Accurate prediction of the behavior of unbound granular pavements under moving loads is essential for developing a rational, mechanistic approach to pavement design. This paper presents the outcomes of three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) simulations performed on an unbound granular pavement to assess variations in stress, strain and displacement within the pavement substructure under moving loads, incorporating the translation and rotation of tires in a single axle dual tire (SADT) assembly. The capability of 3D FE method in capturing critical aspects of pavement behavior, such as initiation of rutting, is demonstrated. The results show that the consideration of moving loads is essential to simulate realistic stress paths experienced by soil elements in pavement substructure, which involves principal stress rotation. A parametric study highlighted a significant reduction in stresses transmitted to the subgrade and a decrease in the magnitude of heave formed between the tires of the SADT assembly with an increase in base course thickness. The results obtained using 3D FE analysis (FEA) are also compared with those predicted using a multilayer elastic (MLE) theory-based approach. The findings reveal that 3D FEA should be preferred over MLE analysis for more accurate prediction of pavement behavior.