7 Affordable 7-Seater SUVs Under $40K With Great Gas Mileage

Need space for the whole crew without emptying your wallet at the gas station? We get it. Finding a 7-seater SUV that’s actually affordable to buy and drive feels like a unicorn hunt. But guess what? They exist! We found seven solid options under $40,000 that deliver on space, decent fuel economy, and everyday practicality – no magic required. Let’s dive in:

Toyota Highlander Hybrid (Starting ~$39,270 | Up to 36 MPG):

The fuel-sipping champ! If max MPG is your top priority, this is your frontrunner. Seriously, 36 MPG combined in a 7/8-seater is impressive. You get Toyota’s legendary reliability, a super smooth ride, available AWD, and a ton of standard safety tech. It’s the smart, eco-conscious choice for families who need space and want to skip constant gas station visits. Resale value stays strong too.

Ford Explorer Hybrid (Starting ~$39,755 | Up to 27 MPG):

Need muscle with mileage? The Explorer Hybrid balances decent fuel economy (27 MPG) with surprising brawn – it can tow up to 5,000 lbs! It feels more like a traditional SUV to drive (thanks to its rear-wheel-drive base), packs a spacious interior, and comes loaded with Ford’s latest tech (SYNC 4). Perfect if you occasionally need to haul more than just people.

Mazda CX-9 (Starting ~$38,750 | Up to 24 MPG):

Craving style and a fun drive? The CX-9 punches way above its price tag. Forget boring family haulers – this one looks and feels premium inside, with quality materials and an intuitive infotainment system. It handles like a much smaller, sportier SUV, making even the school run feel a bit more engaging. At 24 MPG, it’s efficient for a non-hybrid in this size class.

Honda Pilot (Starting ~$39,150 | Up to 23 MPG):

The dependable all-rounder. The Pilot is a family favorite for good reason: it’s incredibly comfortable, has a cavernous interior (especially with those easy-fold third-row seats!), and is packed with clever family-friendly features like CabinTalk. Honda’s excellent safety suite (Honda Sensing) comes standard. It just works, reliably and comfortably.

Nissan Pathfinder (Starting ~$38,000 | Up to 23 MPG):

Looking for a tougher vibe? The Pathfinder ditches its old look for a more rugged, capable stance. It offers flexible seating (including optional comfy captain’s chairs in the second row) and a genuinely capable intelligent 4×4 system, especially in the off-road-ready Rock Creek trim. Great for families who see dirt roads or snowy driveways regularly.

Chevrolet Traverse (Starting ~$37,000 | Up to 21 MPG):

Space is king? The Traverse is the undisputed champ for sheer interior volume in this price range. Seriously, it’s huge inside, seating up to eight and offering class-leading cargo space. While its 21 MPG isn’t chart-topping, the value for sheer size is undeniable. Modern tech like wireless phone integration and available Wi-Fi keeps everyone happy on long trips.

Volkswagen Atlas (Starting ~$39,000 | Up to 22 MPG):

Value meets German sensibility. The Atlas boasts arguably the most usable, spacious third row in the group. It has a clean, functional interior design and comes loaded with practical safety tech like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. It’s a straightforward, comfortable, and very roomy choice for daily life and road trips.

More: With gas prices always looming and family needs growing, finding an affordable, efficient 7-seater is totally possible without settling. Whether you’re all about saving at the pump (Highlander Hybrid!), need max space (Traverse!), want some driving fun (CX-9!), or crave a bit of adventure (Pathfinder!), there’s an option here under $40k. Pro Tip: Always check current dealer incentives and ask about any hybrid versions – they can unlock even more savings down the road. Happy (and affordable) hauling!