Generally, when purchasing a new car, you have to make some sacrifices when buying for a specific purpose. A large, three-row vehicle is primarily practical and comfortable for expansive and growing families, but they seldom pay much heed to fuel economy. Still, it is worth considering one of the SUVs with the best gas mileage and a 3rd row if the already high asking price is intimidating, and you want to recoup some of that money in the long run. This is a list of the SUVs with a third-row and the best gas mileage of 2024 in the USA, including models from Mazda, Toyota, Volvo, and Kia.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work
here
. Furthermore, to qualify for a spot on this list, we only selected three-row SUVs that can achieve at least 30 mpg combined, or plug-in hybrids with the ability to be driven on electric power alone.
1 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
It’s not as refined as the six-cylinder Mazda CX-90, but the plug-in hybrid variant of this three-row SUV will save you at the pumps. Mazda claims 25 mpg combined, but the 56 MPGe combined is a better reflection of the added efficiency from the electrified powertrain. Together, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor produce 323 horsepower, so acceleration is decent. The third row isn’t huge, but kids will be fine back there, and adults will be comfortable in one of the first two rows. The CX-90 PHEV has a high-quality interior and sharp handling, both aspects that make it a pleasure to live with.
Expert Opinion
“We noted around 25 mpg when driving around with no charge, which is on par with the EPA rating. This is around the same fuel economy you could expect from the gas CX-90 Turbo when driving in the city. The CX-90 can also be charged on the go using the engine, though this results in a hit to your fuel economy.Of course, a PHEV is meant to be plugged in, and fuel economy improves drastically when combined with electric-only driving. A full charge can be achieved in under two hours with a Level 2 charger, and the CX-90 can go around 26 miles on a charge, which should be enough for a short commute.”
2 Volvo XC90 Recharge
Not only is the Volvo XC90 Recharge more powerful than the non-hybrid XC90, but it’s more efficient, too. Its 2.0-liter turbo-four and electric motor combine for 455 hp, enough for a 0-60 mph time of well below five seconds. Yet it can be driven on electric power exclusively for over 30 miles, and returns 58 MPGe/27 mpg combined. The total range is 530 miles, which is perfect for extended road trips. The Volvo has a super comfy interior, although third-row space is at a premium for adults. Elsewhere, the Swedish crossover enjoys a super safety record, and its handsome design inside and out belies its age.
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3 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Although it doesn’t handle as sweetly as the CX-90, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is better at accommodating adults in the third row. The base 245-hp hybrid powertrain can manage an impressive 36 mpg, while the Hybrid Max powertrain delivers 27 mpg combined but a spicy 362 hp. In both cases, you’re getting a spacious and family-friendly SUV that doesn’t suffer from heavy gas bills. Compared to the regular Highlander, the Grand Highlander also boasts nicer cabin materials, while there is no shortage of storage space for beverages and other small items.
4 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The all-new, distinctively boxy-shaped Santa Fe also comes with an efficient hybrid. The combination of a 1.6-liter turbo-four and electric motor delivers 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque combined. With front-wheel drive, this spacious SUV returns 36/35/36 mpg city/highway/combined, equating to a useful range of over 630 miles on a tank; that’s a number no EV can manage. When the third row isn’t in use, there is over 40 cubic feet of space in the cargo area of the Santa Fe Hybrid, and this is accessed via a massive tailgate. Both practical and frugal, it’s a more efficient three-row SUV than the Palisade.
5 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Although the Grand Highlander Hybrid is a better vehicle, you can save over $4,000 by going for the Highlander Hybrid. It makes 243 hp combined and can hit 36 mpg combined in FWD guise, so it’s quick enough and very efficient. Even the cheapest model gets Toyota’s driver-assistance safety suite, with features like lane departure alert and radar cruise control. Top trims are pricier but have more plush interior materials. However, the Highlander Hybrid is not as accommodating for third-row passengers as the Grand Highlander Hybrid, so bear this in mind if you’ll need to transport taller teens or adults in the rearmost row.
6 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Available in both normal hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms, the 2024 Sorento Hybrid is a more efficient three-row SUV than Kia’s own Telluride. The plug-in hybrid model achieves 79 MPGe/34 mpg combined, and can travel for around 32 miles on electric power alone. With FWD, the normal Sorento Hybrid returns 39/35/37 mpg, with the AWD version getting 36/33/34 mpg. Both hybrids have a 1.6-liter turbo-four and an electric motor, but the PHEV is more powerful (261 hp vs. 227 hp). The Sorento Hybrid isn’t as spacious in the third row as the Telluride, but the extra row at least provides some extra seating space when you need it. Overall, it’s a comfortable crossover with one of the best warranties in its class.
7 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid
One of the smallest three-row SUVs on sale, the Outlander PHEV has extremely limited space in its third row, so only small children will be able to sit back there. It achieves 64 MPGe/26 mpg combined, and its hybrid powertrain delivers 248 hp combined. It also has a handy 38-mile all-electric range, so depending on how far from home you work, it’s possible to commute mostly using electric power. Mitsubishi’s overall lineup is on the bland side, but the Outlander PHEV has a modern design and a feature-rich interior.
8 Lexus TX Plug-In Hybrid
Starting at over $76,000, this is the most expensive Lexus TX to buy. It’s also the most efficient, as it has a 33-mile all-electric range and returns 76 MPGe combined. Power is derived from an electric motor and a 3.5L V6. Together, the setup produces 404 hp, so the TX PHEV will spring from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.9 seconds. As the posh version of the Toyota Grand Highlander, you can expect an array of standard features like semi-aniline leather upholstery, multi-zone climate control, and heating/ventilation for the first two seating rows. Third-row space is above average in this group of SUVs.
Characteristics Of 3-Row SUVs With The Best Gas Mileage
These cars are already designed with a specific purpose in mind, and adding another filter serves to limit the specific qualities that are inherent to such focused vehicles further. Here’s what you can expect when shopping for the best gas mileage in SUVs with a 3rd row:
They are large and spacious inside They boast comfortable ride quality and good road manners They come equipped with top-tier safety and driver-assistance tech They have better fuel economy than your average 3-row SUV
What To Consider When Buying The Most Fuel-efficient 3-Row SUVs
Seven- and eight-passenger SUV models are becoming increasingly popular in the US, as their practicality is undeniable. But not many people need that much space or that many seats, so it is worth considering whether one of these 3-row SUVs with the best mileage is a good choice over a wagon or slightly smaller SUV.
Pros
Plenty of space for people and stuff Long list of standard features Relatively easy to drive despite their size Superior expected safety ratings Multiple drivetrain configurations on offer Good efficiency for such a large vehicle
Cons
Non-hybrid three-row SUVs fail to achieve 30 mpg combined Generally higher starting price tag than two-row models Some models have cramped third rows
Related Best 3-Row SUVs Of 2024
If you need to seat six or more people, all of these three-row SUVs are up for the job.
Which SUV with 3rd-row seating has the best gas mileage?
Among normal hybrids, the FWD Kia Sorento Hybrid is the most efficient, managing 37 mpg. Naturally, all of the plug-in hybrids on this list return exceptional efficiency when their batteries are charged.
How much does the most fuel-efficient 3-row 7-seater SUV cost?
Prices in this segment can range quite wildly from affordable mainstream models to high-end premium cars. You can spend under $40k on a Kia Sorento Hybrid or over $70k on a Volvo XC90 Recharge.
Are the 3-row SUVs with the best gas mileage reliable?
With automakers like Kia and Toyota featuring highly on the list, you can expect very high reliability expectations. However, turbocharged four-cylinder engines are quite common, and they aren’t the most dependable blocks.