If you’ve got a growing family, love road trips, or just need a vehicle that can handle Utah’s ever-changing weather, a three-row SUV is probably on your radar. These versatile, roomy rides are perfect for hauling the crew, their gear, and maybe even the family dog—all without sacrificing comfort or style.

Utah’s unique terrain calls for a vehicle that can handle everything from downtown Salt Lake City traffic to snowy mountain passes. And let’s be real—who doesn’t want a car that can do it all? Whether you’re headed to a weekend hike or just running errands, a good three-row SUV can make your life so much easier.

Why Three-Row SUVs Are Perfect for Utah

Utah is a state that demands a lot from its vehicles. Between the snowy winters, mountainous roads, and family road trips to national parks, you need something that can handle whatever life throws at it. That’s where three-row SUVs come in. They’re not just big—they’re versatile, comfortable, and surprisingly fun to drive.

Got kids? You’ll appreciate the roomy back seats and extra cargo space for all their gear. Planning a camping trip to Zion or Bryce Canyon? Most three-row SUVs have towing capabilities that let you bring along your camper or trailer without breaking a sweat.

And let’s not forget about Utah’s winters. With all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options, these SUVs make tackling snowy roads feel like a breeze. It’s no wonder they’re such a popular choice around here—three-row SUVs are practically built for Utah life.

From soccer practices in the suburbs to weekend adventures in the mountains, a three-row SUV can keep up with your busy lifestyle. 

1. Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade combines luxury-like comfort with an affordable price tag, making it a standout in the three-row SUV market.

• Engine & Performance: A 3.8L V6 engine delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of power for climbing Utah’s steep canyon roads. Its smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission enhances driving comfort.
• All-Wheel Drive: The available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system includes selectable drive modes like Snow, Mud, and Sand, giving you confidence on slick or uneven terrain.
• Interior Features: The Palisade’s upscale cabin includes options like quilted Nappa leather seats, a heated and ventilated second row, and a dual-panel sunroof for stargazing trips in southern Utah.
• Technology: A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster pairs seamlessly with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a surround-view monitor for navigating tight parking spaces.
• Safety: Hyundai’s SmartSense suite offers features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist to keep you safe on long highway stretches.

2. Mazda CX-90

Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 brings performance and sophistication to the three-row SUV segment, delivering a more engaging driving experience for Utah drivers who love to feel the road.

• Engine Options: Choose between a standard 280-hp 3.3L turbocharged inline-six or a high-output 340-hp version for spirited drives through Utah’s scenic byways. There’s also a plug-in hybrid model that pairs an electric motor with a 2.5L engine for 323 horsepower and improved fuel economy.
• All-Wheel Drive: Standard i-Activ AWD monitors road conditions 200 times per second to optimize traction, ensuring stability on icy roads or gravel trails.
• Interior Comfort: The CX-90 offers a premium cabin with real wood accents, leather upholstery, and a spacious second-row option with captain’s chairs. A panoramic moonroof and three-zone climate control add to the luxury.
• Technology: The centerpiece is a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available features like a 12-speaker Bose audio system elevate the driving experience.
• Safety: Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, 360-degree parking cameras, and driver attention monitoring are just a few of the advanced safety systems that make the CX-90 stand out.

3. Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is built for adventure, combining rugged capability with a refined, family-friendly interior.

• Engine & Performance: A 3.8L V6 produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s powerful enough to tow up to 5,500 lbs, perfect for bringing your trailer to Flaming Gorge.
• All-Wheel Drive: The available AWD system includes a Lock Mode for better control on loose surfaces, and the Telluride’s 8-inch ground clearance helps navigate Utah’s rugged trails.
• Interior Features: With seating for up to eight, the Telluride offers options like heated and ventilated second-row seats, a dual-level cargo floor, and premium materials throughout.
• Technology: A 10.25-inch touchscreen handles navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The driver talk system lets you easily communicate with passengers in the third row without yelling.
• Safety: Kia’s Drive Wise safety suite includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, and even a feature to prevent you from opening doors into traffic.

4. Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander offers the reliability and versatility you’d expect from Toyota, with advanced tech and hybrid options that make it a standout for families on the go.

