2019 Toyota Highlander leads
What can we say about the 2019 Toyota Highlander, except that it's really should be near the top of your list of 3-row family SUVs. The 2019 model is the last of the 3rd generation Highlander (XU40) and it's got all of the standards that you would expect in a quality SUV, plus a few more. Seating is comfortable with ample headroom and legroom for this vehicle class, and the V6 engine balances power with fuel economy. Let's not forget about the strong reputation for bumper-to-bumper reliability. For these reasons, and more, you don't have much to fear with a Toyota Highlander if you family of 5+ on the go.
The styling of the Highlander is starting to get a little bit dated, with this current platform having been introduced in 2012 for the 2013 Highlander model. For those that can wait, the 2020 Highlander will be available starting in December 2019.
A Few Issues with the Highlander
All of this being said about how great the Highlander is ... doesn't mean it's perfect or have issues that you should be aware of. For instance, the 3rd row seat and cargo area aren't as large or provide as much space as other vehicles in this same SUV class. Until 2020, the radio and infotainment systems lag very far behind other manufacturers in sound quality and connectivity to systems such as Apple CarPlay and forget about Android Auto. Moreover, while Entune 3.0 is out (they skilled Entune 2.0) it's still nowhere near the level of plug-and-play that families expect in a 2019 vehicle.
Also, if you opt to not get the V6 and instead go with the base model 4-cylinder engine, you will notice a lack of power, particularly in acceleration and hill climbing.
Other Vehicles in this class
It might be worth your while to look at some rival crossover SUVs. The Honda Pilot and the Volkswagen Atlas are roomier, for instance, and the Mazda CX-9 provides a more upscale and energetic driving experience. Overall, however, the popular Highlander has what it takes to satisfy the majority of your family-hauling needs.