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Looking for a seven-seat SUV in the US without breaking the bank? The market has never been more competitive, with several automakers offering three-row family haulers starting well under $40,000. As of January 22, 2025, the most affordable options balance price, space, and features—but each comes with its own trade-offs.
Here are the five cheapest seven-seat SUVs on sale in the United States, ranked by starting MSRP (excluding destination fees and taxes; actual out-the-door costs will vary).
5. Mitsubishi Outlander ES 7-Seat – $35,695 MSRP
Mitsubishi’s Outlander edges onto the list thanks to its optional third row, available only on the ES FWD trim. At just under $36,000, it’s the most affordable way to get three rows from a major brand. Our test drivers found the Outlander’s cabin comfortable for five but the third row is strictly for small children—adults will struggle on anything longer than a short trip. The CVT transmission is adequate for city driving but feels strained during highway merging. Still, the standard 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty adds peace of mind. Value pick for those who rarely need the third row.
4. Nissan Pathfinder S – $36,780 MSRP
Nissan’s redesigned Pathfinder regained its family-friendly reputation, and the base S trim keeps the price low. With a 284-hp V6 and a traditional 9-speed automatic (no CVT here), the Pathfinder offers better towing capacity (up to 6,000 lbs) than most rivals. Our team liked the smooth ride and quiet cabin, but noted that the S trim lacks advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert—those are optional on higher trims. The third-row legroom is decent for adults under 5'9". If you can stretch your budget by $2,000, the SV trim adds those safety upgrades.
3. Ford Explorer Base – $37,760 MSRP
America’s best-selling SUV for decades, the Explorer starts its lineup with a 2.3L turbo four-cylinder (300 hp) and rear-wheel drive. The base model includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assists. In our evaluation, the Explorer’s handling and ride quality surpassed the Outlander and Pathfinder, but the third row remains tight
