10 Best Three-Row Hybrid SUVs for Families in 2024

Three-row SUVs are currently all the rage, and we can see why. They offer practicality that is essentially unmatched, with you able to cart the whole family around, plus extra. However, there are fewer hybrid options than you’d expect.

Just because there aren’t a ton of three-row hybrid SUVs doesn’t mean that the ones on offer won’t satisfy your needs. Whether you’re looking for something thrifty and nimble to daily around town or you want something large and luxurious, there are plenty of great choices.

We dive into what we think are the best three-row hybrid SUVs on the market right now. We explore what makes them stand out in their individual segments, how spacious their third rows are, and how refined their powertrains are. From the most affordable options to the SUVs for the one percent, we’ve covered it all.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and TopSpeed. The models below have been ranked based on their starting MSRP.

10

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $37,700

The Santa Fe was redesigned for the 2024 model year. It has adopted notably Land Rover-esque exterior styling elements and, in our opinion, it is quite snazzy. Its utilitarian interior, packed with features, and its affordable price tag make it one of the most attractive mid-size SUVs out there.

Performance Specifications

While not the quickest in its class, the Santa Fe hybrid has enough grunt to never really feel sluggish. It doesn’t offer much in the way of driving verve, but its ride is extremely comfortable. Even more impressive is how quiet the cabin is, even when cruising on the highway.

Fuel Economy

Pros

• Excellent interior and exterior design
• Great mix of touch and physical controls
• Unique tech features

Cons

• Third row legroom is on the lower side
• Not exciting to drive
• Acceleration is average at best

9

2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $38,690

For the 2024 model year, gas-only Sorentos were updated with fancy new exterior styling. Now for the 2025 model year, the hybrid model gets the same treatment. With a modern interior and a high ceiling for luxury, this is an excellent choice for families who value comfort.

Performance Specifications

The traditional hybrid, outlined above, comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers plenty of pep. However, if you’re looking for more power, a 261 horsepower plug-in hybrid is available with up to 32 miles of all-electric range. In either guise, it offers a comfortable ride.

Fuel Economy

Pros

• Loads of interior storage
• Standard second row captain’s chairs
• Loads of standard tech features

Cons

• Third row is mostly for kids
• Tow rating is exceptionally low
• Numb steering

8

2025 Outlander PHEV

MSRP: $40,445

The Outlander PHEV is one of only two compact SUVs to come standard with three rows of seating. This rugged option offers stylish and stoic exterior styling along with a classy old-school interior. It also offers more performance than its gas sibling and more EV range than most of its rivals.

Performance Specifications

The Outlander PHEV is not the most inspiring vehicle to drive. It feels large and heavy around corners and steering feedback is pretty poor. It is, however, quicker off the line than its gas-only sibling, and it can get up to 38 miles in electric-only mode when fully charged.

Fuel Economy

Pros

• Mix of modern and classic interior styling
• Smooth ride
• Class-leading warranty

Cons

• Not exciting to drive
• Third row is super cramped
• Non-EV efficiency is disappointing

7

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

MSRP: $45,380

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is a jack-of-all-trades, with tons of room for passengers and cargo, two efficient powertrains, and a bevy of standard features. Features like tri-zone climate control and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 make it an excellent option if you’re looking for a family-focused SUV.

Performance Specifications

The thriftier of the two powertrain options is the one outlined above, which is your standard choice. However, the Hybrid Max is more versatile, outputting 362 horsepower. It can rocket from zero to 60 in 5.6 seconds and can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped properly.

Fuel Economy

Pros

• Silky smooth ride
• Roomy third row
• Brilliant fuel economy in the city

Cons

• Base engine could use some more pep
• Hybrid Max model loses out in highway efficiency
• Somewhat dull styling

6

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

MSRP: $46,020

It may seem strange that the smaller Highlander Hybrid starts more expensive than the Grand Highlander Hybrid, but that’s because it comes loaded with more equipment from the word go. In fact, you needn’t look further than the base model to find the trim that offers the best value-for-money.

Performance Specifications

The Highlander Hybrid is powered by the base powertrain found in the Grand Highlander Hybrid. However, the Highlander comes standard with all-wheel drive. Because it is smaller and lighter, the Highlander is also a little quicker to accelerate and feels noticeably peppier.

