Significantly updated for 2016 ( and then some more for 2018), it remains a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment. The fifth-generation Explorer debuted as a 2011 model and is still with us today.
It's not a fun car to drive, but it's adequate both on and off the beaten track - better than many rivals when the asphalt ends but not an off-roader. The passengers assigned to the third row would better be children, however, as those seats don't work for adults during longer trips. The Highlander has loads of it, offering up to eight seats and versatility thanks to the 40/20/40 split-second-row feature that comes with a removable center seat for unhindered access to the third row. Available in eight trim levels, three powertrains (including a hybrid), and front- or all-wheel-drive, the 2018 Highlander lineup's breadth can be matched by few competitors. Subtly refreshed for 2017, the Toyota Highlander remains a reliable choice for customers looking for a spacious three-row SUV. However, it's better you avoid the lower S and SV grades because of the abundance of hard plastics inside. The Pathfinder is quite thirsty, as you can imagine, but it makes up for that with an absolutely cavernous interior. It comes standard with front-wheel-drive (AWD is an option) and a single engine choice, a 284-hp 3.5-liter V6 paired with a CVT. Despite the rugged-sounding name, it's no longer a body-on-frame model so don't expect it to be as capable off-road as its predecessor, especially since it has a lower ground clearance as well. The Nissan Pathfinder is a spacious three-row SUV that can accommodate seven passengers in comfort - including on the third-row seats. It looks elegant too, it offers a cushy ride, and it comes with a 10-year powertrain limited warranty. It's a roomy vehicle with a smart interior configuration that can get the job done. It comes as standard with front-wheel-drive and seven seats, while all-wheel-drive ($1,750) and a six-passenger layout are optional.Īs in most midsize SUVs, the third-row seats offer tight space for adults, but they're good enough for kids. Unlike the mechanically-related Sorento, the Santa Fe offers only three trim levels and a single engine choice - a 290-hp 3.3-liter V6. With three engines (including a 290-hp V6), FWD or AWD, and seven trim levels available, there's a Sorento for everyone.
The 2018 Sorento is roomy and comfortable and offers impressive flexibility as well as an unbeatable 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. The rearmost seats are not that comfortable for adults on longer trips and access to them could be better, but they are great for children. The Sorento is among the smallest models here, but the optional third-row seating (which will become standard for the 2019 model year) turns it into a decent seven-passenger model. We've also left out models that are too old or too small because this is a list of SUVs that are supposed to be relevant for 2018 as well as roomy - so you'll only find three-row models here.Īlso in the name of fairness, we've left out full-size SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. To keep a level playing field and because we believe premium marques deserve a separate list, the following ten family SUVs we've chosen come from mainstream brands only.
We've compiled a list of ten 2018 model year family SUVs that you can't go wrong with if you're in the market for such a vehicle. It can be quite hard to choose from hundreds of models from all market segments, but don't despair - we're here to help. Could that be a coincidence? Well, we'll leave that up to you.Īs an SUV market par excellence, the United States is one of the most crowded worldwide when it comes to sports utility vehicles. Love them or hate them, SUVs and crossovers (the line gets thinner by the day) make up the hottest market segments right now all over the world, as well as being most lucrative vehicle types for automakers. No automaker can expect to survive in the highly-competitive global automotive market nowadays if it doesn't offer SUVs - the more, the better. Minivans don’t do it for you? What about a roomy three-row SUV?