The Best Luxury SUV With Third Row Seating | So Reliable And Comfortable

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SUVs, for a better part of the last 30 years, have been consistently been seen as the trendiest vehicles on the market. Customers like them because the high driving position gives them the opportunity to look down upon the mere mortals in sedans. Manufacturers like them because the safety and fuel economy requirements from the U.S. government are less costly to comply with than for a traditional sedan; and they can charge more for them, which means higher profits.

In my view, they only make sense within the context of this strange regulatory environment, but that is aside the point. Since it seems that the words “minivan” and station wagon” immediately conjure up images of moms in the 1990s and 1950s respectively for most Americans, many people don’t even consider them, even if the packaging and value for money makers more sense.

As a result, in America, SUVs are often the only choice in most people’s minds when looking for a vehicle with four or all-wheel drive, a third row of seating, and a rear loading hatch that provides increased practicality and visibility over a traditional sedan. And while luxury SUV and reliability are generally not two words that go together, there are some vehicles in the segment that offer good reliability and reasonably affordable maintenance costs. Of vehicles that are available on the market, the following represent the best choices.

The newcomer to consider: 2018-present Genesis GV80

Genesis GV80, the most underrated luxury midsized crossover
While the Genesis brand remains largely unknown in America, they are offering some of the best luxury cars in the business and nobody has noticed!

In the midsized luxury segment, the best luxury SUV with third row seating has to be the Genesis GV80. Compared to the standard bearer of midsized luxury crossovers, the BMW X5, this is, in my opinion, a much better car. That is quite impressive, especially considering it is the first SUV to be released by the brand. So, why get this over the X5?

Well, for one is the price. The GV80’s starting price is nearly $10,000 lower than the X5, and, if I’m honest, the GV80 is a fully equal competitor in every way. On the exterior, I personally find the styling quite appealing, especially compared to the X5’s front, which is best described as “dentally challenged.” At the rear, I quite like the taillight placement, which makes the car seem lower and is more elegant in a traditional sort of way. It is quite different from it’s competition, and you are unlikely to mistake it for something else, which is difficult to do in the current new crossover marketplace.

However, the GV80 shines brightest on the interior. It is minimalist in design, and is overall elegant and not flashy, something I quite appreciate. Continuing that minimalist theme is the infotainment system. It is fairly easy to use and ergonomic, which is not a surprise considering parent company Hyundai is also in the home appliance business. As is expected from a vehicle in this class, the seats are supportive and comfortable, with an available massaging function, a feature I associate more with the Mercedes S-Class, so it’s nice to see it here.  

The 2 engine choices for the GV80 are a 2.5 liter four cylinder, and a 3.5 liter V6, both of which are turbocharged and have more than sufficient power. Owing to its shared platform with the Genesis G80 sedan, the GV80 is rear-drive biased, so handling is decent and composed even on twisty roads. However, the GV80 is by no means sporty. While it has the punch, other cars in the segment do sporty better, as the GV80 skews toward strictly luxury. In my opinion, that isn’t the point of a vehicle like this, as if I wanted sporty, I wouldn’t be buying a midsized luxury crossover, I’d be buying something else.

Unfortunately, all isn’t well with the GV80. There is no available hybrid, and fuel economy, even on the smaller 4-cylinder model, is only around 25 MPG. That number drops to 20 with the V6. In addition, the third row seating is only available on the second-highest trim level of the GV80, and only with the V6 model, so it is a bit more expensive to get it with a third row than its closest competitors. Also, the third row seating is a bit cramped, and is only suitable for children, not adults.

So, is the GV80 good as a seating for seven road trip vehicle? For seven GROWN MEN, no, as at this size, the third row is best used in a pinch for children, not as a space that should be regularly occupied by fully sized human beings.

In addition, the GV80 also falls victim to automakers trying to reinvent the wheel with the shift lever, as it has a rotating knob style gear selector instead of a straight line floor shift. Hello, literally every automaker? The straight line pattern that has been common in automatic transmissions for the last 50 years works just fine! Stop trying to be creative with something that was already perfected and is muscle memory for most people. Where are your brain cells? I’d rather those R&D costs go elsewhere! Don’t even let there be an opportunity for your car to get bad press like what happened with Jeep and Anton Yelchin’s death (Pavel Chekov in the newer Star Trek movies).

Of the Genesis GV80 models, the one to get is the 3.5T AWD Advanced+, as despite the terrible name for the trim level, this is the trim level that has the best combination of features (importantly, it is the one with the third row seat!). Pricing for the GV80 in this configuration remains affordable for the segment, at just over $65k USD, which is much less than a BMW X5 of similar equipment levels. Furthermore, Genesis has one of the best warranties in the segment, with a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Not that you will need it much, since parent Hyundai’s cars have proven themselves to be quite reliable, which means lower running costs and better reliability than the German competition.

