The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

The Most Affordable 3-Row Crossovers


mitusbishi outlander
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

SEE ALSO 2015-2016 Cars For Big Families

CHICAGO -- July 6, 2015: Cars.com has listed the most affordable 3-row crossovers currently for sale. To determine affordability, the list combines the cost to purchase each car (including destination fee), five years of fuel costs as well as each car's residual value after five years. To qualify for the list, each car had to come equipped with basic features that most car shoppers expect, including automatic transmission, power driver's seat, rearview camera, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity.

"With an average starting price hovering around $30,000, the 3-row crossover segment is not a cheap one to enter," said David Thomas, Cars.com managing editor. "Still, sales of these crossovers are up 13.3 percent through May versus an average year-over-year increase of 4.5 percent across all segments. With car shoppers flocking to these family-friendly minivan alternatives, we sought to help shoppers understand where they'll be able to get the most bang for their buck over the life of their purchase."

The most affordable 3-row crossovers, according to Cars.com, are:

Model & Trim Level

Tested Price

5-Year Fuel
Cost

5-Year Residual
Value

Total

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL

$25,845

$7,750

$8,270.40

$25,324.60

2015 Toyota Highlander LE Plus

$34,175

$9,500

$15,037.00

$28,638.00

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS

$31,045

$9,750

$11,797.10

$28,997.90

2016 Ford Explorer Base

$31,645

$10,250

$11,392.20

$30,502.80

2016 Honda Pilot EX

$33,310

$9,500

$11,991.60

$30,818.40

2015 Mazda CX-9 Touring

$33,360

$10,750

$11,676.00

$32,434.00

2015 Nissan Pathfinder SV

$33,875

$9,000

$9,823.75

$33,051.25

2015 Chevrolet Traverse 1LT

$34,670

$10,750

$11,441.10

$33,978.90

2015 Dodge Durango SXT Plus

$34,585

$10,250

$10,721.35

$34,113.65

2015 Ford Flex SEL

$33,995

$10,250

$9,858.55

$34,386.45

2015 GMC Acadia SLE2

$37,480

$10,750

$11,993.60

$36,236.40

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited

$48,735

$7,250

$19,006.65

$36,978.35

"Whether you need a car to take your kids and their teammates to Little League practice or you're someone who just likes to travel with friends, three-row crossovers should be top of mind for you when shopping for a new car," Thomas said. "The Outlander is the perfect option for someone looking for the room and utility of a 3-row crossover, but considers cost savings to be their highest priority."