Three-Row SUVs for Growing Families

If you are a parent, then you probably find yourself often playing a role that's a hybrid of an NFL referee and a UN peacekeeper. Most of the time, your kids are going to get along, but in all likelihood, they'll eventually succumb to bickering and arguing. This may be easy to handle inside your home, sending them to their respective bedrooms until they are ready to behave, but when you are stuck in traffic on a long drive, having a small vehicle with bickering kids can become a bit of a nightmare.

Similarly, if you have a large family, then you are going to need space. Sure, that midsize sedan or compact SUV was fine when they were little, but what happens when your kids get a little older and need extra space for their friends or all of their school work and sports equipment? Those small, economical models just aren’t going to cut it for your growing family, so you'll want a three-row SUV—but all that extra space isn’t cheap, which is why it may make sense to look at used SUVs for sale.

At Automax Truck and Car Center, we offer an amazing inventory of used three-row SUVs that will be ideal for your large or growing family. We carry all makes and models, including ones with special capabilities or elegant luxury features. The breadth of our selection will put you in the driver's seat in your search for an affordable three-row SUV that'll fit your budget.

Midsize SUVs

Probably the most crowded field of three-row SUVs are midsize models. These are so common because many automakers offer at least one; this includes industry giants like Chevrolet and import brands like Subaru. As a result, you will have no trouble finding a midsize SUV on the used market.

The best thing about three-row midsize SUVs (other than their availability) is their ease of driving. These models handle more like sedans, which comes in handy when you have to parallel park or drive on a crowded highway. The drawback, however, is that many automakers compromise, giving you three rows of seats for up to eight passengers but at the expense of cargo space. If you need to move wares, too, then you'll find yourself folding down the rear row, turning your car into a less-fuel-efficient two-row SUV.

Most midsize SUVs can seat up to seven passengers because they feature a set of captain’s chairs in the second row. This is the case with the Ford Explorer, Kia Sorento, GMC Acadia, and Chevy Traverse. If you are looking for room for up to eight passengers, then you may have to go with one that has a second-row bench seat, like the Honda Pilot. One way to save a few dollars when buying a used three-row midsize SUV is to choose a model that has been discontinued, like the Ford Flex; such models tend to be lower priced while still providing the space and features you desire.

The other thing that attracts many family drivers to three-row midsize SUVs is available all-wheel drive. This helps with road traction, especially in inclement weather. All-wheel drive transfers power to each axle, giving these models better road handling. The selling point for the Subaru Ascent—this brand’s only three-row model—is that it comes with all-wheel drive, which means you don’t have to pay extra or look harder to find your favorite version of this model but with this trait.

Full-Size SUVs

Space is the place when you are looking for full-size SUVs. These three-row monsters give you the advantage of not having to choose between your kids and your stuff, as their trunks have plenty of room for cargo, even with all three rows of seats occupied. In addition, some models—like the GMC Yukon XL, Ford Expedition MAX, and Chevy Suburban—can fit up to nine passengers; this gives you the seating you need to bring along your kids and the rest of the team.

Full-size SUVs are not only spacious but rugged: one look and you can see that they are built tough. Models like the Nissan Armada and Chevy Tahoe not only have strong names, but they are also strong enough for feats like towing large trailers. You can even choose such models with four-wheel drive, allowing you to use them for family camping trips.

The main drawback with many of these models is fuel economy. These full-size SUVs require bigger engines, so they can’t match their midsize relatives when it comes to efficient performance. The other thing to keep in mind is that they are harder to handle and park, and they come with a bigger price tag, even when you are buying used. Nevertheless, if you have a large, active family, then a full-size SUV may be the only way to go.

Off-Road SUVs

Active families that don’t need a full-size model may want to consider a three-row midsize SUV with off-road capabilities. For example, Jeep joined the competition in 2021 with the Grand Cherokee L. This three-row version of Jeep’s popular midsize SUV has an extra row of seats, so you have room for seven passengers. In addition, you can get one with a 4x4 drivetrain, giving you the traction you need for off-roading.

Four-wheel drive is different from all-wheel drive: it uses a transfer case to deliver torque to each wheel separately, so your tires won’t spin when you are in less-than-optimal terrain. Many of these models also have locking differentials in the rear or both axles, which can reduce spin as well. For those who are looking for a family SUV for off-roading, you can choose a Nissan Pathfinder with an optional third row, the Toyota 4Runner, or the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Other models like the GMC Acadia offer specialized off-road trims like the AT4, which gives you four-wheel drive and skid plates for your family adventures.

One of the most interesting specialized models is the Dodge Durango. This three-row midsize SUV comes with a choice of powerful engines, including Dodge’s famous HEMI V8. Imagine having the performance of a Dodge Charger or Challenger but in a three-row SUV that seats your entire family. Well, you don’t have to imagine it if you choose to drive a used Durango!

Luxury SUVs

Some people enjoy the finer things in life. These are the kind of folks who desire luxurious appointments and elegant features. Sure, every SUV these days comes with an infotainment system, but can they match the McIntosh audio system that you'll find on many used versions of the Wagoneer? This luxury SUV leaves little to the imagination.

The model credited with the trend of super-luxurious three-row SUVs is the Cadillac Escalade. This hauler seats up to eight inside a cabin bedecked with advanced safety features, elegant leather seats, genuine wood inlays, a Bose sound system, and an available second-row entertainment system. For those who are really into excesses, including maximizing the size of their vehicle, they can look for an Escalade ESV.

Other automakers saw how Cadillac was offering luxury family SUVs and decided to come out with their own models; the Lincoln Navigator, Grand Wagoneer, and Infiniti QX80 are just some of the full-size SUVs that go over the top with extravagance. If you want a used luxury SUV that comes in a midsize package, you could opt for a used Acura MDX, which can seat up to seven comfortably while giving you and your kids the comfort and convenience you desire.

Find Your Next Used Three-Row SUV!

If you have a large or growing family, then you are going to need the space provided by a three-row SUV. Whether you want the drivability and fuel economy of a midsize model or prefer having the extra passenger and cargo space provided by a full-size SUV, you are sure to find what you are looking for when you head over to our dealership. Stop in today and make your next vehicle a used three-row SUV from us!