3-Row SUVs With the Best MPG of 2023

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 2023 in the USA:

BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
#1
2023 Kia Sorento
9.3
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#2
2023 Hyundai Palisade
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
7
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#3
2024 Kia Telluride
9.1
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
10
Value
#4
2023 Cadillac Escalade
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#5
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#6
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
9
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#7
2023 Genesis GV80
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#8
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
7
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#9
2024 BMW Alpina XB7
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
10
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
8
Value
#10
2023 Volvo XC90
8.9
BuzzScore
9
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
7
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#11
2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#12
2024 Mazda CX-90
8.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#13
2023 Acura MDX
#13
Acura MDX
8.8
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#14
2023 Lincoln Aviator
8.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#15
2023 Chevrolet Suburban
8.8
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#16
2023 GMC Yukon XL
8.8
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#17
2023 Jeep Wagoneer
8.8
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#18
2023 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid
8.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#19
2023 Dodge Durango SRT
8.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
10
Performance
6
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
8
Safety
8
Value
#20
2023 BMW X7
#20
BMW X7
8.8
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
7
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value

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

Cons

  • Powertrains can feel weak for such large cars
  • Fuel economy is still mediocre compared to smaller vehicles
  • Generally higher starting price tag

FAQs

Which SUV with 3rd-row seating has the best gas mileage?

Unsurprisingly, it is a hybrid that earns the title of the top SUV with a third-row SUV and the best gas mileage. Both the Kia Sorento and Toyota Highlander hybrids manage 35 mpg on the highway, but the former is a little more efficient, with 39 mpg in the city.

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. The regular Kia Sorento starts at around $30,000, while the hybrid adds $5k. The Volvo XC90 Recharge, however, sells for no less than $70,000.

Can any of the SUVs with the best mileage seat 8 passengers?

While there are a few 8-seaters out there, none fall into this particular category. The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade get 20/26 mpg and 19/27 mpg, respectively, so they can’t match the 30+ mpg of the Sorento and Highlander hybrids that only seat 7.

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.
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