The SUV segment of the market has over recent years become incredibly competitive. Just look at the sheer number of trim levels provided as options these days. The Dodge Durango and the Ford Expedition by themselves have more trim options than actual SUV models in their respective lineups. The competition is good for car buyers because they are provided with a variety of models at affordable prices.
But have you ever wondered about the difference between a regular SUV and a Large SUV? Well, a large SUV is a vehicle that generally meets or exceeds 180 inches in length, 70 inches in height, and 86 inches in width. This, of course, excludes vans or heavy-duty vehicles. These Large vehicles are usually characterized by a three-row configuration with seating for seven or eight passengers. If you are in the market for a reliably large SUV with premium finishes, but wont break the bank, here is a list of the best three-row SUVs under $60,000.
10 2023 Dodge Durango: $38,890
Dodge is world-famous for producing the Charger and the Challenger. But, did you know that the Durango is actually the best-selling model in the Dodge lineup? No surprise there because the same trends are being experienced by other sports car companies like Porsche. The Cayenne is currently outselling all other Porsche models.
The Durango is a buyer’s delight because Dodge has literally created a three-row, seven-seat SUV at every price point. Starting with the $38,890 entry model SXT to the over $100,000 SRT trim. The SRT trims were not included in the entries because generally SRTs are performance-oriented, and have a steep starting price.
You will get 43.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats and 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row for all models. You can opt for all-wheel or rear-wheel drive across all trims. All Durangos come standard with blind spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert. At an MSRP of $38,890, the Durango is the cheapest large SUV you can get on this list.
9 2023 Acura MDX: $49,550
Simply put, the MDX is an model for those who need a reliably large SUV mixed with a little thrill of performance. How else do you explain paddle shifters on a three-row SUV? The Acura MDX has a gorgeous design with premium finishes across all trims.
The Acura MDX starts at $49,550 for the entry-level model. The top-of-the-range Type S and Type S Advance are powered by a three-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 355 horsepower – approximately 60 horsepower more than the 3.5-liter V-6 that powers the other models. The MDX’s maximum towing capacity is about 5000 pounds, but some models like the two-wheel drive entry model can only manage 3500 pounds in towing capacity.
Three-row seating is available across the range. The second-row middle seat can be removed to facilitate easy access to the third-row seats. With all seats occupied, the MDX can carry a maximum of seven occupants including the driver. 39.1 cubic feet of space is available for your luggage behind the second row. You will only get about 16.3 cubic feet if the third row of seats is occupied. Key features of the MDX include AcuraWatch safety technologies and Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. Read our in-depth review of the Acura MDX Type S here.
8 2023 Nissan Armada: $50,700
The Nissan Armada is one of the best full-size SUV under $60,000 that can tow over 8000 pounds. The only large SUVs that come close with a comparable price are the Chevy Suburban and the GMC Yukon. The Armada has a maximum towing capacity of 8500 pounds.
All Armada models are available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The models are powered by a 5.6 liter V-8 engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. As standard, all trims have a 3-row seating configuration that can carry eight occupants. Top trims can however opt for second-row Captain’s chairs.
The 2023 Nissan Armada has a starting price of $50,700. For this price, you can get Nissan’s brilliant intelligent all-wheel-drive system and great ground clearance just in case you need to hit the trails with your family. Cargo space is practical with 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row of seats and 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row.
7 2023 Lincoln Aviator: $53,340
Lincoln has steadily been trying to push the Aviator out of the Navigator’s shadow. It should be noted that in terms of luxury, comfort, and sheer size, the Navigator casts a very big shadow. But, it seems like Lincoln is succeeding. The automaker is trying to walk the fine line of affordable luxury with the Aviator.
For a starting price of $53,340, the Aviator has an abundance of driver-assist and safety technology across its range. Some of these technologies like the cabin air filtration systems and the pre- and post-collision-assist are only found on the premium trims of SUVs on this list. These features coupled with the wonderfully designed premium interior make the Aviator a great choice for a three-row luxury SUV even when you opt for the entry-level model.
The Grand Touring and the Black Label Grand Touring models have a slightly less towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, but all the other trims can pull up to 6,700 pounds. A cargo space of 43.8 cubic feet behind the second row of seats and 18.3 cubic feet behind the third row is standard across the range. The entry trim Standard Aviator and the Reserve trim are powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. The other models are powered by the same engine, but it is upgraded with a hybrid system.
6 2023 Ford Expedition: $55,125
Ford currently produces eight SUVs and the Expedition is the largest and most expensive model. It is one of the most reliable large SUVs in the market today. The Expedition has a starting price of $55,125. Generally, the Expedition is offered in two variants across its trims; the standard length variant and the extended length variant which Ford calls ‘Max’.
