Three of our favorite three-row SUVs for 2022

Family-friendly three-row SUVs

Jeep

There are more three-row SUVs on sale than ever before, so it can be tough to make a choice between them. You need to balance space, performance, safety, and tech to make your decision, and doing your homework is important. To help you get started down the right path, we've selected three of our favorite three-row family haulers. These are SUVs that bring the latest features and excellent design features to help keep you and your family rolling. Let's get started.

2023 Toyota SequoiaThe Sequoia is all-new for the 2023 model year, and finally stands on level ground with its rivals.Toyota

Toyota Sequoia

Toyota gave the Sequoia a much-needed overhaul for the 2023 model year that brought it up to speed with its competitors. The thirsty V8 and outdated styling are gone, and in their place, Toyota installed a twin-turbo V6 with a hybrid system that produces 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. A ten-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or four-wheel drive are available.

The Sequoia’s update brought a new infotainment system with a much more intuitive, fluid interface. It runs on a standard 8-inch or an optional 14-inch touchscreen. Toyota’s new software offers voice controls, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and much more.

Inside, the Sequioa’s interior feels much more upscale and modern than before, and there’s plenty of room for the entire family and all their gear across its three spacious rows. Starting with the Limited trim, Toyota gives luxurious standard features, including heated and ventilated front seats, a larger touchscreen, a hands-free liftgate, and a heated steering wheel.

2023 Kia TellurideKia updated the ultra-popular Telluride for 2023 with refreshed styling and features.Kia

Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is easily one of the best family vehicles from the last ten years, and it offers great value on top of its functional characteristics. Kia updated the SUV for 2022 with a new 10.25-inch infotainment system and a highway driving assistance system.

The Telluride comes with a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The SUV’s engine may not be the most powerful or thrilling, but it gets the job done and offers refined, smooth operation.

Kia equips the base Telluride with seating for eight, but the optional second-row captain’s chairs reduce capacity to seven. Interior fit and finish, materials, and styling are all far more upscale than the Telluride’s price tag would suggest, making the SUV an excellent family companion for longer road trips.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee LThe Grand Cherokee got a third row for the first time with the new L.Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Jeep completely overhauled the Grand Cherokee for 2021 and added a new three-row “L” model shortly after. The new Grand Cherokee L features boxy, muscular styling that works with its stretched profile. Even with a new shape, the SUV is immediately recognizable as a Grand Cherokee.

Jeep offers two engines in the 2022 Grand Cherokee L. The base mill is a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is available that produces 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Both come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the V8 comes standard with four-wheel drive.

The L is more premium inside than most likely expect from a Jeep, but at the top end of the model line it’s deep into luxury territory, both on price and design. The Jeep is just shy of its competitors on interior space, but there’s still plenty of room for up to seven people. Top trims get luxury finishes like leather and woodgrain, and available tech like a rear-seat entertainment system helps keep everyone happy for the long haul.

Toyota

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is all-new and all-improved

All-new SUV

The Toyota Tundra and Sequoia were two of the oldest vehicles on the market, but that's all different now. The new Tundra is already on the streets, and today Toyota released a load of specs and details on the all-new 2023 Sequoia. The full-size SUV gets a major update for the new model year with completely fresh styling, impressive new tech, and a powerful standard engine. We don't have pricing details yet, but Toyota says the 2023 Sequoia will be available starting in summer 2022.

2023 Toyota SequoiaIn addition to new styling, the SUV gets a twin-turbo hybrid V6 powertrain and a load of updated tech.Toyota

Five trims of the Texas-built SUV will be offered: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone. All 2023 Sequoia models get the impressive twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-Force Max engine from the all-new Tundra. It makes 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, and sends it to the rear or all four wheels through a ten-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain delivers a max towing rating of up to 9,000 pounds, which is a solid number and a massive increase over the previous Sequoia.

Toyota offers automatic-leveling air suspension and adaptive suspension settings with modes for Comfort, Sport S+, and Custom. The Sport drive modes also improve throttle response and changes transmission shift points. The electric motor handles most propulsion duties below 18 mph, but after that the gas engine steps in. The motor is constantly involved when the truck is in Tow/Haul mode.

2023 Toyota SequoiaTRD Pro models get under-body cladding and beefier tires.Toyota

Similar to the high-end treatment given to the Tundra, Toyota will offer a Capstone trim for the new Sequoia that brings unique upholstery and trim materials, 22-inch chrome wheels, power side steps, American Walnut inlays, and more. That said, even the standard Sequoia SR5 offers plenty of standard gear. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, along with heated seats and more. An available Premium Package adds an enormous 14-inch infotainment display, power third-row seats, a hands-free liftgate, and additional power outlets.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 will also be standard for the SUV. The system includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and daytime cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and rear seat reminders. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts is also standard.

