Kids are expensive—ask me how I know. And one thing that always gets the squeeze in the household budget is the car. Lease when it’s cheap, buy when it’s not, drive it a million miles to get the most out of it and hope it makes it until your teens learn to drive. To put money away for college, sign up for travel sports and eek out a vacation, we rely on the most affordable 3 row SUVs to do some heavy lifting: carpools, roadtrips and family holidays, all while not costing a fortune to own.
Luckily there’s a lot of competition in this category, and because every car maker wants to be a part of your Insta stories and family memories, they go the distance to design and build a car that will work for you.
Here’s a look at all the 3 row SUVs with a starting price under $40K, and the niceties and options you can add and still keep it under $50K.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Mitsubishi Outlander: From $29K It’s Newly Updated and Still a Bargain
The timing was good for this story; I just drove the Mitsubishi Outlander and was reminded just how charming it is. It’s known for being reliable, filled with some nice features and all at a very good starting price of $29,645. You can add leather, a sunroof and some nice technology and still come in under $37K; add AWD for $1,800. Keep in mind that this is SUV has a small 3rd row, no air vents or USB ports in the 3rd row and there is not a captains chairs option, so it may not be ideal for everyone. Powered by a 4 cylinder direct injection engine, it generates 181 HP and gets about 27 MPG.
The model to get? The Trail Edition which is nicely optioned and is hands down the best looking model in the family.
Read: Buy This Not That: Popular Alternatives to the Hottest Luxury Cars
Kia Sorento: From $32K, Go Basic and Win. Go Hybrid and Really Win
We love the Kia Sorento for its unsung hero status among 3 row SUVs: It’s roomy, it’s elegant and it has a large flat-screen multimedia system. Captains chairs make the 3rd row much easier to access and there’s s till a decent amount of cargo space. And you only have to move up one from the base model ($34,890) to get faux leather, heated power front seats, navigation-based adaptive cruise control and the option of a panoramic sun roof. There are three engine options: A 4-cylinder 191 HP that gets about 26 MPG, a 4 cylinder turbo 281 HP that gets about 23 MPG and a 4-cylinder hybrid that generates 227 HP and gets about 36 MPG.
The model to get get? The EX Hybrid. For $38,690 it comes nicely loaded and gets 36 mpg.
Hyundai Santa Fe: For $34K This 3 Row SUV Leaves Room in the Budget
Hyundai redesigned the Santa Fe last year, nixing the bullet-shaped style for a boxy, Land Rover inspired design. It’s eye-catching and envy-inducing and I haven’t met anyone yet who’s driven it who didn’t immediately want one. Seriously.
With a price that starts at $34,200, the Santa Fe’s five trim models let you choose from basic with a bench to leatherette with captains chairs to the opulent Calligraphy edition with quilted leather and all the goodies—and still comes in at under $50K. And, you can pick from AWD, hybrid fuel savings and an XRT off-road trim. The Santa Fe is powered by a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 277 HP and gets about 24 MPG; the hybrid also a 4-cylinder turbo, generates 231 HP and gets about 35 MPG.
The one to get? The Limited trim has almost everything Calligraphy has but will save a little money—enough to say yes to an ice cream stop once a month.
Read: LATCH Car Seat Systems: This is How To Install a Car Seat Easily … and Properly
Kia Telluride: From $36K, It’s All Charm All The Time
Kia really rocked the world of 3 row SUVs with the introduction of the Telluride in 2020; the first large 3-row from Kia gave off Land Rover vibes, delivered ample space and a solid V6 engine that can haul families to ski mountains without breaking a sweat. In the time since, Kia’s leaned in with more tech, more capability and more design details to really finish out the Telluride nicely. Powered by a V6 engine that generates 291 HP and gets about 20 MPG in the AWD version, 22 MPG in the front wheel drive models.
The one to buy? The EX Line, from $46,485 has all the basic luxuries: A panoramic sunroof, roof rails, all wheel drive, leather seats and captains chairs. Go for the black grille and wheels for a truly badass look.
Nissan Pathfinder: From $37K, This OG Off-Roader Still Rocks
So many of us have fond memories of the Nissan Pathfinder: it’s been the go-to of 3 row SUVs with high reliability and off-road capability for what seems like eons. One of the first to feature a 3rd row of seating, its still comfortable and rugged all these years later, but it’s also more tech and feature filled than ever. Even though it’ll put right at the $40K mark, add AWD for $2,000 to ensure that no adventure is off limits. Powered by a 6-cylinder engine, the Pathfinder generates 284 HP and gets about 20 MPG in the AWD models.
The one to buy? We’re fans of the Rock Creek Edition for its rugged looks and features that add to its capability: All terrain tires, skid plates, lower body cladding, all weather floor mats and leatherette seating mean it can go the distance for a very reasonable $46,550.
Read: 11 Fun 2 and 3-row SUVs Designed for Adventure and Value
Hyundai Palisade: From $37K, This 3 Row SUV Delivers Elegance, Too
The Hyundai Palisade might be considered the elegant, more sophisticated sibling to the Kia Telluride’s rugged good looks. Both are equally as capable, and comparably outfitted for passenger comforts, technology and driver assist and safety features. But the Hyundai Palisade takes its design cues more from the boutique than the outback, with muted colors an soft-touch materials. Powered by a 6-cylinder engine, it generates 291 HP and gets about 21 MPG.