Fuel Economy

Pros

• Spacious first and second rows
• Base model is super well equipped
• Great ride quality

Cons

• Kind of boring behind the wheel
• No Hybrid Max option
• Grand Highlander offers a larger third row for less money

5

2025 Mazda CX-90

MSRP: $49,945

Mazda has clearly set their sights on becoming an entry-level luxury brand, something we think that they are excelling at. The CX-90 is a fantastic example, with handsome exterior and interior styling, high quality materials, superb ride quality, and handling that genuinely excites.

Performance Specifications

While we’re sad that the plug-in hybrid version of the CX-90 misses out on the turbocharged inline-six in the gas-only model, it is still a pretty thrilling powertrain. With an excellent amount of power and athletic handling, it’s actually really fun to drive hard. It also features a 17.8-kWh battery pack that is good for 25 miles of electric-only driving.

Fuel Economy

Pros

• Classy interior
• Handles like a car half its size
• Pretty spacious third row

Cons

• Infotainment system is overly complicated
• Shifter takes some getting used to
• HVAC controls are a little strange

4

2025 Toyota Sequoia

MSRP: $62,425

If you’re looking for a truck-based SUV with a powerful hybrid powertrain, the Sequoia has you covered. This rugged 4×4 is based on the Tundra and comes ready to conquer whatever you throw at it. On top of all of this, it features an upscale interior that features tons of space for passengers.

Performance Specifications

Despite weighing well over 6,000 pounds, the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain in the Sequoia motivates the massive SUV to 60 miles per hour in no time at all. There is also plenty of rugged off-road equipment to be had if you’re the adventurous type. When equipped properly, the Sequoia can tow up to 9,520 pounds.

Fuel Economy

Pros

• Most efficient full-size SUV
• Brilliant towing capability
• TRD off-road equipment

Cons

• Third row is less spacious than gas-only rivals
• Cargo space behind the third row is tight
• Feels as big as it is behind the wheel

3

2025 Lexus TX

Starting MSRP: $70,010

The Lexus TX uses the Grand Highlander as its base, adding tons of luxury on to the platform. It more than retains its family-friendly attitude, with tons of interior space in all three rows, but comes equipped with plenty of upscale features, including high-quality soft-touch materials throughout the cabin.

Performance Specifications

Above we’ve outlined the TX 500h, with a solid and powerful traditional hybrid powertrain. The 550h+, however, is also on offer and comes with a 404 horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain, including a stoic V-6. Either way, it handles way better than you’d expect.

Fuel Economy

Pros

• Brilliant acceleration from either model
• Super upscale interior
• Spacious third row of seating

Cons

• We expect more from the ride quality
• That hideous grille
• Some luxury features are super costly

2

2025 Volvo XC90

MSRP: $73,000

If safety is your top priority, then you can’t do much better than a Volvo. Despite riding on a platform that is now around ten years old, Volvo has managed to keep the XC90 an attractive luxury option in the mid-size segment. It is smooth, plush, and contemporary.

Performance Specifications

The XC90 is a plug-in hybrid, utilizing a motor attached to the rear axle and a 14.7-kWh battery. This means it is also estimated to be able to go up to 32 miles on electric power only. The XC90 accelerates quickly and has nicely weighted steering, and is also capable of towing up to 5,290 pounds.

Fuel Economy

Pros

• Transitions between electric power and gas power seamlessly
• Excellent styling inside and out
• Super useful suite of technology

Cons

• No fast charging
• Infotainment system needs an update
• A little understated

1

2025 Lexus LX

MSRP: $115,350

With a six-figure price tag, we’re under no illusions that this isn’t going to be an SUV the average person will go for. However, if it does fall within your budget, the LX is the gold standard for luxury. It features an absolutely cavernous interior and unbelievable comfort in all three rows.

Performance Specifications

The LX700h weighs a whopping 6,200+ pounds, yet it still manages to rocket off the line. Considering its size and weight, and the power delivered by its twin-turbo V-6, it makes sense that fuel economy is still rough, achieving 19 miles per gallon combined. It also comes standard with four-wheel drive and ready to tackle tough stuff.

Fuel Economy

Pros

• Tons of power on tap
• Super capable off the tarmac
• Beyond comfortable seats

Cons

• Cramped third row
• Doesn’t handle particularly well
• Still kind of heavy on fuel