2023 Toyota SequoiaThe new Capstone trim is a super-plush trim with an interior rivaling those in many luxury brands.

Toyota

Toyota teases new SUV that could be updated Sequoia

New full-size SUVtoyota

Toyota recently retook the title of world’s largest automaker and has its sights set on refreshing some of its oldest models. The Tundra full-size pickup truck got the treatment late last year, and now we’re seeing teases of a new SUV from the auto giant. The image, released yesterday, is likely of a new Sequoia, which is based on the Tundra and is equally as overdue for a refresh.

2022 Toyota SequoiaIf the tease is of a new Sequoia, it will replace the 15-year-old current-generation model.Toyota

After 15 years or so on sale in its current form, the Sequoia is old enough to earn a learner’s permit of its own at this point. All of its competitors offer newer and more intuitive technology, a larger variety of advanced safety gear, and more efficient powertrains. In the teaser, we can see a sharply chiseled rear quarter panel and shapely tail lights, but not much else. If it is a Sequoia, the styling marks a significant shift in the SUV’s outward appearance.

The shadowy image is the only tidbit Toyota has shared so far, but we can draw some information from the recently released Toyota Tundra pickup truck, with which the Sequoia typically shares a platform and powertrain elements. The all-new 2022 Tundra dropped the 5.7-liter V8 that powered it for years, in favor of a pair of twin-turbo V6 engines, one of which is a hybrid. That means we could see a new Sequoia with the same engines, delivering up to 479 horsepower.

2022 Toyota SequoiaWe're likely to see a TRD off-road oriented model.Toyota

The new full-size SUV will likely also get some of the tech updates that Toyota bestowed upon the new Tundra. That could mean up to a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with a new, more intuitive user interface and over-the-air updates. Refreshed safety features are almost certainly on the list of Sequoia changes as well.

Toyota hasn’t nailed down an official reveal date or any other information for the new SUV, but has said that more details are coming soon.

Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

2021 Toyota Sequoia gets new color, special edition, price increase

New Model News

The Toyota Sequoia stands at the large end of the company's family-friendly SUV lineup. For the 2021 model year, Toyota is giving the Sequoia a few new options but also raising the price.

The body-on-frame model, which seats up to eight across three rows, will continue to be powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine.

2021 Toyota Sequoia NightshadeThe model is powered in all grades with the same V8 as the 2020 model had.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

Toyota will offer the Sequoia TRD Pro grade with a Lunar Rock paint job. The Lunar Rock color replaces Army Green on the TRD Pro color palette. Other available colors on the TRD Pro include: Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic.

2021 Toyota TRD Pro Lineup: SequoiaThe 2021 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is available with a Lunar Rock paint job, shown here in a rendering. Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia Nightshade Edition delivers the black accents that buyers are seeking. The model builds off the Sequoia Limited grade and comes with black leather-trimmed seating and black exterior accents. Additionally, "Sequoia" badging, body moldings, and lower grille and fog light surrounds get the blackened treatment.

Buyers can get the Sequoia Nightshade Edition in either two- or four-wheel drive. Buyers can opt for the model in a Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, or Blizzard Pearl paint job.

2021 Toyota Sequoia NightshadeThe 2021 Toyota Sequoia Nightshade builds on the Limited grade.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

Pricing for the 2021 Sequoia starts at $50,100 - up just a few hundred dollars from the 2020 model. The Sequoia TRD Pro model, which is amiable with the Lunar Rock paint job, starts at $64,225. The two-wheel drive Sequoia Nightshade starts at $60,120 while opting for the four-wheel drive version of the model moves the starting MSRP up to $63,345.

Photo by Haskins, gr86.org

Leaked Toyota dealer slideshow reveals company's truck, SUV product plans for next 3 years

Speculation

A participant at a recent Toyota dealership conference has leaked a slide to gr86.org showcasing Toyota's future product plans. It shows which models are slated for redesigns, and when.

It's important to note that Toyota hasn't confirmed any of the information in the image but the timeline seems likely based on cursory knowledge of the company's product development plans.

Additionally, at this time, it is unclear how the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis will impact this timeline.

2021 Toyota Sienna (Fall 2020)

First up is the Toyota Sienna. The so-called Swagger Wagon was supposed to have its debut at the New York International Auto Show in April (now rescheduled for August) then go on sale this autumn. This is the same planning that was underway for the Sienna's chief competition, the refreshed 2021 Honda Odyssey.

A note on the Sienna section points out that the model is "all hybrid." It's likely that the Sienna will get the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's powertrain, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. The powertrain gets 243 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and 36 mpg combined in the Highlander. The current Sienna only gets 21 mpg combined. The new model will probably come in front- and all-wheel drive variants.

The biggest question is its price. The Highlander Hybrid starts at $38,200. That's around $7,000 more than the starting price of the 2020 Sienna, which does not have a hybrid option.

All-New Crossover (Fall 2020)

This one is also labeled "All-Hybrid". Toyota has sold a hybrid version of its C-HR in some global markets for the past few years. Could they be bringing a hybrid version of a refreshed C-HR to the U.S.? Could it be something else?

