Midsize SUVs with Best Towing Capacity

A large three-row SUV, the Dodge Durango offers big power from optional V8 powertrains and impressive towing capability across the range. The Durango is, however, a bit dated by class standards. It isn’t as refined as many rivals and its fuel economy leaves quite a bit to be desired.

Under the hood, the Dodge Durango comes standard with a stout V6. And while we expect new powertrains to become available soon, there’s an optional 5.7-liter V8 and supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 available for maximum power. The 5.7-liter V8 is a standout on its own, especially among the other three-row SUVs, most of which have switched to mostly V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Meanwhile, the supercharged Hellcat engine provides an astonishing 710 horsepower, turning the Durango into a certified all-wheel-drive muscle car with three rows of seating.

With both the 5.7-liter V8 and the Hellcat engine, the Durango is capable of towing as much as 8,700 pounds, a class-leading number. Even the V6 can tow as much as 6,200 pounds, which should be more than enough for a small trailer. Unfortunately, that means that the Durango has subpar fuel economy ratings, even when compared to V6-powered rivals. What’s more, the Durango falls behind the competition when it comes to interior refinement, available driver aids, and cargo space. Rivals like the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Chevrolet Traverse all offer more cargo space and more modern interiors. Buyers should also take a close look at the Subaru Ascent for its impressive standard safety aids paired with off-road capability.

There are many similarities between luxury three-row SUVs, and standing out from the crowd can sometimes be challenging. The 2025 Land Rover Discovery makes its mark by paying homage to its storied history as a sturdy and capable all-terrain vehicle. It finds a desirable middle ground in Land Rover's lineup in many ways. It's not as plush as the Range Rover, nor is it as hardcore as the Defender. Instead, the Discovery is an attractive three-row SUV that can tackle the morning carpool as easily as it scales terrain, which would leave most vehicles stranded. Thanks to smart electronic driver assistants, you don't have to be an expert off-roader to navigate treacherous terrain safely. In most cases, you select a drive mode to match the conditions, and the Discovery takes care of the rest.

Luxury SUVs with this kind of adventure capabilities are relatively rare and include the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Lexus GX. Both have undergone complete redesigns more recently than the Discovery, which has been in its current form since 2017. They're all excellent choices for their stated missions, but if you're looking for a city-bound SUV, the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class would be a better option.

There are plenty of luxury SUVs, but the 2025 Land Rover Defender delivers unparalleled off-road chops and attitude in the class. Evoking the spirit of iconic Land Rovers from the past, including the Defender Series II from the 1990s, the 2025 Defender places a premium on toughness to help owners get out and explore. As a result, this SUV has impressive ground clearance and a boxy design suited for trails or safaris. It also performs the double duty of looking premium enough to compete around town with the likes of Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes.

The Defender has three major body styles: the two-door Defender 90, the four-door Defender 110, and the extended Defender 130 with three rows of seats or a larger cargo space. Multiple engine options range from a small turbocharged four-cylinder to a smooth six-cylinder or thumping V8. This year, there's a new Defender Octa Edition with a massive 626 horsepower. All versions come with four-wheel drive and a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The suspension is geared for off-roading but is also supremely comfortable in the city.

The 2025 Defender's strengths are immediately apparent. When it comes to weaknesses, shoppers may find that several SUVs in this price range are more well-rounded for all kinds of everyday use. Some luxury SUVs have better technology features, higher fuel economy, or impressive cargo space — others may even have all three. However, for many Land Rover advocates, these issues pale compared to the Defender's capability in the rocks.

Pricing for the 2025 Defender starts around $60,000, but most versions crest the $70,000 mark, and the cost can quickly increase from there. Chief competitors include the Lexus GX and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, though the Defender more than holds its own against these rivals. Examples in the "well-rounded" group include the Genesis GV80, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. But the 2025 Land Rover Defender carries a legacy and a personality all of its own.

Land Rover's tradition of building luxury SUVs for both on- and off-road performance continues with the 2025 Range Rover Sport, part of the third-generation model introduced two years ago. Slightly smaller than the flagship Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport is built to cosset and comfort. Despite the name, the Sport isn't tuned to carve ribbons of backroad asphalt. That's not to say the Sport doesn't handle well; it does, especially when equipped with Dynamic Response Pro, its anti-roll feature. But as a distilled version of the full-size Rover, lush luxury is what the Sport really does best.

With seating for five, the Range Rover Sport interior features a low, sloping center console and angled dash with a 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. The spacious seats and cabin are impeccably trimmed in leather and metal, and the upright seating position and low dash make for plenty of outward visibility — all the better to see off-road obstacles ahead.

