The Hyundai Palisade is a great car for my familyNot all 3-row SUVs are created equal and some come with distinct advantages when it comes to carpooling kids to afterschool activities. This is what you need to know to find the car that fits your carpooling needs.It was the first week of school when I realized that my daughter was in the same dance class two days a week with two other girls in our neighborhood. It dawned on me that I could actually cut my weekly driving down by carpooling with these families, especially if I drove every 3rd class and rotated with the other two moms. Except for one thing: If my younger daughter tagged along, there wasn't enough room in the car for everyone. So I made playdate plans for my youngest and made appointments to go car shopping for a 3-row SUV that would allow me to accommodate everyone. AdvertisementAdvertisementI found that the best 3-row SUVs can be hard to find; some would be better off as five-seaters, some were way too big for what we needed, or simply too small. It's a pain that I still feel as if it only happened yesterday—even though it was a while ago. So, to spare you the pain of picking the wrong car for your own carpool, here are our recommendations for the best 3-row SUVs for back-to-school carpools.This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.Size Up Your Needs and Those of Your PassengersDriving the kids daily is part of the routine – Credit: Allison BellLet's make some assumptions here: The 3rd row is more about carpooling than everyday family use; you're accommodating passengers of different heights and sizes, so you may need to let them decide where to sit based on their comfort; everyone will need a place to drop a backpack, put a water bottle and be able to point air vents at their faces. Many will need a USB port to charge their phones or tablets after school. For this period in life you may want to consider a center row bench vs. captain's chairs to ensure you always have enough seats; a center bench will also make accommodating car seats or booster seats easier since you can put two in an outboard and center seat and leave the other outboard seat empty for easier 3rd row access. All of our recommended SUVs have slide and tilt center row seats, allowing the seats to move forward even with a child passenger car seat installed.AdvertisementAdvertisementPersonally, for carpools I like crossover-style SUVs vs. truck-based full-size SUVs; they are easier to get in and out of, they tend to have more interior space and many lack the transmission tunnel 'hump' in the middle of the floor that takes up foot and storage space. These are the best 3-row SUVs for back-to-school carpools. More Space and Power: Hyundai Palisade vs Hyundai Santa FeThe 2026 Hyundai Palisade – Credit: Scotty ReissKey Stats: Seats 8 with a center row bench; 7 with captains chairs in the top two trims; there are four full LATCH sets: Two in the center row and two in the 3rd row outboard seats; AWD may be a $2,000 option. Priced from about $40KCars the size of the Hyundai Palisade might be the perfect carpoolers: They're large but not truck-sized; they have fully-formed 3rd rows with headroom, legroom, lots of air vents and USB ports. We particularly like the hybrid model for its heftier horsepower—329 HP—and great fuel economy, estimated to be up to 34 MPG.Answering the need for 3 rows, Hyundai upsized the Santa Fe and while we love it for its modern, boxy style and roomy interior, the hybrid model generates nearly a full 100 HP less than the Palisade at 231HP. And you'll feel it when there are butts in all the seats. The 4-cylinder turbo delivers a bit more at 277 HP, which we think is enough for hauling the carpool, though there's less cargo space behind the 3rd row— 14 cubic feet vs 18 cubic feet in the hybrid and 19 in the V6, which generates 286 HP.The VW Atlas's Carpool Secret Sauce: 3 Carseats Across, But Skip the R-Line I love glam, so naturally, I loved the rugged-yet-elegant VW Atlas Peak Edition | Credit: Natalie MerolaKey Stats: Seats 7 in all but the top of the line model; a 4-cylinder turbo engine produces 269 HP; all 3 center row seats have full LATCH sets; AWD is available on all models for $1,900; priced from $39KAdvertisementAdvertisementThe biggest conundrum here is to buy the outgoing VW Atlas model or wait a month or so for the new one; the new design is pretty compelling with more power, a style upgrade, enhanced technology and even slightly more space. For seating for 7 you'll need to opt for the center row bench, and with a bench available in all but the R-Line, you can go pretty fancy. The great thing about the bench in the Atlas is that you can install 3 car seats across the center bench if you need to—great for carpooling littles to pee-wee soccer and letting the bigger kids stretch out in the 3rd row. The Honda Pilot Is a Carpool Pro, But Skip the Trailsport The front end of the 2026 Honda Pilot Elite AWD – Credit: Kristen BrownKey Stats: Seats 8 in all but the Trailsport; full LATCH sets only in the second-row seats; AWD available in all