Finding a car that can comfortably seat seven passengers and still be gentle on your wallet at the gas pump can feel like searching for a unicorn. While the realm of 7-passenger vehicles was once dominated by gas-guzzling SUVs and minivans, advancements in automotive technology have broadened your options. Today, you can discover a range of vehicles, particularly within the crossover segment, and even some surprisingly efficient SUVs and minivans, that offer both ample passenger space and commendable fuel economy. If you’re in the market for a spacious ride without the constant worry of high gas costs, explore our list of 10 seven-passenger Cars That Are Good On Gas.
1) 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — 27/28 MPG
The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid stands out as a top pick for those prioritizing fuel efficiency in a 7-passenger vehicle. Uniquely, it’s the only hybrid on our list, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to eco-friendly family transportation. This model achieves an impressive 27 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This remarkable gas mileage is attributed to its hybrid powertrain, which combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with three electric motors, delivering a total of 280 horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) ensures smooth power delivery, and an electric motor can provide on-demand power to the rear wheels for enhanced traction when needed. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid offers flexibility, transforming from a people-mover to a cargo hauler with 83.2 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded down.
2) 2016 Mazda CX-9 — 22/28 MPG
The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is a completely redesigned 7-passenger crossover that’s earned accolades for its engaging driving dynamics, setting it apart from many competitors in its class. Under the hood, the CX-9 features a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the front-wheel-drive CX-9 achieves fuel economy figures of 22 MPG in city driving and an impressive 28 MPG on the highway. For families needing cargo space, folding down the rear seats reveals 71.2 cubic feet, ample for luggage and larger items. The Mazda CX-9 proves that a 7-passenger vehicle can be both practical and fun to drive while being relatively good on gas.
3) 2017 Acura MDX — 20/27 MPG
The 2017 Acura MDX remains a top contender in the luxury crossover segment, appealing to those seeking a premium experience with practical 7-passenger seating. The MDX is known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, offering generous room for all occupants and up to 90.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Despite its powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivers 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, the MDX manages respectable fuel economy. Models equipped with the Technology and Advance packages achieve 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. This efficiency is partly due to the standard front-wheel-drive configuration, enhancing fuel economy compared to all-wheel-drive systems. A new 9-speed automatic transmission further contributes to the MDX’s blend of performance and efficiency.
4) 2017 Nissan Pathfinder — 20/27 MPG
The refreshed 2017 Nissan Pathfinder maintains a robust and capable appearance, similar to its predecessors, but with a focus on improved efficiency. Despite its size, the Pathfinder achieves a noteworthy 20 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway in its front-wheel-drive configuration. Contributing to this fuel economy is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) paired with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Pathfinder comfortably accommodates seven passengers and provides 79.8 cubic feet of total cargo space, making it a practical choice for families looking for a car that is good on gas.
5) 2016 Ford Explorer — 19/28 MPG
The 2016 Ford Explorer, once known for being less fuel-efficient, has evolved to offer better gas mileage, particularly with the introduction of Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology. The Explorer’s optional 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine delivers 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with this engine and front-wheel drive, the Explorer achieves 19 MPG in the city and a surprising 28 MPG on the highway. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the EcoBoost Explorer provides a good balance of power and efficiency. Beyond fuel economy, the Explorer offers 7-passenger seating and up to 80 cubic feet of cargo space.
6) 2016 Honda Odyssey — 19/28 MPG
The 2016 Honda Odyssey is the first minivan to appear on our list of cars that are good on gas and can seat seven passengers. It earns its place by being the most fuel-efficient minivan in its class. The Odyssey can actually accommodate up to eight passengers and is powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 248 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission manages power delivery, and the minivan achieves an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. A significant advantage of the Odyssey is its cargo capacity, offering a generous 148 cubic feet with the rear seats removed or folded, making it exceptionally practical for families.
7) 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC — 19/26 MPG
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC is a full-size luxury SUV that comes standard with all-wheel drive. While being one of the heavier SUVs in its class, the GL350 BlueTEC leverages a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 engine to mitigate the typical fuel consumption of large SUVs. This diesel engine produces 240 horsepower and a substantial 455 lb-ft of torque, enabling the GL350 BlueTEC to achieve 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 a substantial 93.5 cubic feet of cargo space, proving that luxury and fuel efficiency can coexist in larger vehicles.
8) 2017 Audi Q7 — 19/25 MPG
The Audi Q7 was fully redesigned for 2017, maintaining its position as one of the more fuel-efficient luxury SUVs, even without its previous turbodiesel option. Despite its size and weight, typical of luxury SUVs, the Q7 utilizes a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine to balance power and efficiency. This engine delivers 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque while achieving 19 MPG in city driving and 25 MPG on the highway, even with standard quattro all-wheel drive. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, and the Q7 offers up to 71.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. The Audi Q7 demonstrates that a luxury SUV can still be reasonably good on gas.
9) 2017 Chrysler Pacifica — 18/28 MPG
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, replacing the Town & Country, enters the minivan segment with a fresh design, competitive fuel economy, and 7-passenger seating. The Pacifica is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. A standout feature is its exceptional cargo capacity, offering up to 197.3 cubic feet thanks to the Stow ‘n Go seating system carried over from its predecessor. The Pacifica achieves 18 MPG in the city and a notable 28 MPG on the highway. For even greater fuel savings, the Pacifica Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid version, was soon to be released, promising even better gas mileage and an electric driving range, making the standard Pacifica a solid choice for families seeking a minivan that is good on gas.
10) 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe — 18/25 MPG
The refreshed 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe adds a third row, increasing its passenger capacity to seven, making it a more versatile option for families. The Santa Fe boasts a well-appointed interior that provides a more premium feel than expected for 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. In front-wheel-drive configuration, the Santa Fe achieves 18 MPG in city driving and 25 MPG on the highway, thanks in part to its 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive versions offer nearly identical fuel economy. The Santa Fe also provides 80 cubic feet of total cargo space, rounding out its appeal as a value-oriented, fuel-conscious 7-passenger SUV.
