As SUVs continue to displace traditional sedans and wagons, two distinct profiles have emerged: Vehicles that look tough, and vehicles that are tough. This list deals with the latter, vehicles with the goods and grit to get you through some genuinely precarious situations. Capability doesn’t necessarily dictate austerity, however, and many pack amenities on par with the finest luxury models—the sheer variety of options in the segment is a bonus. These are the best three-row SUVs available for 2022 and include a mix of 2021 and 2022 model year vehicles.
To determine the best off-roading SUVs, we looked at ground clearance (must be above 8 inches), available 4×4 systems, the availability of off-roading tires and smaller wheel sizes, off-road-tuned shocks, short bumpers that optimize approach and departure angles and transfer cases.
- 2022 Ford Bronco A Revival Designed To Live Up To Its Off-Road Legacy
- 2021 Jeep Wrangler Still Near The Top But Feeling The Heat
- 2021 Toyota 4Runner Still Does Everything SUVs Were Born To Do
- 2021 Land Rover Defender An Off-Road Icon Reimagined
- 2021 Lexus LX The Traditionalist
- 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Serious Off-Road Ability And Features
- 2021 Ford Bronco Sport A Crossover That Actually Gets Down-And-Dirty
- 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Bigger, Bolder And Better
- 2021 Lexus GX Prehistoric Luxury Lumbers On
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class More than Just An Expensive Suit
Forbes Wheels: How Do We Rate Cars?
Methodology
For 2022, our evaluation covers seven areas:
- Performance
- Fuel Economy
- Safety
- Infotainment
- Comfort & Room
- Cargo Space & Storage
- Style & Design
- Overall: 100 points
Performance (15 points)
The Performance score is a subjective assessment of a vehicle’s handling, braking, acceleration, ride quality and other qualitative performance measures such as horsepower, torque, zero-to-60 time and top speed. Towing capability for trucks and SUVs also is considered. Performance of the vehicles is compared against the identified competitive set. While driving, reviewers look for attributes relative to the expectations set by the manufacturer and by consumer expectations.
Fuel Economy (15 points)
The Fuel Economy score is based on the combined mpg estimate for the entire model lineup and how that figure measures against the identified competitive set. The mpg estimates are based on EPA data or the manufacturer if no EPA data is available. Hybrid and plug-in electric variants within a lineup that significantly lower their overall average will not be included in the comparison unless the competitive set also have hybrid or PHEV variants. Scoring for pure electric vehicles will be based on kilowatts consumed per 100 miles and the comparative mile per gallon equivalent, or MPGe.
Safety (15 points)
The Safety score is based on crash test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Vehicles not yet rated by either agency receive zero points. Also included in the safety rating are points awarded for certain advanced driver-assistance safety features offered as standard equipment on the base trim. There are nine safety features Forbes Wheels considers mandatory for the standard offering: forward emergency automatic braking, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning or one its higher-level variants, lane keeping assistance or lane centering. Vehicles must have at least four of these in their standard offering to receive points. Vehicles that offer a Level 2 self-driving system, (a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane centering) are eligible for a bonus point.
Infotainment (15 points)
The Infotainment score is based on points awarded for certain features offered as standard equipment on the base trim. Forbes Wheels identifies certain features that are growing in popularity and therefore have been adopted by both premium and mainstream automakers. Some of these features include a minimum 7-inch touchscreen (or premium vehicles that use a rotary knob, touchpad or other mechanism to control a non-touchscreen display), wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a customizable, digital driver information display or instrument panel and at least 2 USB ports. Additional points are awarded for popular features that haven’t been widely adopted in mainstream vehicles such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging capabilities.
Comfort & Room (15 points)
The Comfort & Room score is based on points awarded for the reviewer’s assessment of the vehicle’s comfort, ergonomics and overall interior feel as well as effective use of space. Points also are awarded for the measurement of rear-seat legroom and how it compares with the identified competitive set. Vehicles that offer a segment-best legroom in either rear seat or optional third row are eligible for a bonus point.
Cargo Space & Storage (15 points)
The Cargo Space & Storage score is based on points awarded for the reviewer’s assessment of the vehicle’s large and small cargo spaces (as well as small-item storage) and how well they serve their purpose and effective use of space. Reviewers also consider innovative storage solutions and flexible loading features. Points also are awarded for the cargo space measurements for rear cargo hold or trunk and how it compares with the identified competitive set. Vehicles that offer a segment-best cargo or trunk space are eligible for a bonus point.
Styling (10 points)
The Performance score is a subjective assessment of a vehicle’s overall styling and design, inside and out. Reviewers also consider the configuration of the interior and how well the design plays into the function. Build quality also is a consideration.