Updated July 30, 2026

01 Connecticut family SUV guide

Best 3-Row SUV for Connecticut Families

The 2027 Kia Telluride is our best all-around recommendation for families who want three usable rows, available all-wheel drive, gas or hybrid power, and road-trip comfort without giving up everyday practicality.

Shop Telluride Inventory Explore Telluride Hybrid

The answer in 30 seconds

Choose the Telluride for the broadest family fit.

Up to 8 seats

Bench or captain's-chair configurations vary by trim.

Gas or hybrid

Choose familiar turbo power or greater fuel-saving potential.

Available AWD

Terrain Mode includes Snow, Sand, and Mud settings.

Why Telluride leads

The all-around family answer

Room, capability, and choice in one three-row SUV.

The 2027 Telluride seats up to eight, offers available all-wheel drive, and gives families a choice between a 274-horsepower turbo gas engine and a 329-horsepower turbo-hybrid.

The gas model can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which supports many family trailers, small boats, and recreation plans.

The Telluride Hybrid can tow up to 4,500 pounds and offers an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined with up to 637 miles of total range on the EX FWD configuration.

Built around Connecticut life

A practical fit from school mornings to snowy weekends.

Central Connecticut families often need one vehicle to handle short daily trips, I-84 and Route 9 driving, winter weather, sports gear, grandparents, and long highway weekends. The Telluride's flexible seating and available AWD help it cover those roles without feeling specialized for only one of them.

Available Snow mode for changing winter conditions
Seven- or eight-passenger layouts depending on trim
Available driver-assistance and parking-view technology
Gas and hybrid choices for different driving patterns

Match the vehicle to the family

The best Kia three-row choice depends on your priorities.

Telluride is the best all-around answer, but the Kia lineup gives families several focused alternatives.

Telluride

Best all-around choice for space, capability, comfort, and broad trim selection.

Telluride Hybrid

Best for families who want full-size three-row utility with stronger fuel-saving potential.

Sorento

Best for a smaller footprint, occasional third-row use, and multiple electrified options.

EV9

Best for an all-electric three-row experience with available dual-motor e-AWD.

Carnival MPV

Best for sliding-door convenience and maximum people-moving practicality. It is an MPV, not an SUV.

A closer look at the family-first Telluride.

Official Kia imagery shows the vehicle, cabin, and next-generation design. Features shown may be optional and vary by trim.

2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid exterior — Telluride Hybrid adds electrified power to the three-row formula.

2027 Kia Telluride three-row interior — Three-row seating with available comfort-focused configurations.

2027 Kia Telluride front exterior view — Bold SUV design with available X-Line and X-Pro capability themes.

Lower-page market comparison

Telluride vs popular three-row SUV alternatives

The current Telluride stands out by combining up to eight seats, gas and hybrid choices, available AWD, and strong towing capability in one model family.

Family priority	2027 Kia Telluride	2026 Honda Pilot	2026 Toyota Grand Highlander	2026 Hyundai Palisade
Maximum seating	Up to 8	Up to 8	Up to 8	7 or 8, configuration dependent
Powertrain choice	Turbo gas or turbo-hybrid	285-hp V6 gas	Gas, Hybrid, or Hybrid MAX	Gas or hybrid
All-wheel drive	Available AWD with Terrain Mode	Available i-VTM4 AWD	Available by powertrain and grade	Available HTRAC AWD
Maximum towing	Up to 5,000 lb gas; 4,500 lb hybrid	Up to 5,000 lb	Up to 5,000 lb gas or Hybrid MAX; 3,500 lb Hybrid	Hybrid up to 4,000 lb
Why families consider it	Best balance of seating, capability, hybrid choice, design, and Kia value	V6 power, flexible second-row seat, and TrailSport option	Broad powertrain lineup and large family-oriented cabin	Comfort-focused cabin and efficient hybrid option

Manufacturer specifications can change by trim, drivetrain, equipment, and model year. Towing requires proper equipment and safe operating practices.

Take the next step

Shop, compare, and prepare online.

These verified Crowley Kia links help families move from research to a real vehicle decision.

Shop Kia TellurideView available Telluride inventory in Bristol. Explore Telluride HybridReview current Telluride Hybrid information and availability. Browse New Kia VehiclesCompare the full new Kia lineup. View Kia OffersCheck current manufacturer and dealership incentives. Apply for FinancingStart a secure online credit application. Value Your TradeEstimate your current vehicle's trade value online.

Your Central Connecticut Kia dealership

Find the right three-row Kia at Crowley Kia in Bristol.

Families from Bristol, Plainville, Southington, Farmington, Wolcott, Burlington, New Britain, Waterbury, Hartford, and nearby communities can compare new Kia SUVs, review financing options, value a trade, and plan future service in one place.

Contact Crowley Kia Visit the Finance Center

3-row SUV FAQs for Connecticut families

Clear answers about seating, snow capability, hybrid choices, comparisons, financing, and local dealership support.

What is the best 3-row SUV for Connecticut families?

For many Connecticut families, the 2027 Kia Telluride is the strongest all-around choice because it combines seating for up to eight, available all-wheel drive with Terrain Mode, a gas or hybrid powertrain, useful towing capability, and a roomy three-row cabin. The best choice still depends on your passenger, cargo, driving, and budget needs.

Does the 2027 Kia Telluride seat seven or eight people?

The 2027 Kia Telluride offers seating for up to eight with a second-row bench. Select trims use second-row captain's chairs and seat seven. Configuration and availability vary by trim.

Is the Kia Telluride a good SUV for Connecticut snow?

The Telluride is available with all-wheel drive and Terrain Mode settings for Snow, Sand, and Mud. Those features can add confidence in changing conditions, but safe winter driving still depends on appropriate tires, speed, visibility, and road conditions.

Is there a 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid?

Yes. The 2027 Telluride Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter turbo-hybrid powertrain rated at 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Kia lists an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined and up to 637 miles of total range for the EX FWD configuration. Results and availability vary by trim and conditions.

How does the Kia Telluride compare with the Honda Pilot?

Both can seat up to eight and tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The 2027 Telluride adds a newly available hybrid powertrain, while the 2026 Pilot uses a 285-horsepower V6 and offers available i-VTM4 all-wheel drive.

How does the Kia Telluride compare with the Toyota Grand Highlander?

Both offer three rows, seating for up to eight, gas and hybrid choices, and available all-wheel drive. The Telluride stands out for its available X-Pro capability, Terrain Mode, and choice between a 274-horsepower turbo gas engine and a 329-horsepower turbo-hybrid.

Can I finance a Kia Telluride and trade in my current vehicle at Crowley Kia?

Yes. Crowley Kia provides online financing applications, a finance center, and an online trade valuation tool. Final terms, approvals, and vehicle availability vary.

Where is Crowley Kia and how can I contact the dealership?

Crowley Kia is located at 223 Broad St, Bristol, CT 06010. Call sales at 860-809-5075, service at 860-901-7608, or parts at 888-309-0872.

Can Crowley Kia service a three-row Kia SUV after purchase?

Yes. Crowley Kia has a service center and parts center for Kia maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, and Genuine Kia parts. Appointments and service availability can be checked through the dealership's service pages.

Vehicle images show optional features and may not represent current inventory. Always confirm trim, equipment, pricing, incentives, and availability with Crowley Kia.