It’s a fine line to walk, or rather, drive, when it comes to balancing your family’s SUV needs vs. economy and ecology. You need a big car with more space, but sometimes that means sacrificing miles per gallon and, in turn, the environment.
Hybrids combine the best of two worlds by using small electric motors to boost the fuel economy of a gas engine. The result is typically a larger car that gets you the fuel efficiency of a smaller, gas-powered car.
There are a lot of choices out there, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list of 7-passenger SUVs, with a focus on the hybrid versions of each. Read on to find the right one for you.
Related: 7 Best Luxury 3 Row SUVs
Toyota Grand Highlander Makes its Grand Debut in 2024
First up is the Grand Highlander, which comes in two hybrid models: the Hybrid and HybridMax. Both have full-size third rows, and you can opt for either captain’s chairs or a bench in the middle row, which brings seating to 7 or 8, respectively.
The Hybrid, starting at about $45,000, has a gas and electric motor combination that produces 245 HP and gets about 36 MPG.
However, if you’re looking for more power, the HybridMax might be the option for you. The Max’s engine produces 362 HP, gets 27 MPG, and has the same 6-speed transmission as the gas model. You’ll sacrifice a little in fuel efficiency, but you’ll get a lot more power in exchange.
Lots of Niceties for Driver and Passengers in the Toyota Grand Highlander
Key features include a 12-inch multimedia display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior is spacious, and we also love that there are seven (!) USB ports, which means that there is room for the whole family, and everyone can charge their devices. And of course, who can forget all the room you have in the cargo area?
Lexus TX Levels Up and Shows Off
Starting at $68,000, the luxurious TX more than levels up from its Toyota cousin. To call the TX500h F Sport Performance the entry-level hybrid feels like an understatement. It’s powered by a hybrid powertrain that consists of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that combine for 366 horsepower and about 27-28 mpg.
The TX550h+ utilizes a plug-in hybrid system, which combines a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and two electric motors to generate 404 horsepower and gets a range of 450 miles on a fully charged battery.
The Lexus TX Has Lots of Tech… and Space
Like the Grand Highlander, it has plenty of legroom for everyone, including fully-grown people in the third row. Within the spacious interior resides a lot of cargo space: 20 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. Even with all seats up, you’ll be able to fit large things — Lexus says you can fit 7 20” roll-aboard bags.
As a Lexus, the tech gets leveled up, making a clear distinction from Toyota. The multimedia screen jumps to 14 inches, but most notable are the touch-sensitive steering wheel pads that highlight icons in the head-up display. Swipe your finger to select what you want to see, and then push the button to activate functions like changing the radio station, turning on or off driver assistance features, and more.
Lincoln Aviator: Classic Elegance for the Whole Family
The Aviator’s elegance is matched only by its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which is a twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with an electric motor that gets up to 56 combined mpg. Pricing starts at $51,000.
The Lincoln Aviator Hybrid SUV is Distinct and Gorgeous
With its striking exterior lines and refined interior finishes, your family will feel pampered, whether you’re heading to a nearby park or taking a road trip.
Related: The 2025 Lincoln Aviator: More Luxury for the Money
Mazda CX-90: Zoom Zoom? Yes Yes!
The CX-90 is Mazda’s most spacious SUV, and as an electric plug-in, it means that you’ve got room for the whole family while staying eco-conscious. Pricing starts at $51,000 and ends around $58,000.
With Mazda’s Skyactiv Hybrid powertrain, the CX-90 delivers impressive fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance, generating 56 mpg-e (miles per gallon equivalent) or 25 mpg on gas alone.
The Mazda CX-90 Hybrid SUV is Driver and Passenger Friendly
Why is this SUV good for families? It’s thoroughly designed with everyone in mind, from the great handling for the driver to the roomy interior for the family to the way everyone will look (and feel) sitting inside.
Related: Stylish Sophistication: 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus Review
Volvo XC90 Recharge Brings Scandinavian Minimalism into the Modern Age
With a starting price of $69,000, the XC90 sits at the top of Volvo’s range. This car is also a plug-in hybrid, which is significant because that means there are possible tax credits available for purchasing this car. It’s rated at 58 mpg-e and 27 mpg on the 4-cylinder gas engine alone.
Another great feature of PHEVs is that you can drive short distances on electricity alone, saving yourself all that gas. But when you need it, say for longer trips, you’ve got peace of mind knowing you won’t run out of battery charge or gas.
The Most Beautiful Details Await you in the Volvo XC90 Hybrid SUV
So why is it great for families? It has Volvo’s world-famous safety features, including a 360-degree surround-view camera and Scandinavian minimalist luxury (including fine Swedish crystal in the cabin!).
Related: 5 Things to Love About the XC90 Recharge
Kia Sorento Hybrid Gives You Lots of Bang for Your Buck
The average price of a new car this year is $47,433, but a well-equipped Kia Sorento Hybrid tops out at $38,000. That makes this SUV both family-friendly and budget-friendly. It features a 1.6-liter gas/electric hybrid system that generates 227 horsepower and delivers a combined 34 mpg.
At this price point, it comes with a surprising list of notable features, including a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as USB ports for everyone. You also get seating for 7 with two captain’s chairs in the middle row. Only the lower trim levels come with a bench, so consider this when shopping.
So Many Great Features in the Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV
The Sorento hybrid is great for families because of the third row (though better for smaller passengers). It offers luxury-like touches, such as comfy leatherette seats, and is priced for the more budget-conscious family. And in this climate, that’s a plus for everyone.
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlights Thoughtful Design on a Budget
The Hyundai Santa Fe received an extreme makeover this year, and we are here for it. It is both rugged and elegant at the same time. Pricing starts at about $37,000 for the SEL trim model. It’s powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor that together delivers 232 horsepower.
The interior is thoughtfully laid out with lots of storage spaces shaped and designed for the way we use our cars. Just a few examples include square-shaped cup holders for our phones, bottle-shaped holders in the door cubbies, and storage hooks on the backs of the front seats.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is Filled with Conveniences
So why is this great for families? First, the third row is now standard. Next, from its touchscreen multimedia system to its suite of driver-assistance features, the Santa Fe offers a wealth of technology designed to enhance safety, convenience, and entertainment on the road. How much more family-friendly can you get?
Toyota Highlander: Old Faithful
Let’s end where we began. Sort of. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid seems to be a long-running favorite. It has been around for a while with no signs of going anywhere. Starting at $40,000, you’re getting an SUV with a well-earned reputation for reliability. You’re getting 4-cylinder fuel efficiency with V6 power at about 36 mpg.
Inside, the Highlander Hybrid comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and five USB ports. Higher trims have a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and some trims have a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Toyota Highlander Has Plenty of Room for Family Gear
The Highlander is a midsize SUV, so the third row is a tighter fit best left for the little ones. It’s safe, reliable, and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for many families.
The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice size for either economy or ecology.
The better news is that you’ve got a lot of decent options when it comes to selecting the right hybrid SUV for you and your family. Things to ask yourself are: who will be using the third row the most? Do I carry a lot of stuff? What does my daily driving routine look like?
Taking these things into account will help you in your decision-making. Good luck!
