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What are the best hybrid SUVs with third-row seating? When you’re ready to buy an SUV, passenger space and fuel efficiency will likely be at the forefront of your concerns. Hybrid and electric vehicles are all the wave because they’ve saved owners so much money on fuel. SUVs are only as good as the number of people they can fit inside, so three rows are essential. Combining both hybrid and three rows makes the perfect SUV, and we’ve compiled them here for you.

The 2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is one of the best hybrid SUVs with three rows

You might be wondering why we’re recommending a 2020 model year instead of at least 2021. Like the 13th floor of a hotel, the 2021 Acura MDX does not exist. The 2022 model year brings a new generation of MDX, so Acura skipped the 2021 model. That makes 2020 the most recent version, and it’s cheaper than the incoming redesign.

The Sport Hybrid model combines performance with utility and fuel economy. It can travel an EPA-rated 524 miles without stopping and has a combined mpg of 27. Using both gas and electric power, the hybrid MDX is surprisingly quick as well. Of course, it has three rows of seats to ensure your entire family can fit, right down to the dog.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, improved and efficient

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid one of the best three row hybrid SUVs
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid front shot

The Toyota Highlander recently underwent a redesign but improved again from the 2020 model year in a few ways. It comes with more cargo space, a revised infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and a much bigger center screen is available. The 2021 Highlander is reliable and well-equipped, just as you’d expect of a Toyota SUV.

Though the third row of seats is tight compared to others in its class, the Toyota’s offering makes up for it elsewhere. Ample cargo space, 36 mpg combined, and a hybrid four-cylinder engine make this an excellent SUV. The best part is, the hybrid version barely costs more than a standard gas-powered Highlander.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge is the best plug-in hybrid, but a pricier option

2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge, it's one of the best hybrid SUVs with third-row seating.
2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge | Volvo

Volvo’s entry into the three-row hybrid SUV category is solid, but it comes at a high price. The XC90 comes in at more than $20,000 above the starting price of the Toyota Highlander hybrid, for instance. However, it is an excellent option for a plug-in hybrid SUV with third-row seating.

The Volvo XC90’s twin-charged four-cylinder isn’t the most powerful, but it gets 27 mpg combined. The fully-electric driving range is 18 miles, which comes in lower than vehicles like the Lincoln Aviator Hybrid, which gets 21 electric miles. The style and safety of the XC90 are highly rated, and it’s priced like a luxury SUV because it is one.

The 2020 Lexus RX 450hL is a luxurious hybrid SUV with third-row seating

Overall, this Lexus three-row SUV is one of the best performers in every category. For a midsize SUV, it doesn’t have the most cargo capacity. However, the space is enough for most people, and its real focus is on the comfortability of passengers. The V6 engine and dual electric motors are capable of producing up to 308 horsepower.

The combined mpg is 29, which is up from 22 on the standard non-hybrid variant. In addition, it also comes with a suite of advanced safety features and a high-quality interior for which Lexus is known. Being a Lexus, it is on the more expensive side but still slots lower than the Volvo XC90 at $51,535. That’s why it’s easy to call it one of the best hybrid SUVs with third-row seating.

SUVs and crossovers are the most popular vehicles in America for a reason. They’re safe, convenient, and are now more fuel-efficient than ever before. These models are not 2022 or 2023 redesigns, but as Edmunds reported, they are fantastic options that will only become more affordable as time goes on. If you’re shopping for a hybrid SUV with third-row seating, these are the best options available.

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