Scotty Reiss |
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It’s that most wonderful time of the year: When the kids go back to school, routines return and we can start planning for the holidays and beyond. It’s also when you realize that your SUV may not be up to the task and you start to surf the car sites wondering if there’s a better solution.
We’ve been there: you need a 3rd row to join a carpool; your middle schooler no longer fits in the 3rd row; you watched this video and agree, keeping your toddler in a rear-facing car seat for another year or two is necessary. Here are the best 3-row SUVs on a budget for families who need a do-it-all solution for the daily drive.
This story was 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person experiences, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and pickup trucks. No AI was used.
What to Consider When Shopping the Best 3-row SUVs under $40,000
Not all 3-row SUVs are created equal. Some have small 3rd rows, some have fixed center seats that don’t slide forward or back. Some have center seats that fold and flip for 3rd row access, which can be tough to manage with a car seat installed. Some lack middle seat head rests or full LATCH sets for installing car seats.
Our must-have list for family SUVs include: air vents, cupholders and USB ports in all 3 rows; sliding center seats; a 3rd row that is large enough for growing kids if it’ll be needed daily; slide and tilt center row seats if the 3rd row will be used daily; leather or leatherette seating for its easy-to-clean properties (this is almost always an upgrade from the base model); and a full suite of driver assist and safety features to keep everyone safe.
We also like center row captains chairs for the ease of entry to the 3rd row and the open cabin feel they create, but these may be an upgrade, and so may all wheel drive, which is also sometimes a critical feature. While we can’t always get everything on our wish list for the budget we have in mind, but we can get most at a reasonable price. Here are the best 3-row SUVs under $40,000.
Hyundai Santa Fe, Starting at $33,950
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the hottest new cars on the road, and for good reason: Its boxy look is fresh and modern, and appeals to buyers who want or need to get out of the city for camping and road trips. The 3rd row is comfortable, there are plenty of passenger amenities and at just $36K it features leatherette seating and upgraded tech. There are two engine options: a 4-cylinder turbo that generates 277 HP or a hybrid that generates 232 HP, which starts at $36,950.
Read: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe First Drive: The Best Things Come in Classically Shaped Boxes
Ford Explorer, Starting at $39,755
The Ford Explorer has long been one of the best 3-row SUVs on the market. The entry level Active model comes in at just a hair under $40k, and it is pretty nicely loaded. It carries the same 4-cylinder 300 HP Ecoboost engine that the other trims have and its outfitted with leatherette made from recycled plastic bottles, its front seats are heated and it has Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as “Hey Google” voice activated assistance. And slide and tilt center row seats make 3rd row access easy.
Read: 2025 Ford Explorer First Drive: Re-Styled for the Digital Age
Honda Pilot, Starting at $39,900
You might call the Honda Pilot the original family favorite SUV; so many of us raised our kids in these tough, reliable and lasting SUVs. But for the last makeover, Honda did the unbelievable: They made the middle seat in the center row removable, so you can pull it out when you don’t need it and put it back when you do. It’s simply brilliant.
Unfortunately, that capability is only in the top two trims, however in the base LX model the center row seat does fold down to open up the cabin. It becomes an arm rest with cup holders. There are a lot of great features at the base model price, but for all wheel drive and leatherette seating you’ll need spend a little more.
Read: I Want the 2024 Honda Pilot Trailsport. Here’s Why
Subaru Ascent, Starting at $34,395
There are two things to love about the Subaru Ascent off the bat: standard all wheel drive and Subaru’s Eyesight driver assist and safety suite, as well as other safety features, standard. There are 3 models under $40K, and while all have Subaru’s large multimedia touch screen, they all have cloth seats and only one in this range has captains chairs. Buyers who want leatherette or leather will have to spend a bit more, but they won’t have to add budget for AWD.
Read: Safety and Adventure in a 3 Row SUV: The 2019 Subaru Ascent Review
Chevrolet Traverse, Starting at $37,600
The freshly renovated Chevy Traverse is one of the best new cars on the road, period. Long the one to beat in the 3-row SUV class for its spacious cabin, thoughtful touches and lots of utility, the 2024 model adds a new dash-spanning multimedia system powered by Google, a 4-cylinder turbo engine that generates 328 HP and an expansive suite of driver assist and safety features, all standard. All wheel drive is a $2,000 addition, and at higher trims there are lots of luxuries available.
