Best 3-Row SUVs under $40,000
These are all the SUVs you can buy with three rows of seats and base prices under $40,000. Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best 3-row SUVs under $40,000 based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.
Top Ranked 3-Row SUVs under $40,000 at a glance
1
2025 Kia Telluride
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$37,885
EPA MPG
20–22 combined
C/D SAYS: You can't do much better than the Telluride among three-row SUVs, as it has tons of space and is more luxurious than its price suggests. Learn More
2
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$38,000
EPA MPG
34–36 combined
C/D SAYS: With three rows of seats and excellent fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a no-brainer SUV for family buyers looking to save on fuel. Learn More
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3
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$36,650
EPA MPG
23–24 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a practical family SUV that looks and feels more expensive than it actually is. Learn More
4
2026 Kia Sorento
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$33,885
EPA MPG
23–26 combined
C/D SAYS: While the Telluride cramps its style a bit, the Kia Sorento is a solid mid-size three-row SUV that offers two powertrain options and plenty of trim variety. Learn More
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5
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$32,205
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander compact SUV isn’t a dynamic vehicle, but it has an upscale interior and seven seats. Learn More
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Shop the Top 5 3-Row SUVs under $40,000
6
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$38,995
EPA MPG
21–23 combined
C/D SAYS: While not as capable off-road as its early generations, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder makes a strong case for family hauling and practicality with its hushed, three-row interior. Learn More
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