Our 2025 Top-5 Mid-Size 3-Row SUV picks // Which one is right for you?
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- This is a Motormouth couple car review of our 2025 top-5, mid-size, 3-row SUVs in the non-luxury category.
In alphabetical order:
The Chevrolet Traverse.
The Traverse offers updated technology and plenty of standard features including the larger screens and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It has a spacious and comfortable interior, lots of storage for families and it offers some great value on the lower trims especially if you are on a tighter budget. Powertrain: 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. In Canada standard AWD and the US FWD and AWD models are available.
Reliability Scores: JD Power gives the Traverse an overall score of 85/100. Consumer Reports has not rated this SUV yet, it’s currently being tested.
Pricing:
$52,433 CAD - $68,433 CAD
$38,995 USD - $57,595 USD
AWD Fuel Economy:
13.8L/100 km city 17 MPG city
9.6L/100 km highway 25 MPG highway
Towing: Up to 5,000 pounds
Honda Pilot
The Pilot offers plenty of power and it still have a V6 powertrain as many manufacturers are moving to turbo 4’s. It’s spacious, comfortable, offers great storage solutions for family and this is an 8-passenger vehicle with a bench seat on all trims except the TrailSport. The middle seat on the bench seat can be removed in the second row and stored in the cargo area so you have the best of both worlds, a bench seat or captain’s chairs.
Powertrain: 3.5L V6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission, 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, standard AWD. In the US FWD and AWD options are available.
Reliability: JD Power gives the Pilot an overall score of 84/100 and Consumer Reports 77/100.
Pricing:
$55,483 CAD - $67,233 CAD
$40,200 USD - $54,580 USD
AWD Fuel Economy
12.4L/100 km city 19 MPG city
9.3L/100 km highway 25 MPG highway
Towing: Up to 5,000 pounds
Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is a spacious and comfortable 7-8 passenger SUV. The power is great whether you are in the city or on the highway. Manufacturers are starting to eliminate V6 engines from their lineup so if you want one this is a good option. The steering is quite light which is similar to other vehicles in this class. The Palisade offers a power folding third row which is a nice feature to have and it feels more upscale in the cabin.
Powertrain: 3.8L V6 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Standard AWD in Canada. In the US, FWD and AWD options are available.
Reliability Scores: JD Power and Consumer Reports gives the Palisade an overall score of 83/100.
Pricing:
$53,231 CAD - $62,031 CAD
$36,800 USD - $54,100 USD
AWD Fuel Economy:
12.2L/100 km city 19 MPG city
9.7L/100 km highway 24 MPG highway
Towing: Up to 5,000 pounds
Kia Telluride
The Telluride has a refined driving experience, there’s plenty of power from the V6, it’s spacious, offers great cargo space, easy to use technology, user-friendly controls and it’s a great looking SUV. I also like that the side mirrors are power folding on most trims and the mirrors tilt down when parking.
Powertrain: 3.8L V6 engine with an 8 speed automatic transmission, 291 horsepower and 262 lb-feet of torque, standard AWD in Canada. FWD and AWD options in the US.
Reliability Scores: JD Power gives the Telluride an overall score of 85/100 and Consumer Reports and 83/100.
Pricing:
$53,477 CAD - $66,177 CAD
$36,190 USD - $53,385 USD
AWD Fuel Economy:
12.8L/100 km 18 MPG city
9.8L/100 km 24 MPG highway
Towing: Up to 5,500 pounds
Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander is the only 3-row SUV on our list that offers three powertrains, two electrified and that’s a big deal in this category. You have a very large 3-row SUV with two hybrids. The fuel economy on the base hybrid is terrific and the Hybrid Max is a great blend of performance and fuel economy. The gas model also has the best fuel economy on our list.
Powertrain: The gas model has a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The base hybrid has a 2.5L 4-cylinder matched to an ECVT, it has a combined 243 horsepower. Standard AWD in Canada. FWD and AWD options are available in the US. The Hybrid Max powertrain has a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic transmission, a combined 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, standard full-time electronic AWD. You can put regular fuel in the Grand Highlander.
