If you’re looking for an affordable larger family car, you might have a tough time finding one in today’s market.
The average price of a new car was $50,089 in August 2026, the most recent data available, according to Kelley Blue Book. The average price of a midsize SUV, such as a Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot, was $50,315.
The average price of a larger full-size SUV, such as a Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Sequoia or Cadillac Escalade, was $79,710.
Erin Keating, an executive analyst with Cox Automotive, said many shoppers are responding to high new-car prices by opting for smaller vehicles.
“Many American households are under significant financial pressure, which is steering more shoppers toward lower price points,” she said. “The continued strong growth of Subcompact SUVs highlights how important affordability remains in today’s market.”
But what if you have young kids or large pets and need more room than smaller SUVs such as a Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-30 can provide?
The USA TODAY Cars team compiled a list of family-car options it found at more affordable prices.
Why Are Car Prices Rising?
Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb said in a blog post that higher prices can be attributed both to more technology in modern cars and to shoppers’ preference for higher-level trims.
“Vehicles are one of the largest purchases consumers make, so they are highly visible in any affordability debate,” he wrote.
Robb said automakers still make entry-level models, but consumers are turning away from them in search of more features and technology.
“Base models still exist,” he wrote. “Automakers continue to build them, and they are available on dealer lots. But many consumers are choosing better-equipped trims and vehicles with more advanced features. At the same time, more affluent households are accounting for a larger share of new-vehicle demand, and those buyers often gravitate toward higher-priced models.”
Keating said car prices had been expected to rise above $50,000 for a while.
“We expected transaction prices to move back above the $50,000 mark in 2026, as new-vehicle prices typically increase through the year and especially in the second half, when next-model-year vehicles begin arriving at dealerships,” she said.
Keating said prices may be nearing at least a temporary high point.
“New-vehicle price inflation is real, but automotive price increases have been moderate in recent years and remain below the long-term average of roughly 3%,” she said.
Can a Used Car Ease the Cost?
Families looking for a car large enough for more than five passengers can consider the used market if they are concerned about rising new-car prices.
Cox Automotive said the average list price of a used car was $27,239 in August 2026, the most recent data available. That’s a significant savings compared with the average new-car price, which topped $50,000 that month.
In August, more than 2 million used cars were available on U.S. dealership lots, and more than 1.5 million previously owned vehicles were sold, Cox said.
But as rising prices prompt drivers to hold on to their vehicles longer, used-car inventory can become an issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the average age of a car on U.S. roads is almost 13 years.
Cox said growth in new-vehicle inventory slowed during the quarter, suggesting supply levels are stabilizing, while used-vehicle inventory improved modestly.
“Dealers continue to face challenges sourcing affordable used vehicles, however, underscoring the growing importance of vehicle affordability across the market,” the group said.
Which 3-Row SUVs Average Under $30,000 Used?
USA TODAY reviewed automakers’ websites and identified these three-row family SUVs with average used prices below $30,000, according to CarGurus.com. Each offers room for passengers and cargo.
- Ford Explorer: Average new price: $38,465; average used price: $25,516.
- Chevrolet Traverse: Average new price: $41,100; average used price: $26,560.
- Nissan Pathfinder: Average new price: $39,990; average used price: $26,385.
- Honda Pilot: Average new price: $42,395; average used price: $27,253.
- Subaru Ascent: Average new price: $40,795; average used price: $28,431.
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