Luxury 3-row SUV with interior that doesn't suck?

I currently drive a 2019 Volvo XC60 T6 Inscription which I sparkly-heart love. It is the most comfortable car to drive that I've ever owned, and I am so sad to replace it but my kids have outgrown the backseat and I need something bigger.

I want a late-model used 3-row SUV with the interior functionality of a Pilot but the look/feel of a Volvo and with second-row captain's seats. Here's what I've looked at so far:

  1. XC90 - the obvious choice since I love my 60. The issue is that the backseat sucks. The captain's seats don't have armrests (WTF) unless you buy a brand-new one (which I'm not doing), and if I compromised and got the bench seat, the cupholders are so small they're useless. (Probably seems ridiculous but would definitely be an annoyance.)

  2. Honda Pilot - super functional inside, but has bad visibility, an uncomfortable/unadjustable driver's seat (I'm 5'2" and want to jack that sucker up to the roof), and a generally loud/stiff ride.

  3. Lincoln Aviator - gorgeous, comfortable, but reliability seems questionable based on the interwebs

  4. Acura MDX - hate the cockpit layout (WHY is everything shiny black plastic?!?)

  5. BMW X7 - concerned about maintenance costs, heard the tires need replacing constantly

  6. Audi Q7 - third row seems totally useless, dislike interior design pre-2026 and I'm not buying new

  7. Toyota Highlander - drove one pre-Volvo and while it was super reliable and functional, it was the least comfortable car I've ever owned

Generally NAF of the Hyundai or Kia options. Feel like Goldilocks about Lexus (too big, too small, nothing just right).

What am I missing? Is there another option I haven't thought of?

Posted Jun 25, 2026, 5:05 PM UTC

053
Loading comments…