Three-row midsize crossovers offer a specific quality that we don’t get in any other vehicle class. These models give you three rows of seats that can offer you the configuration you’re looking for when you get out on the road. Many times, the rearmost row is small and should be kept for children, not adults. Even so, you’ll have plenty of versatility when you drive one of these SUVs. Let’s take a look at how the 2022 Kia Sorento stacks up against many of these other models in the market.
10. Dodge Journey
We could find more of these crossovers, and they would push the Journey out of the top ten, but we’ll allow this affordable SUV to be part of the mix. Dodge no longer makes the Journey, and that’s a good thing. This SUV has terrible fuel mileage, not much power, and barely enough room for seven people. You’ll start at a low price, making this the most affordable model in the group, but you are getting what you pay for with the Dodge Journey. A better option from the same brand is the Durango.
9. Honda Pilot
The latest version of the Pilot receives more standard features than last year’s model, but these changes cost a bit more. You’ll be pleased with the V6 engine that produces plenty of power to give you the driving pleasure you desire. There are three rows of seats with enough room for nearly everyone to enjoy the drive. You’ll find 16 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear of the Honda Pilot. Enjoy the versatility offered in this midsize crossover SUV.
8. Ford Explorer
Find several powertrain options in the Ford Explorer and see if this SUV can be the right one for you to drive. Compared to the Sorento, you’ll find that the Explorer is much larger, has an exciting trim and the features you desire. Get connected to the infotainment system and enjoy the tow rating, which reaches 5,600 pounds. Behind the rear row of seats, you’ll find 18 cubic feet of room for your stuff. The three rows of seats make this an enjoyable SUV for the entire family, but you can find better features and a more reasonable price in other models.
7. Toyota Highlander
There’s no arguing with the Highlander and what it gives you when you’re behind the wheel. This Toyota is reliable, easy to use, and filled with quality features. You’ll find a Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, and the connectivity you’re after. The cargo space for the Highlander reaches 16 cubic feet but is expanded to 48 cubic feet by folding only one row of seats down. Check out the 35 mpg on the highway you can have when you take the Hybrid version of this SUV out for a drive.
6. Nissan Pathfinder
The V6 engine is excellent in the Nissan Pathfinder, giving you a strong powertrain that can take you where you want to go. This is an SUV many families choose when they need a three-row SUV that fits kids and adults. This is another vehicle that has 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and offers you a relatively affordable price. The Pathfinder has a wide third-row to fit three people across the bench in the back.
5. Kia Sorento
This is where we find the SUV that is the subject of our topic. There are only four SUVs in the third-row midsize crossover class that are rated better than the Sorento. This SUV comes in regular models, can give you a hybrid trim, and comes with tons of upgrades at higher trims. Because this vehicle is a little smaller than some of the others, you’ll have 12 cubic feet behind the rear seat. If you’re ready for an SUV that can handle nearly every driving experience, this is one that fits the bill.
4. Mazda CX-9
If you’re looking for an SUV that has premium qualities and an energetic powertrain, the Mazda CX-9 is perfect for you. This is easily one of the most appealing vehicles in the market today. You might think of this vehicle as a luxury model when you reach up to the Signature trim. The starting price of the Mazda is a little higher than some of the others in this list, but the upgrade items you find are well worth the price.
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee L
You have to select the longer wheelbase model of the Grand Cherokee to give you three rows of seats, but this SUV gives you quite a bit of room. The base price of this Jeep is much higher than the Kia Sorento, but it gives you 17 cubic feet behind the third row. This is one of the few SUV s in this class that offers you a V8 engine to offer Hemi power when you’re ready to head out for a great drive. Enjoy up to 10.3 inches of ground clearance in the Grand Cherokee L.
2. Hyundai Palisade
When you want a three-row midsize crossover SUV with lots of quality features, the Hyundai Palisade is the vehicle you want to drive. You’ll see up to 18 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, which you don’t find in larger models on this list. The base price is affordable, but when you move up through the trims, you’ll end up at a much higher price to have an SUV that looks and feels like a luxury SUV.
1. Kia Telluride
The top vehicle in the three-row midsize crossover SUV class is the Kia Telluride. It might seem odd that the Kia Sorento is beaten out by its own brand sibling, but that’s the way this ranking plays out. The Telluride gives you the same roominess as the Hyundai Palisade; the two share a platform and a more affordable price for you to have a bit more value. You’ll be pleased to enjoy the ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty offered in the Telluride.
Which one of these SUVs is going to be the one you want to drive? How do you feel about the comparisons to the Kia Sorento and where it ranks?
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