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When buying any vehicle, you’ll want to know how many things can fit inside. For SUV buyers especially, cargo space is essential. Who wants to buy a midsize three-row SUV that doesn’t have enough room inside for whatever you’re hauling around? That’s why experts measured every last model to discover which ones offer more storage room than others. If you’re searching for a midsize three-row SUV with the most space behind the backseat for cargo space, here are the top three options:

3. 2022 Infiniti QX60 Autograph

The third-most cargo space offered in a midsize three-row SUV is in the 2022 Infiniti QX60 Autograph model. According to Cars.com, the luxury SUV has 25.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 9.9 cubic feet behind the third. Although it might not seem like a lot, it’s plenty compared to most other midsize three-row SUVs. Unfortunately, the Autograph trim with the most cargo space available is the range-topping model. That means buyers must pay the maximum amount for the three-row SUV to maximize the cargo area.

According to Car and Driver, the 2022 Infiniti QX60 Autograph costs $61,375. Comparatively, the cheapest Pure and Luxe models are much more affordable. The base model QX60 is $47,875, and the second-tier Luxe is $53,925. Cars.com only listed the fully-loaded version of the Infiniti SUV as the one to offer the third-most cargo space. Comparatively, it’s just barely ahead of the popular 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE, which has 24 cubic feet behind the second row and 8.6 behind the third.

2. 2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited

2023 Hyundai Palisade with Sunset is one of the midsize three-row SUVs with the most cargo space.
2023 Hyundai Palisade with Sunset | Hyundai

Next, the midsize three-row SUV with the second-most cargo space is the 2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited. The Palisade is growing in popularity using the same platform as the Kia Telluride. It’s one of the best bang-for-your-buck models in its class. Additionally, it nearly leads the way in cargo space, offering 26.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 11.2 behind the third. That’s more than a cubic foot ahead of the Infiniti QX60 for its behind-the-third-row trunk space.

Storage is vital for all SUV models, but so is affordability. According to Car and Driver, the Limited trim is the most costly of the lineup. It starts at $46,265, roughly $10,000 more than the MSRP for the two other trims during the 2020 model year. However, used models are available for slightly less. For example, CarMax has some 2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited models with fewer than 40,000 miles on the odometer for less than $45,000.

1. 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SEL 2.0T and SEL Premium

A 2023 Volkswagen Atlas full-size SUV model driving on a highway near trees with autumn-colored leaves
2023 Volkswagen Atlas | Volkswagen of America, Inc. Newspress Limited

Lastly, the most cargo space offered in a midsize three-row SUV is with the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Unlike the other models, it has the lead using two different trim levels in the lineup. The lesser SEL 2.0T model has 29.8 cubic feet behind the second row of seats and 14.5 behind the third. That’s a whopping three cubic feet more than the Palisade behind either of the rear rows of seats. Surprisingly, the SEL Premium model gains even more storage space over its other trim.

The maximum cargo space in a midsize three-row SUV is with the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium. It has 29.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 14 cubic feet behind the third. It beats the SEL 2.0T behind the second, not the third. CarMax has used SEL Premium models listed for sale ranging from $40,000 to $45,000. That’s a slight discount from their original MSRP, which was $42,970 for the SEL 2.0T and $48,215 for the SEL Premium trim.

The most cargo space in midsize three-row SUVs

In conclusion, cargo space is one of the most essential parts of buying a midsize three-row SUV. Although extra seating is nice, sacrificing storage compartments is never good. Fortunately, with these three models, you’ll have plenty of space for passengers and cargo alike. The 2022 Infiniti QX60 Autograph, 2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited, and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SEL and SEL Premium provide more cargo space than any other midsize three-row SUV Cars.com measured.

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Section Editor - SUVs

Tim Harding

Having spent half a decade managing the reconditioning and marketing processes for upwards of 400 vehicles monthly, Tim is no stranger to the automotive industry. He has a deep understanding of the many different types of vehicles on the road today and brings to the table valuable insight into the industry itself.

Tim earned an Associate’s in English and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a Marketing specialization from Ashford University. Tim joined MotorBiscuit as an Autos Writer in 2021, and his work can also be seen at Gamepur, Overtime Heroics, and Pro Game Guides.

Tim is most inspired by the constantly changing automotive industry. He looks forward to a future when cars, particularly electric vehicles, look and operate completely differently than they do today. Tim’s content draws on this inspiration while also providing MotorBiscuit readers with useful consumer advice.