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When shopping for a three-row vehicle, there’s usually one priority above all else: practicality. Many automakers offer three-row options, but many of these vehicles are large and therefore expensive. Here, we focus on the affordable end of the market, highlighting the 10 most affordable three-row vehicles currently on sale.
Three-row vehicles generally come in two body styles: SUVs and minivans. Each has its own strengths and drawbacks, but they are fundamentally different vehicles designed for the same purpose of hauling people and their stuff. As a result, this list includes vehicles with a wide range of engine sizes, cargo capacities, and drivetrains, despite competing within a similar price range. Pricing reflects MSRP plus destination fees only, and buyers should budget for additional costs and taxes.
10. Volkswagen Atlas Comfortline: $53,845 ($51,595 MSRP + $2,250 destination)
In 10th place is Volkswagen’s flagship Atlas. It features a seven-seat 2-3-2-passenger configuration, with a third row that’s reasonably sized for adults. Even with the third row in use, there is still a generous 583 litres of cargo space behind it.
Power comes from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is respectable, rated at 12.0 L/100 km in the city, 9.2 on the highway and 10.7 combined. The Atlas also comes standard with a 12-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
9. Honda Odyssey Sport: $53,420 ($51,420 MSRP + $2,000 destination)
As a minivan, the Odyssey is designed quite differently from a midsize crossover. The most notable difference is under the hood, where it uses a 3.5-litre V6 producing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque driving the front wheels.
That power comes at the cost of efficiency, however, with fuel consumption rated at 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 8.5 L/100 km on the highway, for a combined rating of 10.6 L/100 km. The Odyssey’s biggest advantage, however, is space. It offers seating for eight passengers and a substantial 929 litres of cargo space behind the third row.
8. Toyota Highlander XLE: $53,215 ($51,285 MSRP + $1,930 destination)
The Toyota Highlander has long been a favourite among families looking for a practical midsize SUV. Standard seating capacity is eight passengers, and cargo space behind the third row measures a respectable 453 litres.
The base engine is a 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder producing 264 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Fuel consumption is rated at 11.0 L/100 km in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 9.9 combined. The Highlander comes standard with an eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
7. Toyota Sienna: $51,300 ($49,370 MSRP + $1,930 destination)
The Toyota Sienna is the second minivan on the list and approaches the formula a little differently. The base LE trim comes standard with seating for eight and front-wheel drive. Unlike other minivans here, the Sienna uses a hybrid powertrain.
Its 2.5L inline four-cylinder hybrid system produces a combined 245 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While performance is modest, efficiency is excellent. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.6 L/100 km in the city, 6.5 on the highway, and 6.6 combined, making the Sienna the most efficient vehicle on this list.
The Sienna comes with a smaller eight-inch infotainment screen, but it more than makes up for that with a massive 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row.
6. Chrysler Grand Caravan: $49,995 ($47,700 MSRP + $2,295 destination)
In contrast to the Sienna, the Chrysler Grand Caravan sticks to a more traditional minivan setup. It’s powered by a 3.6L V6 producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to the front wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel consumption is rated at 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 8.4 on the highway,and 10.6 combined. The Grand Caravan seats seven passengers, which is fewer than some rivals, but it makes up for it with a large 10.1-inch infotainment system and a generous 915 litres of cargo space behind the third row.
5. Mazda CX-90 GS: $48,445 ($46,250 MSRP + $2,195 destination)
Mazda’s flagship CX-90 earns a spot on the list as one of the sportier options available. It’s powered by a 3.3-litre mild-hybrid inline six-cylinder engine producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Despite its size, fuel consumption remains competitive at 10.1 L/100 km in the city, 8.5 on the highway, and 9.4 combined. The CX-90 also features an all-wheel-drive system with a rear-wheel-drive bias, giving it a more engaging feel than most family haulers.
The base GS trim is offered exclusively with eight seats. Cargo space behind the third row is average at 423 litres. The infotainment system may be a drawback for some buyers, as its 10.25-inch display is relatively small and only supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
4. Hyundai Santa Fe Preferred: $45,899 ($43,799 MSRP + $2,100 destination)
The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the smaller three-row vehicles on this list, which is reflected in its powertrain. It uses a 1.6-litre hybrid inline four-cylinder engine producing 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel economy is a strong point, with ratings of 6.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway. Seating capacity is limited to seven passengers, and cargo space behind the third row is relatively modest at 413 litres.
On the tech side, the Santa Fe performs well. It comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
3. Kia Sorento LX: $45,795 ($43,695 MSRP + $2,100 destination)
The Kia Sorento shares its platform with the Hyundai Santa Fe, making the two closely related. It uses a similar 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid inline four-cylinder engine, producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel consumption is rated at 7.2 L/100 km in the city and 6.7 L/100 km on the highway, for a combined rating of 7.0 L/100 km. Cargo space behind the third row is slightly smaller than the Santa Fe at 357 litres. The Sorento comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2. Kia Carnival LX: $44,595 ($42,445 MSRP + $2,150 destination)
The Kia Carnival ranks as the second most affordable three-row vehicle and the cheapest minivan currently on sale. It’s powered exclusively by a 3.5-litre V6 producing 288 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel efficiency is not its strong suit, with ratings of 13.0 L/100 km in the city, 9.3 on the highway, and 11.3 combined. Where the Carnival shines is its practicality. It offers seating for eight passengers and an impressive 1,139 litres of cargo space behind the third row. A 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard.
1. Mitsubishi Outlander: $38,523 ($36,398 MSRP + $2,125 destination)
Taking first place is the Mitsubishi Outlander. It features the least powerful engine on this list, a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel economy is respectable, rated at 9.4 L/100 km in the city, 7.8 on the highway, and 8.7 combined. Even as a budget offering, the Outlander comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment system.
Practicality is where it falls behind competitors. Cargo space behind the third row measures just 308 litres, and while it technically seats seven, the third row is best suited for children. Mitsubishi itself markets the Outlander as a 5+2, making it the cheapest three-row vehicle here, but also the least spacious.

