TL;DR – Quick Rankings:
- Toyota Highlander ($40,320) – Best overall reliability and resale value
- Hyundai Santa Fe ($34,200) – Best value per dollar with most cargo space
- Kia Sorento ($33,365) – Best powertrain variety including plug-in hybrid
- Nissan Pathfinder ($36,400) – Best towing capacity at 6,000 lbs
- Mazda CX-90 ($37,845) – Best driving dynamics with luxury feel
Bottom Line: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers the best 3-row SUV under $40,000 for most families, delivering maximum space, features, and warranty for the money. Toyota Highlander wins if you prioritise long-term reliability above all else.
Finding the best 3-row SUV under $40,000 is tough in 2025. Prices keep climbing, and families are stuck between basic transportation and luxury models they can’t afford.
But great options still exist.
We tested and analyzed reliability data, owner feedback, and real-world performance to find the five best 3-row SUVs under $40,000. Our focus: proven reliability, comprehensive features, genuine third-row usability, and ownership costs that won’t drain your wallet.
Let’s dive into our rankings.
#1. Toyota Highlander – The Reliability King
Price: $40,320 (slightly over budget, but worth it)
Reliability Score: 8.5/10
MPG: 22 city / 29 highway
Seating: 7 or 8 passengers
Cargo Space: 84.3 cubic feet (max)
Why It’s #1 for Best 3-Row SUV Under $40,000
The Toyota Highlander tops our list of best 3-row SUVs under $40,000 because of one word: reliability. Toyota’s legendary dependability means fewer repairs, lower maintenance costs, and exceptional resale value.
Yes, it starts at $40,320 – just over our threshold. But you’ll recoup that money through lower ownership costs and stronger trade-in value years later.
What You Get
Engine: Turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder
Power: 265 horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
The turbo-four replaced Toyota’s beloved V6 in 2023. It’s not as smooth, but it delivers adequate power and better fuel economy than most competitors.
Interior Space
The Highlander offers very roomy second-row seats. The third row? It’s tiny. Adults won’t be comfortable back there for long trips. This is the Highlander’s biggest weakness – third-row space trails competitors.
Cargo capacity:
- 16 cubic feet (third row up)
- 48.4 cubic feet (third row folded)
- 84.3 cubic feet (all rows folded)
These numbers are decent but not class-leading.
Standard Features
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Complete safety suite (Toyota Safety Sense)
- Five-star overall safety rating
- Well-equipped even in base trim
The Downsides
Some owners report rattling noises, excessive road noise on rough pavement, and wind noise above 60 mph. The turbocharged engine has occasional throttle lag compared to the old V6.
Real-World Value
The Highlander’s true value shows up over the years of ownership. Lower maintenance costs, fewer unexpected repairs, and strong resale value make this the smartest long-term investment on our list.
Best for: Families who keep vehicles 10+ years, anyone prioritising reliability over space, buyers wanting strong resale value.
#2. Hyundai Santa Fe – Best Overall Value
Price: $34,200
Reliability Score: 9.2/10
MPG: 20 city / 29 highway (turbo), 35-36 combined (hybrid)
Seating: 7 passengers
Cargo Space: 79.6 cubic feet (max)
Why It’s the Best 3-Row SUV Under $40,000 for Most Buyers
The redesigned Santa Fe delivers the most space, features, and value for your dollar. At $34,200, it costs $6,000 less than the Highlander while offering more cargo capacity and standard features.
This is our pick for best 3-row SUV under $40,000 for budget-conscious families.
Radical New Design
The 2024 redesign gave the Santa Fe a boxy, Land Rover-inspired look. You’ll either love it or hate it. But that boxy design creates maximum interior space.
Massive Cargo Space
The Santa Fe crushes competitors in cargo capacity:
- 79.6 cubic feet with rear rows folded (class-leading)
- 40.5 cubic feet with second row up
- 14.6 cubic feet with all seats in use
That’s nearly 50% more cargo space than some rivals at this price point.
Engine Options
Standard: Turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder, 277 horsepower
Hybrid: 231 total horsepower, 35-36 mpg combined
The standard turbo delivers strong acceleration. The hybrid offers excellent fuel economy. Both use an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Loaded with Features
Even the base $34,200 SE trim includes:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Comprehensive safety tech (blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance)
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Seven-passenger seating
You’re getting mid-level features as standard equipment. That’s exceptional value.
Industry-Leading Warranty
- 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain warranty
- 24-hour roadside assistance
- Peace of mind for a recently redesigned model
The Drawbacks
The massive glass area creates heat buildup when parked in sun. The third row is still cramped (like all SUVs at this price). Non-hybrid fuel economy is just okay.
