Best Used Three Row SUVs

  1. Research Center
    2. /
  2. Car Safety Research Articles
    3. /
  3. Best Used SUVs
Amazing Family Movers
There's no doubt that SUVs are still the hottest selling vehicles on the market today. But purchasing a brand-new three-row SUV that fits the whole family can be an expensive proposition. We have broken the following list of roomy adventure wagons into two categories focusing on used mid-size and full-size family movers. A quality used SUV that is five or six years sold has already depreciated and is a good buy. You can find a used mid-size variety for under $30K and the big full-size SUVs can be found for under $40K. 

You'll discover all these and more at your local Lithia Motors dealer.
Best Used Mid-size Luxury SUV
Mazda MX-90
Mazda CX-9
The rambunctious yet reliable CX-9 is a particularly pleasing mid-size crossover that brings three-rows in a nimble yet impressive package. It offers proof that an SUV can be fun to drive. The chassis response is first rate, offering excellent car-like handling and a comfortable ride. A low center of gravity inspires confidence in the corners and the CX-9 is one of the lightest crossovers in its class. However, the third row is a bit tight, best left for the kiddies.
 
A turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine offers up 250 horsepower and 310-pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive CX-9 will take you from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and is EPA rated 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Audi Q7
Audi Q7
Simply put, no other vehicle in its class comes close to the excellent Q7 three row SUV. This seven-seater brings you the perfect balance between everyday practicality and inspiring performance. A 252-horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine is standard though you can also find a beefed up 333-horse supercharged V6 variant that will rocket you from zero to 60mph in just 6-seconds. Both versions come with Quattro all-wheel drive offering inspiring grip in the corners.
 
With the second and third row stowed you can fit an impressive 25 carry-on bags in the back and the base Premium model is filled with luxury throughout and the latest safety and driver assist goodies. EPA rated 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway.
Other Top Contenders
On the long list of best used mid-size crossover SUVs, the following all offer excellent safety ratings, reliability, and a comfortable drive. And yes, all have three rows.
 
  • Honda Pilot - A smooth yet powerful V6 engine and kid-friendly interior plus loads of cargo room make this the closest thing to a family van in an SUV package.
  • Toyota Highlander - Roomy and well built, the Highlander includes a fuel-efficient V6 and a full suite of safety and driver assist features. Available in a Hybrid version.
  • Nissan Pathfinder - The nimble Nissan was completely redesigned in 2017. With a flexible interior and a 284-horsepower V6, the Pathfinder is the quickest in its class.
  • Subaru Ascent - Known for its safe and dependable all-wheel drive adventure wagons, the Subaru Ascent is both very functional and easy to live with.



Ford Expedition
Best Used Full Size SUV: 
Ford Expedition
All-new for 2018, the three-row Expedition brings excellent towing and hauling prowess due to an extensive use of aluminum in its body and Ford's 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. The Expedition has it all including lots of interior room for the whole family, tons of cargo space, and independent rear suspension keeps the ride comfy for seven passengers.
 
Despite the fact that this is a big truck, the aluminum body keeps it lighter and more agile on the road. The EPA rates the mighty Expedition at 17 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway.
Cadillac Escalade ESV
Best Used Full Size Luxury SUV: 
Cadillac Escalade ESV
The ESV is the big daddy of the high-end SUVs, 20.4-inches longer than the standard Escalade and filled to bursting with lavish luxury and comfy seating for 8 passengers, and 39 cubic feet in the back with the seats in place (the third row is removable). Available in both rear- or all-wheel drive, the ESV includes a suite of driver assist features and includes automatic parking assist. Under the hood, a 420-horsepower V8 is married to an eight-speed automatic transmission for a towing capacity of 7,800 to 8,300 pounds.
 
Standard luxury features include heated leather front seats, a heated steering wheel, and three-zone climate control. Additions include massaging seats, heated rear seats, and a refrigerated center console. Maximum cargo with the seats stowed is a whopping 120.9 cubic feet!
Other Top Contenders
On the long list of best used full-size family moving SUVs, the following offer ample passenger room and cargo space, handling, performance, and excellent safety ratings.
 
  • Toyota Sequoia - With a new TRD version, 381-horsepower V8 power and an enormous interior, the Sequoia impresses with sheer size and utility.
  • Chevrolet Tahoe - With an upscale interior and meaty V8 engine, the reliable Tahoe offers a smooth ride and is a great choice for large families.
  • GMC Yukon - This massive hauler is also a very good handler that's packed with connectivity tech and driver assist goodies galore.
  • Nissan Armada - This mighty dreadnaught will take you far with its stout 390-horse V8 and five-speed automatic transmission along with a spacious plush interior.