Off-road ability is a Range Rover hallmark and the Sport maintains the legacy. An optional two-speed transfer case, adjustable air suspension and multiple electronics control power to all four corners, delivering unflappable traction in rough terrain. A front and underbody camera system and wading-depth monitor also help the driver navigate potential trouble. While the idea of heading into the mud in a six-figure (or near enough) SUV may sound like a contradiction, Range Rover's history of traversing the boggy English countryside in high comfort is key to its appeal.

The Range Rover Sport isn't the only luxury SUV designed to handle tough terrain, though. Rivals include the Lexus LX, Lexus GX, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Lexus models don't have quite the same old-world cachet as the Range, but they're suitably luxurious and supremely capable in the dirt. Even if you never plan to go off-road, the Range Rover Sport still delivers an experience a notch above pavement peers such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne, and BMW X5.

The Range Rover Sport also distinguishes itself with an available high-performance plug-in hybrid system that delivers impressive performance, boasting an EV-only range of about 51 miles — more than nearly any other plug-in hybrid on the market.

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the more luxurious version of the standard Cherokee, which was discontinued after the 2023 model. The Cherokee name has been synonymous with off-road SUVs for half a century, with the Grand Cherokee joining in the early 1990s. The current fifth-generation Grand Cherokee debuted in 2022.

The Grand Cherokee roster is deep, with six distinct trim levels as well as a three-row Grand Cherokee L model and a plug-in hybrid 4xe variant. Shoppers also have two gas-only engines to consider: The base V6 is good for 293 horsepower, while the 357-hp V8 is offered in the top trims of the Grand Cherokee L.

The 4xe has the potential to save you money at the pump, but only if you have regular access to an EV charger. On a full charge, it should return up to 26 miles of electric-only driving, but once the battery is depleted, fuel economy is only marginally better than the V6. The 4xe costs quite a bit more than the V8-powered Grand Cherokee, and unless you're using electric propulsion most of the time, it'll take an eternity to recoup the price difference. On the plus side, it makes noticeably more power.

The Grand Cherokee distinguishes itself from other SUVs by delivering plenty of all-terrain ability as well as luxury in its top trims. If you need both, it's really the only choice unless your budget can accommodate a Land Rover or Lexus model. More affordable alternatives will force you to choose between adventure or refinement.

If you don't need wilderness-taming capabilities, the Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Honda Passport are our top picks. If you're willing to sacrifice comfort and refinement for off-road prowess, the Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, and Toyota Land Cruiser are excellent choices.

After more than 10 years without a major update, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner arrives with a top-to-bottom redesign that gives it an all-new look, more power, and more technology and features throughout. This midsize SUV now rides on the same underpinnings as the recently updated Toyota Tacoma, so that means it has a sturdy steel frame and an off-road ready suspension. The new 4Runner also shares the Tacoma's engine options, so the base offering is now a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The optional powerplant is a hybrid setup that combines the base gas engine with an electric motor to boost overall output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2025 4Runner will be available with rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, or full-time four-wheel drive depending on the trim. One notable new feature for off-road enthusiasts is a stabilizer bar disconnect system for improved suspension articulation in rough terrain.

After years of adding incremental feature updates, the 4Runner's cabin is now available with a full range of up-to-date technology. The main dashboard interface is an 8-inch touchscreen on base models or a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with numerous USB-C power ports and digital key functionality. The gauge cluster is also updated with a 7-inch standard screen and an optional 12.3-inch screen. All models are upgraded with Toyota's latest suite of safety technology.

The 4Runner has a small, but strong group of off-road-capable competitors. Chief among them is the Ford Bronco, which also offers four doors and powerful engines. Same goes for the Jeep Wrangler which has become far more comfortable in recent years, without losing its off-road prowess.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder deserves more attention than it gets. It’s overshadowed by bigger sellers like the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Highlander, as well as top-rated favorites like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. It’s also fighting against the memory of a long-lived predecessor that was bland and uncompetitive. The 2025 Pathfinder is neither of those things, and although it’s far from a class leader, it has a lot going for it.

This is especially true of the Pathfinder Rock Creek. It’s the off-road-oriented trim level that’s not just the coolest-looking Pathfinder, but the most powerful and capable one that’s actually capable of finding a path. Considering that its on-road performance, ride, and handling aren’t overtly hampered by its off-road additions, the Rock Creek is the one we’d most recommend. That it costs thousands less than off-roadish versions of rival SUVs speaks to a value proposition present in most Pathfinders.

