Whenever you want to go on a long trip with your family, you will appreciate extra space in the vehicle to carry all the items for the stay. That is why three-row SUVs are the best option if you go for a weekend or holiday stays. These vehicles are larger than two-row SUVs and offer extra seats. The mid-size class comes with a better fuel economy, and bigger rigs will consume a lot of juice, but offer extra power and comfort.
Let’s take a look at what is going on for the next season and which are the best 2021 three-row SUVs in the US market. Most companies are already offering their vehicles with seven or eight seats. One of the disappointment is that the most popular mid-size SUV, Jeep Grand Cherokee, is available only with two rows. But, FCA is set to launch the new three-row SUV.
2021 Mazda CX-9
The all-new 2021 Mazda CX-9 is among the best mid-size three-row SUVs for the next season because of its cool styling and excellent fuel economy. The vehicle is getting power from a turbo-four unit. It might seem like a downside, but the SkyActiv technology is making all the Mazdas special. Besides the improved performance, these engines are enhancing the overall impression. A 2.5-liter four-pot drives like a V6. With the premium fuel, the output is 250 horsepower. Still, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 might need a high-performance version to catch up with rivals delivering more energy. Also, we hear that the hybrid model is on the way. The Japanese company already has subcompact CX-30 and the CX-50 trademark is in the process of registration. The next one should be CX-90.
Full review:
Redesigned 2021 Mazda CX-9 Could Be the SUV of the Year
2021 Infiniti QX60
The redesign will make the 2021 Infiniti QX60 one of the most interesting luxury SUVs for the upcoming season. The new design is still a mystery. Nissan unveiled the Ariya concept, which will underpin next-gen crossovers, Rogue test mules are on streets, and Monograph platform is set to offer QX80 a fresh look. The 2021 QX60 will combine elements from all design languages Nissan and Infiniti recently introduced. The luxury is not in doubt. But, we are still asking if the SUV can reach a higher level of autonomous drive. Also, a hybrid drivetrain should be one of the priorities to remain competitive in the market. A 3.5-liter V6 is reliable, but buyers will look for more options in the future.
Full review:
Could a Redesign Make the 2021 Infiniti QX60 Competitive Again?
2021 Lexus GX
The 2021 Lexus GX will be the second-largest SUV by this carmaker. There are two other, even more, popular vehicles in this class, but LX and RX will come without changes. The GX is getting a new look and this SUV is the first from the big wheel lineup to debut. The redesign details are not available yet. More attention is paid to the full-size luxury SUV and LX600 edition.
The 2021 Lexus GX will keep the same engine. A 4.6-liter V8 is not as thirsty as a larger 5.7-liter displacement, which becomes a history soon. On the other hand, it provides enough power and torque, making the mid-size three-row SUV a great off-roader, probably the best in the seven-seat category.
Full review:
Minor Changes on the 2021 Lexus GX 460 Before the New Generation
2021 Honda Pilot
Minor changes will draw more buyers for the 2021 Honda Pilot. The largest model in the carmaker’s lineup came by the storm a few years ago, and its reliability is hard to match. Honda is not redesigning the mid-size three-row SUV yet. For 2021 YM, a couple of things are new. The special trim level is on the way with advanced features and styling. Also, engineers installed a nine-speed transmission as the only gearbox. So far, there was a six-pace power router as an option for some trims. Other versions will also reshuffle features and more accessories will be available for every model you pick. The full redesign is expected in 2022.
Full review:
What Will 2021 Honda Pilot Look Like?
2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
This is the whole new model in this list. FCA announced that Jeep Grand Cherokee is not getting a three-row version. Instead, the Jeep is introducing 2021 Grand Wagoneer as the new full-size SUV. Tender images are showing everything we can expect from a seven-slot radiator grille. The 2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will be the long-wheelbase version of the standard Wagoneer SUV. The price of the new vehicle will start above $50,000. While the model is official, there are some rumors speaking of the special edition. The Trackhawk package with the Hellcat engine and 700 horsepower. The COVID-19 pandemic could delay the release date of the full-size SUV and prolong the vehicle for the next season.
Full review:
When Will Jeep Grand Wagoneer Be Available?
2021 Subaru Ascent
The 2021 Subaru Ascent is visually unchanged, but the company made the refresh across the trim packages. Now, adaptive LED lamps are turning with the steering wheel. Top of the lineup trim is Touring and it adds special contrast stitches for leather upholstery. Another update is coming in the safety segment, with seat-belt chime replacing beeps when passengers in the second and third row are not buckled up.
The base price of the 2021 Subaru Ascent will be $33,000. The SUV comes with an AWD and turbo-four Boxer engine. The premium package costs $3,000 more, Limited is above $40k, and the most expensive 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring can go up to $50,000 with small upgrades.
Full review:
2021 Subaru Ascent Quiz – Questions and Answers to the Most Popular Rumors
2021 Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan is going strong to the new season. However, the Pathfinder is not at the top of the priority list. Still, the redesign is planned for 2022 YM and it will definitely slow down the sales of the 2021 Nissan Pathfinder. On the other hand, the mid-size SUV is still one of the best choices you can find with three rows of seats. Old look and features are not stopping it being reliable and durable. A 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 270 horsepower, and the Pro-4X off-road package might become available for the SUV. The third row is tight for adults. However, when you fold it, the Pathfinder gains extra cargo space, that reaches 48 cubic feet.
Full review:
2021 Nissan Pathfinder Redesign: What We Saw In Its First Appearance
2021 Ford Explorer
The 2021 Ford Explorer is one of the most versatile models in the three-row SUV world. It also comes with fresh design and features. Plus, there is a hybrid drivetrain with improved gas mileage. If you need more power, the 2021 Ford Explorer ST is providing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A four-banger is the base solution. The EcoBoost can make 300 hp. For the Platinum trim, there is a special configuration centered on a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, slightly lighter than for the ST. The hybrid model makes the gas mileage jump to 27/29 mpg. Still, it is way behind the next model we present to you.
2021 Toyota Highlander
The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is taking the fuel economy of three-row SUVs to another dimension. The Japanese engineers sacrificed some power to gain extra miles per every gallon. The Highlander is now returning 35 mpg. A 3.5-liter V6 is replaced with a four-pot unit, but only for the hybrid configuration. The base model is going to produce 295 ponies. Toyota didn’t add the TRD Pro version for the mid-size model. Next season, the new member of that lineup is going to be Sequoia. Still, there are enough choices in the lineup that starts with L model. LE and XLE are mid-range options, while Limited and Platinum versions of the 2021 Toyota Highlander will cost above $40,000.
Full review:
2021 Toyota Highlander Comes With PHEV (Highlander Prime)
2021 Dodge Durango
It is finally happening. FCA is expanding the SUV squad that produces more than 700 horsepower. The 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat will crunch 710 horsepower from a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 petrol engine. This might be the highlight of the update, but the starting price of $83,000 will back off most buyers. Fans of the three-row seven-seater will still have a lot of new things to test on the fresh SUV. The look is inspired by Charger Widebody. The 2021 Durango is way more aggressive, while the interior is more driver-oriented. A 10-inch screen is standard. So far, Dodge confirmed these trim levels for the new Durango: SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, lighter version of SRT with 392 hp, and SRT Hellcat.
