Three-row SUVs have their own charm, and with ample seating and good ground clearance, they make for good family cars too. These SUVs also have a commanding driving position, which is a bonus for those behind the wheel. If you’re looking to carry your family in comfort over any terrain, here is a list of three-row SUVs you can buy between Rs 25 lakh-50 lakh.
1. Jeep Meridian
Price: Rs 29.90 lakh-36.95 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Meridian is a very capable car for long distances, irrespective of how good or bad the road is. The monocoque SUV, which is based on the Compass, is a 7-seater with a bench in the second and third rows.
Powering the Meridian is a sole 170hp, 350Nm, 2.0-litre four-cylinder Multijet turbo-diesel engine that's paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Like the Compass, the Meridian also gets four-wheel drive only with the automatic gearbox.
You can read or watch our review of the Jeep Meridian here.
2. MG Gloster
Price: Rs 31.99 lakh-40.77 lakh (ex-showroom)
The MG Gloster recently received a few updates on the inside and outside, got refreshed ADAS, new 18-inch alloy wheels and a new paint shade. It has remained mechanically unchanged and gets a 163hp, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with the 4x2 variants, and a 218hp, 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with the 4x4 variants.
Refinement and ride quality are strong suits of the Gloster, so is its interior space and long equipment list. It may not have the same brand equity or off-road capabilities as its rivals, but it is a good seven-seat family tourer.
The ladder-on-frame SUV is available in six- and seven-seater versions, and while the former gets captain seats in the second row, the latter gets a bench. Both configurations have a bench seat for the third row, which is the best in the segment.
You can check out our review of the pre-facelift MG Gloster here and here.
3. Toyota Fortuner
Price: Rs 32.40 lakh-49.57 lakh (ex-showroom)
By far the most popular SUV on this list, the Toyota Fortuner has been a market leader for a long time now. Available only as a seven-seater, this body-on-frame SUV has a bench for the second and third rows.
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It gets two engine options – a 166hp, 2.7-litre petrol engine and a 204hp, 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine. The former gets a 5-speed manual, and the latter gets a 6-speed manual, while both can also be had with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The diesel also gets four-wheel drive as an option, and is available in Legender and GR-S variants with the 6-speed automatic gearbox.
The Fortuner is a good choice if you’re looking for a tough, dependable off-roader with a no-nonsense attitude. It now gets more kit on the inside, and the extra performance makes it effortless to drive.
You can read or watch our review of the Toyota Fortuner here.
4. Skoda Kodiaq
Price: Rs 37.49 lakh-39.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Skoda Kodiaq received a mid-life refresh earlier this year and was sold out by February. Recently, the Czech carmaker reopened bookings, and deliveries are set to begin in 2023. It is now powered by a 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox, with all-wheel drive being standard across all variants.
This SUV is a seven-seater with a bench for the second and third rows, however, the space in the third row is only adequate for children. The Kodiaq looks premium, is built well, packs a ton of equipment and is hugely practical.
You can check out our review of the Skoda Kodiaq here and here.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
