Video: 2017 Three-Row SUV Comparison

And stack it up against three new competitors. The updated Toyota Highlander, the redesigned Chevrolet Traverse, and the all new Volkswagen Atlas. Here's how they placed. Coming in fourth place was the Toyota Highlander. Even though it gained new styling and an updated V6 drivetrain for the 2017 model year, the changes weren't enough in the face of the bigger, roomier competitors in our test. Highlander shortcomings include a tight third row that doesn't offer enough space to comfortably carry adults. Limited cargo room behind the third row and a multimedia system that was missing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. A firm busy ride in a noisy cabin were also negatives. Though the Highlanders multimedia system is lacking the SUV's unique dashboard device tray recognizes the importance of smartphones in people's lives. There's also a huge center console storage bin for tucking your possessions out of sight. When we tested three row SUVs a year ago the Honda Pilot won, but newer competitors bumped it down to third place this time around. The Pilot is still a roomy SUV with lots of storage space and a neat one touch feature for entering or exiting the third row, but it's multimedia system and nine speed automatic frustrated the judges. The multimedia systems over reliance on touch sensitive controls in its unintuitive menus make it a chore to use in the transmissions delayed response when you need more power is unnerving. And even though headroom in the third row is good for adults, legroom is surprisingly limited. Considering the pilot's overall size. Finishing in second place was a Chevrolet Traverse, which has been completely redesigned for the 2018 model year. It's still a big SUV, the biggest one in this test but it doesn't feel large from the driver's seat and was easy to control and maneuver. Judges also like the Traverse's composed comfortable ride and quiet cabin. With seven USB ports and a built-in WI-FI hotspot, the travers also has the tech to keep your family connected when on the go. The traverse wasn't without faults however, it's nine speed automatic isn't the most refined. The second row captain's chairs have hard cushions. And our test model was missing important active safety features that the competition had. The winner of cars.com 2017 three row SUV challenge is the all-new Volkswagen Atlas. Where other competitors suffered from a lack of cabin space or hard to use technology. The Atlas did almost everything well. Highlights include smooth and direct steering that helped make the Atlas easy to drive. A responsive eight speed automatic transmission, a roomy and comfortable cabin, and an easy to use multimedia system, that was the judges favorite. The lowest as tested price, important active safety feature in a long bumper-to-bumper warranty, put the Atlas high on the value scale too. While we would have liked a little stronger acceleration and better gas mileage than the worst in test 19 MPG combined. The Atlas is well positioned to please families looking for a big SUV. For the full results, photo galleries and additional stories, check out cars.com.