If you’re a family man, consider an SUV with 3rd-row seating since it can house more passengers. However, purchasing a brand-new SUV could cost you an arm and a leg.
So, settling for a fairly used model is not as bad as it sounds —considering you’re on a budget.
And we understand there are a lot of concerns that come when opting for a used vehicle. But some models are still in their prime even after being used.
Now, those are the type of SUVs with 3rd-row seating we’ll discuss on this page.
We have done in-depth research and found a few that can still be in excellent condition and suitable for you and your entire family after resale.
Some of the SUVs that hold their value best are the 2014 Ford explorer, the 2013 Buick Enclave, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, the 2014 Kia Sorento, and many more.
Let’s discuss them below:
What Is The Best Used SUV With 3rd Row Seating?
1. 2014 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a decent car that some families could find appealing, but don’t mistake it for one of the best cars on the road. The cabin is spacious despite its small appearance.
The Explorer’s base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower. The two available engines are a 240-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and a 365-horsepower turbocharged V6. The turbo-four and the standard engine feel more potent and use less fuel.
The Explorer achieves 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the interstate with the base engine. With the turbo-four, these estimates rise to 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Each engine in this model is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Ford Explorer comes standard with front-wheel drive. An all-wheel drive is an option.
Rival sport utility vehicles feel more upscale and are easier to maneuver on curvy roads, even though they travel well across most road conditions.
The Ford Explorer features three rows of seats and room for seven passengers. The cabin is a little cramped, especially when it’s full.
The front seats are comfortable, but the second and third rows are cramped. The third row is particularly congested. There are three full sets of LATCH connections for car seats available. The LATCH system has favorable reviews for usage.
2. 2012 Ford Explorer
The standard V6 engine in the 2012 Explorer has sufficient power for passing and entering highways. Most reviewers believed that the Explorer’s optional four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine outperformed the car’s weight, negatively impacting performance.
An all-wheel drive is an option, while front-wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission are standard equipment.
According to the EPA, the Explorer’s V6 engine will deliver 18/25 mpg in the city and on the highway, which is on par with most of the competition. The 20/28 mpg rating for EcoBoost models is respectable for the class.
The 2012 Explorer has a six-speaker stereo and an auxiliary input as standard features. Still, it also has 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 as options.
According to most reviewers, the Explorer maintains calm and comfort across challenging terrain while delivering stable handling as the path becomes twisty. Some critics did point out how athletic SUVs like the Mazda CX-9 appear.
The 2012 Ford Explorer’s interior is elegantly furnished with premium materials.
Most people concurred that the front and middle rows are cozy and roomy. However, a few people complained that the third row is too small, a common complaint in the class.
3. 2013 Buick Enclave
The 2013 Buick Enclave is a fantastic midsize SUV option in used form.
It features great passenger space, good handling, and top-notch safety ratings. However, several competitors provide quicker acceleration and more economical ownership.
With a V6 engine with 288 horsepower and six-speed automatic transmission power, the 2013 Buick Enclave.
Despite not having the same power level as other competitors in the same class, the engine provides enough power for your daily commute. Thanks to the flawless shifts in the transmission, this SUV/crossover maintains its poise even on bumpy terrain or twisting highways.
The Enclave obtains class-average ratings with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. There are options for front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
The Enclave’s luxurious interior features wood and chrome accents and has three rows with room for up to eight passengers. Although leather is an option for the seats, the fabric is more common.
There is plenty of headroom and legroom in the first two rows. Adults can sit in the third row; tall people could feel crowded.
With more than 115 cubic feet of space, the Enclave has one of the largest cargo capacities.
4. 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander has two rows, good handling, and an optional third row. Despite this, the Outlander is still not an amazing used SUV.
It achieved average crash test ratings and has many surfaces made of hard plastic but few basic interior features.
The ownership costs are also greater than those of competitors like the 2013 Honda CR-V while still acceptable.
The Outlander’s fuel economy ranges from 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for the V6-powered model with all-wheel drive to 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg for the four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive.
Furthermore, the 2013 Outlander comes standard with a four-cylinder engine that produces 168 horsepower and a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The top-tier GT has a 230-horsepower V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on the SE and GT trim levels, although all-wheel drive is an option.
The V6 and the basic engine both provide strong acceleration and power. One of Outlander’s best performance qualities is its nimble handling.
It maintains a smooth ride without sacrificing comfort.
5. 2013 Ford Flex
Reviews claim that the 2013 Flex’s standard V6 engine is powerful enough. Many people have remarked on how incredibly speedy the Flex is due to the available turbocharged V6.
Front-wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission are also standard.
