Finding a car that fits seven passengers and doesn’t drain your wallet at the gas pump can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Many assume that passenger capacity and fuel efficiency are mutually exclusive, but thankfully, that’s not entirely true. While sedans are generally out of the question for larger families, and many large SUVs are notorious for their thirst for gasoline, the automotive market offers some surprisingly fuel-efficient options in the crossover and minivan segments. Technological advancements have paved the way for vehicles that can accommodate your crew and cargo without requiring frequent stops at the gas station. Let’s explore ten 7-passenger vehicles that offer commendable fuel economy, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice MPG for passenger space.
1) 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Leading the Pack in Fuel Efficiency
The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid stands out as a leader in fuel efficiency among 7-passenger vehicles. It’s also the only hybrid on our list, showcasing the fuel-saving benefits of battery-assisted technology in larger cars. This SUV achieves an impressive EPA rating of 27 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This stellar fuel economy is achieved through a combination of a 3.5-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 280 horsepower. The hybrid system seamlessly integrates with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and one of the electric motors can even provide power to the rear wheels for enhanced traction when needed. Beyond fuel savings, the Highlander Hybrid offers a spacious interior with up to 83.2 cubic feet of cargo space when the second and third rows are folded down, making it a practical choice for families on the go.
2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid front side view, showcasing its family-friendly SUV design and fuel efficiency.
2) 2016 Mazda CX-9: Fun-to-Drive Efficiency
The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is a fully redesigned 7-passenger crossover that prioritizes driving enjoyment without compromising fuel economy. Known for its engaging handling, the CX-9 offers a unique blend of practicality and driving dynamics. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. For front-wheel-drive models, the CX-9 boasts fuel economy figures of 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. With the rear seats folded, the CX-9 provides 71.2 cubic feet of cargo space, making it versatile for both passengers and hauling needs. The Mazda CX-9 proves that a fuel-efficient 7-passenger car can also be fun to drive.
Red 2016 Mazda CX-9 parked on a scenic road, highlighting its sporty design and good mpg for a crossover SUV.
3) 2017 Acura MDX: Luxury and Practicality with Decent MPG
The 2017 Acura MDX continues to be a top choice in the luxury crossover segment, offering a premium experience with ample practicality for families. The MDX is known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, providing generous room for seven passengers and up to 90.9 cubic feet of total cargo volume. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, the MDX still manages to achieve respectable fuel economy. Models equipped with the Technology and Advance packages achieve 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. 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 further contributes to the MDX’s balance of performance and efficiency.
Silver 2017 Acura MDX on a driveway, showcasing its luxurious design and practical features with good gas mileage for its class.
4) 2017 Nissan Pathfinder: Reliable and Fuel-Efficient Family SUV
The updated 2017 Nissan Pathfinder maintains a familiar robust SUV appearance, but underneath, it’s engineered for efficiency. The Pathfinder achieves 20 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway in front-wheel-drive configuration. Contributing to its fuel-conscious performance 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 comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers and offers 79.8 cubic feet of total interior storage space, making it a practical and fuel-efficient choice for families.
Gray 2017 Nissan Pathfinder on a suburban street, emphasizing its spaciousness and reasonable mpg for a family SUV.
5) 2016 Ford Explorer: EcoBoost Efficiency in a Classic SUV
The 2016 Ford Explorer, a long-standing name in the SUV market, has evolved to offer improved fuel efficiency. Ford introduced its EcoBoost engine technology to the Explorer, providing a more fuel-conscious option. The Explorer’s EcoBoost variant features a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine enables the Explorer to achieve 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. EcoBoost-equipped Explorers are available with front-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Beyond fuel economy, the Explorer offers 7-passenger seating and up to 80 cubic feet of cargo space, blending efficiency with traditional SUV practicality.
Blue 2016 Ford Explorer driving on a highway, highlighting its modern design and improved mpg thanks to EcoBoost engine.
6) 2016 Honda Odyssey: The Fuel-Efficient Minivan Champion
The 2016 Honda Odyssey is the first minivan on our list and stands out as the most fuel-efficient option in its class. Minivans are inherently spacious, and the Odyssey can accommodate up to eight passengers. It’s powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 248 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Odyssey achieves an EPA-estimated 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. A major advantage of the Odyssey is its impressive cargo capacity, offering a substantial 148 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are removed or folded, making it ideal for large families and cargo hauling while maintaining good mpg for its size.
7) 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC: Diesel Efficiency in a Luxury SUV
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC offers standard all-wheel drive and is a substantial full-size luxury SUV. Despite its size and weight, the GL350 BlueTEC leverages a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 engine to achieve commendable fuel economy. This engine produces 240 horsepower and a substantial 455 lb-ft of torque. The diesel powertrain enables the GL350 BlueTEC to achieve 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. This 7-passenger SUV with three rows also features a 7-speed automatic transmission and offers a generous 93.5 cubic feet of total cargo space. The diesel engine is key to its MPG in the luxury SUV segment.
8) 2017 Audi Q7: Redesigned Luxury with V6 Efficiency
The Audi Q7 was fully redesigned for 2017, and while it no longer offers a diesel option, it remains one of the more fuel-efficient luxury SUVs in its class. Despite its size and typical luxury SUV weight, the Q7 utilizes a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine to balance power and efficiency. This engine produces 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque while achieving an EPA rating of 19 MPG city and 25 MPG highway, even with standard quattro all-wheel drive. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard. The Q7 offers 7-passenger seating and up to 71.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, combining luxury, performance, and reasonable mpg.
9) 2017 Chrysler Pacifica: Modern Minivan with Competitive MPG
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica replaced the Town & Country, introducing a modern design, competitive fuel economy, and 7-passenger seating. The Pacifica features a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It offers significant cargo space, up to 197.3 cubic feet, thanks to the Stow ‘n Go seating system carried over from its predecessor. The Pacifica achieves an EPA rating of 18 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, making it a fuel-efficient minivan option. For even greater fuel savings, the Pacifica Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid minivan, was soon to be released, promising even better MPG figures, demonstrating Chrysler’s commitment to fuel efficiency in family vehicles.
10) 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe: Value and MPG for Larger Families
The refreshed 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe expanded its passenger capacity to seven as a standard feature, offering value and space. The Santa Fe features a well-appointed interior that provides a more premium feel than its price point might suggest. 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, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivers fuel economy ratings of 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway for front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive versions have a slightly reduced highway MPG. The Santa Fe offers 80 cubic feet of total cargo space, making it a practical and budget-friendly 7-passenger SUV with reasonable MPG.
Conclusion:
Choosing a 7-passenger vehicle doesn’t have to mean resigning yourself to poor fuel economy. As this list demonstrates, there are several crossovers, SUVs, and minivans that offer commendable MPG while providing ample space for families and cargo. From hybrids to turbocharged engines and efficient transmissions, automakers are increasingly focusing on technologies that improve fuel efficiency in larger vehicles. When shopping for your next family car, consider these models if fuel economy is a priority, proving that you can have both space and savings at the pump.
