ByEric Brandt
6755
3-row crossovers and SUVs are popular minivan alternatives for families looking for a lot of space and a lot of seats. New ones can get a little pricey, especially when you get into the higher trims, but used models can present an excellent value in family haulers.
Here are eight good used 3-row SUVs under $10,000 you can find on Autotrader for 2020.
2009-2016 Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse has been a popular minivan alternative since it first came out in 2009. Many first-generation Traverse models have depreciated to four-digit prices, even some of the higher-end trims without too many miles on them. The Traverse got a nice facelift for 2013 with updated interior and exterior styling, a standard backup camera and the MyLink infotainment system became available. The Traverse gets strong safety scores, a solid reliability rating and a roomy interior with generous third-row legroom, which adds up to an excellent family vehicle. Find a Chevrolet Traverse for sale
2011-2015 Ford Explorer
Early examples of the fifth-generation Ford Explorer are getting quite affordable on the used market. This SUV exploded in popularity when the fifth-gen model came out with its more carlike unibody construction replacing the old-school body-on-frame architecture of the previous Explorer. The Explorer has sharp styling and nice tech features that make it still feel modern today, and it has impressive off-road capabilities when equipped with all-wheel drive. Admittedly, the third row is a little cramped, but it’s still nice to have those extra seats.Find a Ford Explorer for sale
2007-2014 GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is big, strong and surprisingly premium. This full-size SUV uses a trucklike body-on-frame design and comes with your choice of the base V8, which is strong and surprisingly efficient, or a bigger V8 with even more muscle. It even handles pretty well for its size. The massive interior is comfortable and nicely designed and if you’re planning on using the third row regularly, we recommend the long-wheelbase Yukon XL. If you can find one in this price range, the Yukon Denali is a luxurious rig that’s still pretty fancy by today’s standards.Find a GMC Yukon for sale
2009-2015 Honda Pilot
The tried-and-true Honda Pilot is one of the original midsize 3-row crossovers and a used example can be a great value. We admit that it isn’t a style icon, but what the Pilot lacks in flair it makes up for in practicality. This Honda is safe, reliable and roomy with an adult-friendly third row of seats. It does a good minivan impression with family-friendly options like a back seat entertainment system. If you can find one from 2013 or newer at this price, you’ll get Bluetooth, a backup camera and a USB port as standard equipment.Find a Honda Pilot for sale
2006-2010 Jeep Commander
The Jeep Commander is a rugged choice in family SUVs. It was basically a 3-row counterpart of the Grand Cherokee and brought with it similar off-road capabilities when equipped with 4-wheel drive. It also had an available V8 engine, which is uncommon for its segment, adding some extra muscle to this family hauler. If you want to live the Jeep life but need a practical vehicle with three rows of seats, then the rugged Commander is worth a look. Keep in mind, the third row of seats was optional, so not every Commander has it.Find a Jeep Commander for sale
2011-2015 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is a good value in new 3-row crossovers and it’s an even better value used. The third row in this generation of the Sorento was optional and this is on the smaller side of midsize crossovers, so it’s a little cramped in the way-back. The base engine is frugal, but we recommend upgrading to the available V6, which is much more powerful without too much of a fuel economy penalty. The Sorento has a sharp design inside and out that’s aging well and its available UVO infotainment system is straightforward and user-friendly.Find a Kia Sorento for sale
2007-2015 Mazda CX-9
There’s a lot to like about the first-generation Mazda CX-9, from its interesting styling to its standard 3-row seating to its strong standard V6 engine. It has a surprising fun-to-drive factor for a 3-row crossover, which is a common trend in Mazda SUVs. It has a level of interior quality that might surprise you at this price point and it offers a surprising amount of cargo space despite its unconventional shape. This is one practical family hauler that doesn’t blend in with the crowd.Find a Mazda CX-9 for sale
2008-2013 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a super-practical and reliable choice in 3-row SUVs. It’s doesn’t have the most third-row legroom, but its high-quality interior is very comfortable in the first two rows. You get the stellar safety and reliability ratings you’d expect from Toyota, making it an SUV you can trust. This is another one where we recommend upgrading to the available V6 engine if you can find one in your price range. The Highlander got a mid-cycle refresh in 2011 which updated the styling and made the third row of seats standard rather than optional.Find a Toyota Highlander for sale
