Skip to main content

Buying a new SUV can make for an expensive purchase. For budget-conscious shoppers, that makes buying an affordable used SUV an even better option. That’s particularly true of those in the market for a three-row SUV under $15,000. Fortunately, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) recently revealed its picks for the best used three-row SUVs under $15,000. 

The 2009 Toyota 4Runner is one of the best used three-row SUVs

A grey 2009 Toyota 4Runner on the trails, the 2009 Toyota 4Runner is one of the best used three-row SUVs under $15,000
2009 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

The Toyota 4Runner has a lot going for it. It’s a body-on-frame midsize SUV that’s as spacious as it is versatile. It even offers an available third-row of seating. And if you’re shopping for a used three-row SUV under $15,000? The 2009 Toyota 4Runner is one of the best, KBB reports. In fact, according to KBB, if you’re in the market for a trail-ready SUV that has a reputation for reliability, the 2009 Toyota 4Runner should be at the top of your list. 

Those aren’t the only reasons to consider the 2009 Toyota 4Runner either. This affordable used SUV benefits from more headroom, shoulder room, and rear legroom than previous model years. It can also be had with a slew of enticing features, including leather-trimmed seating, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, onboard navigation, a rear DVD entertainment system, and a power moonroof. 

Choose the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe for an affordable used SUV under $15,000

Now, I know what you’re thinking. These days, the Hyundai Santa Fe isn’t available with a third row. But once upon a time? The Hyundai Santa Fe did offer a third row of seating. For those in the market for a used three-row SUV, that’s good news, especially when considering that KBB tapped the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe as one of the best used three-row SUVs under $15,000.

The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe has more going for it than an affordable price tag and a third row of seating too. As a matter of fact, KBB reports that the 2014 Santa Fe benefited from a slew of new features, including sought-after safety features like blind-spot detection and rear parking assist. Further, the 2014 model can also be had with a DVD entertainment system, making it an attractive choice for families on the go.

The 2011 Chevy Tahoe is a used three-row SUV with plenty of towing power

A 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe driving, the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe is an affordable used SUV
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe | Chevrolet

Perhaps you need a used SUV that boasts a good amount of towing power. If that’s the case, KBB suggests taking a gander at the 2011 Chevy Tahoe. Driven by a 5.3-liter V8 engine, the 2011 Chevy Tahoe will have you towing a maximum of 8,500 pounds. That’s certainly impressive for a used SUV.

Not to mention, this affordable used SUV also comes equipped with three rows of seating and boasts enough room for up to nine people. Add features like a remote vehicle starter, power liftgate, and a Bose nine-speaker audio system, and the 2011 Chevy Tahoe is pretty hard to resist. In fact, according to KBB, the 2011 Chevy Tahoe is a compelling choice for families in the market for a used three-row SUV under $15,000. 

Pick the 2014 Honda Pilot for a used three-row SUV under $15,000

The 2014 Honda Pilot also secured a spot on KBB’s list of the best used three-row SUVs under $15,000. According to KBB, this used three-row SUV comes equipped with a spacious third row and a slew of family-friendly features, including a rear entertainment system. The 2014 model also comes driven by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Perhaps the only downside to the 2014 Honda Pilot is that it can’t tow nearly as much as other used SUVs on the list. Take, for example, the 2011 Chevy Tahoe. While the used Chevy Tahoe can tow a maximum of 8,500 pounds, the 2014 Honda Pilot can only manage 4,500 pounds. A used Honda Pilot may not be the best fit for those in need of more towing power.

The 2011 Toyota Highlander is the best used three-row SUV under $15,000 

The 2011 Toyota Highlander was fortunate enough to snag the top spot on KBB’s list of the best used three-row SUVs under $15,000. Though, it’s no surprise as to why. The Toyota Highlander has always been a popular pick among SUV shoppers. The 2011 Toyota Highlander benefitted from a slew of updates too, including standard three-row seating with rear climate controls.

KBB isn’t the only one singing the 2011 Toyota Highlander’s praises either. As a matter of fact, Consumer Reports gave it some pretty high marks too. Not only did it give the used Toyota Highlander a four out of five reliability rating, but it also gave it a four out of five owner satisfaction rating. “The Toyota Highlander scores high for its refinement, quiet interior, ride comfort, power, fuel economy, and flexible and roomy second-row seat,” Consumer Reports explained.

Which used three-row SUV is the right pick for you?

If you’re shopping for a used three-row SUV under $15,000, KBB’s list makes for an excellent place to start. Try taking a few of these affordable used SUVs out for a test drive, and, chances are, you’ll find yourself behind the wheel of the best used three-row SUV for satisfying all of your daily driving needs. 

Related

The 2021 Kia Telluride Is the Best Three-Row SUV According to Consumer Reports But Is It Better than the Toyota Highlander?