Best 3-Row Hybrid SUVs for 2025 | Three-Row Plug-In Hybrid SUVs
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 2025.
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
Mazda CX-90 PHEV
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
- Engine
-
2.5L I4 PHEV
- Horsepower
-
323 hp combined
- MSRP
-
$49,945
The best hybrid 3rd-row SUV, according to its BuzzScore of 8.8 out of 10, is the Mazda CX-90 PHEV. While it can get pretty pricey at the higher end of the range, this SUV starts at $49,945. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid that makes a net combined 323 horsepower. Every trim comes with an automatic transmission and AWD as standard, which results in 56 MPGe combined; it also has an all-electric range of 26 miles. The interior dimensions aren’t huge in the back; passengers in the third row only have 30.4 inches of legroom. The maximum cargo volume reaches 75.2 cubic feet behind the front row.
“If you live a lifestyle that only requires a short trip to work and back, the CX-90 PHEV could be a nice option. Anyone who frequently drives further than that may not reap the full benefits of this powertrain.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
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2
Toyota Grand Highlander
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
- Engine
-
2.5L I4 Hybrid
- Horsepower
-
245 hp combined
- MSRP
-
$44,210
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is another hybrid SUV with 3rd-row seating to top our list. When we test drove one, our test driver found it well-thought-out and executed. At a base price of $44,210, it costs a bit more than the regular Highlander. Under the hood of the base model is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid that makes 245 horsepower combined, or you can opt for the Hybrid Max powertrain, which makes 362 hp. As for fuel economy, the EPA estimates up to 36 mpg combined with FWD. Since this model is longer than the regular Highlander, the third row gets 33.5 inches of legroom. Cargo space behind the front seats tops out at 97.5 cubic feet.
3
Lexus LX
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.4L V6 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
10-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Four-Wheel Drive
The most luxurious and expensive three-row hybrid SUV on our list is the Lexus LX. As one of the best large SUVs, it’s an expensive, but impressively luxurious Lexus with gas and hybrid powertrains available. It’s strikingly large with a road presence to match its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator. The gas versions of the LX are slightly less expensive, but the Overtrail trim, which can take on some serious off-roading, starts off the hybrid lineup at $114,000. Powering the hybrid versions is a 3.4L turbo V6 that makes a combined 457 hp. On the inside, the maximum cargo space reaches 62.4 cu-ft of cargo behind the front seats, and those in the back row have 31.1 inches of legroom.
“The hybrid is also the only way to get the Overtrail, which has now become our favorite LX trim based on its rugged styling, increased capability, and (relatively) reasonable price point. The LX’s off-road prowess is its most endearing feature, and the Overtrail encapsulates that the most. If we wanted a luxury car to last a lifetime, it would be an LX 700h, specifically a Nori Green Overtrail grade.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
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4
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.6L I4 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
For a more affordable hybrid SUV with a 3rd row, consider the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. While the Santa Fe’s styling from the rear angle is still somewhat divisive, that angular, boxy look contributes to some great storage space and headroom inside. When you put styling aside, it’s still a nice family car. The 2025 model starts at $37,800, which is just under its direct rival, the Kia Sorento Hybrid. The Santa Fe Hybrid comes in front- or all-wheel-drive, and is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid that makes a combined 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. On the inside, third-row occupants get 30 inches of legroom, and the maximum cargo space behind the front seats is 79.6 cubic feet.
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5
Kia Sorento Hybrid
- Fuel Economy
-
36/36/36 mpg (FWD) | 34/34/34 mpg (AWD)
While it’s mechanically similar to the Santa Fe Hybrid, the Kia Sorento Hybrid has distinct styling and slightly less power. It’s powered by the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, only this time it’s tuned for 227 combined horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. If you prefer the styling of the Sorento over the Santa Fe, you’ll have to pay slightly more, though. This model starts at $38,690. You can choose either front-wheel-drive or AWD; those with FWD get 36/36/36 mpg, and AWD versions get 34 mpg across the board. This car’s shape loses a small amount of interior space, so third-row occupants get 29.6 inches of legroom. Cargo space maxes out at 75.5 cu. ft. behind the front row.
6
Toyota Sequoia
- Base Trim Transmission
-
10-speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
437 hp
Of all the 3rd-row hybrid SUVs we for sale today, the most rugged and off-road-capable option is the Toyota Sequoia. This is the brand’s only eight-seat SUV, which is making its mark on the world with recently refreshed styling, inside and out. As a competitor to the Chevy Tahoe, you can bet it has plenty of interior space. The only engine option is a 3.4-liter hybrid V6 that makes a respectable 437 horsepower. It’s priced like a luxury SUV since the base trim starts at $62,425. The Sequoia can fit up to 86.9 cubic feet behind the front row, and people in the third row have 35.6 inches of legroom.
7
Volvo XC90
- Base Trim Engine
-
2L I4 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
247 HP @5400 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
266 lb.-ft. @ 1800 RPM
Another luxurious 3rd-row hybrid SUV is the Volvo XC90. Fortunately, this one doesn’t cost as much as the other luxury SUV we mentioned above. However, it’s still a premium model so it comes in above most of the rest on this list at a starting price of $58,450. Its direct rivals include the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. There are multiple powertrain options, but the cheapest of the bunch is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mild hybrid that makes 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the XC90 gets 26 mpg combined. You’ll have to spend at least $73k for the plug-in hybrid variant, but it does have 455 hp and a 33-mile all-electric range. Passengers in the third row have 31.9 inches, and cargo space maxes out at 85.7 cubic feet behind the front row.
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
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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 a 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: Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Lexus, Volvo, Toyota
