As a parent, picking the right SUV for your family is crucial — especially if you’re making room for your third or fourth child. A three-row SUV from Motor Inn of Spirit Lake will provide your growing group with 7-8 seats, so toddlers and teenagers alike have enough space. Here are the full-size SUVs that we recommend for families like yours in Dickinson County, Iowa.
The Yukon is a true sport utility vehicle with truck-like power, capabilities, and size. And, being a GMC, it’s a mid-tier luxury model that aims to be competitively priced given its abundance of standard features. Most recent models come standard with the essentials that any good three-row SUV should, such as tri-zone automatic climate management, front and rear parking sensors, an independent rear suspension, and remote engine start.
Even being a large vehicle, the GMC Yukon has excellent acceleration with its available 6.2-liter V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, with the ability to even tow loads reaching or exceeding 7,500 pounds. The Yukon is also available as an XL version with an extended wheelbase that adds more cargo space and legroom.
The Escalade nameplate has cemented itself as the crème da la crème of large SUVs. Countless families — including many here in Iowa — have trusted this lavish vehicle for ultra-comfortable road trips, daily carpooling, and shopping outings.
This is another General Motors-produced body-on-frame SUV that is spacious, versatile, and capable. It’s a step beyond the Yukon in terms of premium styling ride quality, multimedia features, and cabin materials. If you can spare the extra expense, the Escalade is worth the money for more worthwhile standard features like lane-keeping assist, heated front seats, and a 360-degree camera system. The 6.2-liter V8 is its standard engine currently, with an alternate diesel motor available, and a tow rating that exceeds 8,000 pounds.
If a large SUV like the Escalade or Yukon is too big for you — in terms of size or price — check out the Toyota Highlander. This midsize crossover forgoes luxury materials and state-of-the-art technology so you can stay within your budget. The Highlander handles more like sedan than a truck, using a four-cylinder engine and FWD/AWD instead of RWD/4WD.
The small third row in the Highlander is intended for young children rather than adults. Being smaller makes the Highlander more fuel-efficient and half the price of those huge premium SUVs. Plus, its available hybrid version gets even better fuel economy with the help of electric energy.
Although the standard Grand Cherokee only has two rows, Jeep offers a three-row configuration: the Grand Cherokee L. A few thousand extra dollars, you can get this version with that adds more passenger and cargo volume to the SUV extending 10 inches in length. This accommodates another bench seat for 6-7 total passengers.
Apart from that, the Grand Cherokee L has all the hallmarks of a great Jeep SUV, from a variety of utility features to its Trail Rated® capabilities. It offers the same V6 or V8 engine options with relatively comparable power and fuel economy ratings. This is a great SUV if you love the go-anywhere attitude of the Jeep brand.
Which SUV sounds like the best fit for your family? You can explore these options in person at Motor Inn of Spirit Lake. Take a test drive with your whole family to decide which works best for you.