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Top-Rated 2017 3-Row SUVs Compared
3-Row SUV Showdown: The Ultimate Family Vehicle Comparison
For growing families who need space without sacrificing style, three-row SUVs have become the go-to solution. These versatile vehicles combine passenger capacity with the elevated driving position and available all-wheel drive that modern buyers crave. At MotorVero, we put the latest models through rigorous testing to help you find the perfect family hauler.
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Our comprehensive evaluation compares four leading contenders in this competitive segment. We examined every aspect that matters to families - from car seat compatibility to cargo solutions, tech integration to ride comfort. The results reveal clear winners and surprising compromises in this battle of automotive giants.
Testing Methodology
Our evaluation process considered 14 critical categories:
- Interior quality and materials
- Front, second-row, and third-row comfort
- Cargo capacity and storage solutions
- Powertrain performance and refinement
- Ride quality and noise levels
- Visibility and driving position
- Value for money
- Multimedia system usability
- Advanced safety features
- Child seat accommodation
Each vehicle was tested on the same routes with identical loading conditions to ensure fair comparisons. Pricing was capped at $46,000 including destination charges to represent realistic family budgets.
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The Contenders
4th Place: Toyota Highlander Limited
As Tested: $44,514 | Drivetrain: 3.5L V6 AWD | MPG: 20 city / 26 highway
The Highlander represents a solid choice for buyers who only occasionally need third-row seating, but falls short for families requiring regular three-row use. Its compact dimensions translate to compromised rear seating and cargo space compared to newer competitors.
Strengths
- Innovative dashboard device tray with cord management
- Standard advanced safety suite on all trims
- Comfortable front seats with adjustable thigh support
- Premium materials extend to second row
- Spacious center console storage
Weaknesses
- Cramped third-row seating (worst in test)
- Limited cargo space behind third row
- Outdated multimedia system lacks smartphone integration
- Firm ride quality with noticeable road noise
- Challenging child seat installation
Bottom Line: The Highlander works best as a spacious five-seater with occasional third-row use. Families needing regular three-row functionality will find better options elsewhere.
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3rd Place: Honda Pilot Touring
As Tested: $44,370 | Drivetrain: 3.5L V6 AWD | MPG: 19 city / 26 highway
The previous champion in this segment, the Pilot still offers impressive interior space and family-friendly features, but transmission issues and an overly complex infotainment system hold it back from the top spot.
Strengths
- Excellent outward visibility with generous glass area
- Quietest cabin in the test
- Premium interior materials and construction
- Clever underfloor cargo storage solutions
- Standard rear entertainment system
- Power-operated third-row access
Weaknesses
- Unrefined nine-speed automatic transmission
- Frustrating button-style gear selector
- Overly complex touchscreen interface
- Third-row legroom lags behind leaders
- Intrusive rear wheel wells limit hip room
Bottom Line: The Pilot remains a strong choice for families prioritizing cabin space and quiet comfort, but newer competitors have raised the bar in drivetrain refinement and user-friendly technology.
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2nd Place: Chevrolet Traverse 3LT Leather
As Tested: $44,185 | Drivetrain: 3.6L V6 FWD | MPG: 18 city / 27 highway
The redesigned Traverse successfully blends minivan-like practicality with SUV styling, offering one of the most spacious cabins in the segment along with a comfortable ride and plentiful technology features.
Strengths
- Best ride quality in the test
- Ample cargo capacity (most behind third row)
- Comfortable third-row seating for adults
- Comprehensive tech features with 7 USB ports
- Smooth and responsive V6 engine
Weaknesses
- Missing advanced safety features at this price
- Firm front and second-row seats
- Visibility hampered by thick pillars
- Inconsistent interior material quality
- Nine-speed transmission still being refined
Bottom Line: The Traverse excels at moving people and cargo in comfort, making it ideal for large families, though some cost-cutting is evident in safety tech and interior materials.
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1st Place: Volkswagen Atlas SEL 4Motion
As Tested: $43,615 | Drivetrain: 3.6L V6 AWD | MPG: 17 city / 23 highway
Volkswagen's first three-row SUV makes an impressive debut, combining refined driving dynamics, exceptional passenger space, and intuitive technology to set a new benchmark in the segment.
Strengths
- Best-in-class multimedia system
- Superb eight-speed automatic transmission
- Comprehensive advanced safety suite
- Top-rated child seat accommodation
- Most comfortable second and third rows
- Innovative backup camera system
- Excellent handling for its size
- Class-leading cargo capacity
Weaknesses
- Engine noise at higher RPMs
- V6 lacks punch despite the noise
- Fewer USB ports than competitors
- Conservative interior design
- Below-average fuel economy
Bottom Line: The Atlas delivers where families need it most - space, safety, and usability - making it our top recommendation despite some minor shortcomings in powertrain refinement.
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Key Decision Factors for Family Buyers
Passenger Comfort
The Atlas and Traverse lead in third-row accommodations, offering legitimate adult-sized space. The Pilot provides adequate room for occasional use, while the Highlander's third row is best suited for children. Second-row comfort follows a similar hierarchy, with the Atlas' sliding bench providing exceptional flexibility.
Cargo Versatility
All four SUVs offer clever storage solutions, but the Atlas and Traverse provide the most usable space behind the third row - critical for family trips. The Pilot's underfloor bins add versatility, while the Highlander's smaller cargo area may prove limiting.
Child Seat Accommodation
Our Car Seat Check revealed significant differences in child seat friendliness. The Atlas earned straight A's with its accessible lower anchors and ample space. The Pilot followed closely, while the Highlander's tight quarters and difficult access resulted in the lowest scores.
Technology & Safety
The Atlas and Highlander offer the most comprehensive standard safety suites, while the Traverse surprisingly lacked several advanced features at this price point. For infotainment, the Atlas' intuitive system outshone the Pilot's frustrating interface and the Highlander's outdated technology.
Driving Experience
The Atlas delivers the most car-like handling, while the Traverse offers the smoothest ride. The Pilot's quiet cabin impresses, but its transmission issues detract from the experience. The Highlander feels most truck-like, with its firm ride and noticeable road noise.
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Final Recommendations
For Large Families: The Volkswagen Atlas provides the most complete package with its spacious interior, excellent safety features, and user-friendly technology. Its six-year warranty adds peace of mind for long-term owners.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Chevrolet Traverse offers remarkable space and value, though we recommend opting for available safety packages to match competitors' protection.
Occasional Third-Row Users: The Honda Pilot delivers premium refinement and clever storage solutions, while the Toyota Highlander works best as a spacious five-seater with third-row emergency seating.
As the three-row SUV segment continues to evolve, MotorVero will keep testing new entrants to help families make informed decisions. The current generation of vehicles proves you don't need to sacrifice style for space or capability for comfort when choosing your perfect family hauler.
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Last Updated On Aug, 12-2025