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Do you have a larger family that you would like to drive around in a single SUV with three rows? Well, the good news is that you don’t have to spend $40k to $50k for a nice ride.

There are a few great options like the Kia Sorento, Chevy Traverse, and more that your whole family can jump in for under $30k! Check out where to find the most value for an SUV with a third row. 

The Best Three-Row SUVs For Under $30k

Kia Sorento 

The Kia Sorento starts for around $26k, making it an extremely affordable option for families. Plus, it’s pretty good on fuel compared to other SUVs. It gets up to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. 

2021 Kia Sorento front
2021 Kia Sorento front | Kia

You’ll also find a fair amount of power with the Kia Sorento. Its 2.4-liter engine pumps out 185 horsepower, and the 3.3-liter V6 engine provides 290 horsepower. 

Depending on which build you choose, the Kia Sorento can tow between 2,000 to 5,000 lb, making it easy to take your boat to the lake. 

Plus, the Kia Sorento is available in all-wheel-drive to tackle more challenges and has up to 73 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a ton of safety features. 

Chevy Traverse 

The Chevy Traverse barely made it on the list by starting around $29k, but don’t worry. It deserves to be here. However, it only gets up to 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. 

2019 Chevrolet Traverse High Country
2019 Chevrolet Traverse High Country | Chevrolet

There is only one 3.6-liter V6 engine option for the Traverse. It provides 310 horsepower and can tow between 1,500 to 5,000 lb depending on which build you choose. 

The Chevy Traverse is also available in all-wheel-drive and has up to 92.8 cubic feet of storage to access. There are hidden storage bins all over to take advantage of with convenience features such as a power liftgate and a noise-canceling cabin. 

In terms of safety, the Traverse has it all, including pedestrian detection, lane departure assistance, and more. However, these are optional and will cost a little extra. 

GMC Acadia 

The GMC Acadia is also a little more expensive. It starts around $29k, but that price is reasonable, considering this is a luxury SUV. It also only gets up to 21 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway. 

2020 GMC Acadia AT4
2020 GMC Acadia AT4

There are three engine options to choose from with the Acadia. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides 195 horsepower, the 2.5-liter turbo engine pumps out 230 horsepower, and the 3.6-liter V6 engine offers 310 horsepower. 

The Acadia is also available in all-wheel-drive and can tow between 1,000 to 4,000 lb, making it slightly weaker than its competitors. 

The adaptable interior has up to 79 cubic feet of cargo space, and the features include a power liftgate, colorful heads up display on the windshield, and more. 

Also, the GMC Acadia is incredibly safe with features such as forward collision alert, lane departure warnings, and more. 

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.