Reliability Scores: JD Power hasn’t rated the Grand Highlander yet but Consumer Reports gives it an overall score of 87/100.
Pricing:
$53,542 CAD - $68,502 CAD
$43,320 USD - $58,475 USD
Fuel Economy:
Gas
11.2L/100 km city 21 MPG city
8.6L/100 km highway 27 MPG highway
Hybrid
6.6L/100 km city 36 MPG city
7.4L/100 km highway 32 MPG highway
Hybrid Max
9L/100 km city 26 MPG city
8.8L/100 km highway 27 MPG highway
Towing: Gas and Hybrid Max can tow 5,000 pounds and the 2.5L Hybrid 3500 pounds.
Love the way you both spoke professionally and naturally bouncing off of eachother. Thank you for such an informative video!
Gotta love how the V6 models get similar fuel economy to the turbo 4 cylinders.
Turns out moving a huge brick around takes a certain amount of energy.
Gotta love how the big displacement V6 s make both less horsepower and torque.
Seeing this in the upcoming refreshed 2025 Nissan Murano. The new turbo 4 cyl w/9-spd auto gets 240 hp and 260 lb torque, while the outgoing 3.5 V6 w/cvt got 260 hp and 240 lb torque. But the fuel economy is slated to be similar or exactly the same with both engines. Thought the turbo 4cyl would have gotten better fuel economy numbers.
V6 models with Hyundai?
And the Mazda Cz-90 has inline 6 turbo that has great power and really good fuel economy. I’d take the CX-90 over all of the top 5 listed here
THANK YOU! Please continue pushing all of the manufacturers about the bench row. Chevy had the proper response. Kudos to Chevy! The primary focus of a people hauler should be to haul people manufacturers🤙
Glad the Honda Pilot is on the list! I have the 2025 Elite model with a brown interior and I love it! I purposely went for the Pilot because of the V6 and third row capability. The only things I would like Honda to consider changing is upgrading tech to a larger touch screen to keep up with the competition, and more rugged customization options such as those offered on the new 2026 Honda Passport. Love your channel guys!
I totally agree with you!. Thanks for watching and congratulations on your new Pilot.
@@andreaspencer9813🫶🏼aw thanks Andrea!
Very reliable vehicle but a very outdated interior and average exterior design.
Solid choice
I have a new Pilot Elite and I love it, too!
Agree 💯 with Andrea. Give me another interior color other than black……for my $$$$
I won't accept a black interior. Not negotiable.
I bought an Acura over a Subaru because I could get a nonblack interior.
I ended up buying 2022 Dodge Durango GT with v6 and tons of upgrades. Only 26k km on it and 35% less in price compared to new one. Love everything about it: look, ride quality, sound, tow and go package with self leveling suspension, tows 6200 lbs. love the design . Thanks to Zack for mentioning this vehicle in your reviews!
there's a reason why Dodge products are cheaper
Consumer reports has good things to say about the Durango. I've had a few over the years, zero problems.
@@davidjym I've sat in a Kia/Hyundai - they seemed cheap.
@@SGhpdrifterOu812that is not true. Tuner ate number one in this segment with great options.
The Durango makes a strong case for itself....tried & true reliability for that model/platform, great power, RWD bias, larger dealer network, very decent cargo/passenger space.
On top of it all, my 5.7L version gets single-digit highway milage.
I luv my Traverse RS AWD. It’s black on black w red stitching and badges. And I’ve got the 3.6 L. Yes it’s the 2023! Great ride, tons of space and I’m ok with both the tech/info size and the fuel economy. I do mostly highway and in comfort! Solid towing. Great audio system too! 🎶😊🍁
If I was buying new, I’d go the Z71 for a tad more adventure!
Luv your reviews, always! 😉
It’s a beauty for sure, I would have bought it if it had a better resale value.