The Pathfinder also boasts a high-quality cabin, excellent safety credentials, and an ample features list. We also think it’s pretty easy to live with thanks to sensible controls and a second-row seat that uniquely slides and tilts to grant easy access to the third row without needing to remove a child seat. That said, space in the way back is just a little less than most competitors, as is cargo capacity behind the third row. The driving experience also doesn’t stack up to top competitors, especially in terms of the Platinum trim level’s ride quality.

As a result, we rank the Pathfinder in the middle of the class. The Pilot, Telluride, and Palisade are all better in terms of space and driving experience, just to name a few top choices. It’s more spacious than the Highlander, though, and its value over the Explorer is notable. Again, the 2025 Pathfinder is unlikely to earn a trophy, but it’s still worth considering.

The Kia Telluride set buyers and rivals on notice when it debuted five years ago. Following Kia's well-honed playbook of exceeding expectations, offering more features than competitors at a lower price, the Telluride rose to the top of nearly every critic's list and has mostly held its position since. The 2025 Kia Telluride maintains course, with just a few minor enhancements and feature shuffling to keep the model fresh and competitive.

Kia's largest SUV, the Telluride slots above the midsize-ish Sorento and offers seven- or eight-passenger seating, depending on configuration, in three rows. The Sorento also offers a third row, but is small by comparison, something for occasional use or reserved for young children. The Telluride on the other hand is voluminous and spacious, with third-row seats that can accommodate adult passengers.

Telluride trim levels also range from essential and affordable to near-luxury, and even to off-road-inspired and off-road-capable. It offers some of the most legroom and largest cargo space in the class and ample in-car connected tech. Even the base model gets a 12.3-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB charging ports. The Telluride's muscular V6 engine is the most powerful among its peers, but still returns comparable fuel economy. A full slate of driver-assist features, including sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, comes standard.

But while the Telluride is arguably the best value among three-row SUVs, loaded with quality and features at a competitive price, it's worth considering others. The Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, and Toyota Highlander are staples of the class for good reason. All provide some combination of exceptionally roomy interiors, advanced tech, and competitive fuel economy. The Highlander offers a hybrid version with even better mileage, while the new Mazda CX-90 is available in both gas and plug-in hybrid forms, the latter with up to 25 miles of all-electric range. The Hyundai Palisade is essentially a Telluride in a different skin, while the Chevrolet Traverse is a bit of a dark horse with class-leading cargo capacity.

Three-row crossovers like the 2025 Subaru Ascent are red-hot with families. And for good reason: they’re spacious, packed with features, and each has a distinct personality. For the Ascent, the personality is what truly sets it apart. As a member of the Subaru family, the Ascent is expected to carry some off-road capability and a rugged demeanor. Its outdoorsy styling and standard all-wheel drive mark a clear distinction from rivals. Venture off the pavement or regularly encounter slippery conditions, and the Ascent is well-equipped for the job.

For 2025, the Ascent has some new versions, like the Bronze Edition and Onyx Edition Touring, and has done away with some old ones. But the core principles have remained the same since its 2019 debut. The Ascent offers excellent space for passengers in the first two rows, with a third row of seats best suited for children. Cargo space is also limited compared with some competitors. So the Ascent is not the highest on our list of most practical three-row SUVs — although it does come with an astonishing 19 cupholders — instead focusing on serving those with an active lifestyle who will appreciate an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard roof rails for mounting a bike rack or cargo box, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability on some models.

Subaru also equips the 2025 Ascent with a healthy set of safety features called EyeSight, a brand staple. These features and a gutsy turbo engine ensure the Ascent is value-packed on all trim levels. There are more practical choices out there, such as the all-around competency of the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Volkswagen Atlas. There are also glitzy options like the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid and Jeep Grand Cherokee L. But the Ascent has a style and character all its own, and for the Subaru faithful, that’s more than enough.

No one really buys a three-row SUV looking to carve tight corners on open back roads. But with the 2025 Mazda CX-90, it's nice to know you can. Or at least the Mazda makes the possibility more exciting than its competitors, even if it's only the occasional cloverleaf interchange with a cabin full of nervous passengers. With its sport-tuned steering and suspension, standard all-wheel drive, and cracking turbo engines, the CX-90 is a lithe wide receiver in a class of SUV linebackers.

An impeccable interior is another of the CX-90's standout traits, with a refinement and quality that rivals many European and other luxury alternatives. Settling into any of its seats, it's easy to see why the CX-90 costs a little more than some competitors, but still rates as a bargain compared to the next price tier. Class-leading fuel economy and an available plug-in hybrid that can cover up to 26 miles on battery power round out some of the Mazda's attributes.

