Toyota's luxury arm, Lexus, has a very consistent entry on the list, but there are a few surprising, three-row SUV models that also provide great value for money.
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In case you thought the SUV craze was slowing down, it's not. In 2021, over 42 percent of new vehicles were SUVs. Three-row SUV models, in particular, have been extremely popular of late, particularly those made by Asian carmakers like Toyota and Hyundai. With that said, I researched and found some of the best three-row SUVs that Japanese and Korean carmakers are currently offering in the US market.
Lexus LX
Unlike the 2024 Land Cruiser, the Lexus LX still carries over with the current J300 platform we have known since 2021. In addition to being a familiar platform, the J300 Lexus LX is the most luxurious, Japanese, body-on-frame SUV you can get. It's also larger than the J250 Land Cruiser, meaning it has more interior space even on the optional, third-row seats. The 2024 Lexus LX adds more standard features, including an upgraded infotainment system that expands to the second-row seats.
The Lexus LX is offered with a potent, twin-turbo V-6 engine, which replaced the outgoing Lexus LX's naturally-aspirated V-8s. Something that may, potentially, deter some LX buyers is the lack of hybrid powertrains, but that's expected to change for the 2025 model year.
2024 Lexus LX prices start at $93,915
2024 Lexus LX600 Specifications:
- Engine: 3.4-liter, DOHC, twin-turbo V-6
- Output: 409 horsepower at 5,200 RPM, 479 pound-feet (650 Nm) at 2,000-3,600 RPM
- Transmission and drivetrain: 10-speed Direct-shift automatic, 4WD
- Average fuel economy (EPA): 19 MPG combined, 17 MPG city, 22 MPG highway
Hyundai Santa Fe
Not long ago, the notion of a luxury Korean SUV was inconceivable to many. Now, they make up the majority of this list. Hyundai Santa Fe has been a consistent player in the segment since its first iteration in 2001. The current model has been around since 2023 and successfully pulls off the neo-retro design, despite not having old predecessors to draw inspiration from (unlike Toyota's Land Cruiser).
The interior of the fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe is not the most upscale unless you go for the range-topping Caligraphy model, However, it is very flexible, with generous standard equipment, and offers a unique six-seat configuration.
Although Hyundai's mid-size SUV is capable of handling off-road terrains, it's more at home on the road. It features a unibody chassis and innovative, turbo-four engines.
The base 1.6-liter hybrid doesn’t make much sense to me in a vehicle of that size, but the 2.5-liter Smartstream turbo engine is a force to be reckoned with. It features, both, multi-port and direct fuel injection, and provides substantial mid-range shove. My only problem with Hyundai is that they still offer a base version without all-wheel drive.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe prices start at $35,345
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe specifications:
- Engine: 2.5-liter, DOHC, turbocharged inline-four
- Output: 281 horsepower at 5,800 RPM, 310 pound-feet (420 Nm) at 1,700-4,000 RPM
- Transmission and drivetrain: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, FWD or optional AWD
- Average fuel economy (EPA): 22-24 MPG combined, 19-20 MPG city, 26-29 MPG highway
Infiniti QX80
Infiniti is a brand best-known for its identity struggles. Currently, the brand is in the process of rebranding itself once again, and the new Infiniti QX80 luxury, full-size SUV makes it seem like Infiniti is finally getting on its feet. The QX80 still relies on a body-on-frame chassis, which should give it great off-road capabilities. Infiniti says the torsional stiffness of the chassis is 57 percent better than the luxury brand's previous full-size SUV.
The interior is one place where Infiniti have gone above and beyond in order to infuse the QX80 with unadulterated luxury. The materials are top-notch and the INFINITI InTouch infotainment system is a vast upgrade over the old system, although I find it a bit slower to respond than I would like.
The QX80 still relies on a VK56 V-8 engine, which is both good and not-so-good, in times when the competition has gone to smaller, turbocharged, or hybrid powertrains. One clear advantage of the QX80 over its Japanese premium competitors is the price.
2024 Infiniti QX80 prices start at $74,150
2024 Infiniti QX80 specifications:
- Engine: 5.6-liter, DOHC, naturally-aspirate V-8
- Output: 400 horsepower at 5,800 RPM, 413 pound-feet (560 Nm) at 4,000 RPM
- Transmission and drivetrain: 7-speed automatic, RWD or optional AWD
- Average fuel economy (EPA): 15-16 MPG combined, 13-14 MPG city, 19-20 MPG highway
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai's Palisade has been a solid alternative to the Lexus LX since its inception in 2018. In 2022, the Korean, three-row SUV got a refresh, featuring a bolder front-end design and more tech as standard. The model will carry on after 2024, with a more comprehensive redesign on the way for the 2026 model year.
One major difference is that unlike the Lexus LX and Infiniti QX80, Hyundai Palisade rides on a unibody chassis, making it better suited for the pavement. In the lower, SE and SEL trims, the Palisade offers seating for eight people.
The range-topping Palisade Calligraphy replaces the second-row seat with two captain's chairs, reducing the capacity to seven passengers. Having rich experience with the 3.8-liter V-6 engine (in a Genesis Coupe), I can say it is a stout unit that provides adequate performance.
2024 Hyundai Palisade prices start at $38,045
2024 Hyundai Palisade specifications:
- Engine: 3.8-liter, DOHC, naturally-aspirated V-6
- Output: 291 horsepower at 6,000 RPM, 262 pound-feet (355 Nm) at 5,200 RPM
- Transmission and drivetrain: 8-speed automatic, RWD or optional AWD
- Average fuel economy (EPA): 21-22 MPG combined, 19 MPG city, 24-26 MPG highway
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is, essentially, the Hyundai Palisade in different clothing. Since Kia is a subsidiary of Hyundai, all models are largely the same in terms of hardware. Like the Palisade, the Kia Telluride offers a proven V-6 engine, the same smooth automatic, and depending on the trim level, seating for seven or eight people.
The price is also slightly better although not by much. Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are so identical in terms of pricing and options that really, it comes down to which design appeals more to you.
2024 Kia Telluride prices start at $37,585
2024 Kia Telluride specifications:
- Engine: 3.8-liter, DOHC, naturally-aspirated V-6
- Output: 291 horsepower at 6,000 RPM, 262 pound-feet (355 Nm) at 5,200 RPM
- Transmission and drivetrain: 8-speed automatic, RWD or optional AWD
- Average fuel economy (EPA): 20-22 MPG combined, 18-20 MPG city, 24-26 MPG highway
About the author
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
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