They come in many shapes and sizes, but all share a premium on cabin space
We British Columbians really like our vehicles big. They fit into our active lifestyles simply because we can fit all our stuff, kids and friends into them. And some of the most popular are of the three-row variety, with seating for up to nine and cargo room to spare. There is lots of choice out there, but here are four of the finest three-row vehicles available in Canada in 2025.
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Classic three-row vehicle: 2025 Chevrolet Suburban
If ever there was a vehicle name that reflected its raison d’etre, it’s this historic nameplate. How historic. Believe it or not, the first Chevrolet Suburban, called the Suburban Carryall, rolled off the production line in 1934, and over the decades morphed from a station wagon to a full-size sport utility vehicle. And I mean full size. With seating for up to nine, a pickup truck frame and a big V8 engine, the 2025 Suburban receives some slight exterior updates, new 24-inch wheels and a new 3.0-litre Duramax diesel engine with 10 per cent more horsepower. There are improved ride and handling enhancements, and better towing and trailering technology. Cabin upgrades include a new, standard 17.7-inch infotainment system paired with an 11-inch driver information screen. Finally, a bit of trivia for you. The Chevrolet Suburban was the first vehicle to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, having appeared in more than 1,750 films and television series since 1952.
Fuel economy rating (combined): 13-15 L/100 km | Base price: $80,333
All-electric three-row vehicle: 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
Full disclosure here: I have yet to drive the Hyundai Ioniq 9, but it is high on my test drive wish list when it comes to all-new, all-electric vehicles. If it is anywhere near as competent and exceptional as its near stablemate, the multi-award-winning Kia EV9, Hyundai will have another all-electric hit on its hands. The 9 is the third in the Ioniq family, joining the popular 5 and the sport sedan 6, and will be built in South Korea, and for North American markets in the state of Georgia. As with the Kia three-row EV, expect the Ioniq 9 to have a massive cabin, taking full advantage of the flat-floor architecture that typifies an EV. As with all Hyundai/Kia EVs, the Ioniq 9 offers first-rate 400V/800V charging capability, and will be offered with both two-motor, rear-wheel drive and four-motor, all-wheel drive. Expect to see the first 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9s arriving in Canadian dealerships in late spring.
Fuel economy rating (combined): N/A | Base price: N/A
Plug-in Hybrid three-row vehicle: 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV
If you haven’t paid attention to the automotive industry in the past decade or so, you might be unaware that Kia vehicles are among the most stylish, affordable and desirable in Canada. And this plug-in hybrid Sorento ticks all those descriptions, with great styling inside and out, exceptional fuel economy—particularly if you make the effort to keep the battery pack charged up—and a presence that puts it in luxury segment territory. As this is a mid-size vehicle, the third-row seats are not suited for adults, particularly for a road trip, but for the little ones, there is plenty of room. The PHEV trim is only available in the SX Prestige trim, which comes standard with all-wheel drive. The Sorento PHEV’s 261 horsepower is derived from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder working with an electric model, and the reported all-electric range is a respectable 51 kilometres.
Fuel economy rating (combined): 6.9 L/100 km | Base price: $48,477
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
It’s hard to believe that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the popular Pathfinder, a vehicle that debuted as a two-door and quickly found a fan base in outdoor enthusiasts. Now in its fifth generation, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is built in Tennessee and has certainly left its decidedly utility personality far behind. That’s not to say the latest version isn’t capable of backcountry touring, but the cabin is a statement in style and luxury. Standard trim includes seating for eight, but the top-of-the-line version (base price: $61,686) seats seven with captain’s chairs in the second row. Power comes from a 3.5-litre V6, with an output of 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Where the Pathfinder really shines is its towing capacity, rated for 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs.), and featuring a tow mode that controls gear changes while going downhill and offers a trailer sway control feature.
Fuel economy rating (combined): 10.6 L/100 km | Base price: $49,686