Finding a car that can comfortably fit seven passengers without frequent gas station stops can be challenging. Many assume that spacious vehicles automatically mean poor fuel economy. However, advancements in automotive technology have led to a selection of 7-passenger vehicles that are surprisingly good on gas. If you’re in the market for a family-friendly car that won’t drain your wallet at the pump, you might be surprised by the options available. While crossovers and minivans often lead the way in fuel efficiency for larger vehicles, some SUVs also offer commendable gas mileage. Let’s explore ten 7-passenger cars that are good on gas, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice space for fuel savings.
1) 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — 27/28 MPG
The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid stands out as a prime example of Cars Good On Gas in the 7-passenger category. It’s also unique as the only hybrid vehicle on this list, showcasing the fuel-saving benefits of electric motor assistance. The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieves an impressive fuel economy of 27 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This efficiency is thanks to its hybrid powertrain, which combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with three battery-powered electric motors, delivering a combined 280 horsepower. The engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission for smooth power delivery. For enhanced traction, one of the electric motors can send power to the rear wheels when needed, offering all-weather capability. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid provides flexibility, offering 83.2 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear two rows of seats are folded down, balancing passenger space with hauling capacity effectively.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid fuel efficiency and passenger space
2) 2016 Mazda CX-9 — 22/28 MPG
The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is a redesigned 7-passenger crossover known for its engaging driving dynamics, setting it apart from many competitors in its class. For those looking for cars good on gas that are also fun to drive, the CX-9 is a compelling option. It features a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as its sole engine choice, producing 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda CX-9 offers a fuel economy of 22 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway when configured with front-wheel drive. Folding down the rear seats reveals a cargo area of 71.2 cubic feet, providing ample space for luggage and larger items, making it a practical choice for families who value both efficiency and driving pleasure.
Mazda CX-9 turbocharged engine and fuel economy
3) 2017 Acura MDX — 20/27 MPG
The 2017 Acura MDX maintains its position as a top luxury crossover for those seeking a blend of premium features and practicality in a 7-passenger vehicle that is also reasonably good on gas. The Acura MDX is well-regarded for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, offering generous room for seven passengers and up to 90.9 cubic feet of total cargo space. Under the hood, it boasts a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Despite this power, the MDX achieves a fuel economy of 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway when equipped with the Technology and Advance packages. This efficiency is partly attributed to the availability of front-wheel drive, which enhances fuel economy compared to standard all-wheel-drive systems. A new 9-speed automatic transmission was introduced for this model year, further contributing to its refined driving experience and fuel efficiency.
Acura MDX luxury crossover with good gas mileage
4) 2017 Nissan Pathfinder — 20/27 MPG
The refreshed 2017 Nissan Pathfinder may retain a similar robust appearance to its predecessors, but it offers comparable fuel efficiency figures, making it a contender in the category of cars good on gas for its size. The Nissan Pathfinder achieves 20 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway in its front-wheel-drive configuration. Contributing to its fuel efficiency is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) paired with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Pathfinder continues to provide comfortable seating for up to seven passengers and offers a substantial 79.8 cubic feet of total interior storage space, balancing passenger comfort with cargo capacity efficiently.
Nissan Pathfinder fuel-efficient large SUV
5) 2016 Ford Explorer — 19/28 MPG
The 2016 Ford Explorer might not have been traditionally associated with fuel efficiency, but recent engine developments have changed its standing, making it a surprising entry among cars good on gas. Ford introduced its EcoBoost engine to the Explorer lineup, significantly improving its fuel economy. The Explorer’s EcoBoost option is a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with the EcoBoost engine, the Explorer achieves 19 MPG in city driving and an impressive 28 MPG on the highway. This configuration is available exclusively with front-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Beyond its 7-passenger capacity, the Ford Explorer offers up to 80 cubic feet of cargo space, making it a versatile and now more fuel-conscious option.
Ford Explorer EcoBoost engine for better MPG
6) 2016 Honda Odyssey — 19/28 MPG
The 2016 Honda Odyssey is the first minivan to appear on this list of 7-passenger cars good on gas, and it earns its place as the most fuel-efficient minivan in its class. The Honda Odyssey can accommodate up to eight passengers, offering even greater passenger capacity than most on this list. It features a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 248 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission manages the power delivery for this minivan. The Honda Odyssey achieves a fuel economy of 19 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. A significant advantage of the Odyssey is its exceptional cargo capacity, offering a generous 148 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are not in use, making it ideal for families needing maximum space and fuel efficiency.
7) 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC — 19/26 MPG
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC is a luxury SUV that comes standard with all-wheel drive and is among the heavier full-size SUVs available. However, its 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 engine significantly mitigates the typical fuel consumption associated with large SUVs, positioning it as a more fuel-conscious luxury option among cars good on gas. Despite offering 240 horsepower and a substantial 455 lb-ft of torque, the Mercedes-Benz GLK350 BlueTEC achieves a respectable fuel economy of 19 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. This 7-passenger, 3-row SUV also features a 7-speed automatic transmission and offers 93.5 cubic feet of total cargo space, combining luxury, capability, and relative fuel efficiency.
8) 2017 Audi Q7 — 19/25 MPG
The Audi Q7 was fully redesigned for 2017, and while it no longer offers a TDI diesel option, it remains one of the more fuel-efficient luxury SUVs in its class, making it a notable mention when considering cars good on gas in the luxury segment. Despite its large size and weight typical of luxury SUVs, the Audi Q7 utilizes a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine as its primary power source. This engine produces 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while still achieving a fuel economy of 19 MPG in city driving and 25 MPG on the highway, even with its standard quattro all-wheel-drive system. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard with the Q7. It offers 71.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, balancing luxury and practicality with reasonable fuel consumption for its class.
9) 2017 Chrysler Pacifica — 18/28 MPG
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler’s replacement for the Town & Country, represents a significant upgrade with a modern design, competitive fuel economy, and 7-passenger seating, solidifying its place among cars good on gas in the minivan category. The all-new Pacifica features a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. A standout feature of the Pacifica is its exceptional cargo space, offering up to 197.3 cubic feet thanks to the Stow ‘n Go seats inherited from its predecessor. For even greater fuel efficiency, the Pacifica Hybrid model was soon to follow, promising a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 30-mile electric range and an estimated 80 MPGe, further enhancing its appeal for those prioritizing fuel savings.
10) 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe — 18/25 MPG
The refreshed 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe added a third row of seating to become a 7-passenger vehicle, increasing its versatility and appeal as a family car that is also relatively good on gas for its class. The Hyundai Santa Fe boasts a stylish interior that provides a more premium feel than expected at its price point. All 7-passenger Santa Fe models are equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. This engine achieves a fuel economy of 18 MPG in city driving and 25 MPG on the highway in front-wheel-drive trim, thanks in part to its 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive versions offer nearly identical fuel economy, sacrificing only 1 MPG on the highway. The Santa Fe provides 80 cubic feet of total cargo space, making it a practical and value-oriented choice for families seeking fuel efficiency and space.
