Best Used 3-Row SUVs From 2024
Turns out having kids is expensive, and many three-row SUVs will set you back about $40,000. We know parents are stretched for cash and that kind of spend is unrealistic for a lot of folks. That will have a lot of buyers looking toward the used market, but to be smart with your purchase, you want a vehicle that’s affordable to own long-term (not just cheap to buy), reliable so you’re not constantly in and out of the shop, and supremely safe for you and the family. Some buyers want a used luxury option, too.
That’s a lot to keep track of, which is why you go to an expert. We have our own team to evaluate long-term cost of ownership and defer to the best for safety and reliability ratings so we can compile a list of the best used three-row SUVs, and you can make a buying decision you feel good about. Let’s dive in.
Looking for something more efficient? Check out our lists of the best used hybrid cars and used hybrid SUVs.
About MotorTrend’s methodology: We consider many of the same factors in our new car rankings system, starting with value. The experts at IntelliChoiceconduct extensive research to assess long-term value on 3- to 5-year-old vehicles, which means our picks start with the 2020 model year. IntelliChoice considers resale value and the cost of insurance, maintenance, fuel, and more. We prioritize models receiving a Good or Excellent IntelliChoice used car value rating. All of these vehicles also earn an Average or above quality and reliability rating from J.D. Powerand an IIHS Top Safety Pickaward, plus they need to have some used car inventory with under 80,000 miles (the upper limit on many automaker CPO programs).
2022 Acura MDX
Pros: The Acura MDX was all-new for the 2022 model year, replacing its predecessor’s cluttered center stack with a clean 12.3-inch display alongside a fully digital instrument cluster. It’s quite a looker, and we appreciate the generous standard feature content. Go for the Type S if you want a stronger powertrain and can spend a little extra cash.
Cons: Acura’s trackpad-controlled infotainment takes some getting used to, and the cabin doesn’t feel nearly as nice in the third row as it does in the first and second. Some may deride the lifeless steering, and the lane centering functionality can be inconsistent.
2022 Acura MDX Specifications
- Approximate Price: From $37,000
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Excellent
- Safety Ratings: 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 17-19/21-26 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 352-407 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 5.7-7.5 seconds
2020-2022 Cadillac XT6
Pros:Cadillac’s XT6 earns a place among the best used three-row SUVs for its terrific safety scores and great reliability, but it’s also surprisingly fun to drive for its size, exhibiting great ride and handling balance. We also appreciate the user-friendly infotainment system.
Cons: The interior can feel cheap for a luxury vehicle, and neither of the available engines feels especially powerful among the XT6’s luxury peers. The XT6 is also much closer to a Chevrolet Traverse than a Cadillac Escalade, so don’t get your hopes up for feeling like a baller.
2020-2022 Cadillac XT6 Specifications
- Approximate Price: From $29,000
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Average/Good (best for 2022 models)
- Safety Ratings: 2020-2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 18-21/25-27 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 399-506 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 6.8 seconds (V6 AWD)