The CX-90 can't match its peers in overall utility, though. The interior, while refined, is smaller than most. That goes for the cramped third row and limited cargo space. The infotainment is serviceable, but dated software and the lack of a touchscreen fall short of the smoother interfaces and cloud-based operating systems in other SUVs.

The Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, and the Toyota Highlander and larger Grand Highlander all offer more space and more modern tech. Even if they're not as fun on a 270-degree on-ramp.

It's been five years since the second-generation Lincoln Aviator was last redesigned. For 2025, this midsize luxury SUV gets a major styling refresh with a more modern and attractive front fascia. In addition to a more eye-catching grille, new exterior lighting improves nighttime visibility and adds a lot more flair with an available illuminated badge and animated lighting.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator now fits in with other restyled stablemates, slotting in between the smaller and recently redesigned Nautilus and full-sized Navigator. The Aviator splits the difference by coming standard with second-row captain's chairs, but a bench plus a third row of seating is available. Those rearmost optional seats are rather confining, though, and are best left to children.

The other big news for the 2025 Aviator is the debut of the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system. It promises quicker responses, sharper graphics, and many more features. These include advanced voice commands via Google Assistant and Alexa, streaming entertainment options, and future add-ons that will increase your productivity. In addition to all of that, you get a larger touchscreen and, newly standard on all models, the BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system.

The Aviator's twin-turbo six-cylinder engine provides plenty of power, but fuel economy suffers as a result. It does manage to distinguish itself from most other SUVs in the class with its soft and luxurious ride, though it's not as confident as rivals on a winding road. That should be fine for most drivers, but European competitors such as the Audi Q7, BMW X7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE are more engaging behind the wheel. They can get rather expensive on the high end, though. The Lincoln may also lack some brand cachet by comparison, but the makeover and new features make it a very compelling alternative.

The largest SUV in Volkswagen’s lineup, the Atlas boasts three rows of seats, sizable cargo space, and a premium cabin. As the brand’s flagship SUV, the Atlas resides above the compact Tiguan and subcompact Taos crossovers. After last year's significant refresh, the 2025 Atlas continues as a strong competitor in the three-row crossover market.

The Atlas stands out from the crowd with a wide stance enhanced by an illuminated light bar and large light-up VW logo in the center of its grille. A similar treatment with a chrome strip spans the rear hatch. The quad exhaust outlets give the Atlas a powerful look until you realize that they are merely decorative.

Volkswagen offers the Atlas in a range of trim levels, and even the base-level SE comes equipped with a long list of amenities and advanced safety features. Front-wheel drive is standard with optional all-wheel drive on lower trims; higher trims get all-wheel drive as standard equipment. All variants come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering a healthy 269 horsepower, but the Atlas, weighing more than 2 tons, is a bit slow off the line.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas holds its own in the very competitive three-row midsize SUV market segment that includes such heavy hitters as the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-90. Buyers looking for a slightly sportier profile might also consider the Atlas Cross Sport two-row SUV (reviewed separately), which carries the same basic styling and underpinnings.

The 2025 Honda Pilot is one of our favorite three-row SUVs. It has a robust V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower, a spacious interior, and lots of cargo space. The Pilot was redesigned in 2023, receiving several updates, including larger dimensions, some rugged exterior looks, and an updated infotainment system. These updates, along with a comfortable ride and easy-to-use controls, keep the Pilot competitive with top rivals.

Like all three-row SUVs, the Pilot is large. In fact, it’s the biggest vehicle that Honda has ever made, but that doesn’t keep it from being relatively agile. The Pilot has quick acceleration, impressive passing power (even when fully loaded), and stable handling for a vehicle its size. The cabin is constructed with quality materials and provides drivers with a simple, easy-to-operate set of controls. Passengers will appreciate the abundant small-item storage and they’re unlikely to run out of cupholders (the Pilot has 14).

All of the Pilot's seats are comfortable and spacious. The third row can accommodate most adults, and getting in and out is pretty easy, thanks to a removable center seat in the second row. That seat, once removed, can be stored in the subfloor of the trunk — a thoughtful solution for owners who only occasionally need seating for eight. The Pilot’s infotainment interface is easy to use, but the screen is a bit smaller than what’s offered by rivals; an optional touchscreen is 9 inches, but several competitors offer 12-inch screens.

If you’re looking for some off-road capability, the Pilot has you covered there, too. The TrailSport trim has all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, and underbody skid plates to protect the underbody from damage. The Volkswagen Atlas offers a more modern design and better fuel economy, while competitors like the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-90 are a bit more refined. Still, the Pilot is very well-rounded and worth a closer look.