Overall, while Genesis lacks the brand recognition of its competitors, that doesn’t mean it should lack your consideration, as, in my view, is one of the best, most overlooked competitors in the midsized luxury crossover space. Like Lexus 30 years ago, Genesis has something to prove and is still trying to make a name for itself, and the GV80 shows it by offering a compelling, attractive package.

The fuel efficient, safe option: 2020-present Lexus RX450hL

Lexus RX450hl, the most fuel efficient midsized luxury crossover
The Lexus RX450hl is by far the most fuel efficient midsized luxury crossover on sale in the U.S. today.

If you need a Luxury SUV with third row seating AND good fuel economy, the Genesis GV80 isn’t going to do it. Instead, you will have to look elsewhere, and that car is the 2020-present Lexus RX, specifically, the RX450hl. 

Lexus was the first manufacturer to put out a hybrid SUV all the way back in 2005, with the feature being optional on the second generation model. Each successive generation has been a strong performer, and even used, 5, 10, or even 15 years on, these are still good bets. I talked about the previous generation RX hybrid in another article, link here. If you are looking for a used one, try and get a 2010-2015 models, which can be had for pretty reasonable prices (check out my review here), are still pretty new, and are solid cars even today. However, one of the biggest problems was that they never had the option of third row seating. That was, until the latest generation model introduced in 2018 came out.

The 2018 Lexus RX addressed that issue, as it offered an optional third row with a longer wheelbase, in the form of the RX350l and the RX450hl. And the best thing about it is, no need to sacrifice on fuel economy! Gas mileage is EPA rated at a combined 29 MPG for the higher trim RX450hl, which is significantly better than nearly everything else in its class. For the RX350l, fuel economy is much more in line with the class; EPA rated at 22 MPG combined.

However, how is the RX as a car? On the exterior, the styling skews toward sporty, albeit, slightly less understated and less differentiated from the competition than the GV80. Inside, the materials are high quality, the seats are comfortable, and the infotainment offers everything you would expect from a vehicle in this class, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

For a long time, Lexus annoyingly stuck with this touchpad style system for interacting with the infotainment, which were quite hard to use compared to its competitors. This is why I am only recommending the 2020-present facelift models, as the 2018-2020 models include this annoying system, while the newer ones have a much more usable touchscreen infotainment system. This is nice to see, as over the last 15 years, Lexus has really struggled to get infotainment right, and the current generation RX, fortunately, is no different in this way. If the infotainment deficiencies do not bother you, then the earlier models are just as mechanically solid, and could be a better deal than the newer cars.

Unfortunately, all isn’t perfect with the RX. While fixing the flawed infotainment design was a BIG deal, the biggest problem of the current generation RX is that space efficiency is still a bit on the low side, and the driving experience can be a bit boring. Also, the design is starting to get a bit dated, and the dash layout isn’t as seamless or elegant as the GV80. The powertrain warranty is also shorter than the Genesis, but given Toyota’s track record for reliability, this should be a non-issue.

Of the two, I would go for the RX450hl over the RX350l. Though the RX450hl is more expensive, starting at $51k vs $48k for the RX350l, the nearly 50% jump in fuel economy is, in my view, well worth the $3k starting price difference. After all, if you keep it long enough, the greater fuel efficiency will save you money over time. Compared to the GV80 with third row seating, the RX long wheelbase represents a bargain, as pricing for the less-expensive RX350l stands at $17k USD cheaper than the GV80, and the higher spec RX350l is nearly $14k USD cheaper than the GV80. Both are compelling options, and while I think the GV80 is a better bet overall, if fuel economy is a higher priority, the RX450hl gets the edge.

Overall though, if you want a solid, safe bet of a luxury crossover that will maintain its resale value and will absolutely give you many years of trouble free transportation, the Lexus RX450hl is a good, albeit obvious, choice. 

Best off-road capability: 2019-2021 Lexus LX570 Three-Row (Approved by the supreme Leader Kim Jong Un)

Lexus LX750, the most reliable, off road capable luxury SUV
On the used market, a Lexus LX570 is one of the most reliable off-road capable luxury SUVs you can buy.

Do you have a bit of money, want something cushy, but need to also tow a boat? Well, if you are a luxury SUV buyer that lives in a more rural area and need something that can also haul like a full size truck, then the vehicle you want is the 2007-2021 Lexus LX570

While the next Lexus LX’s release date has been rendered uncertain, getting a previous generation model either on the used market or as a new leftover model on a dealer lot is still a fantastic bet if you need a luxury SUV that is also unstoppable off-road. 

