Discover stylish, high-performance, dependable, and spacious family SUV options for the ultimate driving experience.
The minivan’s reign as the go-to vehicle for large American families has been replaced by the rising popularity of SUVs. Modern SUVs not only offer improved aesthetics but also superior performance and versatility compared to minivans. One key advantage that has attracted families is the spaciousness provided by three-row SUVs. While the third row may not be ideal for adults, it offers ample room for children, making it an excellent choice for larger families.
When searching for a family car, reliability is a crucial factor to consider. Dealing with frequent breakdowns or constant repairs, even when covered by warranty, can be frustrating and disruptive. Therefore, it is essential to choose a reliable car that offers years of dependable service with minimal unexpected maintenance. To help you in your search, we have compiled a list of 10 three-row SUVs that have proven reliability, using accurate ratings from J.D. Power.
10. 2023 Chevrolet Traverse – 83/100
In response to the discontinuation of the Uplander, Chevrolet sought to create a superior family vehicle to regain its customers. Rather than developing another body-on-frame minivan, the decision was made to introduce a three-row SUV as its replacement, and thus the Traverse was born.
The Traverse has entered its second generation and remains a favored option for families due to its attractive design, spacious seating, generous cargo capacity, and the added touch of athleticism provided by its 3.6-liter V6 engine. This combination of features is not commonly found in vehicles of this size. With a J.D. Power reliability rating of 83 out of 100, the 2023 Traverse is indeed a compelling choice for families.
9. 2023 Toyota 4Runner – 87/100
Toyota has established a reputation for manufacturing highly reliable vehicles, and the 4Runner is no exception. As one of Toyota’s popular SUV models, the 4Runner has consistently been recognized for its reliability. With its durable construction and proven track record, the 4Runner is an easy recommendation for those seeking a reliable three-row SUV.
In addition to its reliability, the Toyota 4Runner stands out for its impressive off-road capabilities. With its body-on-frame construction, the 4Runner is designed to handle rugged terrains, making it an excellent choice for families who enjoy off-road adventures. Its robust build and off-road features contribute to its reputation as one of the top Japanese SUVs available today.
8. 2023 Kia Sorento – 83/100
Kia has seen remarkable expansion in recent years, especially evident in its impressive lineup of SUVs. With over 10 SUV models currently available, Kia has established itself as a strong player in the market. The Sorento stands out as one of our top picks among Korean cars in 2023, offering a combination of quality, features, and overall appeal that sets it apart.
The Sorento’s long history since 2002 showcases its enduring popularity and evolution. The fourth-generation Sorento, introduced in 2020, features a refreshed design and increased wheelbase to enhance comfort for passengers in the third row. With an annual maintenance and repair cost of just $533, the Sorento offers exceptional value for a three-row SUV in terms of affordability and ownership expenses.
7. 2023 Ford Explorer – 83/100
The Ford Explorer’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its successful transition from the original Bronco to becoming Ford’s first four-door SUV in the early ’90s. Over the past three decades, the Explorer has gained immense popularity and has become the best-selling SUV of all time in the US. Its continued success is a testament to its appeal, reliability, and ability to meet the evolving needs of customers.
The Ford Explorer’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its successful transition from the original Bronco to becoming Ford’s first four-door SUV in the early ’90s. Over the past three decades, the Explorer has gained immense popularity and has become the best-selling SUV of all time in the US. Its continued success is a testament to its appeal, reliability, and ability to meet the evolving needs of customers.
6. 2023 GMC Acadia – 85/100
In response to the need for a replacement for its underperforming vans and minivans in the Pontiac-Buick-GMC dealership network, GM introduced the GMC Acadia in the mid-2000s. The Acadia was designed as a crossover SUV, sharing the same platform as the Chevrolet Traverse. This allowed GM to offer a more modern and versatile option to customers, catering to their preferences for spacious and family-friendly vehicles. The GMC Acadia has since become a popular choice in the crossover SUV segment, offering a blend of utility, comfort, and style.
