Hanna Kielar7-minute read
UPDATED: December 12, 2022
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Three rows, incredible comfort and all the bells and whistles you can imagine. That’s not too much to ask, right? Absolutely not. If you’re looking for the best three-row luxury SUV to buy, you’re in luck. Investing in a gently used luxury SUV grants you access to top-tier perks at incredible prices. Whether it’s absolute comfort, all-out performance or an endless list of tech features, there’s something for everyone.
What Matters Most For Luxury SUVs With A Third Row
For some, luxury three-row SUVs are prized for their performance and ride comfort. For others, it means decked-out cabins and endless technology capabilities. True luxury is about taking all of those values and rolling them into one impressive package. In this guide, we’ve focused on just that — choosing three-row SUVs that offer the most in terms of ride quality and performance, cabin comfort and features, and all-around luxury experience. We’ve scoured the web and vetted numerous reviews to round up the best of the best. And while this guide focuses on luxury first and foremost, we’ve also kept safety in mind throughout.
1. Lincoln Navigator
Best for: Strong towing and well-rounded luxury MPG: 17 city | 23 highway When it comes to value, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator is arguably one of the best seven-passenger luxury SUVs available. This full-size SUV offers a luxurious cabin in a stylish body. The Navigator’s available SYNC 3 infotainment system is one of the best in the industry, and its twin-turbocharged V6 engine provides plenty of power, capable of towing 8,700 pounds. The Lincoln Navigator also comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, making it a great choice for families. Given this three-row SUV’s gargantuan size and impressive power, the fuel economy is quite reasonable. The Lincoln Navigator is a great choice for those who want the absolute best in terms of features, performance and value.
2. Mercedes-Benz GLE350
Best for: Technology enthusiasts MPG: 19 city | 26 highway Along with its Mercedes-Benz bloodlines, the GLE350 offers exuberant technology surrounded by incomparable comfort wrapped in a stylish exterior. The GLE350 has a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pushes a respectable amount of power — with more powerful V6 and V8 options available. Overall, this SUV with an optional third row provides a smooth ride, fantastic technology features and top-tier safety in a comfortable package, making it one of the best luxury family cars.
3. Cadillac Escalade
Best for: Performance MPG: 15 city | 20 highway Cadillac’s flagship full-size SUV offers an incredibly comfortable and roomy interior, complete with leather seating, ambient lighting and more. While the Escalade doesn’t get the best fuel economy on this list, its powerful engine pushes a monstrous 420 hp and can hit 60 mph in under 6 seconds. The 2021 Escalade also comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and its independent rear suspension ensures a smooth ride no matter the terrain. Those looking for maximum luxury and unrivaled performance will find exactly that in the Cadillac Escalade.
4. BMW X5
Best for: Versatility and utility MPG: 21 city | 26 highway The 2022 BMW X5 is a midsize SUV that tackles top-tier luxury with maximum versatility. The X5 offers three engine configurations, including an inline turbocharged V6 and an incredible 523 hp twin-turbo V8. The third option is the ultimate hybrid SUV with a third row, offering an impressive V6 combined plug-in hybrid motor that improves fuel economy considerably. In terms of comfort and technology, the X5 is a solid contender, with high-quality cabins and double 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and utility.
5. Lincoln Aviator
Best for: Luxury in a maneuverable chassis MPG: 18 city | 26 highway For those seeking ample cabin space and luxurious comfort but who find Lincoln’s Navigator a bit too cumbersome, the Aviator is an amazing option. Its comfort and styling set a high bar for luxury SUVs, with an attractive exterior and high-quality, comfortable interior. The Aviator also offers a plethora of driver-assistance features, making this SUV a good family car. With its smooth engine options and reasonable fuel economy, it falls squarely in the realm of practical luxury.
6. Tesla Model Y
Best for: Eco-conscious drivers MPGe: 127 city | 114 highway (2020 model) If you’re looking for an all-electric luxury seven-seater SUV, there are no options more appealing than Tesla’s Model Y. While it’s built on the same powertrain as the zippy Model 3, the Model Y offers more cabin space and an optional third row. The interior is comfortable and practical. Following Tesla’s standard equipment for infotainment and connectivity, most of the Model Y’s functions are managed through the massive center display, which comes packed with more options than can be listed here.
7. Audi Q7
Best for: Families MPG: 19 city | 23 highway Even though the Audi Q7 provides ample cabin space and third-row seating, it does so without sacrificing the sporty ride one expects from an Audi. While the Q7 offers an optional 335-hp V6, the turbocharged four-cylinder offers more than enough power to provide a smooth and peppy ride. With an all-wheel-drive powertrain and ample safety and driver-assist features, the Q7 is a safe and luxurious SUV to cart around the entire family.
8. Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Best for: Luxurious comforts MPG: 20 city | 24 highway One of the most expensive SUVs on this list, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class also comes with a tremendous amount of value. With two high-performance engine options equipped with hybrid-assistance options, you’ll never feel starved for power. The interior is laden with high-tech features and ample creature comforts, including four-zone climate control and ventilated seats. To further accentuate the luxurious, high-tech co*ckpit feel of the cabin, there’s an option to turn the second-row seating into captain’s chairs.
9. BMW X7
Best for: Luxury off the beaten path MPG: 20 city | 25 highway Families seeking luxury at a reasonable price point will want to look closely at the 2020 BMW X7. An optional twin-turbo V8 will appease those seeking max performance, but the base X7’s turbo V6 offers more than enough power and reasonable fuel economy. All-wheel drive is standard on all models, so the X7 is a capable SUV on and off the beaten path. The base model comes with a variety of cabin features, not limited to power-adjustable and heated seats, a panoramic sunroof and four-zone comfort control. In terms of cabin space, the X7 has plenty, making it a great luxury SUV fit for a family.
10. Lexus RX 350
Best for: Affordable luxury MPG: 20 city | 27 highway The Lexus RX 350 checks all the boxes when it comes to luxury, including a comfortable, high-quality interior, a plethora of technology features and incredible comfort. The lower price tag makes this ride particularly attractive to budget-minded people that still want to experience Lexus luxury. The SUV comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that isn’t as powerful as the competition, but what the RX 350 lacks in performance, it more than makes up for in smooth-riding comfort and excellent fuel economy.
11. Volvo XC90
Best for: Safety and style MPG: 21 city | 30 highway There are few SUVs that compare to Volvo XC90 in terms of design. With roomy cabin space decked in sleek chrome accents, wood paneling and leather seating, the interior feels more like a luxurious Scandinavian hotel than an SUV. Volvo’s 2020 model is also well-equipped with the tech you’d expect from a luxury SUV, including a 12.3-inch touch screen display. In terms of power, the XC90 is an incredibly smooth ride, powered by Volvo's turbocharged four-cylinder engine that successfully balances performance and fuel economy better than most.
12. Infiniti QX80
Best for: Spaciousness and comfort MPG: 14 city | 20 highway Infiniti’s largest SUV boasts incredible cabin space and plush leather seating that makes it one of the more comfortable options on this list. If you’re looking for an SUV with captain’s seats, look no further. The Infiniti QX80 comes standard with captain’s chairs, but you can opt for a bench, which adds an eighth seat. The interior is also well-equipped with plenty of luxury tech, including front and rear infotainment screens and impressive driver-assistance features. The QX80 is also one of the few luxury SUVs that comes standard with a V8 engine, boasting an impressive 400 hp and an 8,500-pound towing capacity.
13. Acura MDX
Best for: Well-rounded and affordable luxury MPG: 19 city | 26 highway The Acura MDX has a lot to offer those seeking affordable luxury. The base V6 engine has an impressive 290-hp while maintaining a respectable fuel economy, and optional all-wheel-drive can be added if you anticipate driving in ice and snow. The fresh new interior features stitched leather, wood panels and metal accents, upping the ante on luxury ambiance. With its 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen, in-dash navigation, hotspot capability and wireless charging pad for mobile devices, tech enthusiasts won’t be disappointed.
14. Infiniti QX60
Best for: Hauling the family and cargo MPG: 20 city | 27 highway If you’re looking for lavish luxury and eye-popping performance, there are better options than Infiniti’s 2020 QX60. But if you’re looking for an affordable SUV that provides more than enough cabin space to carry the whole family in an exceedingly quiet and comfortable package, the QX60 is for you. This SUV shines in quiet comfort, especially during long rides and with full seats. Even though the QX60 gets an admirable 27 mpg on the highway, its 295-hp V6 still provides plenty of zip and a smooth ride. If you’re looking for an affordable luxury SUV that’s great for hauling the family, the QX60 is an excellent contender.
The Bottom Line: Maximize Luxury For Everyone
From maximum performance to off road capability to incredible comfort, any one of these highly rated SUVs can satisfy luxury-seekers. There’s a luxury option to fit every possible preference and driving style, many of which come with an approachable price tag when purchased on the used market. For some, luxury means buying the best of the best, brand new. But savvy consumers can get maximum luxury in a gently used vehicle and save significantly. Although these SUVs are great for hauling around the whole family, there are lots of great family cars with fewer luxury amenities and much lower price tags. Expand your search and check out some of these best cars for families.
