BEST 2-ROW SUVS
We get it. You have your heart set on a new SUV. The do-all nature of a two-row SUV is what makes this the dominant kind of vehicle on the road today. A two-row SUV is well-suited for the weekend traveler, the small family, or for the person who carries their life around with them. We’ve rounded up some of our most recommended two-row options on the market today. — Le Car staff
Mazda CX-5
When I texted my friend that my husband and I bought a Mazda CX-5, she texted back a photo of Mauve, her CX-3. She is Mensa-level smart and makes excellent financial and life choices, so I was pleased to have this extra assurance about my new car.
Here are some more secrets: I’m a luxury marketer, and I worked for a luxury car brand. I’ve driven a number of very expensive cars, many of which I would never splurge on myself. I appreciate my creature comforts, love the occasional visit to a luxury spa, and have occasionally been known as Glamanda -- but I don’t spend excessively.
The Mazda CX-5 is a great fit for someone who likes for things to feel nice, but isn’t necessarily toting a Goyard bag to the playground.
One of the first things I learned about automotive journalists is that they love Mazdas. The brand offers spectacular value for the money – and does just about everything well. The same applies to the CX-5, which is why it’s one of our most recommended vehicles.
The CX-5 is a quality car – it really does everything well enough. The interior is nice, and the materials are durable enough to withstand some abuse from a baby and very furry dog. The exterior is nice, or at least looks a lot like every other SUV on the road. The second row is big enough for kids and short rides with adults. The infotainment system is decent – fairly intuitive, though I’d love a touchscreen. The Touring package is really a necessary buy for safety and tech features that will make your life on the road easier and more comfortable, like Android Auto/Apple Carplay, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and heated front seats.
It’s large enough for three adults, a baby, and a dog; though next time I’d probably go for the considerably larger CX-9, since we’re always schlepping. Starting at $25,000, but the Touring, starting at $27,000 is really the minimum package you need.
BMW X3
If you want a great driving, quick-accelerating SUV, and can’t afford a Porsche, consider the BMW X3. BMW has successfully applied their sedan DNA to a crossover, creating a two-row ultimate driving SUV.
You won’t have to make many stops at a gas station with the X3, as it’s incredibly efficient – getting 30 mph on the highway.
It accelerates really nicely, making your key decision if you want the 4-cylinder or the 6-cylinder engine.
The X3 doesn’t feel quite as luxurious as other vehicles in its class. The interior is a little austere, a little darker and more severe than competitors like the Mercedes GLC, but it’s still a BMW, and that means it’s still well made. There are adjustable side holsters on the seats, rear seats that recline, and plush cushioning, all making for a comfortable, quality interior.
In terms of interior cabin space, you can find other two-row SUVs that feel more spacious – the X3 offers average space for its class.
In our annoyances column: Android users have too long been ignored by BMW. BMW only recently made its models Android compatible. The standard infotainment system screen is a little small at 6”, but you’ll enjoy a more comfortable 10” screen if you upgrade. And the only one USB port comes standard, which might leave you fighting your partner or kids for a charge. (You can pay extra for a second USB port.)
They make up for the single USB port with three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, covering the likes of oil changes and tire rotations. The warranty is decent at 4 years, 50K miles on the powertrain and a limited warranty.
In sum, handling is the X3’s forte. It has great engines and great fuel economy in contrast to its ample power. The interior isn’t the most welcoming, and you’ll have to pay extra for certain features that competitors include. Quality-wise, it’s not the best, and not the worst. This is the performance SUV that won’t break the bank.
Starting at $43,000.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Let’s start with what we like about the Mercedes-Benz GLC:
The brand knows luxury, so those tiny, barely perceptible details create an overall feel of niceness in this vehicle. They call it “seriously sensual design.” Ahem, okay. We’ll go with that. What this means is you get bonus features like pretty interior and exterior lighting, a rear-seat power outlet, rich materials like real wood finish, and more.
Mercedes has developed an excellent infotainment system: Rare voice commands mean you don’t have to fiddle around or take your eyes off the road while driving. It’s very intuitive, and there are touchscreen and manual buttons in addition to the voice controls. Carplay and Android Auto come standard, and you also get access to their Mercedes me app for three years, with diagnostics, quick dealer connections, and remote start (amazing on cold days), among other benefits.
What we’re not so enthusiastic about: it’s not so performance-oriented. If you really love that feel of the engine accelerating as you shoot along on the highway, this car is probably not for you. If you want a faster, better driving car, look at the BMW X3 or any of the more costly Porsche SUVs. Starting at $42,500.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
If you’re a Mercedes-Benz loving city dweller with the occasional need for a third row but are not interested in a huge vehicle, this could be the car for you.
The GLB is very practical, with a lot of interior space. If the more expensive GLS is beyond your range, the GLB starts at $36k. While not a true performance vehicle, its a great small, family-oriented SUV made by Mercedes-Benz.
It’s probably the only third-row optional SUV in its class, meaning that it’s also one of the most adaptable. The third row eats up the cargo space, but you can use it in a pinch. And if you fold both of the rear rows down, you get a lot of space – go pick up that Peloton from Craigslist kind of space (er, but measure first).
It gets decent fuel economy and accelerates adequately, but is not sporty at all. Overall, it’s a pretty good deal. Though the starting price is low, you’ll have to pay extra for a lot of features you might want: heated seats, ventilated seats, the third-row seats, for example. Starting at $36,600.
Porsche Macan
If you have cash to burn and you really care about performance above all else, the Macan is the car you want. As the self-proclaimed “sports car manufacturer,” Porsche knows how to build a performance SUV. It’s smooth, controlled, and incredibly accurate.
The Macan is incredibly fast and stylish. You’ll get a beautiful car and the status of the Porsche badge.
BUT. You’ll sacrifice everything for performance and styling.
The standard interior is disappointing for the price. The space is puny, and there’s not much back seat or cargo space.
The Macan is the best (cheapest) way to get into a Porsche if you need to move more than two people. However, very little comes standard in this vehicle. Watch the price climb as you pay for every little feature. If you’ve ever been astonished on the checkout page of an Airbnb at the total for a two-night stay in a decent rental with all the extra fees added in, expect a similar experience with Porsche.
You’ll have to pay for Apple CarPlay (like BMW, Porsche doesn’t spar with Android Auto) and really anything else, like covering the center console in leather. The plus side is that you’ll end up with what amounts to a custom vehicle that very few other people have.
The base price starts around $52,000, but we recommend you choose the higher-powered Macan S, starting at $61,500.
Volvo XC60
When I think of this cozy five-person crossover, I think of a decadent terry cloth bathrobe. I can practically imagine myself emerging from the Great Jones Spa steam room refreshed when I climb in the cocoon of a cabin. It’s spacious front and back seats are made for driver and passengers to kick back and relax.
What I love about the XC60 interior is the clean, modern aesthetic that I like to call woodsy tech. The infotainment system is touchscreen, which I find is a matter of personal preference.
There are various engines available including a hybrid powertrain that earns high marks for the consumer who wants to use battery power but isn’t able to give up gasoline completely. If you’re looking for a rowdy SUV, this is not your pick. If you want soothing, smooth, and sumptuous style, XC60 is the right choice. It starts at $40,150.
Land Rover Range Rover Velar
When I think Land Rover, I think adventure. Years ago, I even survived an Icelandic blizzard in one. I’ve floated on rivers in Belize, crossed the Moroccan desert in a Land Rover, and climbed inclines that have challenged my lifelong fear of heights. Everyone of course loves the boxy looks of vintage Land Rover Defenders, but there’s more to the brand than old school nostalgia. Land Rover of late has gone full future-forward.
The Velar executes on 21st-century styling in a fly, attractive way. It’s all in the sculptural details -- Flat door handles that pop out when you want to climb in, and lots of glass for that good cabin lighting. There’s a fine line between standing out in your car in a good way or looking kind of ridiculous episode of the Jetsons gone wrong. Youtube star reviewer, Doug Demuro calls it his favorite of the 7 of the SUVs Land Rover makes.
You can go for the base model, in the high $50k range which gives you the sleek looks, in a tame ride, or if you are interested in being fancy and aggressive there’s the soupy SVAutobiography version for double the price. What I like about the Velar are the details -- the elegant curves paired with shiny, hi-touch surfaces. You tap into your adventurous spirit when you go with this ride.
Lexus RX
Dare we call it a classic? Don’t mess with success. Lexus RX is the original mid-size luxury SUV and therefore invented the benchmark for comfort and style on an elevated platform.
The strangest thing happens whenever I test drive an RX. Even though it’s not mine, I start to feel as if I own. Its familiar comfortable and inviting the way a glam chain resort feels, which I’ll call my 4 Seasons vibe.
I’d also recommend the hybrid variant, a stepping stone to better fuel economy, earning a combined 30 miles per gallon. It starts at $46,800.
One quibble: It was originally designed as a two-row, and then squeezed in a conciliatory third row in the same space. For this reason, we’ve kept it as a go-to two-row option.
Honda CR-V
I understood the functional appeal of the Honda CR-V when I think back to my friend Erin. We were traveling by caravan to a dance conference in St. Louis. Erin was the organized friend who popped open the trunk of her CRV and had divvied up a cashew mix in neat little baggies. Erin seemed to have everything. And yet her car was organized and clean. She was in excellent condition, and her CRV was efficient and sporty like she is.
When I next drove the CR-V, I imagined myself like Erin. This was the practical grownup choice. It wasn’t going to break the bank and it would last forever. CRV is reliable, practical, and spacious on the inside. The kind of friend you want to smooth things out in a jam. CR-V is the choice for those who seek peace of mind.
Audi Q3
There’s the list I recommend to friends when I think about their needs, and there’s the vehicles I bookmark for myself. Yes, I’m a car journalist, which means I have a healthy appreciation for a nifty station wagon. But the problem with wagons is that they are not the best when you’re carting small kids. That’s when wagons make me think of the intro to Don DeLillo’s “White Noise, and why they no longer fit the American family psyche after the 1980s.
We’ve spent a lot of time talking about two-row SUVs. If you pay attention to cars you’ll notice that this category has its ambiguities. I’d like to draw attention to the smaller scale options, partly because they suit my life goals at the moment. So those nifty crossovers that easily fit in small city spaces are what I’m kind of obsessed with when I mentally car shop for myself. This brings me to the Audi Q3. It’s a delightful compact crossover vehicle. Its what I want if I want to bop into a store and park at a meter. It shares roots with Golf, one of VW’s most fun platforms to drive. My kid’s car seat fits without me bumping my head on the door when I install it. And it’s Audi and has boss interiors that remind me of how I feel when I use an over-the-top French machine. Every dial is fitted and finished to perfection. I’d like to have the Q3 in my life. If you live in a city, you might want to consider it, too. It starts at $34,000