Read: The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Redesign: Why This Family SUV Is the Best Yet
VW Atlas, Starting at $37,995
The Volkswagen Atlas is the one that changed things for VW, and for VW fans who needed more space and conveniences for kids, dogs and stuff. Designed to accommodate kids car seats—it’s known for being able to fit 3 across the center bench—it has center seats that will slide and tilt with a forward-facing car seat installed. And, even the base model has leatherette seats, a 12″ center multimedia system and a 4-cylinder trubo engine that generates 269 HP.
Read: The Updated, Upgraded 2024 VW Atlas 3-Row SUV
Nissan Pathfinder, Starting at $36,650
The roomy and capable 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is one of the best 3-row SUVs on the road and now, better looking; it got a makeover not long ago and for a more modern look inside and out. Powered by a V6 engine that generates 284 HP, its capable on the road, too. Inside the base S model you’ll find a center row bench, cloth upholstery, an 8″ touch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The good news is, all wheel drive can be added for about $2000, still keeping you under the$40K mark. But adding more features and luxuries, as well as the rugged Rock Creek Edition, takes the price closer to $50K.
Read: 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek: The SUV I Didn’t Know I Needed
Mazda CX-90, Starting at $37,845
Introduced last year to replace the CX-9, the Mazda CX-90 entry-level Select model comes pretty nicely loaded for just under $38K. It includes standard AWD, a mild hybrid inline 6 cylinder engine that generates 280 HP, a 10″ multimedia system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full suite of Mazda iSense driver assist and safety systems. There’s seating for 8 and seats are upholstered in leatherette for an elegant and durable feel.
Read: Stylish Sophistication: 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus Review
Toyota Highlander, Starting at $39,270
The Toyota Highlander was always at the top of the list of best 3-row SUVs until it got a newer, larger sibling, the Toyota Grand Highlander. But the newbie comes with a higher price tag, starting at about $43K, making the Highlander still a great value option.
The smaller Highlander sports a 3rd row that is on the small side, better for shorter passengers, but touts all the things we need and love in a 3-row SUV. The LE entry-level model features 3-zone climate, seating for 8, cloth-upholstered seats, 5 USB ports and a 7″ multimedia display. All wheel drive can be added to the Highlander for just $1,600, taking it $870 over the $40K mark.
Read: Toyota Highlander AWD 3 Row SUV: The Goldilocks of SUVs?
Mitsubishi Outlander, Starting at $28,395
When it comes to price, the Mitsubishi Outlander is the only 3-row SUV under $30K which is an amazing feat. But, there are drawbacks: No AWD option, cloth seats, no dual zone climate control and the 3rd row is tight, better for passengers under five feet tall.
But move up to the SE 2.5 and you’ll get standard AWD with gravel, snow and mud modes, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a multi-view camera, leatherette upholstery and heated front seats for $33,245. That leaves room for even more; you can add a panoramic sunroof or other luxuries and still come in under the $40K mark.
Kia Telluride, Starting at $36,190
One of the most in-demand SUVs of the last few years, the Kia Telluride is now more available and better equipped. Kia began building the Telluride in the US and increased production to address demand, so now not only is it well-priced, but (most) dealers have backed off on asking for premiums on this car.
The LX base model comes equipped with a nice sized 3rd row, a V6 291-HP engine, Kia’s wide- panel touchscreen multimedia system, leatherette seating, slide and fold second row bench seat and a full suite of driver assist and safety systems. For just $2,000 more, and still under $40K, you can add all wheel drive.
Read: Why I Bought a Kia Telluride
What else do you get in these cars? A great drive experience; we have driven them all and love that even while car makers may have been choosy about features to keep prices low, they didn’t skimp on power. And, we love that any model without standard AWD offers it as an option or next-level-up trim. This makes keeping your options limited to cars that won’t bust the budget a true luxury. And, there’s more money for extra dance classes and road trips. Happy Fall, y’all!
By Scotty Reiss
Journalist, entrepreneur and mom. Expertise includes new cars, family cars, 3-row SUVs, child passenger car seats and automotive careers... More about Scotty Reiss
