A used SUV with 3rd row seating is one great way to get a work-horse with more room to house up to 7 passages, without breaking the bank.
However, looking for a used model with excellent fuel economy can make it even more challenging.
So to help you in your search, we’ve got some excellent deals on used 3rd row SUVs that are perfect for you and your family.
We’ve meticulously searched for the BEST used SUV with 3rd row seating and the best gas mileage that is not ONLY in perfect condition but also clean.
So without any more delays, let’s get started.
Used SUV With 3rd Row Seating And Best Gas Mileage
These models come equipped with a 3rd-row seating, so you can fit everyone in the car and still have plenty of room for groceries or other items that need to be hauled.
More importantly, the fuel economy is also top-notch.
1. 2013 Buick Enclave
In used form, the 2013 Buick Enclave is a great midsize SUV option.
It handles well, has a ton of passenger room, and has excellent safety ratings. However, several rivals provide more rapid acceleration and more affordable ownership.
The 2013 Buick Enclave is powered by a V6 engine with 288 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The engine offers adequate power for your everyday commute, even though it isn’t as powerful as other competitors in the same class. This SUV/crossover retains its poise even on uneven ground or winding roads thanks to the transmission’s seamless changes.
Furthermore, the Enclave achieves average ratings for the class with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the interstate. And Both four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive are available.
It has three rows that accommodate up to eight passengers, and its upscale interior has wood and chrome elements. Although leather seats are an option, cloth upholstery is the norm.
There is plenty of head- and legroom in the first and second seats. Adults can sit on the third row. However, those who are very tall could feel cramped.
The Enclave boasts one of the greatest cargo capacities in its class, with over 115 cubic feet of room.
2. 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
Among used midsize SUVs, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a fantastic option. It may be ordered with two or three rows, which offer much cargo room.
This SUV has a luxurious interior and several available user-friendly tech features. We named the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe the Best 3-Row SUV for the Money when it was new.
The Santa Fe’s three engine choices deliver good performance, and the vehicle handles rather well. However, some SUV buyers could find it difficult to overlook a harsh ride quality.
But it received an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the frontal and side-impact tests, the SUV received five stars; in the rollover test, it received four stars.
In four crash tests, the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport received the highest rating of “good” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
3. 2014 Kia Sorento
If you want a basic SUV at a fair price, the 2014 Kia Sorento is a good choice. Both the available V6 and the base engine are powerful. Though not particularly spacious for the class, cargo space is adequate.
There are typically two rows of seats, but a third row is available. Competitors’ prices may be slightly higher, but they offer nicer interiors and more storage.
The 191 horsepower four-cylinder engine in the 2014 Kia Sorento is adequate for commuting throughout the city regularly. On the freeway, the 290-horsepower V6 is more effective.
The standard engine of the Sorento offers highway fuel economy of 26 mpg and city fuel economy of up to 20 mpg. These estimations are reasonable compared to comparable 3-row midsize SUVs and typical for 2-row midsize SUVs.
Additionally, this model offers a smooth ride and precise driving. Both four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive are available.
And it has a respectable number of amenities for its class, including Bluetooth and satellite radio.
There is a broad range of options, some of which include a dual-zone automatic temperature control system, a panoramic sunroof, and Kia’s UVO infotainment system.
The UVO infotainment system features easy-to-use menus and is pricey but worthwhile.
4. 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, a 2-row vehicle, handles well and includes an optional third row. But it doesn’t make the Outlander a great used SUV.
It has a lot of surfaces made of hard plastic but few standard interior features, and it received average crash test ratings.
Last but not least, despite being acceptable, its ownership costs are higher than those of rivals like the 2013 Honda CR-V.
For the V6-powered model with all-wheel drive, the Outlander‘s fuel efficiency is as low as 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway and as high as 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for the four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive.
A continuously variable automatic gearbox and a four-cylinder engine with 168 horsepower are standard on the 2013 Outlander.
The top-tier GT sports a six-speed automatic transmission and a 230-horsepower V6. All-wheel drive is an option for the SE and GT trim levels, while front-wheel drive is the default.
Both the basic engine and the V6 provide good acceleration and power. Also, Outlander’s agile handling is one of its strongest performance attributes.
While maintaining a solid ride, it does so without sacrificing comfort. Its brakes feel decent as well.
5. 2012 Ford Explorer
The 2012 Explorer’s base V6 engine provides enough power for overtaking and merging onto highways.
Most people felt that the Explorer’s optional four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine is outclassed by the vehicle’s weight and that acceleration suffers as a result.
It comes standard with front-wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive is an option.
The EPA estimates the V6-powered Explorer will achieve 18/25 mpg city/highway, which is on par with most of the competition. Models with EcoBoost are rated at 20/28 mpg, which is respectable for the class.
