These days, we really do want it all when it comes to our family cars, but a vehicle that is both highly practical and extremely efficient can be hard to find. However, a hybrid SUV with a 3rd row of seats does a good job of ticking multiple boxes. These SUVs can accommodate a large family and their cargo, yet still return decent gas mileage. This segment also includes both cheaper models under $40k, and luxurious chariots that cost over six figures. This is a list of the best 3-row hybrid SUV models in the USA for 2026.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.
1
Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
Base Trim Engine
3.5L V6
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Auto
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
287 hp
Base Trim Torque
260 lb-ft
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
The best hybrid 3-row SUV, in terms of our BuzzScore system, is the Hyundai Palisade. Out of a few hybrid trims, the least-expensive version starts at $44,160 before destinations and options. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter turbo inline-4 hybrid that makes a combined 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, and it manages to achieve 33/35/34 mpg city/highway/combined. Moving to the interior, you’ll find room for up to eight people across its three rows, with those in the second and third rows getting 41.4 inches and 32.1 inches of legroom, respectively.
“Take a more relaxed approach to motoring, and you’ll have very few qualms about your new Palisade Hybrid; in the gas-brake-honk of daily commuting, you’ll find that there’s just enough grunt coming from the electric motors to make the gas engine mostly redundant at low speeds, although when it does fire up, the four-cylinder does make some untoward noises that mostly fade into the background after a moment or two.”
– Brett T. Evans, CarBuzz
Related
Best 7-Seater Hybrid SUVs Of 2025
These SUVs can handle a lot of cargo and people without the scary gas bills.
2
Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Base Trim Engine
3.3L Skyactiv-G 16
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Base Trim Torque
332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
24/28/25 mpg
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
An excellent plug-in hybrid SUV with 3rd row is the Mazda CX-90. The standard version of this large model is also a great choice, but buyers who are looking for better fuel economy in the same practically-sized model will enjoy this plug-in variant. There are only three trims to choose from if you want a plug-in powertrain, including the preferred base model for $50,495 before destination. Under the hood is a 2.5-ilter turbo inline-4 PHEV that makes a combined 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque that reaches 56 MPGe combined. On the inside, there’s room for up to seven occupants in any trim level.
“Mazda’s interiors have been trending in an upscale direction, but the CX-90 elevates it to a true luxury level. This is a cabin that could shake things up at Audi and BMW; Acura and Infiniti might not even belong in this conversation. It’s worth noting that we only had a chance to drive fully-loaded Premium Plus versions of the PHEV and Turbo S. Lower trim models are still premium inside, but don’t have the same impressive material quality and feature content found at the upper end of the lineup.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz
3
Toyota Grand Highlander
Base Trim Engine
2.4L I-4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
265 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
310 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
21/28/24 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a great 3-row hybrid SUV. Buyers can get legendary Toyota reliability paired with practical three-row sizing and decent fuel economy in its hybrid trims. There are technically ten trims in total, with six of them being equipped with a hybrid system. The cheapest hybrid option is the Hybrid LE for $45,010, but the Hybrid MAX Platinum has a nicer interior for $59,575 before destination. Under the hood is either a 2.5-liter hybrid I4, or a 2.4L turbocharged I4 hybrid system. Depending on the trim, the hybrid Grand Highlander can seat 7 or 8 occupants across its three rows.
“Getting into the third row is pretty easy, too, requiring a lever pull to slide the middle seats forward in one motion. There is a large gap to access those rear seats and even a special footwell cutout to make it easier to step up into the vehicle. Buyers can get eight seats on the XLE model, but the Limited and Platinum models are limited to seven seats with captain’s chairs and a removable center console.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz
4
Lexus LX
Base Trim Engine
3.4L V6 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
10-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Four-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
409 HP @5200 RPM
Base Trim Torque
479 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
17/22/19 MPG
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
For a more luxurious interior and elevated driving experience over the Toyota we just mentioned, try out the Lexus LX. This 3rd row hybrid SUV is a capable body-on-frame three-row model that can take the kids to school on weekdays, tow heavy trailers, and drive off-road on the weekends. This model’s price is not for the faint-hearted, though, since its cheapest trim is the LX 700h F Sport Handling for $115,735 before destination. All four hybrid trims are powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid system that makes 457 combined horsepower. Depending on the trim level, the LX hybrid can seat up to seven people.
5
Lexus TX Hybrid
Base Trim Engine
2.5L I4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
275 hp
Base Trim Torque
317 lb-ft
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
A slightly less rugged hybrid SUV with 3rd row that still has an elevated sense of luxury is the Lexus TX. It’s not as extreme or as capable as the LX, but its three rows of seats make for a practical family model nonetheless. While it may lack the full-time 4WD and Overtrail trim level of the TX, this model is perhaps a more comfortable option for families who plan to stay on the pavement and refrain from towing heavy trailers. Under the hood is either a 2.4-liter turbo I4 hybrid, or a 3.5-liter V6 PHEV. Either way, the TX hybrid can seat up to six occupants.
“The TX PHEV has many positive attributes, being the most powerful and most efficient version of Lexus’ large family crossover. However, it may not be the ideal version based on your priorities. We were blown away by the PHEV powertrain’s efficiency, both in electric and hybrid modes. It’s easily the smoothest setup Lexus offers since there are no gears to run through or turbochargers to spool up.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz
Related
If you need to seat six or more people, all of these three-row SUVs are up for the job.