@ Resale value not important to me. I intend to keep it a long time.
criminal that they got rid of the V6
Great timing for this video as I'm in the market for one of these vehicles in the next month or so. Thanks!
I love you guys. You always deliver interesting (and valuable) videos. Thanks!
Very good! 👍🏻 Probably Highlander hybrid is a winner. Cheers Andrea! 👍🏻👍🏻
In an alphabetical order! Finally somebody does it!
Great approach to this list! Makes more sense than picking a rank order. Just wondering why there was no discussion of the room and comfort of the third row since it was the basis for this group. As a devoted follower I look forward to all of your content. I appreciate how you provide a feel for what it's like to actually live with the vehicles tested. Thank you for all you do.
You guys did it again!! A great selection and good information on all these 3-Row SUV's 👍👍 Keep up the great work🙂
Waiting for my 2025 Telluride to arrive in a few weeks, Merry Christmas to me! Can't wait (and got it with that beautiful terracotta interior!). 🚗❤
Oh I like the terracotta too, very elegant looking.
We love our 2022 Nissan pathfinder platinum edition. It oozes luxury feel.
Honorable mentions is my favorite part!
I know these are technically mid size, but IMO these are full size vehicles.
And the class above these are HUGE !
ya mid-size cars are so big now!
My Tahoe is small....compared to the Suburban LOL.
Because cars keep growing in general. My older Sorento is about the size, maybe a little bigger than a new RAV4. Ravs used to be tiny. The new Sorento is bigger. I like the bigger sizing for the versatility though, and would like one of these three rows for safety too.
They have to be for families w car seats. Takes ao much space if you need car seats
I like my 2023 nissan pathfinder, v6, good-looking
nIce info, thx guys! great as always..
I love this review. You guys are fabulous. I have always loved the Kia and that is my next purchase, provided it comes with an hybrid option. So 2026 it is. One more point. I haven't met much people who want a bench seat. I personally can't stand them. In the past, I was always frustrated that I had to always buy the highest trim to get captain seats. No one wants a bench, they're cheap looking. Interestingly, a wireless option has moved up on my must-have list (all those cables are annoying). I'm disappointed the Mazda CX-90 was left out. I'm also considering the Atlas and the Pathfinder.
Again, you two are wonderful. This is one of the most unbiased reviews I've ever seen.
Captain chairs are great!
I was always a Honda guy since 1977, but they no longer stand out for unusual design, etc. Gone is the Element, CRV, Del Sol, Prelude....etc. Sad.
And no more satellite radio.
Honda is overpriced and overhyped.
V6 is more efficient in gas. Makes less power and torque than the 4 cylinder engines.
That shows how much PSI is pushed through those turbos on the 4 cylinders. V6 will definitely be more reliable.
The torque is more distributed through the v6 and will have more legs and a natural drive despite lower power it will feel much smoother as a higher displacement engine.
I'm a Toyota person and have had several Toyota SUVs over the years. There is no better vehicle in these picks as Toyota Highlander🚙
Sure. Tyne Kia Telluride is number one in this segment.
We finally received our Grand Highlander limited hybrid with second bench seats after a 16 month wait!
Wow, congratulations, so glad you finally got it.
As a mom of 5, a bench seat is a must. It is painstaking to look through listings focusing on that darned 2nd row. I would also go for that first row bench seat, too, but typically those are offered in only base models with cloth covering which is *not* as kid friendly as the leatherette.
Ğood job on the shots you took of the vehicles, they give different viewing perspectives Thank you.
Missed Hyundai Santa Fe - I own one with Caligraphy trim and love it.
In my opinion Atlas Peak Special Edition and the Altas R line Premium are more beautiful that all of these vehicles. Many vehicles in this segment
All those SUVs are a solid choice. Not surprised my new acquisition didn't make the list as it isn't a Hybrid. Only 140 miles but enjoy the ride with the 2025 Ford Explorer ST. Quite the jump from the 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6L. On a downside, it's heading to the shop this Wednesday for Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power notification on the dash and via the Ford App. Think it's a software update. Notification on the dash is more prevalent when it's cold. Hopefully my return to Ford wasn't in error.