The one to buy? The SEL trim, a step up from the entry level model, skips a lot of the fancier options to keep the price right at the $40K mark, but it still offers leatherette seating (and light gray is an option!), second row captains chairs and Hyundai’s full array of tech features.
Toyota Highlander: From $39K, This Comfy 3 Row SUV Goes the Distance
It’s not uncommon for Toyota Highlander drivers to put 200,000 or 300,000 miles on this car. We owned one and thought it might never die. That reputation has cemented this as one of the most popular 3-row SUVs of all time, even though the 3rd row might better be used only occasionally, as it’s on the smaller side. Still, with center row captains chairs it’s a good daily option for kids who can manage their own seatbelts.
While the Toyota Highlander hasn’t had a major redesign in a while, the Highlander’s look and feel is still sporty and classic. And, it has Toyota’s latest multimedia system with “Hey Toyota” voice activated assistance. Powered by a 4-cylinder turbo engine, it generates 264 HP and gets about 25 MPG. The hybrid model, which adds about $1,750 to the price and is only available in AWD, is powered by a 4-cylinder turbo that generates 243 HP and gets about 35 MPG.
The one to get? I’m partial to the hybrid; its quiet operation is easy to get used to and you’ll go up to 40% further on a tank of gas, saving both time and money. The Hybrid XLE is nicely outfitted for $46,040.
VW Atlas: From $38K, This is the SUV To Beat On Luxe Features
The VW Atlas is one of our favorite SUVs on the market and if you talk to an owner, give yourself some time; most are not just fans, but converts over to this newish SUV from VW. That’s because it was designed from the ground up to fit families who need space, comforts such as air vents and USB ports and plenty of cargo space. VW also recognized the need to deliver a good tech system and driver assistance and safety features but still come in at a competitive price. The result? Even the base model has leatherette, slide and tilt center row seats and the option of AWD on all models, a $1,900 upgrade, though top trims include it standard. The Atlas is powered by a 4-cylinder turbo that generates 265 HP and gets about 23 MPG.
The one to get? The SEL with Technology, at $42,305 is a nicely outfitted model (rear seat sun shades, hands free liftgate, 8 USB ports) and extras like a panoramic sunroof and captains chairs can be added as options.
Subaru Ascent: From $39K, the Ultimate Subie Seats 8 For Adventure
Subaru made its name on its all wheel drive system, offering owners the opportunity to get anywhere anytime. It became a hot off-roader and overlander, but what it lacked, until not long ago, was a 3rd row for families who need the extra space. Enter the Subaru Ascent, which not only added more seats, but added more luxuries and features as well, taking this model from rough and ready to comfy and cozy. Standard features include Eyesight driver assist and safety, power driver’s seat, heated front seats and a large center multimedia touch screen. Powered by a 4-cylinder turbo that generates 260 HP, the Ascent gets about 22 MPG.
The One to get: Onyx (shown here) at $42,410, the interior is upgraded to leatherette and it comes with a panoramic sunroof.
Mazda CX-90: From $37K, This Flagship 3 Row SUV has Elegance, Standard
Mazda gave its lineup a major upgrade when it introduced the CX-90, its largest SUV ever and its new standard for design and technology. The Mazda CX-90 added more passenger space, a larger 3rd row and more premium features, but still kept the entry model at a reasonable price point. The base model Turbo Select model is outfitted with leatherette, a 10″ multimedia screen and adaptive cruise control. The Mazda CX-90 is powered by an in-line 6-cylinder turbo that generates 280 HP, it has on demand AWD and gets about 25 MPG.
The one to get? The Turbo Preferred at $40,945 adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof and the option of center row captains chairs and light gray upholstery.
Ford Explorer: From $39K, this OG SUV Has a Fresh New Look and Feel
Ford gave the Explorer a major overhaul for 2024 adding a new look inside and out, new technology and access to Blue Cruise hands-free highway driving ($495 for the first year). The entry-level Active model offers a new multimedia system with built in Google with voice activated assistance, a choice of captains chairs or a center row bench, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and USB ports and air vents in all three rows. The Ford Explorer is powered by a 4 cylinder turbo engine that generates 300 HP that gets about 22 MPG; 4WD can be added for $2,995.
The one to get? The ST Line is sporty and features a lot of nice details, like a premium B&O Sound System, but still keeps the price low at $44,615, and if you want to add upgrades like a panoramic sunroof or sport wheels, you can.
Now, Time to Shop the Most Affordable 3 Row SUVs
Even though there are lots of options when it comes to the most affordable 3 row SUVs, not all are created equal. It’s important to measure for things like strollers and car seats, take a good test drive and try out the car’s power—is it enough for your needs?. And make sure you can reach and read the multimedia system from behind the wheel.
Also look carefully at the features that are included on the model you’re considering and make sure everything you need is included. If it’s not, that bargain may not be such a good deal. Luckily, if your first choice doesn’t pan out, there are lots of other options!