models (a $2,000 option on LX and EX-L models); priced from about $42K.The Honda Pilot brings its 'A' game to the carpool lane: in upper trim models, the center row middle seat is removable so you can opt for captain's chairs when you want them and a bench when you need that extra seat. And it stows under the rear cargo floor! Though with a 3rd row that seats 3, you might not ever need the bench. AdvertisementAdvertisementRecently redesigned with more technology and a sharper exterior look, the Pilot is powered by a V6 that produces 285 HP making it capable even when all seats are filled, but don't skip the AWD option; this ensures the Pilot can go everywhere.Space Vs Efficiency Wins Here: Telluride vs Sorento I still think about her every now and again… – Credit: Shannon BassettKey Stats: Seats 8 in upper trims; lower trims seat 7 with captains chairs; 2 LATCH sets in the center row and one in the 3rd row; AWD is a $2,000 option but standard on the X-Line and X-Pro models; priced from $39KLike the Palisade, which is a 'sister from a different mister' to the Kia Telluride, this sleek SUV offers two engine options: a V6 that generates 291 HP and a 4-cylinder hybrid that produces 329 HP. The added power and 34 MPG fuel economy make this our pick, though you'll have to forgo the off-road capability of the X-Pro model; you can opt for the X-Line's athletic good looks, though. We like the space for passengers and cargo that the Telluride offers and the slightly higher ground clearance over the Sorento, which also seats 6 or 7 passengers. The Sorento's 3rd row is more of a convenience row and the cargo space behind it is quite small. However, for carpoolers who need the space only occasionally and want to be able to plug in and drive 30 miles or so on electric, the Sorento has this option while the Telluride does not.The Toyota Grand Highlander vs Sequoia: Is This Even a Question?2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | Credit: Kristen BrownKey Stats: Seating for 8 in all but the top two trims; 2 LATCH sets in second row outboard seats only; AWD is optional on hybrid and gas-powered models and standard on Hybrid Max models; priced from $42KAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Toyota Grand Highlander wants to be everything to everyone and this is something it does well. Most trim models offer a center row captains chairs option; the 3rd row is roomy and there are 3 engine options to choose from: a gas-only 4-cylinder turbo that generates 265 HP; a hybrid that generates 245 HP and gets about 35 MPG; and a hybrid max that uses a hybrid system to boost the power, generating 362 HP and lending a distinctly fun and powerful feel to the drive. The Grand Highlander was designed to deliver on the things that families need and that is where it's night and day different from the Sequoia. The largest SUV in the Toyota family is built on a truck frame, has true 4WD and the center row seats are flip-and-fold, meaning if you have kids' car seats installed in the outboard seats, you will likely need to uninstall one to access the 3rd row. And even though it's bigger, the Grand Highlander is roomier.Buy the Chevy Traverse over GMC Acadia or Buick Enclave If You Need 8 SeatsScotty Reiss with the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse – Credit: Scotty ReissKey Stats: Seats 8 in the LT trim, 2 LATCH sets in the center row only; AWD is a $2,000 option; priced from $41,000. We love that Chevrolet, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia all ride on the same platform and are powered by the same 4-cylinder turbo engine that generates a pleasant 328 HP—enough power for confidence on the highway even when all the seats are filled.AdvertisementAdvertisementWe also love that all three 3rd rows are roomy and well-appointed. But if you need to seat 8, the LT trim in the Chevy Traverse is the only option. The upper models of the Traverse and all Acadia and Encore models come with captain's chairs only. Still, you can add enough upgrades to the LT to make it feel pretty premium, and its wide screen, voice assistance and truck-like look give it very cool vibes.Ford Explorer Wins Over the Ford Expedition For CarpoolsThe 2025 Ford Explorer – Credit: Scotty ReissKey Stats: Seats 7 with a center row bench available in all but the Tremor trim; 2 LATCHes in the center row only; AWD is available for $2,000 on all but Tremor, which has standard AWD. Priced from $39K.Ford wants you to have it all: All Ford Explorer models except the Tremor have the option of a center row bench or captain's chairs; AWD can be added to any trim and 4 of the 5 trims offer a choice of a 4-cylinder 300 HP engine or a more powerful V6 that generates 400 HP. We particularly like this; you can choose from plenty of power to more than enough power. The size of Explorer makes it easy to drive and park, but it's pretty roomy inside so everyone will be comfortable. This is the OG carpooler; it was one of the first 3-row SUVs and helped to start the trend. AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile it's