Top 10 Three-Row SUVs Under $40k 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. 2027 Kia Telluride

The 2027 Kia Telluride is the best overall three-row SUV under $40,000 because it delivers the most complete package of space, power, and value. Its 3.8-liter V6 produces 274 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic and available AWD. The third row offers a genuinely adult-friendly 31.4 inches of legroom, and cargo space expands to 87.2 cubic feet with the rear rows folded.

This SUV is for families who need one vehicle to do everything well without compromise. It trades away the slightly lower starting price of the Hyundai Palisade for a more spacious third row and a stronger reputation for resale value. While its fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway is average, the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty makes it a low-risk, long-term investment that justifies its near-$39,190 starting MSRP.

2. 2027 Hyundai Palisade

The 2027 Hyundai Palisade ranks second as the best value pick because it offers nearly identical space, safety, and features as the Telluride for a lower starting price of $38,935. Its 3.8-liter V6 makes 291 hp and 262 lb-ft, and the third row provides 30.5 inches of legroom. Cargo space measures 86.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Standard equipment includes heated front seats and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, beating the Telluride on feature content per dollar.

This SUV is for budget-conscious families who want maximum features for the lowest price and are willing to sacrifice a small amount of third-row space. It trades away the Telluride's slightly larger interior and stronger resale value for a better-equipped base trim. With the same 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, it is a smart choice for those who prioritize immediate value over long-term residual value.

3. 2027 Honda Pilot

The 2027 Honda Pilot earns the third spot for its class-leading third-row legroom of 31.9 inches and exceptional long-term reliability. Its 3.5-liter V6 produces 285 hp and 262 lb-ft, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic. Cargo space is 83.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, and it earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. The standard Honda Sensing suite includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist across all trims.

This SUV is for families who prioritize long-term dependability and resale value over the latest tech or the lowest price. It trades away a starting MSRP that often exceeds $40,000 before dealer incentives and a slightly dated infotainment system. Compared to the Palisade above it, the Pilot offers more third-row space but less standard equipment, making it a better choice for those who value durability and passenger comfort over feature content.

4. 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander ranks fourth because it offers the largest third row in the class with 33.5 inches of legroom and a cavernous 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Its 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder produces 265 hp and a class-leading 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides stronger low-end pulling power than many V6 rivals. It also earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and benefits from Toyota's legendary reliability reputation.

This SUV is for families who need maximum passenger and cargo space and want Toyota's proven durability. It trades away a starting price near $39,800 that can easily exceed $40,000 with options, and the turbo engine requires premium fuel for best performance.

5. 2027 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse secures the fifth position by offering the most powerful engine in the class, a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder making 319 hp and 326 lb-ft, all for a low starting price of $37,800. Its third row provides 29.2 inches of legroom, and cargo space measures 84.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. This combination of power and price makes it a compelling budget option.

This SUV is for budget-conscious families who want a big, powerful SUV without spending near $40,000. It trades away the superior reliability and resale value of the Toyota Grand Highlander above it for a lower upfront cost and more horsepower. However, owner surveys indicate below-average reliability, and the third row is tighter than many rivals, making it a better fit for those who prioritize power and price over long-term ownership costs and adult third-row comfort.

6. 2027 Ford Explorer

The 2027 Ford Explorer ranks sixth for its sporty rear-wheel-drive platform and strong towing capability of 5,000 pounds. Its 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder engine delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, providing brisk acceleration. The third row offers 27.6 inches of legroom, which is best suited for children. Cargo space is 87.8 cubic feet with the seats down, and the standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite includes automatic emergency braking.

This SUV is for families who want a more engaging driving experience and need to tow a small trailer or boat. It trades away the third-row space and overall practicality of the Chevrolet Traverse above it for sharper handling and a RWD-based platform. However, mixed reliability reports and a cramped third row make it less ideal for families who regularly carry adults, positioning it as a better choice for those who value driving dynamics over passenger comfort.

7. 2027 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder takes the seventh spot for its best-in-class towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 284 hp and 259 lb-ft. Its third row provides 28.3 inches of legroom, and cargo space is 80.5 cubic feet. The standard Safety Shield 360 suite includes automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The 9-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and the starting price is an affordable $38,000.

This SUV is for families who need maximum towing capability from a non-truck-based SUV and want a rugged, capable vehicle. It trades away the superior interior quality and driving dynamics of the Ford Explorer above it for a higher tow rating and a more affordable price.

8. 2027 Mazda CX-90

The 2027 Mazda CX-90 ranks eighth for its premium interior quality and excellent driving dynamics, which are unmatched in this class. Its 3.3-liter turbo inline-six produces 280 hp and a robust 332 lb-ft of torque. The rear-biased AWD system delivers engaging handling, and the upscale cabin rivals luxury brands. It earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and includes the i-Activsense safety suite as standard. The starting price is just under $40,000 at $39,900.

This SUV is for families who want a premium-feeling vehicle with sporty handling and are willing to sacrifice passenger and cargo space. It trades away the third-row legroom of 30.1 inches and cargo space of 75.2 cubic feet, both smaller than the Nissan Pathfinder above it.

9. 2027 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas secures the ninth position for offering excellent third-row legroom of 33.7 inches and a low starting price of $37,500. Its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine produces 269 hp and 273 lb-ft, and cargo space is a generous 96.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Standard features include VW's Digital Cockpit and the IQ.DRIVE safety suite, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

This SUV is for families who want maximum passenger space for the lowest possible price and appreciate standard digital technology. It trades away the premium interior and driving dynamics of the Mazda CX-90 above it for a more practical and roomy cabin.

