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This is a great time to be shopping for a vehicle with three rows of seating. Not only are there traditional minivans available, the most practical of all family transportation vessels, but some great SUVs too.
These have the capability to haul lots of people, tow trailers, and even venture off the pavement in some cases. The good news is, there are three-row vehicles available for every budget.
We searched all the new 2021 models available now for the ones that cost the least. Then when available, we found out what buyers were actually paying for these vehicles using KBB’s exclusive Fair Purchase Price tool. Here’s our list of the 10 most affordable 3-row vehicles.
1. 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan ($26,440)
The VW Tiguan is the least expensive three-row vehicle you can buy in the U.S. And it’s a great-driving SUV. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides good acceleration, the interior is fitted with upscale materials and we really enjoy the simplicity of VW’s VWAGY, -0.39% infotainment system.
More: 5 high-performance SUVs to spice up your life
Plus, the Tiguan is smaller than most and feels agile when driven on a mountain road. Downside? The third-row seating is tight for adults and is best suited for the smaller folks in the household. Still, the Tiguan is one very sweet deal.
2. 2021 Chrysler Voyager ($28,730)
If your family likes the size and style of Chrysler’s FCAU, -0.38% Pacifica minivan, the Voyager should be on your list too. That’s because the Voyager is basically the same vehicle with fewer features and options. It’s a bargain-priced Pacifica. It may be less expensive, but you do get the same strong 287 hp V6 and nine-speed automatic powering the front wheels. The Voyager L has cloth seating, a bench instead of captain’s chairs for the second row and manual climate control. Of course, there’s no plug-in hybrid or all-wheel drive option—but this is the least-expensive van in America.
3. 2021 Ford Transit Connect ($28,795)
The Ford Transit Connect
Ford
Ford’s F, Transit Connect is a utilitarian van with a small footprint and features geared for those that might use this vehicle for work and family life. This is a very rugged package, but it comes up short on refinement compared with traditional minivans. The ride is on the rough side, and the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is somewhat sluggish. But there’s plenty to like as well, like the optional rear cargo doors that swing wide 180 degrees to load supplies aboard.
4. 2021 Volkswagen Atlas ($28,833- Fair Purchase Price)
When it comes to large three-row SUVs, the VW Atlas is the best bargain for 2021. Climb inside the Atlas and it’s absolutely cavernous. Even the tallest members of the family can comfortably ride in that third row, and there’s space behind it to carry baggage too. The standard engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder paired to a nicely tuned 8-speed automatic. Yes, the base price of the Atlas is low, but at least it comes with a rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitor and forward collision mitigation.
Related: 3-row SUVs compared: The 2021 VW Atlas vs. the 2021 Subaru Ascent
5. 2021 GMC Acadia ($29,364 FPP)
The GMC Acadia is slightly shorter in overall length than some of the largest three-row crossovers, and that makes it feel a bit nimbler around town. But the casualty is a third row that isn’t quite as roomy. Adults can ride back there for short trips, but it’s really geared more for kids. The very least expensive Acadia model comes solely with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. And it’s down on power compared with the V6 in other trim levels. The standard Acadia comes with a rear park assist and rear cross-traffic alert. The top models, like the Denali, are lavishly appointed, but they also cost upward of $45,000.
6. 2021 Chevrolet Traverse ($29,420 FPP)
The Chevy Traverse is not only a great deal, but it’s a crossover SUV with a tremendous amount of room inside. It shares some mechanicals with the GMC Acadia, but the Chevy is the one for those families that want to carry adults in the third row for long trips. And there’s a full 23 cu-ft of space in the cargo hold. That’s enough to fit all the luggage. The Traverse comes standard with a strong 310 hp V6, so there’s enough power to handle a 5,000-pound trailer too. There’s an updated Traverse coming in ’22. So, the 2021 model might have additional incentives later in the year.
7. 2021 Kia Sedona ($29,890 FPP)
The Kia 000270, +2.22% Sedona is a good van in base LX trim. There’s a powerful 276 hp V6, and the van can return 24 mpg on the highway too. Plus, the Kia has generous space inside for the whole family. But the Sedona rides a little firmer than some vans. And if you’d like to option your van with features like park distance warning, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot warning, you’ll need to pay more for the better-equipped EX and SX models. Unlike some minivans, all-wheel drive isn’t available on the Kia. Good news? The Sedona is all-new for 2022. That means good deals could be coming on the 2021 models as the year moves forward.
Related: The best 2021 SUVs priced under $30k
8. 2021 Kia Sorento ($30,560)
The Kia Sorento
Kia
The great news about the Sorento is that it’s all-new for 2021—so you’ll have the latest tech and innovations from Kia. It’s an SUV that serves many budgets too. The base model’s 191 hp four-cylinder is sufficient and comes with some upscale features like the push-button start. But for real fun, opt for the 281 hp turbo powertrain and all-wheel drive. It’s downright quick. The Sorento’s third row of seating is small compared with the larger SUVs here, but it can be used by adults on shorter adventures.
9. 2021 Honda Pilot ($30,964)
It’s tough to find a three-row SUV that checks all the important boxes better than Honda. There’s a sweet-natured and strong 280 hp V6 linked to a 9-speed automatic. It returns an exemplary 27 mph on the highway. And every Pilot comes with Honda’s HMC, +0.11% suite of safety tech standard—way more than most competitors. Plus, the Pilot can tow 5,000 pounds and, when equipped with all-wheel drive, offers reasonably capability in the dirt. Choose the one-level-up EX for intelligent traction management (drive modes) as well as Apple AAPL, +1.62% CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Read next: Size matters: The best large cars
10. 2021 Honda Odyssey ($31,142)
The hunt for your new minivan should start with the Honda Odyssey. It’s, in many ways, the benchmark van that all others aspire to. It has good reliability ratings, and excellent powertrain, and drives with agility not found on other minivans. In addition, Honda tends to lead the segment with van innovations. And when it comes to safety, the Honda is the first minivan to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest award—Top Safety Pick Plus.
This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.
