The Best Three-Row Midsize SUVs in 2024
The team at The Car Guide has analyzed all the various midsize SUVs available in Canada and identified the best buys for 2024.
As you know, midsize SUVs come in two different packages—those offering just two rows of seats and those with three. The latter can accommodate up to eight people or haul more cargo. Which ones are our top picks this year? Read on.
1. Kia Telluride/Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride remain our best buys in the segment for yet another year. The Korean duo has held the No. 1 spot in our rankings since launching in 2020.
Using the same architecture and the same naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6, these two SUVs stand out from each other with a unique design inside and out. The Telluride might be the more adventurous option, what with X-Line and X-Pro models now available in Canada. The steering wheel and centre console are different from those offered by Hyundai. Meanwhile, the Palisade boasts smoother lines and more extensive use of chrome.
On the road, the Telluride and Palisade display good handling and ride quality (the former does feel a bit more dynamic), while their flexible powertrain delivers commendable acceleration considering the size of the vehicles. We also like their spacious and quiet interiors with impressive fit and finish.
Arguably the biggest knock against the Kia-Hyundai pair is disappointing fuel consumption. Both are rated at just over 11 L/100 km combined. Making matters worse is the absence of an electrified variant. Rumour has it there could finally be one coming for 2025. That’s something to keep an eye on.
2. Toyota Highlander/Grand Highlander
The highly popular Toyota Highlander is now joined by the larger and roomier Grand Highlander, which will please families looking for more space and practicality.
With the elimination of the V6, the base engine is a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder. More interesting, however, is the Highlander Hybrid with slightly less power (243 hp vs. 265 hp.) but exceptional fuel economy (6.7 L/100 km vs. 9.9 L/100 km).
The Highlander’s lack of third-row space compared with similar midsize SUVs was addressed with the introduction of the Grand Highlander. The latter boasts more accommodating rear quarters—adults can comfortably sit in the back—and approximately 400 litres of extra cargo room with all the rear seats folded.
In addition to the two powertrain options mentioned above, the Grand Highlander offers a Hybrid Max variant delivering a stout 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Too bad it can only be had in top-line trim (Platinum Max).
Solidly built, remarkably efficient (in hybrid configuration) and offering excellent resale value, the Highlander is a safe best in the three-row midsize segment, no matter which model you select.
3. Mazda CX-90
The all-new Mazda CX-90 is good enough to overtake a bunch of established competitors and land in third place in our rankings. Positioned as an alternative to luxury SUVs, it displays superb fit and finish especially in GT trim. That being said, the interior is a bit tight.
Similar to other Mazda products, the CX-90 proves more dynamic and more pleasant to drive than its direct rivals. Some of the credit goes to the new turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, which generates 280 hp or 340 hp depending on the trim level. It’s a smooth, flexible and highly capable performer. On top of that, combined fuel consumption is less than 10 L/100 km, which is impressive for a gas-powered SUV of this size and weight.
Unique in the segment, the available plug-in hybrid powertrain gives the CX-90 up to 42 km of zero-emission range. If you do a lot of short commutes and keep the vehicle plugged in when not in use, this could be a fantastic option. Otherwise, the four-cylinder engine burns as much gas as the six-cylinder when the battery runs empty, and it’s not nearly as enjoyable under acceleration.