• Engine Options: A 2.4L turbocharged inline-four engine delivers 265 horsepower, or opt for the hybrid model with a 2.5L engine and two electric motors for a combined 243 horsepower and up to 36 MPG.
• All-Wheel Drive: Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD sends power to individual wheels as needed, improving traction on snowy or uneven surfaces.
• Interior Features: The Highlander features seating for up to eight, with folding third-row seats and up to 84 cubic feet of cargo space. Available leather trim and a panoramic sunroof add a touch of luxury.
• Technology: A 12.3-inch touchscreen comes standard on higher trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a digital rearview mirror for improved visibility.
• Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist for added peace of mind on road trips.

5. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer has been a staple in the three-row SUV market for decades, and for good reason—it’s a versatile powerhouse with the capability and comfort to suit Utah’s diverse needs.

• Engine Options: The Explorer offers a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost inline-four that delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. For more power, there’s an available 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower, or a 3.3L hybrid V6 for improved efficiency without sacrificing performance.
• Towing & Capability: With the right configuration, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 lbs, making it ideal for hauling a boat to Bear Lake or a camper to the Uinta Mountains.
• All-Wheel Drive: Ford’s Intelligent 4WD system includes Terrain Management modes like Deep Snow/Sand and Trail, which are perfect for tackling Utah’s snowy winters or backcountry trails.
• Interior Features: The Explorer offers spacious seating for up to seven and a flexible interior with a power-folding third row. Premium trims add options like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof.
• Technology: The Explorer is equipped with Ford’s SYNC 4 system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Higher trims include a Bang & Olufsen audio system and built-in navigation.
• Safety: The Co-Pilot360 suite includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System, and Lane-Keeping System. Add-ons like Active Park Assist make parking a breeze, even in tight downtown Salt Lake City spots.

6. Subaru Ascent

For families who need a winter-ready vehicle, the Subaru Ascent delivers with standard all-wheel drive and a reputation for safety.

• Engine & Performance: A turbocharged 2.4L flat-four engine delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, offering a good mix of power and efficiency for mountain roads and highways.
• All-Wheel Drive: Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system is standard and pairs with X-Mode for enhanced traction on snow and mud. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Ascent handles rough terrain with ease.
• Interior Features: The Ascent offers up to eight seats, with second-row captain’s chairs as an option. Ample cup holders (19!) and smart storage solutions make it perfect for family adventures.
• Technology: A standard 11.6-inch touchscreen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available Wi-Fi connectivity keeps everyone entertained on road trips.
• Safety: Subaru’s EyeSight system includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic emergency steering, making it one of the safest picks on the market.

7. Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot has long been a favorite for families, and the latest redesign takes its practicality and performance to the next level.

• Engine & Performance: The 2023 Honda Pilot features a new 3.5L V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s perfect for merging on Utah highways or powering up mountain passes.
• All-Wheel Drive: Honda’s new i-VTM4 AWD system comes standard on most trims and features multiple terrain modes, including Snow, Sand, and Mud, making it a top choice for year-round driving in Utah.
• Towing Capacity: The Pilot can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, making it a great choice for weekend getaways with a small camper or boat.
• Interior Features: The Pilot offers seating for up to eight, with available second-row captain’s chairs. The interior is packed with thoughtful touches like tri-zone climate control, a removable middle seat in the second row, and up to 113.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded.
• Technology: A 9-inch touchscreen comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims include a wireless charging pad and a fully digital 10.2-inch instrument display. Elite trims add a head-up display and a panoramic roof.
• Safety: Honda Sensing, standard across all trims, includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition. A new TrailSport trim adds skid plates and off-road tuned suspension, making it a rugged option for outdoor adventures in Utah.

Find the Best 3-Row SUVs in Utah

Finding the right three-row SUV for your family doesn’t have to be a challenge, especially with so many incredible options on the market. Whether you’re looking for a reliable family hauler, a full-size SUV with room for everyone, a compact SUV for city driving, or a luxury three-row SUV packed with premium features, we’ve got you covered. With several locations in both Utah and Idaho, we’re here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you test-drive the SUVs that match your lifestyle.

Ready to find your next vehicle? Visit Axio Automotive today!