Edmunds has named the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, Ford Explorer and Volkswagen Atlas as its top midsize three-row SUVs for 2026, highlighting their blend of comfort, practicality, technology and driving performance.
Hyundai Palisade Leads Edmunds' Rankings
The Hyundai Palisade earned the top position in Edmunds' list of the best midsize three-row SUVs for 2026, thanks to its combination of premium comfort, spacious cabin, refined driving experience and strong value. Reviewers praised the redesigned Palisade for offering an upscale interior that rivals luxury vehicles while remaining competitively priced. The addition of a new hybrid powertrain further strengthened its position by delivering improved fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Edmunds noted that the Palisade's quiet ride, high-quality materials, intuitive infotainment system and extensive list of standard safety technologies make it one of the most complete family SUVs currently available. Buyers can choose between gasoline and hybrid models depending on whether they prioritize traditional performance or maximum efficiency. The SUV also features a spacious third row capable of comfortably accommodating adults, a flexible cargo area and numerous convenience features aimed at families. Edmunds concluded that the Palisade excels in nearly every category tested, making it the benchmark against which competitors are measured.
Kia Telluride Continues to Impress Families
Closely following the Palisade is the Kia Telluride, which remains one of the most highly regarded three-row SUVs in North America. Edmunds highlighted its bold styling, premium cabin, generous passenger space and excellent technology package. Like its Hyundai sibling, the latest Telluride introduces a hybrid option that significantly improves fuel economy while maintaining strong acceleration and everyday usability. The Telluride offers one of the roomiest interiors in its class, with adult-friendly seating in all three rows and a cargo area large enough for family vacations or sports equipment. Edmunds also praised its user-friendly infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance features and long warranty coverage. While the Telluride and Palisade share many engineering components, reviewers noted that Kia delivers a slightly sportier driving personality and distinctive exterior styling, giving buyers two excellent but different interpretations of the modern family SUV.
Toyota Grand Highlander Prioritizes Space and Efficiency
Toyota's Grand Highlander secured a place among Edmunds' top five thanks to its exceptional practicality and outstanding fuel efficiency. Designed specifically for larger families, the Grand Highlander features one of the most spacious third rows in the midsize SUV segment along with one of the largest cargo compartments available. Hybrid versions deliver impressive fuel economy while maintaining enough power for daily commuting and long-distance travel. Edmunds noted that buyers seeking maximum efficiency can choose the standard hybrid, while those wanting stronger performance may prefer the Hybrid Max powertrain. Although its styling is more conservative than some rivals, reviewers praised the Toyota for its reliability reputation, smooth ride quality and comfortable interior. Families who regularly transport seven or eight passengers benefit from easy third-row access and thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin. The Grand Highlander continues Toyota's focus on combining practicality with long-term dependability.
Ford Explorer and Volkswagen Atlas Round Out the Top Five
Edmunds selected the Ford Explorer for buyers who value performance and engaging driving dynamics. The Explorer offers sharper handling than many competitors, and the high-performance ST model produces up to 400 horsepower, making it one of the quickest SUVs in its class. While cargo capacity trails some rivals and hybrid options are unavailable, Edmunds found that the Explorer delivers a rewarding driving experience without sacrificing family practicality. The Volkswagen Atlas completes the top five by emphasizing interior space and comfort. It features one of the roomiest cabins in the segment, with a genuinely usable third row for adults and straightforward controls that make daily driving easier. Edmunds praised the Atlas for its comfortable ride, generous standard equipment and excellent passenger accommodations, though it noted that buyers looking for hybrid efficiency will need to consider other models. Together, these SUVs provide strong alternatives depending on whether buyers prioritize performance or maximum interior space.
Choosing the Right Three-Row SUV
Edmunds' latest rankings demonstrate how competitive the midsize three-row SUV segment has become, with manufacturers offering increasingly refined vehicles that balance comfort, safety, technology and fuel efficiency. The Hyundai Palisade emerged as the overall winner because of its comprehensive blend of luxury, practicality and value, while the Kia Telluride remains an outstanding alternative with sportier styling and similar features. Buyers prioritizing maximum interior space and excellent hybrid efficiency may find the Toyota Grand Highlander to be the ideal choice, whereas driving enthusiasts may prefer the Ford Explorer's athletic performance. Those seeking exceptional passenger room and straightforward usability can look to the Volkswagen Atlas. Regardless of individual priorities, Edmunds concluded that each of these five SUVs represents an excellent choice for families needing three rows of seating without moving into the larger and more expensive full-size SUV category. As hybrid technology becomes increasingly common across the segment, buyers now have more options than ever to balance performance, efficiency and everyday practicality.
