Among the midsize SUVs with three rows of seats available on the market, the team of the Car Guide has listed the top three models that represent the best buys in this category.
These vehicles are not as popular as compact SUVs, but their sales are still strong. Thanks to their seven or eight seats, these voluminous models allow large families to travel comfortably.
1-Kia Telluride/Hyundai Palisade
The Korean duo has made a remarkable entry into the category of mid-size SUVs with three rows of seats. Indeed, the Palisade and the Telluride jumped straight to first place! Built on the same platform and using the same engine (a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6), they differ mainly in terms of design.
Photo: Antoine Joubert
The Telluride sports a slightly refreshed look for 2023, and inherits an X-Line version. On the side of the Palisade, there are some aesthetic updates and a modernized dashboard dressed in new materials. We also note the disappearance of the basic Essential model and the arrival of an Urban version.
These changes do not fundamentally alter the qualities of these two utilities, which remain at the top of the category. Whether it’s the quality of finish, the level of equipment, the interior space, the comfortable ride or the V6 engine, flexible and sufficiently powerful, the two vehicles combine the qualities.
The main criticism that can be made to them is the absence of an electrified variant, which is beginning to be felt. Indeed, the V6 consumes 11.3 L/100 km in combined driving, which is not negligible. For the rest, they continue to dominate their category.
Photo: Julien Amado
If you hesitate between one or the other, know that their behavior is very similar and that it is especially the exterior design and the ergonomics of certain controls that should help you decide. But whether you go for a beefier Telluride or a more classic Palisade, there’s no bad choice between these two SUVs.
The Toyota Highlander is one of the best-selling models in its class. This success goes hand in hand with a very good resale value as well as excellent reliability.
For the 2023 model year, the vehicle receives new digital instrumentation and a revised multimedia system. However, the big news is that the V6 engine is stepping down in favor of a 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder. Advertised performance peaks at 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft.
Photo: Toyota
The main advantage of the Highlander is the possibility of opting for a hybrid version. This engine, although less powerful than the gasoline engine (243 combined horsepower), benefits from high torque at low revs thanks to its electric motors. On the other hand, its fuel consumption is very low, barely 6.7 L/100 km in mixed driving. An impressive figure for a vehicle of this size.
The Highlander nevertheless suffers from several shortcomings, notably its less interior space than the best SUVs in the segment, a brake pedal that lacks bite and low availability at dealerships.
Photo: Antoine Joubert
Remaining unchanged for several years, the Nissan Pathfinder was completely renewed in 2022. An update that did it the greatest good, with notable progress in terms of handling, interior layout and connectivity . For the 2023 model year, the Rock Creek model, more powerful (295 horsepower instead of 284) and more focused on off-roading, sports all the stylistic codes that have been in fashion lately.
With a comfortable ride, the Pathfinder is particularly well suited to our poorly paved road network. The seats, whose softness and support deserve to be highlighted, are also a strong point. Sufficiently powerful, the 3.5-litre V6 is the only mechanical option nestled under the hood. There is no hybrid model planned yet. Acclaimed by the team of Car Guide in 2023, the Pathfinder will soon have to face the new Mazda CX-90 as well as the redesigned Honda Pilot to keep its place on our podium…