The Best 3 Row SUVs for Under $35,000
You need a three-row SUV for your family, but you also don’t want to break your bank. That’s why it’s time to shop for the best three-row SUVs for under $35,000. Check out why the 2021 Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride are bargains.
The Best three-row SUVs for under $35,000
We didn’t pick the top three SUVs equipped with three-rows at random. We received a little guidance from U.S. News to determine the best family SUV options that won’t make your wallet cry.
Saving on a lower-priced three-row SUV doesn’t mean you have to compromise. You can still get an option with a comfortable ride, updated tech, standard safety features, spacious interiors, and more.
The vehicles are ranked based on reviews by established automobile critics, ride quality, safety ratings, reliability ratings, interior quality, cost of ownership, and more. As ratings change, so do their rankings.
1. The 2021 Mazda CX-9
One of the best three-row SUVs you can buy includes the 2021 Mazda CX-9. It has an MSRP of about $34,160, so it barely makes the list. It’s a favorite option because it has an outstanding interior. For its price, the quality materials provide an upscale, luxurious feel.
The Mazda CX-9 is also fun to drive. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine provides 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 3,500. It’s available with all-wheel drive to help you navigate through snow and other slippery conditions too.
Standard features include a 10.3-inch touchscreen with two USB ports and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and more.
However, the Mazda CX-9 isn’t the number one option because it lacks cargo space. It’s a little smaller than its rivals. While the second row easily slides out of the way to access the third row, the third row is tight. It’s best for children back there.
2. The 2021 Hyundai Palisade
Up next on the list is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. It’s an incredibly reliable option that features incredible comfort. Even the third row is padded and supportive for passengers. The interior provides premium luxury too.
The powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine pumps out 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It has a peppy acceleration and a quiet interior. This beast can tow up to 5,000 lb and is available with all-wheel drive.
With the base infotainment system, you get an 8-inch touch screen with smartphone connectivity and five USB ports. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and much more.
The Hyundai Palisade has an MSRP of about $32,675 and packs tons of value for its price. It’s only held back by its subpar fuel economy. It gets an EPA estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
3. The 2021 Kia Telluride
This probably isn’t surprising, but the 2021 Kia Telluride is the best three-row SUV for under $35,000. It has an MSRP of about $32,190, making it the lowest-priced option on our list. The Kia Telluride is reliable and comfortable with abundant space. It has more cargo space than the Palisade.
It has the same 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque as the Palisade and can tow up to 5,000 lb. It can be equipped with all-wheel drive and has excellent reviews for how it handles in the snow.
The Telluride comes with an 8-inch infotainment system that’s easy to use. Connect it to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and take advantage of its five USB ports to charge multiple devices. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and more.
However, the Kia Telluride also has a lacking fuel economy. But the value it provides with such a low starting price makes up for that. Rivals will have to put in a lot of effort to catch up with this undefeated SUV.
