These Often Overlooked Family Crossovers Are All Under $35,000

Here are some excellent alternatives to the Pilot or Highlander

PublishedMay 14, 2024

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After years of high prices and low inventory car buyers are finally able to get some deals on pre-owned vehicles. While the EV market offers some compelling prices, there aren’t a lot of family-sized options. But if you are looking for three rows under $35,000 don’t ignore these excellent, but under appreciated, models.

If you need a vehicle to move the family around in comfort, you should probably just buy the damn minivan. But so many of you aren’t quite ready to make that jump just yet, and thus go shopping for the ever-popular three-row mid-size crossover. This is where a lot of car buyers get some sticker shock when they realize that “basic” versions of these family cars retail for about $40,000 and once you start adding desirable options you quickly get close to that $50,000 or higher price point.

Moving to the pre-owned realm keeps things a bit more budget-friendly while still getting a relatively new ride with the latest features. For folks looking beyond the default choices of the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, here are five excellent alternatives that offer a lot of car for your money.

I based my value score criteria on overall build quality, warranty balance, and a savings delta from the new MSRP.

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Buick Enclave

I realize that for a lot of parents owning a Buick may sound even worse than buying a minivan. But you are missing out on one of the most comfortable and feature-packed 3-row crossovers you can buy. If you don’t mind a slightly higher mile car 2020/2021 Avenir trim cars can be had with a CPO warranty, these models originally retailed close to $60,000

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Cadillac XT6

Maybe the Buick isn’t your thing, but you are open to an upscale domestic three-row with the styling cues of the Escalade without the price tag and terrible MPGs. Go after the XT6 Sport w/Platinum package and you have a slick ride, with every bell and whistle you could ask for. This particular example had an original retail price of around $70,000

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Mazda CX-9

The CX-9 is the sporty choice for buyers who need a third row but don’t want to feel like they are driving a big car. With a big turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood, it may not be an AMG badged SUV but it will handle your passing maneuvers just fine. The downside to the CX-9 is the third row can feel a bit tight, so this is best for families that don’t rely on that extra seating on a regular basis. Fully loaded Signature trims can be bought around the $30,000 mark.

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Subaru Ascent

The Ascent caused a lot of excitement when it launched as Subaru finally had a legitimate offering for families that were outgrowing their Forester or Outback. With a massive interior and seventeen cupholders, the big Subie had a lot of potential, but then it’s popularity quickly faded. But for the price of a well-equipped Crosstrek, you can get a full-loaded Touring model with reasonable miles

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Kia Sorento

The Sorento is on the smaller side of the mid-size crossover spectrum, but that makes the size “just right” for some buyers who need the option of the third row, but don’t want a giant car. The Kia offers a long warranty and loads of features. You can even get these with hybrid or PHEV powerplants, though those can be tough to find at sub $35,000

Tom McParland is a contributing writer for Jalopnik and runs AutomatchConsulting.com. He takes the hassle out of buying or leasing a car. Got a car buying question? Send it to Tom@AutomatchConsulting.com

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