All the trims in the Expedition lineup come with three-row seating except for the entry-level XL STX. The XL STX and XLT are rear-wheel drive while the other models have all-wheel drive. A 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine or its high-output equivalent is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission to produce 380 horsepower or 440 horsepower respectively.
Cargo space, of course, varies because of the length of the models. The standard lengths have a capacity of 63.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 20.9 cubic feet when the third-row seats are upright. The extended ‘Max’ variants have a cargo space of 79.6 cubic feet behind the second row of seats and 36 cubic feet behind the third row.
5 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe: $56,095
The Tahoe is one of two Chevy SUVs under $60,000 on this list. It is in a good company competing against its sibling, the Suburban and the Nissan Armada in terms of cargo space and towing capability. These three models have the best towing capabilities of any large SUV under $60,000.
Six trims are available for the Tahoe with the entry LS having a $56,095 sticker price before options. You can opt for all-wheel- or rear-wheel drive, and there is a choice of a V-8 gasoline engine and a 3-liter diesel. The Tahoe has a three-row configuration and can seat eight occupants.
Cargo space is in plenty. 72.6 cubic feet is available behind the second-row seats for your luggage. You also get about 25.5 cubic feet of usable space if the third-row seats are occupied.
4 2023 GMC Yukon: $57,400
GMC has upped the ante when it comes to making its Yukon a premium SUV. What is impressive about the Yukon lineup, however, is its interior space. The GMC Yukon is definitely a vehicle to consider if you have a large family.
The MSRP starts at $57,400. There are five Yukon trims to choose from. All models have a cargo space of 72.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row. This makes the Yukon the best large SUV in terms of cargo space under $60,000.
There are two gasoline engines and a diesel one to choose from. The entry trims have a choice of 2-wheel or four-wheel drive while the top trims (AT4, Denali, Denali Ultimate) come standard with 4-wheel drive.
3 2023 Lexus GX: $58,525
You should seriously consider a Lexus GX if you value reliability. Lexus, a Toyota subsidiary has four trim levels for the 2023 model. Its reputation for reliability, the standard driver-assist features, and its suspension setup make it one of the best choices for semi-luxury SUVs under $60,000.
The entry-level GX 460 starts at $58,525. A 4.6 liter V8 powers the GX lineup and power is transferred to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. All the GX models can pull approximately 6500 pounds. The GX has three rows and can carry seven to eight occupants. You’ll get 46.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the third row of seats is folded. There is11.6 cubic feet of usable space behind the third row of seats. Read our in-depth review of the Lexus GX here.
2 2023 Land Rover Discovery: $58,400
British automaker Land Rover has over the years set the bar for large luxury SUVs. But, as it is with most European luxury brands, more often than not, they are usually unattainably expensive. The Discovery, however, is a more accesible offering from Land Rover. Affordability doesn’t mean cheap though because an in depth review of the Land Rover Discovery proves that it is just as premium as its famous siblings, the Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport. Land Rover lists the starting price of the Discovery at $58,400
For the 2023 model, the Discovery has a three-row seating configuration that can carry a maximum of seven, including the driver. There are five models to choose from but all have the same cargo space of 45 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 9.1 cubic feet behind the third-row. It should be noted that this is the least cargo space you will get from any of the SUVs on this list.
The Discovery retains the tradition of Land Rover SUVs by having a full-time all-wheel drive system. Entry-level trims are powered by a two-liter turbocharged engine and the top trims get a three-liter turbocharged V6 with a mild hybrid. Power from the engine is calibrated by an eight-speed automatic across the range. Standout features include Land Rover’s immaculate adaptive cruise control and the premium Meridian audio system.
1 2023 Chevrolet Suburban: $58,795
One of America’s most recognizable vehicles, the Chevy Suburban, has been in production since 1935. It is currently in its 12th generation and is one of General Motors’ best-selling models. To be in production consistently for nearly 90 years in a competitive American market is a testament to the Suburban’s commercial success. Chevrolet lists the Suburban’s starting price at $58,795 before options.
Like its slightly smaller sibling, the Suburban also has six trims to choose from. In fact, there is no difference in the drivetrain options you get from the Tahoe. The two SUVs share engines and transmission setups.
The only difference is that the Suburban has an additional powertrain as an option for the top trims. This is a 6.2 liter V-8 engine that produces about 440 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The standard 5.3-liter V8 can manage a maximum output of 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque.
All Suburbans have an option of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive except for the Z71 model which comes only in all-wheel drive. There are 93.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats and 41.5 cubic feet of space when the third row of seats is upright.