not as large and doesn't have quite all the bells and whistles that you'll get with the Expedition, it's pretty good and not as pricey as its bigger sister. The Volvo XC90 B6 Core Is the Way to Go With VolvoNo wonder Volvo has such a great reputation for safety – Credit: Kristen BrownKey Stats: Seats 7 and offers the choice of standard center bench or captains chairs; standard AWD; priced from about $62K.The magic of the Volvo XC90 is luxury in a family car: beautiful materials, future-forward technology and, of course, top-of-the-line safety features. But the real magic here is power underfoot, which is why we like the B6 Core model; it's a super-charged mild hybrid that produces 295 HP (but adds $5,100 to the price). The B5 entry model generates 247 HP and while that's probably fine, you might feel it struggling on hills when there are butts in all the seats. And get this: some Volvo XC90 models will allow you to adjust second row seats and lower the 3rd row headrests via the center touch screen. So fancy! Even Though We Love the Nissan Armada, the Nissan Pathfinder Is our Carpool ChoiceFront view of the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek. Photo Chastity VelasquezKey Stats: Seating for 8 in all but Rock Creek; 3 full LATCH sets: 2 in the center row and one in the 3rd row; AWD is $1,900 on S, SV and SL models and standard on Platinum; priced from $40KAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Nissan Pathfinder is a true 8-seater SUV designed to do it all; it's rugged, roomy and allows you to add the things you want (leather seating? premium sound?) and not those you don't. And, you can go with captains chairs and still seat 7, meaning carpools are still possible even with a center pass-through to the 3rd row. We like the smaller scale of this car for daily driving and occasional 3rd row passengers and the powerful V6 engine that delivers 284 HP. Need a Jeep? Go for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs the Grand Wagoneer The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Credit: Scotty Reiss – Credit: Scotty ReissKey Stats: Seats 7 with center bench on all but the top two trims; AWD is $2,00 on all but Reserve and Summit and every model can add a 3rd row for $2,000. Priced from $41KI personally am smitten with the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. That's because it's the car I dreamed of when I had a 5-passenger Grand Cherokee and needed a 3rd row. They didn't offer it. And I died a little inside. I loved my Jeep's mastery of my steep driveway in winter, how it conquered every curb-protected parking spot and how I could plow right through the muddiest ditches without breaking a sweat. Plus: Snow squall slowing down the Merritt Parkway? Not for me! Now the Grand Cherokee offers a 3rd row on every model, though the Summit and Summit Reserve models only have captain's chairs and seat 6. And while it's a bit smaller than the Grand Wagoneer, it's also about $20K less. The smaller size will make it easier to drive and park and being a Jeep, it will easily conquer my driveway.The Subaru Ascent Gets It Done, But Pick Your Trim CarefullyThe 2024 Subaru Ascent is a great fit for child car seats – Credit: Kristen BrownKey Stats: Seats 8 in all but the Onyx and Touring models, which seat 7; 2 full center row LATCH sets; AWD is standard; priced from about $41,000AdvertisementAdvertisementSubaru wants you to always feel cared for and capable and the Ascent is no exception: it comes with standard all-wheel drive and even the fancier trims, outfitted with leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, are resilient. Anything your kids, or the dog, or the weather, can do to these interiors can be cleaned up. Go for the Premium and Limited trims if you need the center row bench, but if you don't really absolutely need that 8th seat, go for captain's chairs; the 3rd row is a bit tiny.Mazda Fans Aren't Left Out: the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select and Preferred Are the Great CarpoolersThe Mazda CX-90 is a safety wizard, thanks to these features – Credit: Natalie MerolaKey Stats: Seats 8 in Turbo Select and Turbo Preferred models; 3 full LATCH sets, 2 in the center row and one in the 3rd row; AWD is standard; priced from about $39KHere's the great thing about the Mazda CX-90: It can be whatever you want it to be. Need elegant seating for 6? There's a trim for that. Need a 3-seat 3rd row and center row captain's chairs? You got it. Need two 3-seat benches? There's that too. All that said, the more seats there are, the tighter it feels, though the 3rd row is nicely sized for elementary and middle school kids. We like the 7-seat configurations because you still get 3 full LATCH sets for car seats and you can choose between a plug-in hybrid that generates 323 HP and a turbo model that produces up to 340 HP. Isn't it nice to be able to say yes to every carpool opportunity? And get some of your time back during the week while still letting your littles play every sport or dance every class their friends do? I thought so, too.