If you have a growing family, it would be foolish not to consider a car with a third row of seats.
Luckily, there are plenty of three-row options, as long as you like SUVs. Before you type the comments, we are well aware that people movers such as the Kia Carnival, among others, exist.
However, sales data shows that people still prefer SUVs over people movers.
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In this opinion piece, we’ll focus exclusively on seven-seat SUVs under the $60,000 price cap, excluding on-road costs.
The reason we chose the $60,000 price cap is because the average price for new cars in 2023 was around this amount.
Below the AutoExpert The editors shared the seven-seat SUV under the $60,000 they would buy.
William Stopford: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
If you really want maximum space for both passengers and luggage, you can’t go past a Kia Carnival… but that’s technically an eight-seater, and in my experience trying to convince people to buy a minivan is like trying to convince them to give something coffee on.
That leaves SUVs, and not all three-row SUVs are created equal.
Take your X-Trails, CR-Vs and Outlanders for example. They nominally have a third row of seats, but only the smallest children will fit in that. Better than nothing, but not great.
Even some larger SUVs don’t offer a third row that’s truly welcoming, while usability is further affected by the lack of child seat anchor points there.
So without reservations, my choice is the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Not only are there mounting points for child seats in the third row, adults can also sit in the rear seats. I should know: I took the opportunity to be shown around the far row at the car’s launch in South Korea, and few SUVs can match it for comfort.
It also has a smooth, responsive and efficient hybrid powertrain, as well as plenty of standard technology. The styling is polarizing, but that square shape translates into maximum functionality. I don’t even mind the funky cloth seats on the base model.
This is a car I could see myself owning, and I don’t even have kids yet.
Another recommendation is the SsangYong Rexton, if you need something with off-road capabilities. There are few more slept-on cars than the Rexton, which is packed with equipment and competitively priced.
Do you want to buy a Hyundai Santa Fe? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Hyundai Santa Fe
Jack Quick: Kia Sorento
The entry-level Kia Sorento S offers a lot of money for a surprisingly affordable asking price.
This variant costs $50,680 before on-roads with the V6 petrol engine and front-wheel drive, or $53,680 before on-roads with the turbodiesel and all-wheel drive. Both powertrains are great in different ways and you can’t really go wrong, although my personal favorite is the diesel.
One of my favorite things about the Sorento is how relaxing and easy the driving experience is, especially with the smaller 17-inch wheels fitted to the base model. The front seats are also like armchairs, so you can eat up the miles on the highway.
Something to note is that the Sorento offers good ISOFIX and top-tether anchor points in the third row, unlike some other seven-seaters, which is an important tick for those wanting to fit child seats. The only thing is that there is no proper airbag coverage back there.
Another option if you want to carry as many people as possible is the Kia Carnival, although it is technically an eight-seater rather than a seven-seater. The entry-level S variant with the V6 petrol also just undercuts the equivalent Sorento S in terms of asking price.
Do you want to buy a Kia Sorento? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Kia Sorento
James Wong: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
After spending a week in the cheapest new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe (review coming soon), I was genuinely impressed by how much the Korean brand has managed to pack into an entry-level model for $55,000 plus on-road costs.
The hybrid powertrain is quite efficient compared to the old V6, especially around town, and the new boxy bodywork means there’s a lot more room for up to seven people compared to the old one.
In fact, even the base model is packed with all the infotainment and assistance tech you could ever need, and is nearly matched to even the flagship Calligraphy.
There’s a lot of good stuff in the base level, and I love the tartan upholstery, just like my Golf GTI that I never talk about…
Do you want to buy a Hyundai Santa Fe? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Hyundai Santa Fe
Max Davies: Nissan X-Trail
It’s always been difficult to look beyond the X-Trail in the SUV equation, and it seems Australians agree.
It’s Nissan’s best-selling local model so far this year (by some margin), surpassing many of the other seven-seaters on this list – except the Outlander in particular.
But in the context of value and comfort, I’d say the X-Trail has the Outlander beat. It’s cheaper across the range, staying under $60,000 even at the top end, but the interior feels more modern and is put together in a pretty convincing package.
There are seven-seat versions of the ST, ST-L and N-Trek, all of which offer standard all-wheel drive in that configuration. All can also be had for under $50,000, except the N-Trek, which is just $890 above that threshold before on-road use.
The X-Trail is built on a solid formula, and you’d be making a good choice if you bought one as a cheaper seven-seater. The only way it could get any better is if Nissan introduces seven-seat e-Power options…
Do you want to buy a Nissan X-Trail? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Nissan X-Trail
Jordan Mulach: Kia Sorento
Unfortunately, I’m a better man than a cheater, so what I thought would be a rather cheeky idea to equip a seven-seater Ford Everest Ambiente 4×4 is just over budget. Damn.
It’s an impressive field if you’re looking for a seven-seater at this price, and while it’s an all-SUV show, there’s at least some variation between unibody and ladder frame options.
If I were the off-road type who was into camping, it’s very hard to get past a MU-X because it’s really the Everest’s closest competitor, not just in sales but also in power.
However, I like to stay in hotels and not sacrifice comfort, which is why the Kia Sorento is my choice. At this price you’re limited to no higher than the Sport if you want the 2.2-litre turbodiesel, which is for all intents and purposes the engine of choice, especially as the petrol V6 doesn’t have all-wheel drive.
It’s a handsome thing, spacious and efficient. That’s a lot to check off.
Alternatively, if there was any stock left of the last generation Santa Fe I would be interested as the new model hasn’t grown on me yet. However, times may change, and the impressive hybrid system is a unique feather in the cap among rivals at this price.
Do you want to buy a Kia Sorento? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Kia Sorento
Josh Nevett: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max
If you can look past the silly name, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max offers excellent value for a seven-seat SUV under $50,000 – it’s a well-rounded package with few weaknesses.
I reviewed the flagship Ultimate and was thoroughly impressed with its luxurious interior and smooth, purposeful powertrain. In many ways, Chery’s largest offering feels much more expensive than it is.
And it’s not like you’re missing out on important things like practical matters or after-sales support. The Tiggo 8 has three usable rows of seats and a seven-year warranty, what’s not to love?
Firstly, the active driver assistance systems still need work, as is the case with many new cars. Chery is already tightening up its ADAS for the Australian market, so I’m hopeful improvements aren’t far away. The fuel consumption also disappointed me.
On balance, however, the Chery is my winner based on value for money.
If you’re looking for more exposure, you can buy the outgoing Skoda Kodiaq Sportline for a bargain now ($51,990 drive-away), and it has a refreshingly flat learning curve compared to screen-heavy, buttonless SUVs like the Chery.
Interested in buying a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max