Most reviewers felt that the Explorer delivers steady handling as the route becomes winding while remaining calm and comfortable across difficult terrain. However, a few reviewers noted how sporty SUVs like the Mazda CX-9 seem.
The inside of the 2012 Ford Explorer is tastefully decorated and finished with high-end materials.
Although most agreed that the front and middle rows are comfortable and spacious enough, several claimed that the third row needs to be bigger, which is a common criticism of the class.
Among other things, the Ford SYNC voice command system with Bluetooth and a USB port, dual-zone automatic climate control, the MyFord Touch infotainment system, a rearview camera, and an upgraded stereo system are available features for the 2012 Explorer,
But it also comes standard with a six-speaker stereo and an auxiliary input.
6. 2014 Ford Explorer
Don’t mistake the Ford Explorer for one of the greatest vehicles on the road; it’s a good car that can appeal to some families. Although it appears small, the cabin is comfortable.
A 3.5-liter V6 with 290 horsepower is the Explorer’s basic motor. The two available engines are a 365-horsepower turbocharged V6 and a 240-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. The turbo-four is more fuel-efficient, feeling more powerful than the base engine.
The Explorer gets 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the standard engine. These predictions increase to 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with the turbo-four.
A six-speed automatic transmission is paired with each engine. The front-wheel drive is the Ford Explorer’s standard configuration, while the all-wheel-drive is optional.
Although it travels well over most road conditions, rival sport utility vehicles feel more upscale and are more maneuverable on narrow routes.
This SUV can accommodate seven passengers and has three rows of seats. It’s a little crowded in the cabin, especially when it’s full.
The second and third rows offer little room for people, but the front seats are comfy.
The third row is especially crowded. Three complete sets of LATCH car-seat connections are available. The LATCH system gets quite high marks for usability.
7. 2013 Ford Flex
According to reviews, the base V6 engine in the 2013 Flex is powerful enough. Many have mentioned how amazingly quick the Flex is because of the optional turbocharged V6. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic are included as standard equipment.
Only all-wheel drive is offered as a drive-type option on vehicles with turbocharged engines. The 2013 Flex’s best city/highway fuel efficiency rating with front-wheel drive is 18/25 mpg, which is normal for the class.
Some noted that the Flex’s interior and seating are roomy and that adults can sit in the third row of seats without difficulty, which isn’t typically the case with three-row midsize SUVs.
When the back rows are folded, there is a maximum of 83.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is less than average for the class.
Standard features include Bluetooth, a USB port on Ford’s SYNC system, and rear parking sensors.
MyFord Touch infotainment system, leather seats, GPS, blind spot monitoring, 12-speaker Sony audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and other options are all available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is More Important, Age Or Mileage?
When looking for a car, there are several factors to consider. Should you prioritize car age or mileage?
That’s a hard one there. But here’s a fact!
Both of them are important.
Age and mileage impact a vehicle’s worth; the mileage should correspond to the vehicle’s age to clarify that it has been driven many more kilometers than is typical.
As a result, purchasers will find it less appealing, and its value will decline.
The key is to look around since there are high-mileage deals to be acquired.
Why Are SUVs Families’ Choice?
SUVs’ versatility and cargo space are some of the reasons why they are so well-liked.
Travelers that require a bit more space will find SUVs, which frequently include two rows of seating, to be a perfect choice.
Many SUVs offer even more interior space, and many different sizes are available, including compact and full-size versions. This makes it easier for small and large families to choose the SUV that is the right size for them.
SUVs feature a good deal of ground clearance, making getting in and out simple for drivers and passengers.
Why Are SUVs With Third-Row Seating Versatile?
SUVs with third-row seating are popular partly because of their adaptability and luggage capacity.
These cars often have enough seating space, making them ideal for travelers or small families who require a little more space than a sedan or hatchback can offer.
With a wide variety of sizes available, including compact and full-size models, many of them provide even more inside space, making it simple for small and large families to pick the car that is the ideal size for them.
SUVs with third-row seating have relatively high ground clearance, making it easy for drivers and passengers to enter.
Is It Better To Buy A Used Car With Low Mileage?
The amount of miles on the odometer is typically one of the first things buyers look at when purchasing a used car.
The basic rule is to choose the vehicle with the fewest miles on it. A car is more likely to require repairs and maintenance the more miles it has.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
There is no getting around the fact that gas prices are rising from coast to coast, and this trend isn’t slowing down any time soon.
Budget-conscious drivers can continue to save money by choosing a vehicle with excellent fuel efficiency, and you can save even more money by buying a used car compared to a brand-new one.
However, with these used SUVs, you should have a perfect picture of the type of car you hope to buy with good gas mileage.