Every year, our Car Confections Team gets behind the wheels of hundreds of cars, from every size and price point, to make reviews for the channel. Today, we will be sharing our Best Luxury Midsize Three-Row SUVs for 2025, all of which we have spent extensive time with. We have hand-crafted segment specific scores, to help tailor them for each unique buyer. For an in-depth video about each, be sure to check out each linked video, as well as our full rankings at the bottom of this article!
Scoring Criteria
From reading thousands of comments our viewers have left on our channel; we developed a list of the most important categories for shoppers looking for a Luxury Midsize Three-Row SUV.
We have spent countless hours testing out each of these models, driving them over all types of terrain, testing the technology, sampling the space, and living with them. We then took the time to craft these rankings based off our experience into the following 10 criteria categories.
#9: Cadillac XT6
Since there are fewer than 10 options in this segment currently, every model gets represented, which is why we are starting out with one of the oldest, the Cadillac XT6. While the rest of the GM Midsize 3-Row Siblings have all been redesigned, the XT6 was left out, likely due to its limited lifespan. However, the XT6 still offers style and classic Caddy luxury. The XT6 excels in terms of overall value and safety, offering almost all the options, including SuperCruise, for under $70,000. And, if you’re not too keen on distracting technology, the XT6 will also be an option to consider! Other than that, we wish Cadillac would give us an updated ICE offering in this segment.
#8: infiniti QX60
Next up on our countdown is the Infiniti QX60, which has long served as a stylish option for the segment! The QX60 has done well at separating itself from its Nissan origins and has one of the nicer cabins in the segment and is nice to drive. Also, the QX60 can be had in most trims under $70,000. For 2025, the QX60 actually lost points in the engine department, for it dropped 2 cylinders for a less refined VC-Turbo I-4. Additionally, the QX60 struggles in terms of updated technology, resale, and reliability.
#7: Audi Q7
A strong German player in this segment, the recently refreshed Audi Q7 is our next option, recently being refreshed once again for 2025. In classic German fashion, the Q7 excels with its overall luxury, offering a very premium cabin with the most advanced features. It’s also one of the most fun to drive, with multiple engine options to choose from. On the flip side, the Q7 is aging in terms of technology and has become one of the smaller picks. Finally, Audi ranks the lowest for overall resale and reliability.
#6: Lincoln Aviator
Also refreshed this year, the Lincoln Aviator is the next offering on this list. More than ever, the Aviator continues to separate itself from its Explorer roots, now offering lots of luxury and features for the price. In true Lincoln fashion, it will also ride very well while on the road, and you can also get BlueCruise hands-free driving. Contrastingly, the Aviator could use better reliability, resale, and a more appealing price point for the mainstream trim.
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#5: Volvo XC90
Yet another refreshed option for this segment is the 2025 (technically 2025.5) Volvo XC90, which is some of the biggest change this model has seen for a while. Though not a radical design update, the Volvo builds upon its strong suits, which includes overall luxury, cabin materials, and now technology! The XC90 also has one of the best powertrain selections in this segment, with the T8 PHEV offering both power and EV range. However, we wish Volvo would improve the space in the XC90 in conjunction with their resale and reliability.
#4: Lexus GX
The most capable option on this list is the all-new Lexus GX, which ramps up its off-road prowess for this year! Now bold and boxy, this rugged Lexus offers more features, tech, and luxury than ever. While the GX is a strong competitor in terms of resale, reliability, and safety features, it remains the one of the only body-on-frame SUVs in this segment. This means it has the worst ride quality and drive experience compared to the others, and one of the smaller cargo areas.
#3: Acura MDX
Acura’s most popular offering has been refreshed, which has greatly helped the MDX score very well in this year’s countdown! Now equipped with a touchscreen, the MDX scores higher in terms of technology, and it’s also more luxurious than ever! Some of its other strong points include the drive experience, safety features, and above average resale and reliability. Of everything improved with the refresh, we wish the MDX had more overall space, especially with its “ventless” third row area.
#2: Buick Enclave
Perhaps a surprising option in the top three this year, the new Buick Enclave makes big strides compared to its predecessor and Cadillac sibling. Though the Enclave won’t score above average in every category, this option excels in terms of space and practicality. It also has a very impressive 30-inch display and more luxury than even the XT6! Some similar elements from the mainstream Chevy it’s based on include less luxurious cabin materials and an unrefined 4-cylinder under the hood, which is not ideal in this segment.
#1: Lexus TX
In a lower scoring segment, such as this one, a well-rounded candidate can go a long way. This is exactly why the new Lexus TX is at the top of this segment today! While not a 5 in every category, the TX does above average in every single category, something the rest of its competitors couldn’t manage. As far as the TX’s biggest advantage, it’s space! This TX has the best space in the segment, even beating out the Enclave in the third row. Additionally, the TX has many different powertrain options that all drive quite well. On the downside, you will take a step back in overall luxury, but the TX will still be better than its Toyota foundation.
Scoring Chart
We understand that buyers value different categories, which is why the chart below is a great tool to check out! This chart allows you to sort this competitive segment by category, to help choose your personal winner. If top tier reliability is your most important trait, then this tool can help you find the best!
| CABIN MATERIALS | LUXURY FEATURES | TECHNOLOGY | POWERTRAINS | DRIVE EXPERIENCE | CARGO SPACE | THIRD ROW | ACTIVE SAFETY | RELIABILITY | VALUE UNDER $70k | TOTAL (out of 50) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus TX | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 40 |
| Buick Enclave | 1.5 | 2.5 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 37.5 |
| Acura MDX | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 5 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 36 |
| Lexus GX | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 31.5 |
| Volvo XC90 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 31.5 |
| Lincoln Aviator | 2.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 5 | 1.5 | 2 | 31 |
| Audi Q7 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 4 | 1.5 | 1 | 30.5 |
| Infiniti QX60 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4.5 | 29.5 |
| Cadillac XT6 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 27.5 |
Close Calls for a Highly Competitive segment!
As you can see, the point values over these categories create many close calls, so you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. As far as our personal picks, Drew and Josh lean towards the Acura MDX, and Mason would choose the rugged Lexus GX.
Thank you for checking out our expert picks for the Best Luxury Three-Row Midsize SUVs of 2025! Let us know in the comments which one you would choose and be sure to check out the associated video, as well as our individual reviews for each vehicle. We hope this helps in your journey to purchase a new vehicle!
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