Always look forward to your countdown lists 🎉
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
Gotta have that middle bench with it 3 kids in car seats!! Previous experience with Honda service departments (on our 2020 pilot) says Honda is a no-go for me. Definitely prefer the V-6 to turbo 4s. I don't understand why manufacturers are switching when there's no obvious mpg improvement.
I own the 2024 grand highlander limited hybrid model. I can't complain! Airbag issue also fixed
Love my 2025 buick enclave
nice
Highlander Hybrid all day long!
My favorite is the Grand Highlander!!!!!
I have the Z71. It's a lower trim but it is still well equipped. Great for traversing gravel roads and well access roads. It's perfect. And I get 28 mpg on the highway.
Got my highlander limited hybrid a week ago. Was given an 8-16 months by my dealer in Saskatchewan. Got it in 6 months, although it was tagged a demo unit and had only 23km. Sold at MSRP. They are still hard to find.
It was so hard to decide between the limited hybrid and the max. The range after fueling eventually became the tie-breaker. While owners of the limited hybrid were reporting around 800km of mileage after a fill up, max owners were reporting around 500km (with a lot even less). That places the max at the same range as my 2012 hyundai Elantra. I do not like visiting the gas station every week or even twice a week.
A good list. If I were buying these, top choice would be Toyota hybrid for fuel economy, reliability and resale. Second choice would be Traverse for overall value in the segment. Poor Subaru Ascent left out in the dark again. I see quite a few of them on the roads, but rarely makes any lists.
I am waiting for video on top 5 full size luxury SUV with 3rd row (teenage/adult can use). Thanks
My Nissan Pathfinder is V6 with bench seats at all trims. FYI
What do you think about the Nissan Pathfinder?
Entertaining as always. WOW, the fuel economy of these is abysmal (save for the Toyota hybrid). GM has really missed the boat on hybrids/PHEVs with their decision to go fully EV, which they are now, along with some other makers like Volvo and Mercedes being forced to backtrack on. Also, as you note, for the middle-class family market for which these are targeted, they are awfully pricey. Trump’s tariffs will further put several of these out of reach for many.
Fuel economy is bad because these all weigh about 4500 pounds and have the aerodynamics of a brick. That said, my wife loves her 2016 Highlander.
The Toyota 2.5 Hybrid with up to 2x as many city MPG is the clear winner for me.
Any difference in parking and handling between the Pilot and Grand Highlander? How necessary are the 360 cameras?
I don't understand the hatred for Captains Chairs. That is the only way I would go.
No one ever talks about the GMC acadia
Pilot or grand highlander ? Which one should I choose ? 😊
The 9-Passenger, front bench seat 2026 Palisade allows the vehicle to be driven in Bus Lanes in South Korea.
I didn't know that, thanks for sharing.
I love the Pilot. I wish they had figured out a way for the back seats to have inboard armrests when the middle seat is removed. Also they should provided a cover for the part under the middle seat when it is removed.
CX90 doesnt even have ceiling vents in the back and overall small for the class… looks nice inside but idk what anyone sees in the car really. Traverse does everything well enough for a great price.
Agreed!!
I'm not batting for the 4 cylinder but I would definitely take the traverse over the Mazda! The style is nice but it fails for class to me...what the heck kind of 3rd row is that...😂😂
Pretty much all mazdas are kinda small inside
Hybred MAX limited should offer a bench seat option.
I bought a Mazda CX90 PHEV GSL 2025. Love the ride. Grand Highlander was 1 year wait. Pilot is boring.
Mazda CX-90 makes my list
nice bus
Despite the open recalls that have no fixes?
Mazda CX-90 is obviously missing... An oversight for sure 😊. I did buy the Inline6. It is to die for. Loving it, my reliable X5.
Always a fan and a subscriber but really feel having both the Palisade and Telluride on the list is a punt. Same vehicle just what style do you prefer. Personally, would have added the Atlas to the list.