But the only drive type available for cars with turbocharged engines is all-wheel drive. The best city/highway fuel economy figure for the 2013 Flex with front-wheel drive is 18/25 mpg, which is typical for the segment.
Some individuals remarked on how spacious the Flex’s interior and seating are and how adults can easily fit in the third row of seats, which is unusual for three-row midsize SUVs.
There is a maximum cargo capacity of 83.2 cubic feet when the back rows are folded, which is less than typical for the class.
On Ford’s SYNC system, Bluetooth and a USB port are standard features, along with rear parking sensors.
Several options include the 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 more.
6. 2014 Kia Sorento
The 2014 Kia Sorento is a great option if you want a straightforward SUV at an affordable price. The base engine and the optional V6 are both strong. Cargo space is decent, if not particularly vast, for the class.
Normally, there are two rows of seats; however, there is also enough room for a third row. Although competitors’ costs are slightly higher, they have nicer interiors and greater storage.
The 2014 Kia Sorento’s 191-horsepower four-cylinder engine is powerful enough for routine city travel. The 290-horsepower V6 performs better on the highway.
The Kia Sorento boasts a good assortment of luxuries for its class, such as Bluetooth and satellite radio.
There is a wide choice of options, some of which include Kia’s UVO infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The UVO infotainment system is costly but worthwhile and has simple-to-use menus.
The Sorento’s base engine can achieve up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the interstate. When compared to similar 3-row midsize SUVs, these estimates are respectable.
The Kia Sorento provides a comfortable ride and agile handling. There are options for front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
7. 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent option for used midsize SUVs. There is plenty of cargo space, whether purchased with two or three rows.
This SUV offers a plush cabin and several readily available tech features.
The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe was dubbed the “Best 3-Row SUV for the Money” when it was first released.
All three of Santa Fe’s available engines give a respectable performance, and the car is fairly maneuverable. A rough ride quality, however, can be difficult for some SUV customers to accept.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport an overall five-star rating. The SUV achieved five stars in the frontal and side-impact tests and four stars in the rollover test.
The Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport both got the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s top “good” rating in four crash tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are SUVs With 3rd Row Seating In Demand?
Due to their versatility and space for luggage, SUVs with third-row seating are highly in demand.
These vehicles are great for people who need more space.
It is easy for small and large families to choose the right car for them thanks to the vast range of sizes available, including compact and full-size models, and many offer even more interior room.
SUVs with a third row of seats have reasonably high ground clearance, making getting in and out simple for drivers and passengers.
Why Do Families Prefer SUVs?
Some of the reasons families prefer SUVs are because of their adaptability and luggage room. SUVs usually have two rows of seating and are ideal for families who need a little more room.
Numerous SUVs have considerably larger interiors and come in various sizes, including compact and full-size models. It is now simpler for small and large families to select the appropriate-sized SUV.
SUVs have high ground clearance, facilitating easy entry and exit for drivers and passengers.
Do You Choose Mileage Or Age For Used Vehicles?
There are several things to think about when searching for a car. Which should you value more, mileage or vehicle age?
That is a difficult question. Here’s a fact, though!
They are both significant.
Age and mileage affect a car’s value; the mileage should match its age to indicate that it has traveled far more miles than is customary.
Its worth will decrease as a result of buyers finding it less desirable.
Is A 10 Year Old Car Too Old?
Your main worries when purchasing a used car ten years old or older are the purchase price and dependability.
Pay no more for that ten-year-old car than it is worth. Additionally, choose an automobile with a strong track record of dependability. If you stick to those guidelines, every car is never truly too old.
Which Suv Loses Its Value Fastest?
The first thing to look at when determining which SUV loses its value fastest is the age of the vehicle. The older a car, the more likely it will be worth less than a newer model.
But there are some models that this isn’t necessarily the case. They generate some major problems after a few years on the road.
These are the highest-depreciating SUV on the market:
- Nissan LEAF
- BMW i3
- BMW 7 Series
- Maserati Ghibli
- BMW X5
- Jaguar XF
- BMW 5 Series
- Audi A6
- Lincoln Navigator L
- Volvo S60
Conclusion
If you are looking for a used SUV with 3rd-row seating, the best value is the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. A top brand that offers comfort, reliability, and above market value.
The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe has amazing seats and tons of room, it has a long history of reliability, and it will ease your mind knowing you have an exceptional warranty.
I highly recommend this used SUV with 3rd-row seating since it has an above-average reliability rating of 4 out of 5 —not to mention the price tag is awesome for getting more for your money.
But In the end, however, it’s up to you to decide which SUV is the best.