A good three-row SUV is one of the most versatile vehicles on the market. It might be overkill much of the time, but when you need to transport lots of people, lots of cargo, or both, not much else will do the job as well as a 3-row SUV, some of which are available with seating for up to nine people. As always, when shopping for used vehicles, it’s more important to find a well-maintained example than a particular year or trim level, so be sure to shop around to find the best vehicle for you.
Here are 10 of the best used 3-row SUVs you’ll find under $20,000.
1. 2015 Toyota Highlander
Chances are good that when you think of a midsize, 3-row SUV, you think of the Toyota Highlander. The 2015 Highlander is as deserving of that go-to status as any. It has up to 5,000 pounds towing capacity, seating for up to eight occupants, and a great balance between size and functionality. The Highlander holds onto its value well, so look for entry-level and midrange LE and XLE models to make the most of our $20,000 budget. See 2015 Toyota Highlander models for sale near you
2. 2016 Honda Pilot
The 2016 Honda Pilot is another front-runner for your attention. The Pilot has still-smart looks, an upscale interior, and lots of space for up to eight occupants. Everything up to the leather-upholstered EX-L should be within reach on our budget. Look for models equipped with optional extras like the standalone Honda Sensing safety suite. It adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other active driver-assist features. See 2016 Honda Pilot models for sale near you
3. 2018 Mazda CX-9
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 might not be top-of-mind for a 3-row SUV, but maybe it should be. Although it seats seven and gets up to 28 mpg on the highway, the 2018 CX-9 is not just a comfortable, economical family vehicle — it’s also surprisingly fun to drive. Its 227-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine makes it quick, but it’s the CX-9’s responsive steering and flat cornering that impress when pushed. Bonus: Our budget should have you shopping for loaded Grand Touring models.See 2018 Mazda CX-9 models for sale near you
4. 2019 Kia Sorento
The newest option on our list, the 2019 Kia Sorento is also one of the smaller options in the class. It’s perfect for those who don’t need quite as much space as the larger options or who need a more compact 3-row SUV for easier parking or city use. The Sorento is well equipped in base form, but the midrange LX and EX trims should be available for less than $20,000. They offer upgrades like a 290-hp V6 engine, leather seating, and heated/powered front seats. All 2019 Sorento models offer seating for seven occupants. See 2019 Kia Sorento models for sale near you
5. 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Closely related to its corporate cousin, the Sorento, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe offers seating for seven passengers or six with an optional second-row captain’s chair arrangement. With a roomy and well-appointed cabin and an extensive standard features list, the base Santa Fe SE is a good fit for our budget. With the Santa Fe, the 290-hp V6 is standard, as are power-adjustable front lumbar support, third-row HVAC controls, and a second-row bench seat. See 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe models for sale near you
6. 2015 Ford Expedition
The 2015 Ford Expedition isn’t quite as big as the Expedition EL, but it can still seat up to eight and has lots of cargo space. The Expedition is built with truck-based ruggedness and real off-road ability when equipped with the optional 4-wheel-drive system. The Expedition is a great choice for those needing to tow regularly. It’s capable of towing up to 9,200 pounds thanks in part to its standard 365-hp 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. See 2015 Ford Expedition models for sale near you
7. 2014 GMC Yukon
Like the Expedition, the 2014 GMC Yukon is a truck-based full-size 3-row SUV with serious capability. Able to tow up to 8,500 pounds, with available 4WD and seating for up to nine occupants, the GMC Yukon is seriously versatile. It’s also available on our $20,000 budget in SLT or Denali trims, depending on mileage and region. While the SLT is well-equipped, the Denali adds even more luxurious features. It also upgrades the standard 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 to a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8. See 2014 GMC Yukon models for sale near you
8. 2017 Ford Flex
If you need the functionality of a 3-row midsize SUV but you prefer the looks of something closer to a wagon or van, the 2017 Ford Flex might be the vehicle for you. With the range-topping Limited in reach of our budget, the Flex offers leather upholstery, heated/powered front seats, Sony premium audio, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a power-folding third-row seat, among other upgrades. Look for models equipped with the optional 365-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 and AWD for a genuine dose of fun. See 2017 Ford Flex models for sale near you
9. 2015 Dodge Durango
The 2015 Dodge Durango combines the truck-based capability of a full-size SUV with the more reasonable exterior dimensions of a midsize SUV. Three rows of seating for seven occupants and sharp exterior style meet a 360-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine and sportier suspension tune in the Durango R/T, the top-spec model in the line and just within our budget. In addition to the R/T trim, look for models fitted with options like the Beats by Dr. Dre audio, heated second-row seats, power liftgate, and underbody skid plates for greater off-road durability. See 2015 Dodge Durango models for sale near you
10. 2017 Nissan Armada
The 2017 Nissan Armada ushers in full-size capability in addition to seating for eight. With its truck-based architecture and standard 390-hp V8, the Armada is meant for different uses than the more economical midsize three-row SUVs — like towing up to 8,500 pounds. While the Armada can be optioned well into luxury territory, the SV and SL trims are most likely to fall into our budget range, with power front seats, leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and even a power-folding third row on the table. See 2017 Nissan Armada models for sale near you
10 Best Used Three-Row SUVs Under $20,000
- 2015 Toyota Highlander
- 2016 Honda Pilot
- 2018 Mazda CX-9
- 2019 Kia Sorento
- 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2015 Ford Expedition
- 2014 GMC Yukon
- 2017 Ford Flex
- 2015 Dodge Durango
- 2017 Nissan Armada