I love my 22 Durango, yes it is extremely dated but can’t get enough of that Hemi Roar!!
Hello, nice reviews . I wish you would have included the all-new redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe''n
What about Pathfinder? I don't know about new ones but my2017 has no issues except schedule service and cheap for insurance
A sedan, besides being more fun to drive, is 12 to 15% better on gas, and cleaner on emissions.
@@billurban1581sedans are not easy to get in and out of for some people, so suvs win
PLEASE HELP ME… I’m still debating between Toyota hybrid and palisade I like palisade interior but I don’t know if it’s a good reliable vehicle as Toyota. My husband said hunday’s motor came out with problems idk
Soon I’ll be needing a new vehicle since my daughter is starting working and she’s going to take my car. Which one do you think is better? Probably I’ll have to keep this new car for many years 😔
Thanks in advance!
Love your channel videos comments I really trust your knowledge on all of this ! Tysm❤
Toyota 2.5 hybrid
1 row is enough for me.Cant wait til they saturate the big ass SUV market and go back to sporty cars 😊
not likely. Sport Cars are dying along with sub-compact sedans/hatchbacks.
I wanted Mazda to bring the Mazda 4 wagon to the US. Turbo 4 AWD wagon I would've bought in a heartbeat. I ended up with the CX-9 Carbon. I liked it's "tweener" size. Sat in a CX-90 while in for routine maintenance...that is too big for me
@@raymondsnow7745 the CX-90 has the same footprint as a Toyota Sienna !!!
I would like your views on the Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid
We have a Palisade Calligraphy and get much better fuel economy than the official numbers. The features work well for us so we like the car. However, we have been dealing with significant issues around the engine recall and have found both the dealership and Hyundai Motors to be very difficult, and thus we no longer recommend a Hyundai to anyone.
My sister drove an almost new 2024 Palisade for 3 months - her "new" one was on stop sale (waiting a big part) so that's what they gave her - and she liked it a lot - it was VERY Lexus looking to me which "sure fine" but like BMW and so on had a timeless look good or bad. Very easy to drive - she said she was surprised as it does not drive big at all.
great video. Just wondering what is the hyundai santa fe classified as? compact suv?
When will be the Nee Generation Hyundai Palisade coming to Canada?
Honda or Toyota if you keep your vehicles along time. The others if you want more features. At some point total cost of ownership(to include depreciation, maintenance, insurance, fuel costs etc) needs to be considered as well for these large purchases
costing too much
Thanks you two! I know you have favorite wrist watches and always have them on...What about a 10 second "What Watch" for the start of each show?? Thx!
On the Traverse highway mpg; we have the same powertrain in our Acadia. Our best (per the vehicle) is 29.4 in FWD.
We've also seen better and worse numbers in the city depending on our right foot 😊. Usually it's around 16-19.
I think a worthwhile evaluation is how much gas you burn over a year’s time, all four seasons, city and Highway. That’s how you’re going to budget your money. I am reminded, my last ICE, a four-cylinder RWD BMW, got 29.7 MPG for the six years I owned it. Today, my PHEV beats that by more than 3X.
My wifes Telluride averages high 7L/100kn in the summer and high 8L to low 9L in the winter. So fuel economy is excellent.
That's what we've heard, thanks for sharing!
I’m thinking hydrid max all day
What about VW Atlas R-Line
Fun video!
Are you guys doing video with the full size ones?
Can you do same type of review of luxury 3rd row SUVs?
I think that the ICE Turbo 4's will not last as long as V6's. My Stelvio QV has similar highway consumption using A Mode.
I'm surprised that the Mazda CX-90 wasn't included. The Motormouth reviews seemed to be very positive but maybe they're just waiting to include it in the "Luxury" category :-)
Ya I agree that’s very odd. And I’m surprised the Sorento didn’t make either
They don’t like the transmission
They didn't even include Ford Explorer. I'm not a big fan of it, but it's hella popular where I live. I see them everywhere.
