Buying a new vehicle is a major decision. It becomes more important when choosing a family vehicle. Whether you have a big family, a lot of sports equipment, or like to pack up and go camping, a full-sized SUV can meet any family’s various needs. It can be daunting to decide, but we can help. We’ve researched and carefully compiled the five best SUVs for families with available third-row seating. We’ve picked the standouts for your consideration.
Important Considerations For a Family-Friendly SUV
Before going for a test drive, you must have a game plan and know what you want. A clear picture of what you don’t want and what you can’t live without helps you avoid getting swayed by the salesperson at the dealership.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Towing capacity
- Cargo area
- Seating configurations and interior
- Technology packages or options you want
- Powertrain
- Safety and crash test ratings
- Warranty
- Included maintenance
- Overall styling
Before you go shopping, develop a plan. You should know what you’d like to pay as well as your maximum budget. And stand firm—you have the upper hand. Don’t be afraid to walk away.
Best Family SUVs with Third-Row Seating
A full-sized SUV can provide the flexibility a family needs. Whether you want to haul cargo or people, versatility is key for a family. These SUVs are standouts in one way or another and will serve a family’s unique needs without entirely breaking the bank. These are the five best full-sized SUVs for families with third-row seating.
1. 2022-23 Chevrolet Suburban (Best Cargo and Passenger Room)
Chevrolet has offered the Suburban, the largest SUV in their line-up, since 1935, when it became the first truck-based wagon. With 94 cubic feet of cargo area, the third-row seating is roomy and comfortable, even for adults.
The powertrains on the Suburban are all surprisingly responsive, providing a nice driving experience. With six available trims and a base price of $57,200, you have plenty of options to meet your needs. The Suburban is a classic family vehicle for a reason.
2. 2022-23 Ford Expedition (Best Crash Test Rating)
The Ford Expedition has the best crash test rating of any other large SUV. Considering this car is meant for your family, safety is paramount. From basic to luxurious, there’sfamily’s something for everyone, with 10 available trims. You can get it with a 3.5L Ecoboost V-6 that has 400 horsepower and will get 23 mpg on the highway, helping you save on gas.
Ford offers plenty of packages you can customize. Plus, you can tow about 6000 pounds. The five-star front and side collision crash rating and the four-star rollover rating are the best in class. With only a 20.1% chance of rollover, you can be assured that all your precious cargo is well protected. The Expedition with a third row starts at $59,790.
3. 2022-23 GMC Yukon/Yukon XL (Best Handling)
The GMC Yukon is not as talked about much as other full-size SUVs, but many features make it a great SUV for families. Five trims are available starting at $59,295, including the new, ultra-plush Denali Ultimate package, which provides all the luxury of a Cadillac with a more affordable price tag. Three engines, two V-8 configurations, and one V-6 turbo diesel choice are available, all with the same 10-speed automatic transmission.
While the cargo space offered could be better as the standard wheelbase offers a mere 22.5 cubic feet of space with all three rows up, the XL version brings you to 41.5 cubic feet. The Yukon handles like a dream, especially for a full-sized SUV, making driving it less daunting.
4. 2023 Lincoln Navigator (Best Affordable Luxury)
The Lincoln Navigator inspires trust with its well-known name and positive record. It’s a perfect choice if you want to spend a bit more on your family SUV, but don’t want to break the bank. The interior is luxurious art deco plush and reminiscent of German SUVs.
The 20-speaker audio system will drown out any road noise you may hear inside the Navigator, and the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 provides an astounding 440 horsepower, enough to haul a trailer. Plus, with 64 cubic feet of cargo space and 172 cubic feet of passenger room, families, friends, and all their gear can easily fit. Starting at $79,725, you get what you pay for with this plush, fully-loaded third-row SUV.
5. 2023 Toyota Sequoia (Best Hybrid)
Toyota is the first and only manufacturer making a full-sized hybrid SUV. The environmentally-friendly 2023 Sequoia offers the same engine found in all Toyota’s truck-style vehicles. The hybrid powertrain has a 3.44-liter V-6 and is named the iForce Max with electric elements. The iForce provides 437 horsepower. Plus, it boasts an astonishing 583 lb-feet of torque—more than the F-150 Raptor!
The fully boxed steel ladder frame makes this vehicle incredibly safe, provides great tow capacity, and is known for longevity. Starting at $59,865 and with five available trim levels, the Toyota Sequoia offers something for everyone.
Full-Size SUVs Are For Families
These SUVs meet various needs of families looking for a new full-size vehicle. Whatever your family’s needs may be, there is an SUV that will meet them. Full-sized SUVs will always be around to stuff full of soccer balls or orange practice cones, drive the kids to the movies, and pack for a camping trip. One of these options might be part of the next chapter of your family story.