Why is that? For one, it will be reliable. It’s stablemate, the J200 Toyota Land Cruiser, is commonly used throughout Africa and Asia by the U.N. in regions with roads that range from bad to nonexistent, and the Land Cruiser line as a whole is widely regarded as one of the best, most durable off-roaders ever made. And this DNA continues to the LX570, as owners regularly report that their vehicle “rarely, if ever” needs to go to a repair shop. 

But don’t think that the LX skimps on luxury; it doesn’t. Interior materials are very high quality, as is expected of a vehicle at this price point. Given it rides on an older platform, is also much more analogue feeling than most luxury SUVs, making it something of a rarity in the automotive market of 2022. It’s also remarkably quiet riding, as additional insulation is added to the LX compared to the Land Cruiser. The clamshell tailgate is also a nice touch, and makes loading cargo in easier than in other vehicles of this size. The third row seats are also push-button operated, which makes deploying them a breeze.

However, all isn’t perfect with the LX, far from it. Despite the air-ride suspension, the driving experience is decidedly old school truck, as on-road composure isn’t as good as its competition. Furthermore, like I mentioned in the review for the RX long wheelbase, Lexus has struggled for years with infotainment, and given the age of the LX’s platform, that system is unfortunately found here. No touchscreen, no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, just a center pad operated by your hand to interact with the infotainment interface. It’s clunky and out of date, and was bad even during the Bush administration. The third row is also a bit of an afterthought, as despite the massive size of the LX570, the third row is cramped even for children, so not recommended as a long road trip car for eight. It’s also thirsty, as 14 mpg overall is about the most fuel economy you’ll get, surprising for a car with an engine under 400 hp.

Overall, the LX570 is an old-school luxury SUV, complete with both old-school problems and old school charm. And the competition has largely moved forward. Nonetheless, the LX is one of the most reliable vehicles on the used market, and is likely to take you to a million miles with minimal headaches. With proven reliability, if you need an off-roader with greater comfort, but no less capability, the LX570 will serve you well, especially if you are spending more time off road than on it, which is when the LX750 makes more sense.

Oddly, this is probably why the LX570 was given high praise by none other than the Supreme Leader of North Korea himself, Kim Jong Un! Given the used car shortage, expect to pay $90-100k for a used LX570 with a third row and low mileage. If you can a new model leftover on a dealer lot, got for that, as those are listed at only slightly more, at $105k USD. If you can wait for the all-new 2022 Lexus LX, do it. Otherwise, the outgoing model remains your best bet for an off-road capable luxury SUV.

The one worth waiting for: 2022 Lexus LX600

The Lexus LX600 should be the best full-sized luxury SUV on sale in America when it is released later this year
Once it drops within the coming weeks, the all-new Lexus LX600 should be a fantastic full-sized luxury SUV with third row seating

All previous generations of the Lexus LX have essentially been rebadged Toyota Land Cruisers with more luxury appointments, and the next generation is no different. The U.S, unfortunately, will NOT get the Toyota badged Land Cruiser version that was released last year, but WILL get the Lexus badged LX version. This makes sense, as in the last generation, the Land Cruiser’s pricing was north of $80k new; overlapping heavily with it’s Lexus-badged cousin and well into the pricing of luxury SUVs in of itself. 

While Lexus has held firm that deliveries of the new LX will start in Q1 2022 (which is now at the time of writing), it and it’s not-sold-in-america Land Cruiser J300 sibling have been affected by the ongoing semiconductor shortage, so whether this date will be pushed back or not remains to be seen.

As for the features, there will be many. Digital connectivity is absolutely absurd, as it is with much of the segment at this price point, with Lexus even offering an app integration to be able to control the vehicle via your phone. This is no surprise, especially considering its recently discontinued predecessor was in production for the terms of four U.S. presidents. The V8 of the old car is gone, and will be replaced by a twin-turbo V6 that should be able to tow 8000 lbs and get better fuel economy. 

When combined with the fact that Land Cruisers are some of the most durable vehicles ever made, and the LX, like all previous ones, will be a heavily reskinned Land Cruiser, this will be by far the best towing SUV on the market, and, if Toyota gets it right, should be able to last hundreds of thousands of miles with years of reliable service. Fortunately, Toyota is a conservative automaker in this regard, but, we won’t know until they start showing up as press cars and in showrooms. Once it’s available though, it will likely be the best option for its size and price point

The vehicle you should be getting instead: 2021-present Toyota Sienna AWD

Most people say they want crossovers. What they need is a minivan, specifically, the new Toyota Sienna
If you need to transport 7 passengers on a regular basis, a crossover isn’t what you need. What you need is a minivan, and the 2021-present Toyota Sienna is the best of them.

