4 Hybrid SUVS That Seat 7 or More Passengers
A seven-passenger hybrid SUV might be the best option when traveling calls for more than five people, or you want that extra space for storage while traveling. However, many hybrid SUVs on the market are only compact SUVs, which don’t offer much in terms of seating.
While that might be the case for some models, there are third-row hybrid SUVs that offer the best passenger experience with impressive fuel economy, solid cargo space, and towing capacity. Here are four hybrid SUVs that seat seven or more passengers.
1. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The third-row Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV offers a seating capacity of eight people and plenty of standard features. MSRP starts at $40,220, making it more affordable than other hybrid SUVs in the same class.
The hybrid powertrain is standard on the LE, XLE, and Limited grades in five different trim levels. The hybrid Highlander has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to two electric motors. This hybrid system produces a combined net of 243 hp sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
With the hybrid powertrain, the Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined with the front-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the all-wheel drive gets an even 35 mpg across the board.
2. Ford Explorer Hybrid
The Ford Explorer hybrid falls under the midsize SUV category. Its hybrid powertrain records better fuel economy compared to other Explorer ranges. According to U.S. News, the hybrid model is available in the Limited and Platinum trims, with the MSRP starting at $50,795.
Under the hood of the Ford Explorer hybrid is a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine paired with an electric motor and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain option produces 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid Explorer has an EPA rating of 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
While front-wheel drive comes standard, all-wheel drive is available as an option. The hybrid Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
3. Toyota Sequoia
The hybrid Toyota Sequoia is the Japanese automaker’s largest hybrid SUV. Its big, bold, and burly SUV can accommodate up to eight people with its third-row seat featuring a power-folding function.
With a starting cost of $58,300, the Toyota Sequoia hybrid comes standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 iForce Max hybrid-electric powertrain. The powertrain debuted as upmarket trim in the Tundra pickup. It makes for a combined power output of 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, thanks to the addition of two electric motors.
A 10-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) routes power to the front wheels with exemptions of trims with the TRD pro package. Under the EPA’s testing, the hybrid Sequoia gets 21 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.
4. Lexus RX L Hybrid
The Lexus RX hybrid Line is a luxurious hybrid SUV that can comfortably seat up to seven people. We have captain’s seats in the second row as standard, but you can also get a three-person bench seat if you want to transport eight people.
Its storage space is generous, with 23 cu-ft behind the third row, which can be expanded to 58.5 cu-ft by folding down the third and second rows.
With a starting price of $49,870, the hybrid RXL features a standard 3.5-liter V6 gas engine and a powerful electric motor. Together, they produce a combined 308 hp routed to the rear wheels through an Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). When properly equipped, the hybrid SUV can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
According to Lexus, the hybrid RXL gets a more fuel efficiency rating than the non-hybrid RX. Under the EPA’s testing, it gets 30 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.