3-row crossovers and SUVs are great minivan alternatives for families looking for a versatile vehicle. Their generous seating and spacious interiors make them family friendly, and some of them come with trucklike capabilities, further adding to their versatility. These family haulers can get a little expensive when new, but you can save some coin by shopping on the used market.
Here are the best used 3-row SUVs you can find on Autotrader for under $30,000 for 2020.
2018-2020 Buick Enclave
The current generation of the Buick Enclave that came out for 2018 can now be had on the used market under the $30,000 mark, which is great news for anyone shopping for a deal on a premium family SUV. The Enclave has very generous interior space, with plenty of room for cargo and third-row seating that is adult friendly and easy to access. It delivers a serene ride that is smooth, quiet and comfortable, making it great for long road trips, daily commuting and every other errand in between. Find a Buick Enclave for sale
2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban
For decades, the Chevy Suburban has been the do-it-all family vehicle, and that reputation still holds up today. There’s an all-new Suburban on the way for the 2021 model year, and the outgoing model that started in 2015 is a great buy on the used market. The Suburban is a huge SUV that can carry a lot of people and a lot of stuff, plus it has trucklike towing capabilities. This big SUV has a big price tag when new, but can be found for under $30,000 used, making it a good deal on one of the most versatile automobiles money can buy. Find a Chevrolet Suburban for sale
2014-2020 Dodge Durango
You can find a used Dodge Durango for well under the $30,000 mark, but with a budget this size, you can get one of the more desirable upper trims equipped with the muscular Hemi V8 engine. The V8 is standard in the sporty R/T trim, which also adds a sport-tuned suspension, and it’s an option in the Citadel trim, which is a more luxurious SUV with features like navigation, ventilated front seats and a moonroof. A V8 is a rare option in this class. Getting eight cylinders usually requires upgrading to a full-size SUV. A Hemi-powered Durango gives you V8 thrills and family-friendly practicality with little compromise. Find a Dodge Durango for sale
2016-2020 Honda Pilot
The tried-and-true Honda Pilot is one of the original midsize 3-row crossovers, and the current generation that began in 2016 is the best Pilot yet. The Pilot possesses many of the family-friendly qualities of the Honda Odyssey minivan, like a spacious, comfortable cabin, but in the form of an SUV with available all-wheel drive. The standard V6 engine is a delight, which strikes a satisfying balance of performance and efficiency. With a budget of $30,000, you can treat yourself to one of the higher trims of a used Pilot like the Touring model, which gives you leather seating, the Honda Sensing safety tech suite, a rear-seat Blu-ray player and more. Find a Honda Pilot for sale
2016-2020 Mazda CX-9
When the current Mazda CX-9 came out for the 2016 model year, it was quickly regarded as a leader in its competitive class. This Mazda is big and family friendly, but despite its size, it has a fun-to-drive factor that few of its competitors can match, and it’s also pretty good on gas. Like some of the other crossovers on this list, a $30,000 budget can get you a fully loaded used CX-9. The range-topping CX-9 Signature comes with luxurious like Nappa leather upholstery, Bose premium audio, a head-up display, modern driver assistance tech, standard AWD and more. Find a Mazda CX-9 for sale
2014-2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The most efficient SUV on this list by far is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. On top of getting great fuel economy ratings, the Highlander Hybrid has standard AWD and enough horsepower to be competitive with nonhybrid V6 engines from its competitors. This SUV has the safety and reliability scores you would expect from Toyota, and it’s generously equipped with standard features. It’s a bit more upscale than a conventional Highlander, not only because of its feature content, but because of its hybrid powertrain that is smooth, quiet and efficient while delivering plenty of power. Find a Toyota Highlander Hybrid for sale
2018-2020 Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is a fairly new player in midsize 3-row SUVs, and it is toward the top of its class in the important metric of third-row legroom. If you’re planning on using that third row regularly, then your passengers will really appreciate the space in the Atlas. On top of that, it has a generous cargo area to boot making it an attractive minivan alternative for families who just won’t make the minivan leap. The base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is okay, but we recommend upgrading to the optional V6, which isn’t hard to find under $30,000. Find a Volkswagen Atlas for sale
