Finding a vehicle that can comfortably seat seven passengers without frequent gas station stops can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Many assume that passenger capacity comes at the cost of fuel efficiency, but that’s not always the case. While passenger sedans capable of holding seven are rare, and large SUVs often struggle with frugality, the crossover segment, and even some minivans, offer surprising solutions. Technological advancements are constantly reshaping the automotive landscape, revealing a selection of vehicles that meet both your passenger and cargo needs while being kinder to your wallet at the pump. Let’s explore ten 7-passenger cars that boast impressive gas mileage, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice fuel economy for space.
1) 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — Excellent MPG for a 7-seater
The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid stands out as a prime example of good MPG in a 7-passenger car, uniquely featuring hybrid technology in this list. This model achieves an impressive 27 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This fuel efficiency is thanks to a sophisticated hybrid system that combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with three electric motors, delivering a combined 280 horsepower. The power is managed by a continuously variable automatic transmission, and the electric motors can even provide temporary all-wheel drive when needed. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid is versatile, offering up to 83.2 cubic feet of cargo space when the second and third rows are folded down.
2) 2016 Mazda CX-9 — Sporty 7-Passenger Car with Good Gas Mileage
The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is a redesigned 7-passenger crossover known for its engaging driving dynamics, setting it apart from many competitors. It offers a single engine option: a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the front-wheel-drive CX-9 delivers good gas mileage for its class, achieving 22 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. For cargo, folding down the rear seats reveals 71.2 cubic feet of space.
3) 2017 Acura MDX — Luxury 7-Passenger Crossover with Respectable MPG
The 2017 Acura MDX continues to be a top choice in the luxury segment for those seeking a practical and premium 7-passenger crossover with good MPG for its class. The MDX is known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, offering ample room for seven passengers and up to 90.9 cubic feet of total cargo space. Powered by a strong 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, the MDX still manages to achieve 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway when equipped with the Technology and Advance packages. This efficiency is partly due to the front-wheel-drive configuration in these trims and a new 9-speed automatic transmission for this model year.
4) 2017 Nissan Pathfinder — Reliable 7-Seater with Decent Fuel Economy
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder maintains a substantial presence while offering competitive fuel economy for a 7-passenger SUV. It achieves 20 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway in front-wheel-drive configuration. The Pathfinder utilizes a continuously variable automatic transmission paired with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. It provides comfortable seating for up to seven and offers 79.8 cubic feet of total cargo space.
5) 2016 Ford Explorer — Fuel-Efficient Option in the 7-Passenger SUV Category
The 2016 Ford Explorer, traditionally not known for efficiency, has become a contender in the Good Mpg Cars category thanks to Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology. The Explorer’s EcoBoost option is a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine allows the front-wheel-drive Explorer to achieve 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Beyond seating seven, it offers up to 80 cubic feet of cargo space.
6) 2016 Honda Odyssey — The Most Fuel-Efficient 7-Passenger Minivan
The 2016 Honda Odyssey leads the minivan segment in fuel efficiency among 7-passenger vehicles, and can even accommodate eight. It features a capable 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 248 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque, managed by a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Odyssey achieves 19 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. A significant advantage is its cargo capacity, offering a substantial 148 cubic feet with the rear seats removed.
7) 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC — Diesel Luxury SUV with Good MPG
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC, a full-size luxury SUV with standard all-wheel drive, achieves surprising fuel efficiency thanks to its 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 engine. Despite its size and weight, it delivers 240 horsepower and a robust 455 lb-ft of torque while returning 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. This 7-passenger SUV with three rows also includes a 7-speed automatic transmission and 93.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
8) 2017 Audi Q7 — Redesigned Luxury SUV with Impressive Fuel Economy
The redesigned 2017 Audi Q7 remains a fuel-efficient luxury SUV option, despite losing its diesel variant. It uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that, despite the vehicle’s size and standard quattro all-wheel drive, achieves 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. This engine produces 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Q7 offers 71.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.
9) 2017 Chrysler Pacifica — Modern Minivan with Competitive MPG
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, replacing the Town & Country, brings a modern design and competitive fuel economy to the 7-passenger minivan segment. Its 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers 287 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Pacifica offers exceptional cargo space at 197.3 cubic feet, thanks to its Stow ‘n Go seating. For even greater fuel savings, the Pacifica Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid minivan, is also available, offering a projected 80 MPGe and a 30-mile electric range.
10) 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe — Stylish and Affordable 7-Passenger SUV with Good MPG
The refreshed 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe now includes a standard third row, increasing its capacity to seven passengers. It offers a stylish interior and a premium feel at an accessible price point. All 7-passenger Santa Fe models are equipped with a 290-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 engine producing 252 lb-ft of torque. In front-wheel-drive configuration, it achieves 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway, thanks to a 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive versions offer nearly identical fuel economy, and all models provide 80 cubic feet of cargo space.
These ten vehicles demonstrate that finding a 7-passenger car with good MPG is indeed possible. From hybrid SUVs to efficient minivans and even diesel luxury options, the automotive market offers a variety of choices for those who need space without sacrificing fuel economy. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more efficient and spacious vehicles to emerge, making it easier than ever to haul passengers and save at the pump.
