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Best 3rd Row SUVs of 2024

If you plan on using a vehicle's third row a lot, let us at least make the suggestion that a minivan would be a smarter bet than anything you're going to see on this list of best three-row SUVs. Their third rows are bigger, more comfortable and easier to get to. The kids will definitely be happier. Here are our two top choices.  OK, now that that's out of the way, we totally get why minivans are totally depressing and that if the kids want to be happier, they can buy their own darn vehicle. You're buying, you're driving, you're being seen in it and you'd rather have a three-row SUV. Fair enough. Luckily, there are more choices than ever and they're really good. The best do a particularly good job of being family friendly without looking like a drab transportation appliance, although really, you can't go wrong with any of the mainstream three-row SUVs. Now, some of the luxury choices are a bit suspect, including those that are otherwise very appealing but have cramped third-row seats (the Genesis GV80 comes to mind). We're focusing on three-row SUVs here, so having a usable third row is a must.   In this list, we have broken things down into four sub-categories: Best Three-Row Crossover |  Best Full-size Three-Row SUV Best Luxury Three-Row SUV |  Best Flagship Luxury Three-Row SUV Note that we define crossovers as SUVs since most buyers use the terms interchangeably, but acknowledge that "crossover" is literally a vehicle with a car-like unibody structure as opposed to the truck-like, body-on-frame construction that traditionally has defined "SUV." In other words, we consider all crossovers SUVs, but not all SUVs are crossovers (specifically those in the full-size segment and some in the flagship luxury segment). Best Three-Row Crossover SUVs of 2024 2024 Honda Pilot Why it stands out: Exceptional storage and cargo space; unique second-row functionality; refined ride; versatile and capable TrailSport; advanced AWDCould be better: Subpar acceleration with lackadaisical transmission and engine response; so-so driver assistance tech Read our full 2024 Honda Pilot Review The Honda Pilot was completely redesigned for 2023. It maintains its predecessor's family friendly packaging and overall focus, but it has injected a welcome sense of style (especially in the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out much better from the big crossover crowd.

Hyundai/Kia's Prius rival to arrive by 2017

The Toyota Prius is the undisputed king of the hybrid market, but Hyundai and Kia are hoping to challenge its reign in the coming years with their own dedicated model. However, in all likelihood this is the same technology being shared between them. "We will take the lead in the future by raising the competitiveness of our environment-friendly cars like hybrid-only cars, plug-in hybrid cars and fuel cell hydrogen cars," Hyundai Motor CEO Kim Choong-ho said to Reuters, during the launch of another vehicle in South Korea.
While Kim didn't say when the model would be ready, Autocar in Europe spoke to people at Kia, who said that the company's own hybrid was two years away and codenamed the DE. The initial vehicle is reportedly a five-door hatchback that's about 169-inches long, with more conventional styling than the Prius. Its powertrain is reportedly based around a 1.6-liter engine with electric assist. A plug-in version might follow later, and other bodystyles on the platform are possible. A recently spotted test mule might show the current state of development on the project (pictured above).
According to Reuters, the decision for the new vehicle comes in order to meet tighter emissions in some markets. However, it seems like a challenging move for the US market. Hyundai already sells its Tucson fuel cell in limited quantities and the Sonata hybrid, and Kia has the Optima hybrid and Soul EV. Industry analysts are also predicting that hybrids might have a hard time versus internal combustion engines in the coming years. In addition, Toyota is rumored to get fuel economy close to 60 miles per gallon for some versions of the next Prius. All of these factors make selling the models here a potentially difficult undertaking.

Recharge Wrap-up: "E-Mobility Thought to the End" project, Tesla owner tracks stolen car

A Tesla owner helped police track her stolen Model S and catch the thief. Katya Pinkowski of Vancouver, BC found her car missing after a concert, and she was able to track the car's movements with the Tesla app. She relayed the information to the police, who surrounded the car and arrested the driver. "High tech definitely played a helping role," in arresting the suspect, says Richmond RCMP spokesman Cpl. Dennis Hwang. In what appears to be the first Tesla theft in Canada, Pinkowski accidentally left an electronic fob in the car, giving the thief easy access. Read more from The Province. Hyundai has delivered a shipment of 50 ix35 (Tucson) Fuel Cells for distribution in Europe. Europe's largest ever shipment of the hydrogen-powered vehicles puts the count at over 250 of the ix35 Fuel Cells shipped to Europe so far. "This latest landmark delivery enhances our leading position in the roll-out of fuel cell vehicles in Europe," says Hyundai Europe COO Thomas Schmid. "With our fuel cell distribution network growing to 13 European countries, we are enhancing our sales and customer service capabilities, making fuel cell electric vehicles more accessible for customers throughout Europe." Read more in the press release from Hyundai. Daimler, The Mobility House, Getec and Remondis are partnering to connect the world's largest second use battery storage unit to the grid. As part of their "E-Mobility Thought To The End" project, retired EV batteries are being used in the 13-MWh storage unit to help stabilize the grid and help manage energy fluctuations from renewable sources. It serves as another step in the life of the battery before recycling, where the materials from the lithium-ion batteries re-enter the production process. This helps reduce the environmental impact and the costs of electromobility. Read more in the press release below. E-mobility thought to the end: World's largest 2nd-use battery storage unit set to connect to the grid • Cooperation between Daimler, The Mobility House, GETEC and REMONDIS completes the battery value creation cycle • Re-use of electric vehicle batteries improves environmental performance and the lifecycle costs of e-mobility • 13-megawatt battery storage unit to connect to the grid in early 2016 • Levelling out fluctuations in the power grid as an active contribution towards the energy revolution The world's largest 2nd-use battery storage unit will soon go into operation in the Westphalian town of Lunen.