The GMC Acadia is currently in its second generation and has undergone a recent facelift to enhance its exterior design, drawing inspiration from the GMC Sierra. The updates also include a revised infotainment system and the addition of a new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Acadia is available in four trim levels, with the Denali trim being regarded as the top-tier option. The Denali trim offers premium features and enhancements that elevate the overall luxury and refinement of the Acadia.
5. 2023 Kia Telluride – 85/100
The Telluride, a mid-size crossover SUV introduced in 2020, has made a strong impression on American buyers. It is Kia’s first model specifically designed for the North American market and has gained immense popularity, with annual sales surpassing 100,000 units.
The Kia Telluride has made a significant impact in the American market since its debut in 2020. As a mid-size crossover SUV, it was designed specifically for the North American market, catering to the preferences and needs of American buyers. The Telluride has garnered immense popularity, consistently selling over 100,000 units annually. Its success can be attributed to its appealing design, spacious interior, advanced features, and overall value for money. The Telluride showcases Kia’s commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles that resonate with American consumers.
4. 2023 Dodge Durango – 81/100
Since its initial release in 1997, the Dodge Durango has undergone significant transformations. The first two generations were constructed on a pickup truck platform with body-on-frame construction. However, when the Durango returned for its third generation in 2011, it adopted a unibody SUV design, sharing the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Dodge Durango, currently in its third generation, continues to make a statement with its rugged aesthetics and impressive performance. Particularly noteworthy is the Durango SRT Hellcat, which earns a spot among the fastest SUVs available. Equipped with a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine, it delivers a staggering 710 horsepower, showcasing its power and capability.
3. 2023 Cadillac Escalade – 83/100
The Cadillac Escalade, a renowned American luxury SUV, holds a prestigious position in Cadillac’s lineup. With its notable reputation and widespread fame among celebrities and artists, the Escalade has become an iconic symbol. It boasts an impressive combination of a striking exterior design, opulent interior, and advanced technology features, making it a worthy competitor to other top luxury SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover.
Although large luxury SUVs may not often make it to a “reliable cars” list, the Cadillac Escalade is an exception. The Escalade proves its worth by offering a reasonable maintenance cost of $1,007 per year, as reported by RepairPal. This cost is below the average for full-size luxury SUVs, further highlighting the Escalade’s reliability and cost-effectiveness.
2. 2023 Buick Enclave – 81/100
Buick entered the SUV market in the early 2000s with the Rendezvous and Rainier models, but unfortunately, both vehicles faced challenges and did not meet expectations. The Rendezvous struggled due to its minivan platform and unappealing design, often compared to the Pontiac Aztek. Similarly, the Rainier experienced low sales, with less than 50,000 units sold over a five-year period. Despite these setbacks, Buick has since rebounded and introduced successful SUV models in recent years.
Buick’s decision to continue its SUV lineup led to the introduction of the Enclave in 2008. Unlike its previous attempts, the Enclave quickly gained popularity and has been a consistent success, selling nearly 1 million units since its launch. Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Traverse, the Enclave offers a reliable 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower. With its appealing design and strong performance, the Enclave has become a reliable and sought-after choice in the SUV market.
1. 2023 Subaru Ascent – 81/100
Buick’s decision to continue its SUV lineup led to the introduction of the Enclave in 2008. Unlike its previous attempts, the Enclave quickly gained popularity and has been a consistent success, selling nearly 1 million units since its launch. Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Traverse, the Enclave offers a reliable 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower. With its appealing design and strong performance, the Enclave has become a reliable and sought-after choice in the SUV market.
Introduced in 2019, the Subaru Ascent stands as the brand’s largest vehicle offering. It houses a specially engineered 2.4-liter FA24 turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 260 horsepower. The Ascent also incorporates unique features and technologies not found in other Subaru models. Notable additions include optional mobile Wi-Fi capabilities and standard EyeSight driver assistance technology, providing an enhanced driving experience.