6
Volvo XC90 Hybrid
Base Trim Engine
2L Drive-E I4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
247 HP @5500 RPM
Base Trim Torque
258 lb.-ft. @ 1800 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
23/30/26 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Volvo joins the races against other 3-row hybrid SUVs with the XC90 PHEV. This flagship model is now the brand’s champion, since the sedans and wagons are now discontinued. With that said, the XC90 PHEV makes a name for itself, and we feel as though it’s worthy of the podium. The least-expensive plug-in hybrid model costs at least $76,200. For that much money, the SUV will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 PHEV system that makes a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. On the inside, this three-row SUV can seat up to seven people.
“The T8 plug-in hybrid has the benefit of an e-motor on the rear axle, capable of getting the XC90 to highway speeds and beyond without using a drop of gas, minimizing the load on the internal combustion engine and sparing occupants from enduring the gravelly tones of the four-pot under duress. There’s plenty of punch here, but with no mechanical connection between the front and rear axles (the ICE drives the front axle and the e-motor drives the rear), heavier throttle loads result in an undesirable jerk as the ICE springs to life in hybrid mode.”
– Roger Biermann, Managing Editor, CarBuzz
7
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Base Trim Engine
2.5L Smartstream I4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
277 HP @5800 RPM
Base Trim Torque
311 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
Hyundai returns to this list with another three-row hybrid SUV: the Santa Fe. This three-row model isn’t quite as large or as nice as the other Hyundai we mentioned at the top of the article, but it doesn’t cost as much. If saving money is your plan, then the Santa Fe hybrid is a great option with its $36,400 base model. Even the highest trim, the Calligraphy, isn’t that bad at $48,700. Either way, the model is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo I4 hybrid that makes 231 combined horsepower that gets 37/36/36 mpg. Moving to the interior, we still find three rows, and seating for up to seven people.
“Out on the road, and for the better, Hyundai has ignored any sporty driving pretensions and concentrated on comfort. The suspension does its job competently while the cabin suppresses exterior noise in a manner usually exclusive to more premium models.”
– Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz
8
Toyota Sequoia Hybrid
Base Trim Engine
I-FORCE 3.4L Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
10-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Other
Base Trim Horsepower
437 HP @5200 RPM
Base Trim Torque
583 lb.-ft. @ 2400 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
21/24/22 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
The most rugged, capable hybrid SUV with a third row we’ll talk about today is the Toyota Sequoia. We’ve gone over some pretty luxurious three-row SUV models, as well as some affordable options, but the Sequoia falls in the middle. It’s not cheap, nor is it especially luxurious in its lower trim levels. However, its higher trims are supremely comfortable. It offers body-on-frame capabilities that make its off-road TRD trim worth the investment. Under the hood, all trims get Toyota’s i-Force MAX powertrain, which is a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid. It can also seat up to eight people across three rows of seats.
“…our limited time on the road left us thinking the Sequoia is now the most composed vehicle in the non-premium full-size segment. Road noise is slightly intrusive on lower trims, but the Capstone gets acoustic glass up front that brings down the decibels to a more acceptable level. All trims include a more modern multi-link rear suspension, which felt less bouncy than the Tundra due to having more weight over the rear end.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz
9
Kia Sorento Hybrid
Base Trim Engine
2.5L I-4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
191 HP @6100 RPM
Base Trim Torque
181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
23/31/26 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
One of the most affordable options among hybrid three-row SUVs is the Kia Sorento. This model is built on the same platform as the Hyundai Santa Fe, so many specifications are identical. It faces rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda Pilot, for reference. The Sorento is a popular model that proves Americans want and need affordable cars. Its hybrid variant makes up a large portion of sales, too. There are two trims to choose from, with the EX base model starting at $38,890. Under the hood, they both get a 1.6L turbo I4 hybrid system. On the inside, the Sorento Hybrid can seat up to seven people in its lower trim level, or six in the more expensive option.
Related
Hybrids are more popular than ever, and these are the best of them.
Characteristics Of Hybrid SUVs With 3rd-Row Seating
The best 3rd-row hybrid SUVs have to keep a lot of plates spinning at one time, and these are the things we look for when considering what models make the cut:
They need to have adequate space for between six and eight passengers
They should also have enough cargo room, even with all the seats in place
They must achieve respectable mileage figures regardless of weight and size
They need to be safe enough to entrust with your entire family
They should throw in enough standard features to keep passengers happy over long trips.
What To Consider When Buying A Three-row Hybrid SUVs
There may not be as many hybrids as there once were, now that EVs are getting more traction, and 3-row hybrid SUVs are already rare, so keep these things in mind when shopping for one in the US.
Pros
Impressive passenger and cargo capacity
Good mpg figures for their size segments
Excellent safety ratings
Decent amount of standard tech
Relatively easy to drive and live with
Some can even off-road quite well
Cons
Very expensive purchase price
All-electric range is usually quite low
Recharge times can be a hassle
Related
Best 7-Seater Hybrid SUVs Of 2025
These SUVs can handle a lot of cargo and people without the scary gas bills.
Which hybrid SUV with a 3rd row of seating can fit eight people comfortably?
Unfortunately, most of the SUVs that can comfortably seat eight or nine people are not hybrids. The Toyota Sequoia is one of the rare few that can, and it works well as an off-roading camper, too.
Are three-row hybrid SUVs reliable?
Hybridization often leads to more complex vehicles that may suffer in terms of reliability over the long run. However, the best 3rd-row hybrid SUVs often come from the most reliable brands, like Kia and Volvo. Of course, one still needs to perform a case-by-case evaluation, but for the most part, these family-focused hybrids are very dependable.
Sources: Hyundai, Mazda, Toyota, Lexus, Volvo, Kia, Mercedes-Benz