The CX-90 is a good option but the transmission is a bit jerky unfortunately. There have been countless software updates but still needs some improvement. We have had viewers buy one and some like it, other's find the transmission clunky and are disappointed. It's a real mix right now.
The CX-90 has been extremely problematic with a huge number of recalls, unfixable problems and many buybacks/lemon-law cases from unhappy customers. It has been a real black eye for Mazda’s reputation.
Not on the list... but opinions on the Dodge Durango?
bankrupted
@davidjym 🤯
Are you referring to US gallons or Imperial gallons?
I would go for the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited. Because of the fuel economy and the bench seat on the second row.
Which one has the most real buttons? I don't mind the big screens but stop putting all the buttons in there that is a very big distraction while driving
most used buttons are on the steering wheel these days.
The Nissan amada should make that list.
Wondering why you don't have any Ford vehicles? Thanks
thanks for sharing.. not sure how the CX90 is not included here 😞..regards
All those frills aside I have no doubt in my mind the best is Toyota and from those 3 line regular hybrid is the best
I love my grand highlander!! It is freaking expensive I got the top trim because I wanted the 360 cam and overhead projection
good luck
I love you guys but I sure wish you would name your favorite vehicles. I’m sure you both have a favorite that you would buy if it was your own money. It seems very strange not to mention that. We are tuning in to hear your opinions and that would make the video much more entertaining to watch.
They have a Pilot…😊
Hey love your videos but can you please explain why CX90 is not on your list? Thinking to purchase it.
According to the reviews, there is an issue with the gearbox, it is a bit jerky.
The "non-grand" Highlander should be on the list. It's slightly smaller than the others, but not much. It's a great compromised between a compact and full size, unless you really need to haul a lot a people a lot of the time. And the Passport is really a Pilot in disguise, so it should have been included, or did I miss something? Thank you for all your hard work! Great job!
These are 3 rows, which the Passport is not.
Definitely not. The Highlander is barely a 3 row SUV. Only a child or person with no legs would fit back there. Something like the Santa Fe and Sorento are much better options for 3 rows.
Hi, where is Mazda CX-90?
I WAS WATCHING A VIDEO OF THE BUICK ENVISION AND I WAS STUNNED AT HOW FAST IT WENT AND WITH SUCH EEZE...
THE PERSON TOOK IT OUT ON A TWO LANE MAJOR HIGHWAY AND IN NO TIME AT ALL WAS UP TO 150 MILES PER HOUR!!
I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT!
HE WAS CRUISING BETWEEN 120 AND 130 MILES PER HOUR!
EFFORTLESSLY...
THAT THING WILL MOVE ON THE HIGHWAY!... UNBELIEVABLE!
I heard the Chevy new four cylinders are quite noisy?
forget about Chevy
Just glad we got our '23 Traverse before the 4 cyl switchover. Too much SUV for that small an engine IMO. And no real difference in fuel economy, either.
Im a bit surprised that you arent comparing the palisade with the Carnival. I feel its more apples to apples comparison. Maybe im wrong
HI ZACK AND ANDREA....3-2-1
HYUNDAI KONA OR BUICK ENVISION.. 3-2-1 ????
How about Mazda CX90?
Having been a Nissan car owner all my life, even with its infamous CVT, I was planning to buy the Pathfinder early next year. It's sad that it is no longer on the list; slowly, it's disappearing.
Nissan should be on the radar because it's better than domestic vehicles.
My last two cars were Nissan with CTVs and had no problems. Gave one to my son and I still drive one.
Get a 2025 Pathfinder.
Naturally aspirated V6 paired to a 9 speed automatic....
Bulletproof
@@CostaTol too big
I’m surprised that the Hyundai Santa Fe is not listed.
I tried to get the Toyota Grand Highlander all of 2024 even before the airbag issue arose. I’m over Toyota.
that's such a small issue in the grand scheme of things .......
If only Grand Highlander Hybrid could actually be bought in BC! Dealer told me 3 year list!