When it comes to today's SUV consumers, the bigger (to hold more people and their stuff) and the more luxurious (why should buyers sacrifice their needs for luxury?) is certainly seen as better. Alphabetically, here are 10 roomy and luxurious 3-row SUVs that meet the needs of the modern SUV buyer.
2022 Acura MDX
In anticipation of an all-new generation's arrival, Acura's MDX mid-size SUV skipped the 2021 model year. But the 2022 version remains the roomiest Acura SUV you can buy. The maximum cargo room behind the MDX's 3rd-row is up to 513 litres, with a maximum of 1,368 litres with the 2nd and 3rd-row folded down. Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs) range between $56,405 CDN and $67,405 CDN. The only powertrain is a 290-horsepower 3.5-litre 6-cylinder engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive (AWD).
2021 Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 continues to be a stylish and highly refined 3-row mid-size SUV with room for seven. There are 402 litres of luggage space behind the Q7’s 3rd-row and 1,971 litres with both rows folded. The 2021 Q7 45 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder producing 248-horsepower, while a 335-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine powers the Q7 55. Both Audi luxury SUVs use an 8-speed automatic with AWD. Starting MSRPs range between $67,950 CDN and $83,550 CDN.
2021 BMW X7
Bigger than the mid-size X5, the BMW X7 is the largest vehicle BMW makes. The big, AWD 3-row BMW X7 offers 363 litres of cargo space behind its 3rd-row, and 2,560 with the seats folded. Three turbocharged models start with the 335-horsepower 6-cylinder $95,800 CDN X7 xDrive40i and two V8s: the $117,500 CDN X7 M50i and the topline 612-horsepower $165,900 CDN Alpina XB7. All X7s use an 8-speed automatic transmission.
2021 Cadillac Escalade
Redesigned for 2021, the $90,398 CDN Escalade full-size SUV is roomier than ever. Space behind the AWD Escalade’s 3rd-row has been enlarged to 637 litres, up from 430. When you fold the rear seats, there are 1,784 litres of cargo room. The longer, Chevrolet Suburban-based $93,898 CDN Escalade ESV has even more space. A 10-speed automatic transmission matched to a 420-horsepower 6.2-litre 8-cylinder engine is standard in both Escalade models. A 277-horsepower 3.0-litre turbodiesel 6-cylinder is a no-cost option.
2021 Genesis GV80
The 2021 Genesis GV80 is a brand-new, 5- or 7-passenger vehicle and the first SUV from Hyundai’s luxury brand. Engine choices include a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine or a 375-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre 6-cylinder. Both use an 8-speed automatic transmission. Starting prices range from the $64,500 CDN GV80 2.5T to the topline $85,000 CDN GV80 3.5T Prestige. Luggage space behind the 3rd-row measures at 727 litres, and 2,144 with both the 2nd- and 3rd-rows dropped.
2021 Infiniti QX80
The QX80 is Infiniti's flagship SUV, and it exudes luxury. Benefitting from a redesign in 2018, under the QX80's hood is a 400-horsepower 5.6-litre 8-cylinder engine that offers up plenty of power for towing and passing and is mated to a 7-speed automatic and AWD. Pricing ranges from $79,998 CDN to $87,998 CDN. The Infiniti QX80 has 471 litres of cargo space behind its third row, 1,405 with these seats folded, and 2,693 with all rear seats folded.
2021 Land Rover Discovery
Even with a maximum volume of up to 2,370 litres when both rows of rear seats are folded flat, the updated 2021 Land Rover Discovery can head for off-road locations less-capable luxury SUVs dare to go. The AWD 7-passenger Discovery gets a 296 horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder (starting at $68,600 CDN) standard. A 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder (starting at $73,700 CDN) is optional. An 8-speed automatic is the lone gearbox choice.
2021 Lexus LX 570
The 2021 Lexus LX 570 continues as a full-size luxury SUV based on the rugged and not-available-in-Canada Toyota Land Cruiser. The LX’s only engine choice is a 5.7-litre 8-cylinder engine that produces 383 horsepower. This output goes to a permanent AWD system through an equally refined 8-speed automatic transmission. The $112,900 CDN 8-passenger Lexus LX 570 has 462 litres of luggage room behind its 3rd row, but that number grows to 1,178 with that rearmost seat folded.
2021 Lincoln Navigator
The AWD 2021 Lincoln Navigator full-size luxury SUV is the Ford Motor Company luxury brand’s biggest vehicle. Its turbocharged 3.5-litre 6-cylinder generates 450 horsepower hooked up to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator supplies generous room for up to eight occupants (seven with the 2nd-row captain’s chairs). Behind the regular $96,500 CDN Navigator’s 3rd-row seats is 547 litres of luggage space, while the $99,750 CDN elongated Navigator L provides a cavernous 963 litres
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS
As the German luxury brand's flagship SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is often dubbed "the S-Class of SUVs." As such, AWD, comfortable accommodations, cutting-edge technology and the finest driving manners come standard. The $101,900 CDN GLS 450 4MATIC offers a 362-horsepower 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine, while the $125,900 CDN GLS 580 4MATIC gets a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that makes 483 horsepower. Behind the big 'Benz SUV's 3rd-row seats are 493 litres of space. Folding those seats creates up to 1,379 litres of space. With both rows folded, you get 2,398 litres of room.