If you are planning to use all seven seats on a regular basis and you are looking for a luxury SUV with third row seating, the vehicle you want is a minivan. Specifically, the one to get is the 2021-present Toyota Sienna. Allow me to explain.

Millionaires don’t think of money the same way average people do, that’s why they got to where they are. When average people think millionaires, they think Ferrari or Rolls Royce, but that’s wrong. Of the 10 most common millionaires’ cars, 5 are from Toyota and Honda; statistically the most reliable brands over the last 30 years. Why is that? Most millionaires got there on their own, no inheritance needed? How did they get there? Simple, they didn’t spend more money than they have to, and they weren’t stupid with money! If you are wealthy, the most valuable thing in your life is time.

You know what takes up a lot of time? Having to deal with an unreliable car that will also cost a fortune to fix for one! Immediately, owning a Benz or a BMW makes little sense, costing more to fix than its competitors and breaking down more often. However, the millionaire also wants to be comfortable, since back pain isn’t fun, and takes time to recover, so econoboxes are also, in my opinion, undesirable. In addition, not spending more than you have to includes fuel too, which means the 15-20 MPG max of big-engined Mercedes S Classes are pointless in the pursuit of efficiency.

This is where the 2021-present Toyota Sienna comes in. Compared to a traditional luxury SUV with third row seating, it offers a much superior package. For one, unlike crossovers, the third row of seating is actually usable by adults that aren’t professional gymnasts. Secondly, cargo capacity and visibility are superior, which makes for an easier driving experience and livability. Thirdly, fuel economy is vastly superior to nearly everything else with three rows. Rated at 35 MPG combined, that means less money spent on fuel, and more money for the investment portfolio, and a more sound financial future.  All this means, on paper, this type of vehicle is the better option.

However, even by luxury standards, the Sienna does well. Strong points include a smooth ride, comfortable seats, and high end interior materials.  In the rear, passengers have abundant legroom for days, and the second row captain’s chairs offer good comfort and lots of legroom In addition, available AWD means that it is just as capable as similar crossovers when road conditions get rough. On the interior, the infotainment system is both up-to-date and easy to use; a sharp contrast to the previous generation’s outdated system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard features, as are all the safety features expected on a new car in 2022. On top trim models, the rear captain’s chairs have the ability to recline, and there is an optional in-built car vacuum cleaner to clean messes up if needed, which is nicely located within easy access of the second row passengers. In the back, even with the third row of seats up, the cargo area is quite large, but if you need additional cargo area, folding the rear seats flat is easy and can be done with one hand

All is not perfect with the Sienna. The hybrid system prioritizes fuel economy over performance, meaning the acceleration can be a bit slow, but not unusably so. In addition, the rear captain’s chairs cannot be removed fully, only stowed behind the front seats in an upright, folded position, which is a slight hindrance on utility. To make the large cargo area behind the third row, there are some otherwise unsightly exposed plastics, which was the compromise Toyota made to add additional space (which is worth it in my opinion)

Of Sienna configurations, the one to go with for this purpose is the top-of-the-line platinum model. Pricing for this trim is $50,635 USD with AWD, plus taxes and other fees. The options list at this trim is short, since they are all checked off anyway!

Overall, the new Toyota Sienna is a super-practical alternative to SUVs that uses less fuel than anything else its size and offers more space for both cargo and passengers than all crossovers. The high quality interior materials, comfortable cabin, relatively under-the-radar styling, high fuel economy, and optional all-wheel drive make this the perfect vehicle for the American millionaire looking to avoid the status symbol culture and stay under the radar with a strictly functional vehicle that does its job well and offers maximum versatility.

Summary

This article was difficult for me to write, because I am a firm believer that compared to more specialized tools like the Minivan, Station Wagon, Hatchback, and sedan, the crossover SUV is worse by all measurable metrics. Nonetheless, they are popular, and my opinion is in the minority.

Though this list may seem like a Lexus commercial, with interior quality that is sufficiently close to brands like Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota reliability that makes a Mercedes-Benz look like a lemon. However, Hyundai, by launching the Genesis brand in the U.S, has made a car that is just as competitive, but the lineup remains incomplete as of the time of writing.

So what do you think? Which luxury SUV with third row seating do you like best? Do you think the crossover is kind of pointless? Do you think Genesis will be able to beat not just the Germans in build quality, but also Lexus in reliability and maintenance costs? Let me know down in the comments below.

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