Hyundai recalled some 2025-2026 Santa Fes for engine connecting rod bolts. Dealers fix this free of charge.
The Verdict
For most families looking for the best 3-row SUV under $40,000, the Santa Fe wins. Maximum space per dollar, distinctive looks, comprehensive warranty, and excellent value make this our top recommendation.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, families needing maximum cargo space, anyone wanting lots of features without spending $40,000+.
#3. Kia Sorento – Most Powertrain Options
Price: $33,365
Reliability Score: 8.2/10
MPG: 24 combined (base), 36 combined (hybrid), 32 miles electric (PHEV)
Seating: 6 or 7 passengers
Cargo Space: 75.5 cubic feet (max)
Why the Sorento Makes Our Best 3-Row SUV Under $40,000 List
The Sorento offers something competitors don’t: genuine powertrain variety. You get three engine choices, including a plug-in hybrid that can handle most commutes on electricity alone.
Three Engine Options
Base: 2.5L four-cylinder, 191 horsepower
Turbo: 2.5L turbocharged, 281 horsepower
Hybrid: 227 horsepower, 36 mpg combined
Plug-in Hybrid: 261 horsepower, 32 miles electric range
The base engine is adequate. The turbo transforms performance. The hybrid delivers excellent efficiency. The PHEV can eliminate gas station visits for daily driving.
Interior Quality
The Sorento cabin looks and feels premium. Dual 12.3-inch screens (instrument cluster and touchscreen) come standard. Materials rival more expensive vehicles.
Seating: Available in six or seven-passenger configurations. The six-seat layout with captain’s chairs is most comfortable.
Space: Third-row legroom measures 29.6 inches – tight for adults but matches competitors at this price.
Cargo:
- 12.6 cubic feet (third row up)
- 40.5 cubic feet (third row folded)
- 75.5 cubic feet (maximum)
Standard Tech
- Dual 12.3-inch displays
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
- Comprehensive driver-assistance suite
- Available 12-speaker Bose audio
Excellent Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper
- 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain
- Matches Hyundai’s industry-leading coverage
The Limitations
Third-row space trails the larger Telluride. Towing capacity drops to just 2,000 lbs for hybrid models (3,500 lbs for gas-only).
Consumer Reports expects average reliability – some recalls for engine and lighting issues affect recent models.
Who Should Buy It
The Sorento is the best 3-row SUV under $40,000 for buyers wanting powertrain flexibility. The plug-in hybrid option is unique in this segment and price range.
Best for: Eco-conscious buyers, families with short commutes (PHEV), and anyone wanting premium interior quality on a budget.
#4. Nissan Pathfinder – The Towing Champ
Price: $36,400
Reliability Score: 8.7/10
MPG: 20 city / 27 highway
Seating: 8 passengers
Cargo Space: 80.5 cubic feet (max)
Towing: 6,000 lbs (best in class)
Why It’s One of the Best 3-Row SUVs Under $40,000
The Pathfinder delivers the highest towing capacity in this segment. If you regularly tow boats, campers, or trailers, this is your answer.
Proven V6 Power
Engine: 3.5L V6
Power: 284 horsepower, 259 lb-ft torque (295 hp in Rock Creek trim)
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
This naturally aspirated V6 provides strong power, though it feels weak at low RPMs during normal driving.
Spacious Interior
The Pathfinder offers a genuinely adult-friendly third row. Not many competitors can claim this at any price.
All three rows provide adult-sized headroom and legroom. This addresses a major pain point in the segment.
Cargo:
- 16.6 cubic feet (third row up)
- 45 cubic feet (third row folded)
- 80.5 cubic feet (maximum)
Towing Dominance
6,000-pound maximum towing capacity beats rivals by about 1,000 pounds. This makes the Pathfinder the clear choice for families regularly towing heavy loads.
Standard Features
- Tri-zone climate control
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Smartphone connectivity
- Blind-spot warning
- Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
- Complimentary maintenance: Three oil changes for first 2 years/24,000 miles
The Drawbacks
Steering feels numb with heavy weighting but little feedback. Body leans in tight corners. Ride quality is good on smooth roads but rough pavement transmits bumps to the cabin.
The Pathfinder has never achieved the success of the Highlander or Telluride, though this generation is one of its best.
The Verdict
For towing-focused families, the Pathfinder is the best 3-row SUV under $40,000. That 6,000-lb capacity is unmatched at this price point.
Best for: Families towing boats/campers regularly, buyers needing truly spacious third-row seats, anyone appreciating included maintenance.
