Spacious seats

Quiet and comfy highway ride

Impressive towing capacity

Sluggish power

Below average front seat comfort

Less cargo space than competitors

What every SUV should strive to be

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
$35,000 - $47,970

BEST FUEL ECONOMY
21 City / 27 Hwy (MPG)

For 2023, the Nissan Pathfinder comes in as a capable three-row mid-size SUV. Powering this Nissan is a 3.5L V6 engine that makes 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. FWD is standard while AWD is optional. The engine is on par with its competition in terms of acceleration and fuel economy, but it does provide one of the better towing figures at a max of 6,000 pounds. The Nissan Pathfinder is leaning into the rugged, outdoorsy crowd with the introduction of its new Rock Creek trim that not only makes it more off-road capable, but tunes the engine to produce 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Inside this SUV is a pretty roomy cabin and decent quality materials. The ProPilot Assist driver assistance suite may not be standard on the base trim, but it is for the rest of the Pathfinder trim levels.

5. Mazda CX-9

The Breakdown

Excellent pricing

Great handling

Many advanced safety features

Limited second-row bench availability

Only one engine choice

Snug third row

We’d love a turbocharged V6

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
$38,750 - $48,460

BEST FUEL ECONOMY
20 City / 26 Hwy (MPG)

The Mazda CX-9 has been a top performer in the three-row mid-size SUV space, but it’s beginning to dwindle as things are growing more competitive. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is poised as a premium offering, much more so now after removing the cheaper Sport trim level. That added price provides a lux interior made with quality materials and features a number of niceties throughout the cabin space. The available entertainment technology is up to modern standards and the standard safety suite is a nice touch. Powering the Mazda CX-9 is a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine making 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard I-ACTIV AWD. It won’t wow anyone in a straight line, but Mazda’s well-known handling will keep the driver happy.

4) Subaru Ascent

The Breakdown

Standard all-wheel drive

Lots of standard safety features

Comfortable ride

Noisy engine and cabin

Less cargo space than rivals

No V6 option

Lower trims need more convenience and comfort options

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
$33,895 - $48,195

BEST FUEL ECONOMY
20 City / 26 Hwy (MPG)

Subaru has given the 2023 Ascent a refresh that’s changed up its exterior design and introduces a 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment. Like nearly every Subaru model, AWD is standard. The lone engine option is a turbocharged 2.4L flat-four engine connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the Ascent isn’t as spacious as some of its other three-row mid-size SUV competition, it is one of the nicer experiences for passengers. Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite is standard across all of the Ascent’s trim levels, as is that vertically oriented touchscreen infotainment system.

3. Kia Telluride

The Breakdown

Deep roster of standard amenities

Brawny styling

Loaded with driver aids

Fuel economy is so-so

Time to add complimentary maintenance

All those driver aids could be annoying

Segment leader for good reasons

CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.6/10

How Do We Score?

CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.

MSRP
$35,890 - $52,985

BEST FUEL ECONOMY
20 City / 26 Hwy (MPG)

Keeping its top three spot from last year is the Kia Telluride. Kia’s largest three-row mid-size SUV is packed full of value thanks to all of its standard features, list of standard safety tech available right from the base model, and one of the best warranties in the business. Under the hood of the Telluride is a 3.8L V6 engine that makes 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque that’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. FWD is standard fare while AWD is optional. Moving up to the X-line trim allows the Telluride to reach a commendable max towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. Inside of the Telluride is one of the most spacious cabins in the segment while also featuring well-appointed materials and a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment. For the price, it’s hard to beat the Telluride.

2. Toyota Highlander

The Breakdown

Stand-out styling

Hybrid efficiency

Plenty of tech

New motor not much more efficient

Relatively tight rear legroom

Few package upgrades

A thinly veiled Lexus

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
$36,420 - $50,675

BEST FUEL ECONOMY
36 City / 35 Hwy (MPG)

Toyota is a strong contender when it comes to reliable and economical vehicles. The 2023 Toyota Highlander comes in two forms, each providing some of the best fuel efficiency for the segment. The first is a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine that makes 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic. The other is an even more efficient hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.5L four-cylinder paired with two electric motors to produce 186 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque that’s sent through a CVT. FWD is standard and AWD is optional on each version. The inside can be a little cramped for rear passengers, but the materials that compose it are good quality. Plus, that available 12.3-inch infotainment system and digital gauge cluster are some of the best. Toyota caps the Highlander off by providing two-years/25,000-miles of complimentary maintenance.

1. Hyundai Palisade

The Breakdown

Standard 12-inch infotainment screen

Straddles the mainstream and luxury line

Stacked with active safety

Some might not like the styling

Time for a hybrid option

Boy its hard to find flaws here

Genesis for less

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
$35,550 - $49,500

BEST FUEL ECONOMY
19 City / 27 Hwy (MPG)

The Hyundai Palisade takes the top spot for 2023 thanks to its refresh that’s furthered its substantial value and list of standard features for a great price. The Hyundai Palisade carries the same 3.8L V8 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission from the Kia Telluride, but where it differs is that its max towing capacity tops out at 5,000 pounds. It’s available as a FWD or AWD optionally. Inside the Palisade is a comfortable, spacious, and quiet ride that’s packed full of creature comforts. On the tech front there’s a 12.3-inch infotainment system, digital gauge cluster, in-cabin intercom, and a fully digital rearview mirror available. Hyundai also boasts a long list of standard advanced safety systems and one of the best warranties in the business that’s even more exceptional than Kia’s offering thanks to its additional three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

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