Remember when a 7-seater SUV meant waving goodbye to your wallet every time you filled up? Yeah, me too. Thankfully, those days are fading fast. With gas prices doing their usual rollercoaster thing and everyone thinking a bit greener, carmakers have really stepped up. The coolest news? There are now legit 7-passenger SUVs that get over 35 MPG combined. If you need space and want to save at the pump, check these out:
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
This is Toyota’s new big player, and it’s making waves. Think huge inside – comfy for seven, even eight in a pinch. But the real head-turner? It gets an awesome 36 MPG combined! (That’s 37 city/34 highway). Pretty wild for something this size, right? They offer two hybrid setups: one focused purely on sipping gas, and a beefier “Hybrid MAX” if you want a bit more zoom. Starting around $46,470, it packs in all the latest safety tech too. Feels like Toyota aimed for “do-it-all family SUV” and kinda nailed it.
2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Don’t let its slightly smaller size fool you – the refreshed 2025 Sorento Hybrid cleverly packs in seating for seven. And man, does it deliver at the pump: 36 MPG combined with front-wheel drive (38 city/36 highway is crazy good!). Even the AWD version gets a solid 34 MPG. Starting near $40,065, it’s one of the more affordable ways into a hybrid 7-seater. You get Kia’s sharp styling, a really nice interior for the price, and their super user-friendly tech. A fantastic value pick.
2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The OG fuel-efficient three-row Toyota is still going strong. While the Grand Highlander is the shiny new thing, the regular Highlander Hybrid holds its own with a stellar 36 MPG combined (36 city/35 hwy). Starting around $42,240, it’s a bit smaller than the Grand but still plenty roomy for most families. This is the “tried and true” option – Toyota reliability, a smooth ride, and a well-equipped cabin, all without jumping to the Grand’s price tag. A super solid choice.
So, what’s the takeaway?
Honestly, it’s a great time to need a big SUV. Hitting 35+ MPG in a true 7-seater felt like a pipe dream not long ago, but now we’ve got multiple options doing it. Whether you need maximum space (Grand Highlander), the best bang for your buck (Sorento), or proven reliability (Highlander), there’s a fuel-sipping giant ready for your crew. You really can have the space and keep some cash in your pocket (and breathe a little easier eco-wise). Pretty impressive!
Comparison Table
| Model | Combined MPG | City / Hwy MPG | Starting Price | Seats | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (2024) | 36 MPG | 37 / 34 MPG | $46,470 | 7–8 | Spacious, 2 hybrid options, advanced tech & safety |
| Kia Sorento Hybrid (2025) | 36 MPG (FWD) 34 MPG (AWD) |
38 / 36 MPG (FWD) | $40,065 | 6–7 | Great value, upscale interior, AWD option |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2024) | 36 MPG | 36 / 35 MPG | $42,240 | 7–8 | Proven hybrid, reliable, smooth ride |