#5. Mazda CX-90 – The Driver’s Choice
Price: $37,845
Reliability Score: 8.8/10 (but reliability concerns exist)
MPG: 24 city / 28 highway
Seating: 6, 7, or 8 passengers
Cargo Space: 74.2 cubic feet (max)
Why It Makes Our Best 3-Row SUV Under $40,000 List
The CX-90 is the most driver-focused vehicle here. Sharp handling, powerful turbo engines, and premium materials make this the enthusiast’s choice.
If you refuse to sacrifice driving enjoyment for utility, this is your SUV.
Premium Inline-Six Engine
Engine: Turbocharged 3.3L inline-six
Standard: 280 horsepower, 332 lb-ft torque
S Model: 340 horsepower, 369 lb-ft torque
An inline-six is usually reserved for BMWs and Land Rovers. Mazda brings this premium powertrain to the under-$40,000 segment.
Fuel economy: 24 mpg city / 28 highway (23/27 for S model). These figures beat most V6 competitors while delivering superior smoothness.
Luxury-Level Interior
The CX-90 interior rivals vehicles costing $10,000-$15,000 more. Materials, fit and finish, and design details are exceptional.
This is one of the most stylish and well-made midsize SUV interiors at any price.
The Space Compromise
Here’s the CX-90’s weakness: cargo and third-row space trail competitors.
Cargo:
- 14.9 cubic feet (third row up)
- 40 cubic feet (third row folded)
- 74.2 cubic feet (maximum)
The third row is tight. This isn’t ideal for families regularly using all three rows or hauling maximum cargo.
Real-World Efficiency
One owner averaged 28.6 mpg over a 208-mile highway trip at 70+ mph. That’s impressive for a vehicle with this much power.
Reliability Concerns
Consumer Reports removed the CX-90 from its recommendation list. Issues include electrical system glitches, battery problems requiring extended dealer repairs, and various minor quality concerns.
Many owners remain very satisfied despite these issues. Early production bugs are common with new models.
Who Should Buy It
The CX-90 is the best 3-row SUV under $40,000 for driving enthusiasts. If Porsche made a mainstream three-row SUV at this price, it might feel like this.
Best for: Driving enthusiasts, buyers prioritising premium materials, families whose third row sees occasional light use.
How We Ranked the Best 3-Row SUV Under $40,000
Our methodology balanced five critical factors:
1. Reliability (30%): J.D. Power predictions, RepairPal ratings, Consumer Reports data, owner feedback. Reliability matters most because an unreliable vehicle costs more than the money saved upfront.
2. Value (25%): Starting price, standard features, fuel economy, warranty coverage, projected ownership costs.
3. Interior Space (20%): Cargo measurements, third-row adult usability, seating configurations, storage solutions.
4. Safety (15%): NHTSA and IIHS crash-test results, standard driver-assistance features.
5. Driving Dynamics (10%): Ride quality, handling, powertrain refinement, noise levels.
Best 3-Row SUV Under $40,000 – Buying Guide
Third-Row Reality Check
Be honest about third-row usage. Most 3-row SUVs have cramped third rows with limited features.
If adults regularly sit in row three or you frequently carry seven passengers, test actual fit. Don’t trust marketing claims.
Must-Have Features
For family SUVs, look for:
- Air vents in all three rows
- USB ports in all rows
- Sliding second-row seats
- Leather or leatherette seating (easier cleaning)
- Adequate cupholders throughout
Hidden Costs Matter
Consider:
- Fuel economy (calculate annual costs)
- Insurance rates
- Maintenance schedules
- Tire replacement costs
A vehicle saving $3,000 upfront but costing $800 more annually in fuel becomes more expensive within four years.
Warranty Protection
Hyundai and Kia offer 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties. This beats Toyota and Nissan’s coverage and provides crucial protection for complex turbocharged engines.
Best 3-Row SUV Under $40,000 – Final Verdict
Choose the Toyota Highlander if: You prioritise bulletproof reliability, plan to keep your vehicle 10+ years, and value strong resale value.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if: You want maximum features and cargo space per dollar, appreciate distinctive styling, and need comprehensive warranty protection. This is our top pick for most families.
Choose the Kia Sorento if: You value powertrain flexibility, want plug-in hybrid capability, and accept moderate third-row space.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if: You regularly tow heavy loads, need spacious third-row accommodations, and appreciate included maintenance.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if: You refuse to sacrifice driving enjoyment, want premium materials, and your third row sees occasional use.
The best 3-row SUV under $40,000 depends on your specific needs. Test drive your top candidates extensively. Bring your family. Install car seats. Load typical cargo. Drive your common routes.
The right SUV reveals itself through real-world experience, not spec sheets alone.
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