10 Great Three-Row SUVs for Charleston Drivers to Buy Used

Most vehicles—from sedans and coupes to trucks and SUVs—provide just two rows of seating. That’s fine if you commute alone or have a small family. But some people just can’t make a compact interior work for their lifestyle, whether they have a big family, often transport bulky cargo, or like to bring a lot of luggage with them on vacation. A three-row SUV is a great choice for drivers who want to bring more people and more stuff along for the ride. These large vehicles can get pretty pricey, though, which is why it’s a smart idea to look for a used model.

Buying pre-owned can seem daunting for some drivers, but with a trusted dealer it can be a great way to get a quality car for a low price. Here on our website, it’s easy to find a used car dealership near Charleston since we here at Hendrick Automotive Group have several great locations in the area. Each one of these dealers has a great selection of used SUVs, and you can search across locations to see all of your choices in the area (and beyond) in one handy domain. You can use our filters to narrow your search results by location, price, mileage, and more; this makes it easy to look at just three-row SUVs that will work for you.

Even after you’ve narrowed our inventory down to suit your needs, there might be a lot of models to look through. While having a lot of choices is helpful, it can also feel overwhelming—so, to help you out, we’d like to highlight ten models worth considering and let you know what makes each one special. This list covers all the bases, including a range of sizes and a mix of affordable and luxury models, so there’s sure to be something that’s right for you.

1) Chevrolet Tahoe

A full-size SUV with plenty of space (even in the third row), the Tahoe is a great choice for families looking for a practical and versatile vehicle. It’s a reliable option built to last for the long haul, making it a great model to buy used. It’s strong enough to tow over 8,000 lbs and offers an off-road-ready Z71 trim, making it ideal for all kinds of vacations and road trips around South Carolina and beyond. Other trims include the affordable LS and luxurious High Country.

2) Jeep Grand Cherokee L

While Jeep’s full-size Wagoneer is its largest offering, the midsize Grand Cherokee L offers a good balance between comfortable seating for up to seven people and a nimble enough size to drive well on off-road trails with twists and turns. While the exterior is rugged enough to handle some serious adventures, the interior is less rough-and-tumble and more open and airy, with the high-end Summit trim providing a well-appointed cabin full of upscale materials.

3) Honda Pilot

Honda has a well-earned reputation for reliability mile after mile, so those who do a lot of daily driving or love a good road trip up or down I-95 would do well to consider the midsize Pilot. This one is also an affordable choice that’s great for Charleston drivers who don’t want to pay through the nose just to get a third row of seating. While most of the Pilot's trims are geared toward those driving on city streets or highways, the off-road-ready TrailSport trim is there to accommodate those who like to leave the pavement behind now and then.

4) BMW X7

While plenty of models offer an upscale look and feel on their upper trims, there’s no substitute for what an actual luxury automaker brings to the table. The large BMW X7 first debuted in the 2019 model year, so even the oldest models come standard with a large touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. You can also expect things like power-adjustable seats with memory and heating, a four-zone climate control system, twelve-color ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof to grace the cabin. This lush interior pairs with a powerful engine that makes the X7 surprisingly agile for a vehicle of its size.

5) Toyota Highlander

Well-rounded and ready for just about anything, the midsize Highlander is a reliable Toyota SUV that can seat up to eight and hold a great amount of cargo with the back two rows folded down. It comes standard with a great lineup of tech and safety features, so you don’t have to climb to the top of the trim ladder to get a great setup. If you want to save money over time by paying less at the gas station, you can look for the hybrid version, which has been around for over a decade.

6) Volvo XC90

Midsize SUVs can be practical daily drivers without looking utilitarian, and the Volvo XC90 is proof of that. This luxury option has a sharp-looking exterior and a classy interior that’s sure to impress anyone from coworkers to in-laws. More than a pretty face, it’s also a strong model that can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. You can get a smoother ride if you find a model with the available air suspension system and go electric with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has been around since the 2017 model year.

7) Dodge Durango

Three-row midsize SUVs are popular family cars, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be cool. The Dodge Durango isn’t the most practical option out there, but it just might be the most fun to drive, with powerful engine options, including a V8 and a sporty suspension system that makes for some thrilling driving dynamics. The design looks the part, projecting athleticism for all of Charleston to see.

8) GMC Yukon

The full-size GMC Yukon and longer-bodied Yukon XL are great for Charleston drivers looking for a truly massive amount of interior space. These models are similar to their Chevy siblings (the Tahoe and Suburban) but offer a more upscale look and feel. The cabin is quiet and comfortable, and all three rows have enough legroom to accommodate full-grown adults. While new Yukon models seat up to seven or eight (depending on whether you choose captain’s chairs or bench seating for the second row), the 2020 model and older can fit up to nine thanks to a bench seat up front, similar to what you’ll still find in many trucks.

9) Ford Expedition

If you need to tow over 9,000 lbs but don’t want to buy a truck, then the Expedition is just what the doctor ordered. Whether you have a camping trailer or a big boat to bring along on the weekend, the Expedition can tow it with ease. Ford’s largest SUV may not have the nicest interior materials or the best driving dynamics, but it does have a cavernous cabin and a sky-high towing capacity. This model should have plenty of room for most, but those who want extra space for cargo can opt for the longer Expedition Max. Bought new, this non-luxury model is a bit pricey for what it is, but if you can get a good deal on a used one, you’ll be able to take advantage of its power and space without spending an arm and a leg.

10) Nissan Armada

The full-size Armada brings together a variety of desirable features into a single package. Its towing capacity is competitive with rivals, at over 8,000 lbs, and it has a well-appointed cabin that’s nice and quiet so you can listen to music or enjoy conversation with your passengers. It offers a smooth ride, too, so you don’t have to feel every bump or pothole in the road. Models that are a few years old might feel a little outdated, both in terms of styling and infotainment setup—and its fuel economy figures are low even compared to other full-size SUVs—but overall, it’s a comfortable and capable model.