10. 2027 Subaru Ascent

The 2027 Subaru Ascent rounds out the list at number ten because it offers the lowest starting price of $36,500 and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Its 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine produces 260 hp and 277 lb-ft, providing adequate power. The third row offers 26.3 inches of legroom, which is best for children. Cargo space is 86.5 cubic feet, and the standard EyeSight safety suite helps it earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.

This SUV is for families who prioritize standard AWD and top safety ratings above all else and want the most affordable entry point into the segment. It trades away the third-row space and overall practicality of the Volkswagen Atlas above it for a lower price and superior all-weather traction.

How we ranked these

We weighted each SUV against priorities real families tell dealers and survey firms they care about when shopping under $40,000. We leaned on published data from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, U.S. News, the IIHS, the EPA, and manufacturer pages. The weighting: reliability and ownership cost 25%, safety ratings 20%, interior space and third-row comfort 20%, powertrain and fuel efficiency 15%, tech and value 10%, price-to-performance 10%.

A vehicle that offers a cheap price but fails safety tests, or has a big engine but a cramped third row, drops fast. The winners balance all six for real-world family use.

We deliberately ignored brand loyalty, subjective styling preferences, and dealer-specific pricing variations that can skew comparisons. We also excluded luxury features like premium audio, massaging seats, and advanced driver aids that push costs beyond the $40k threshold. We focused only on objective, verifiable data from authoritative sources to ensure the rankings are fair and repeatable.

This approach avoids the common pitfall of favoring a well-known nameplate over a genuinely better value, ensuring the list reflects what truly matters for budget-conscious families.

Related questions

What is the best three-row SUV under $40k for 2027?

The 2027 Kia Telluride is the best overall, offering a spacious third row, top safety ratings, and a 10-year warranty for around $39,190. It balances space, power, and reliability better than any competitor in this price range.

What is the best value three-row SUV under $40k?

The 2027 Hyundai Palisade is the best value, starting near $38,935 with similar features to the Telluride but a lower price and standard tech like a 12.3-inch screen and heated seats. It offers nearly identical space and safety for less.

Can I get a three-row SUV under $40k with good fuel economy?

Yes, the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander offers a turbo four-cylinder with 26 mpg highway, and the Hyundai Palisade hybrid targets 34 mpg combined, though it may push the budget. These are the most efficient options in the class.

Which three-row SUV under $40k has the most cargo space?

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander leads with 97.5 cu ft of cargo space with seats folded, followed by the Volkswagen Atlas at 96.8 cu ft. Both offer exceptional room for gear and luggage.

Is a three-row SUV under $40k reliable?

Yes, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, and Toyota models all have strong reliability ratings from owner surveys and long warranties that reduce ownership risk. These brands consistently rank high in dependability studies.

What is the cheapest three-row SUV under $40k?

The 2027 Subaru Ascent starts at $36,500, making it the most affordable, though its third row is tight for adults. It offers standard AWD and top safety ratings, making it a great budget pick.

Which three-row SUV under $40k has the best third-row legroom?

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander offers the most third-row legroom at 33.5 inches, followed by the Volkswagen Atlas at 33.7 inches. These are the only models that can comfortably seat adults in the back.

What is the best three-row SUV under $40k for towing?

The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder leads with a 6,000 lb towing capacity, best in class for non-truck-based SUVs. The Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer both tow up to 5,000 lb, making them solid alternatives.

FAQ

What is the best three-row SUV under $40k for 2027?

The 2027 Kia Telluride is the best overall, offering a spacious third row, top safety ratings, and a 10-year warranty for around $39,190. It balances space, power, and reliability better than any competitor in this price range.

What is the best value three-row SUV under $40k?

The 2027 Hyundai Palisade is the best value, starting near $38,935 with similar features to the Telluride but a lower price and standard tech like a 12.3-inch screen and heated seats. It offers nearly identical space and safety for less.

Can I get a three-row SUV under $40k with good fuel economy?

Yes, the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander offers a turbo four-cylinder with 26 mpg highway, and the Hyundai Palisade hybrid targets 34 mpg combined, though it may push the budget. These are the most efficient options in the class.

Which three-row SUV under $40k has the most cargo space?

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander leads with 97.5 cu ft of cargo space with seats folded, followed by the Volkswagen Atlas at 96.8 cu ft. Both offer exceptional room for gear and luggage.

Is a three-row SUV under $40k reliable?

Yes, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, and Toyota models all have strong reliability ratings from owner surveys and long warranties that reduce ownership risk. These brands consistently rank high in dependability studies.

What is the cheapest three-row SUV under $40k?

The 2027 Subaru Ascent starts at $36,500, making it the most affordable, though its third row is tight for adults. It offers standard AWD and top safety ratings, making it a great budget pick.

Which three-row SUV under $40k has the best third-row legroom?

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander offers the most third-row legroom at 33.5 inches, followed by the Volkswagen Atlas at 33.7 inches. These are the only models that can comfortably seat adults in the back.

What is the best three-row SUV under $40k for towing?

The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder leads with a 6,000 lb towing capacity, best in class for non-truck-based SUVs. The Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer both tow up to 5,000 lb, making them solid alternatives.

Are there any three-row SUVs under $40k with hybrid options?

The 2027 Hyundai Palisade offers a hybrid powertrain targeting 34 mpg combined, though it may exceed $40k. The Toyota Grand Highlander also has a hybrid, but it pushes the price above the limit on higher trims.

What safety features should I look for in a three-row SUV under $40k?

Standard safety suites like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are now common. Look for IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings, which all top models on this list earn.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/suvs/
• https://www.motortrend.com/
• https://www.edmunds.com/
• https://www.kbb.com/
• https://www.usnews.com/cars
• https://www.iihs.org/
• https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
• https://www.kia.com/
• https://www.hyundai.com/
• https://www.toyota.com/

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