There is a chance that this is the Yaris-based crossover that Toyota was supposed to unveil during the cancelled Geneva Motor Show. However, that model is currently only slated for sale outside the U.S.

2022 Toyota 86 (Summer 2021)

The Toyota 86 started its run as the Scion FR-S in 2012 and was co-developed by Toyota in partnership with Subaru, who from the deal got the BRZ. Its timeline is right for a total redesign and both companies have acknowledged that such a move is currently underway. Seeing the model arrive on dealership lots in mid-2021 makes sense.

The post on gr86.org's forum says that the slide before this showed that the 2022 Toyota 86 will be powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine. That's the same engine that is available in the redesigned 2020 Subaru Outback and Legacy that provides 260 horsepower to those models. However, that engine could be for the GR version of the 86 (possibly called the GR86), as a high-performance variant. Having 260 horsepower in a vehicle as lightweight as an 86 is a lot to handle for the average consumer.

All-New CUV (Q3 2021)

Toyota is well underway in the building of their shared Alabama production space with Mazda. The companies have confirmed that the first vehicles will roll off the line there in 2021. It would make sense for this slideshow slot to be occupied by the new SUV Toyota said would be produced there for the U.S. market after they shifted plans away from Corolla production. What will that new model be called? Will it be rugged? World is that Venza is under consideration.

2022 Toyota Tundra (Q4 2021)

When an engineer let it slip that long awaited redesigned Tundra model was coming in 2021 a few years ago during the Texas Truck Rodeo, it seemed too far away, but here we (almost) finally are. The platform of the Tundra is the gateway to a whole new generation of Toyota trucks and the end of 2021 will feel like they're just getting started with the truck reveals.

What's on tap? There's a good chance, given Toyota's commitment to electrified powertrains, that we'll see a Tundra Hybrid come to market. This powertrain could also serve as an option for a Sequoia Hybrid and 4Runner Hybrid. Both models currently suffer from low fuel efficiency and outdated features.

2022/2023 Toyota Sequoia and 2022/2023 Toyota 4Runner (2022)

In 2022, the trucks conversation really picks up. As stated above, expect electrified models that deliver the types of prowess and creature comforts that customers have long expected from the trucks.

Hopefully the 4Runner will also get better braking capability, but its innovations may takeover the traditional drive experience of the current-generation 4Runner, which is one of the things enthusiasts love about it.

In the meantime, there's new Trail and Nightshade editions of the trucks coming soon to a dealership near you.

2023 Toyota Tacoma

Though it hasn't made this slideshow, word on the street/a bar in Ann Arbor, Michigan is that the Tacoma will be revised for 2023. In the meantime, Toyota has given the Tacoma a facelift for the 2020 model year and confirmed that it's moving Tacoma production out of Texas.

Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota adds a touch of night mischief to a trio of truck and SUV models

Chicago Auto Show 2020

Toyota showed off an expanded lineup of its popular Nightshade Special Editions under the bright lights of the 2020 Chicago Auto Show. The midsized Tacoma and full-sized Tundra pickups as well as the full-sized Sequoia sport utility vehicle have gone dark with the upscale Nightshade trim that is currently available on the Corolla sedan, Corolla Hatchback, Camry, 4Runner, and Sienna minivan.

While most Toyota Nightshade models are offered on SE grade versions, the 2021 Nightshade trucks and Sequoia adorn the more luxury-level Limited grade models. The package starts with a slightly-sinister looking black exterior design theme that is punctuated by a darkened chrome grille, black mirror caps and black door handles. Inside are black leather-trimmed seats. All three of the Nightshade trucks can be ordered as two- or four-wheel drive.

2021 Toyota Sequoia Nightshade Edition

Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.

2021 Toyota Tacoma Nightshade Edition

2021 Toyota Tacoma Nightshade Edition

Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.

2021 Toyota Tundra Nightshade Edition

2021 Toyota Tundra Nightshade Edition

Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.

Each variant has some distinguishing features. The 2021 Tacoma Nightshade rides on Dark Smoke 18-inch alloy wheels and sports a new grille insert design, fog light bezels, and a black exhaust tip.

The 2021 Tundra Nightshade rolls on black wheels and wears a black exhaust tip, while the 2021 Sequoia Nightshade uniquely features darkened chrome badging, body moldings, and lower grille and fog light surrounds.

The Nightshade Editions make an eye-grabbing statement in Midnight Black Metallic or Magnetic Gray Metallic paint jobs. For further customization, the Tacoma and Tundra are also available in Windchill Pearl, and the Tundra can also be ordered in Super White. The Sequoia Nightshade offers Blizzard Pearl as an additional choice.

Toyota is planning to build 5,000 each of the Tacoma and Tundra Nightshade, and 2,500 Sequoia Nightshade.

The automaker has yet to reveal pricing for the models.

Ad Placement 300x100
Ad Placement 300x600

CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Property Showcase

Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.

View All Listings