If you have a big family, a lot of friends, or both, a 3-row SUV is a great way to move all the people and things you need to move, especially if you’d rather not be seen driving a minivan. Of course, 3-row SUVs come in plenty of flavors, too, with some intended for suburban efficiency, others capable of towing heavy loads, and even a few all-rounders. No matter what kind of 3-row SUV you’re looking for, there should be one that suits you on this list.
Here are 10 of the best used 3-row SUVs under $15,000.
1. 2012 Toyota Highlander
A midsize crossover SUV with seating for up to seven, the 2012 Toyota Highlander is comfortable, spacious, practical, reliable, and packed with features, even in the base trim. Our budget even affords the Highlander Hybrid, rated for 28 mpg combined. It has standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and available options like leather upholstery, a power sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system. See 2012 Toyota Highlander models for sale near you
2. 2014 Honda Pilot
Another familiar face in the family 3-row SUV world, the 2014 Honda Pilot brings the best of Honda’s engineering and design might to bear, with room for eight people and their stuff, good fuel economy, lots of standard equipment, and a comfortable ride. The top-tier Touring trim is available on our budget, with leather seats, a power liftgate, a moonroof, and much more. See 2014 Honda Pilot models for sale near you
3. 2013 GMC Yukon
The 2013 GMC Yukon is among the largest, most capable 3-row SUVs available, with seating for eight or nine occupants depending on configuration, a potent V8 engine, available 4-wheel drive (4WD), and a range of trims and configurations to suit a variety of needs. On our $15,000 budget, the fully loaded, luxurious Yukon Denali is within reach, with a potent 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, heated and cooled front seats, a power moonroof, and more. See 2013 GMC Yukon models for sale near you
4. 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe is the corporate cousin to the Kia Sorento but with a unique style, its own feature set, and slightly greater cargo space. Roomy for a midsize 3-row crossover, the Santa Fe is also well equipped, even in the base SE trim, with power-adjustable lumbar support, 3-row HVAC controls, and more. On our budget, look for SE models equipped with the optional AWD system and the Ultimate Package, which adds leather and a range of convenience upgrades. See 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe models for sale near you
5. 2015 Mazda CX-9
If you need a 3-row SUV but still want a car that’s fun to drive and look at, the 2015 Mazda CX-9 is the SUV for you. Spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped, the CX-9 is also surprisingly engaging, with excellent steering feel, zippy acceleration, and nimble handling, especially for its size. The CX-9 should be available on our budget in mid-range Touring trim, with heated front seats, a power liftgate, and more. See 2015 Mazda CX-9 models for sale near you
6. 2016 Ford Expedition
There’s full-size, then there’s the 2016 Ford Expedition. Rated to tow up to 9,200 pounds when properly configured, with seating for eight and available 4WD, the Expedition is a big, capable SUV. The XLT and Limited trims should both be available on our $15,000 budget and with 4WD. Look for models equipped with the optional moonroof and premium Sony audio system for a taste of luxury. See 2016 Ford Expedition models for sale near you
7. 2014 Chevrolet Traverse
With seating for up to eight and a car-like ride, the Chevrolet Traverse is a great choice for families. It’s decent on gas, netting up to 24 highway mpg. The Traverse also offers plenty of cargo room — 24.4 cubic feet behind the third row and 70.3 behind the second. At this price point, you should be able to find a topline LTZ, which comes standard with forward collision alert and lane-departure warning, plus plenty of convenience items. See 2014 Chevrolet Traverse models for sale near you
8. 2016 Ford Flex
Long and squared-off, the 2016 Ford Flex doesn’t look like anything else on the road — least of all a minivan. Nevertheless, it delivers on passenger space and cargo room with seating for seven, and second- and third-row seats that fold flat. While the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Flex SE is likely to be the best fit for a $15,000 budget, savvy shoppers may find AWD models within reach and even higher-trim models like the SEL or Limited. See 2016 Ford Flex models for sale near you
9. 2015 Nissan Rogue
There’s no doubt the optional third row of the 2015 Nissan Rogue is small, but it comes in handy. This generation of the Rogue is slightly larger than the RAV4 or CR-V of that same era, which allows for space for seven or decent cargo space with the rear seat folded. Fuel economy is good, and Nissan’s Around View 360-degree camera is a great feature. When you look for this model, make sure it’s the new body style (pictured) and has the optional third-row package. See 2015 Nissan Rogue models for sale near you
10. 2013 Dodge Durango
The 2013 Dodge Durango is not only one of the best-looking 3-row SUVs of the past decade but also one of the most practical. Despite its relatively small footprint, it can tow up to 7,400 pounds and seat seven. The Durango R/T, with its lowered sport suspension, 20-inch wheels, and 360-horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi V8, is a particularly fun example that should be available on our budget. See 2013 Dodge Durango models for sale near you
10 Best Used Three-Row SUVs Under $15,000
- 2012 Toyota Highlander
- 2014 Honda Pilot
- 2013 GMC Yukon
- 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2015 Mazda CX-9
- 2016 Ford Expedition
- 2014 Chevrolet Traverse
- 2016 Ford Flex
- 2015 Nissan Rogue
- 2013 Dodge Durango
