Getting the most value out of your next three-row SUV
Whether you need more seats for the family or space for cargo, a three-row SUV can be a practical alternative to the trusty minivan. While many SUVs with seating for more than six passengers can get rather pricy, there are still several solid picks for under $40,000. Comfort, convenience, and value can vary, though, so make sure to see what each model has to offer before you set your heart on one SUV in particular.
1. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe – $34,800
Priced from $34,800, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe features three-row seating for up to seven passengers in most models. Under the hood of each Santa Fe lies a 277-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, returning 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Lower trim levels can tow up to 3,500 lbs. when properly equipped.
Hyundai
Hyundai
Hyundai
The base SE model includes several upscale features, like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and 12.3-inch touchscreen display. Passenger volume measures in at 152 cu ft., while total cargo space sits at just shy of 80 cu ft. with the rear rows folded. Standard safety systems include blind-spot collision warning, smart cruise control with stop and go functionality, and lane keeping assist.
You can also get the SEL model for under $40,000, $37,430 to be exact. That model includes upgrades like H-Tex-trimmed seats, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, and third-row HVAC vents. Wireless smartphone charging and third-row USB ports also come standard. In terms of safety, the Santa Fe SEL builds on the base model with forward attention warning and advanced rear occupant alert.
Hyundai
2. 2025 Kia Telluride – $36,390
Starting at $36,390, the 2025 Kia Telluride is a true value in the three-row SUV market. Under the hood lies a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive models are rated for 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The base Telluride LX seats up to eight passengers and offers competitive towing capabilities, topping out at 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped.
Inside, the Telluride is rather basic in some ways, like its manually-adjustable front seats, and upscale in others. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and one-touch sliding second-row seats help streamline the ownership experience. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and third-row USB ports come standard. It also offers up to 87 cu ft. of cargo space thanks in part to its dual-level cargo floor.
The Telluride S model just barely makes the cut, priced from $39,390, as well. Taking a step up from the base model nets you a power liftgate, 20-inch wheels, and a twin-tip single exhaust. The interior gets several upgrades as well, including an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and LED interior lighting. You’ll sacrifice one seat though, reducing the model’s occupancy to seven passengers.
Kia
3. 2026 Ford Explorer – $38,465
Unlike in the Korean SUVs, there’s just one 2026 Ford Explorer model to take into consideration. Starting at $38,465, the Explorer Active 100A features a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The base Explorer is readily equipped for families, with seating for seven, a 5,000-lbs. maximum towing capacity, and 85.8 cu ft. of cargo space.
The Ford Explorer Active 100A may be a budget-friendly pick, but it packs in plenty of convenient amenities. Tech comes standard in the form of a 13.2-inch center display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There are several upscale features as well, including a power driver’s seat and second-row captain’s chairs. There are also plenty of USB ports and cupholders located throughout the cabin.
Ford
4. 2026 Mazda CX-90 – $38,800
The largest SUV on the marque’s lineup, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 starts at $38,800 and seats up to eight passengers. It comes powered by a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combine for 280 horsepower. The latest rendition of the CX-90 earns up to 25 mpg in combined city and highway driving. While upper trims can tow 5,000 lbs., the base model is limited to just 3,500 lbs. when properly equipped. Cargo volume measures in at a respectable 74.2 cu ft.
The Mazda CX-90 is a fairly impressive SUV in terms of standard equipment. LED lighting, 19-inch wheels, and a honeycomb grille accent the premium styling, while a power liftgate makes loading and unloading more convenient. Inside, leatherette-trimmed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob create an upscale aesthetic. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility comes standard, albeit via a wired connection in the base CX-90.
5. 2026 Dodge Durango – $38,995
Available from $38,995, the 2026 Dodge Durango offers impressive specifications. If you were hoping for V8 performance in the base Durango GT, however, you’ll be disappointed to learn that it’s the only model powered by a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. Overall, the base Durango is rated for 21 mpg combined. With seating for seven passengers, up to 85.1 cu ft. of cargo space, and a 6,200-lbs. maximum towing capacity, the base Dodge Durango is nothing to scoff at.
Stellantis
Stellantis
Dodge
While Stellantis doesn’t have the best reputation as of late, the 2026 model year could be a turning point. The base GT may be the only model available for under $40,000, but it comes stocked with features designed for passenger comfort. Standard equipment includes heated front seats, rear HVAC with separate controls, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A 10.1-inch touchscreen display comes stock, as does wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Stellantis
Final thoughts
Finding a three-row SUV on the cheap is a tough task these days, but there are still a handful of models that get the job done. With most models approaching 300 horsepower, there’s plenty of performance to go around. The Kia Telluride offers a bit more cargo space than some competitors, and the Durango sits on the high end when it comes to towing capability. Make sure to test drive several three-row SUVs to ensure you find the right model for your family!
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog