Top 10 Three-Row SUVs Ranked by Annual Fuel Costs

Choosing a family vehicle often means balancing passenger space, comfort, safety, and long-term ownership costs. While features like cargo capacity and technology tend to grab the spotlight, fuel expenses can quietly become one of the highest ongoing costs over a vehicle’s life. For shoppers comparing three-row SUVs, even a small difference in fuel economy can add up to hundreds of dollars in annual savings, making efficiency an important part of the buying decision alongside practicality and performance.

Today’s three-row SUVs offer more variety than ever before, ranging from highly efficient hybrids to powerful turbocharged four-cylinder and V6-powered models designed to handle large families and busy schedules. Some deliver impressive fuel economy without sacrificing passenger or cargo space, while others trade efficiency for greater towing capability or stronger performance.

Using EPA fuel economy figures and annual fuel cost estimates from fueleconomy.gov, we’ve ranked today’s top ten most efficient three-row SUVs from the most expensive to the most affordable in terms of fuel.

Volkswagen Atlas

Average Annual Fuel Costs: $2,700

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas does many things well, offering ample passenger and cargo space, impressive utility and versatility, and seating for seven. You’ll find touch controls for nearly everything, giving the Atlas a tech-rich vibe. Every Atlas model comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine attached to an eight-speed automatic transmission, driving either the front wheels or all four, depending on the chosen configuration.

The Jack Of All Trades

When you’re looking for affordable three-row SUVs that check off many boxes, the Volkswagen Atlas is a good choice. It offers a comfortable configuration among three-row SUVs, ensuring you have room for your family. The Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds and has modern tech for techies to admire. Where it falls short is cabin styling when compared to rivals.

Nissan Pathfinder

Average Annual Fuel Costs: $2,700

The name has been used for decades, but a modern 2026 Nissan Pathfinder may lack the off-road qualities that make it a serious path finder. Still, this attractive and useful Nissan SUV offers impressive towing figures and room for up to eight passengers. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Pathfinder is one of the few midsize three-row SUVs that still uses a traditional powertrain. This setup gives it up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity.

Tackling The Suburban Jungle

The Nissan Pathfinder has been domesticated into a trusted choice for many families searching for a midsize SUV that can do many things well but won’t need to head to tough trails. The most rugged Rock Creek trim has a few niceties for the trails, but still falls short of more traditional off-roaders. Still, the Pathfinder offers three rows of seats, a quiet cabin, and impressive towing capacity for the class.

Ford Explorer

Average Annual Fuel Costs: $2,600

If there’s a name that’s well-known among three-row seating SUVs, it’s the 2026 Ford Explorer. This SUV continues to offer the comfort and relaxing cabin expected while being equipped with an impressive V6 engine and tons of tech. The Explorer continues to do everything it’s supposed to, making it enjoyably predictable. The most efficient version uses a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and is RWD.

Refreshed And Ready

The Ford Explorer received a mid-cycle refresh a year ago, keeping it in step with the modern age. This allows it to combine the expected driving manners that have been part of this Ford for years with modern tech and features, making it a good option for many families looking for a familiar, dependable choice. The Explorer might not be as well-rounded as some rivals, which are both more upscale and more affordable.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV

Average Annual Fuel Costs: $2,100

If you want one of the most stylish three-row SUVs that also costs less to fuel than most, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is what you’re after. It’s quicker and more efficient than its non-hybrid counterpart, making it easy to enjoy the driving experience, especially given the cabin’s impressive styling. A four-cylinder engine and one electric motor provide the power, while an eight-speed automatic transmission sends it to all four wheels. The CX-90 PHEV can drive up to 26 miles on electricity alone, making it easy to enjoy its efficiency.

Close To Luxury

Among the three-row SUVs, the Mazda CX-90 stands apart from the mainstream pack. The sophisticated interior design, premium materials, and impressive styling make it one of the top choices. For all its styling qualities, the CX-90 could use an infotainment upgrade and has a small third-row area.

Volvo XC90 T8 AWD

Average Annual Fuel Costs: $1,900

The 2026 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD is the only luxury SUV to break into the list, earning a spot with its impressive hybrid powertrain. Add the attractive and stylish cabin, substantial exterior, and fresh tech, and the XC90 could be the SUV you’ve been looking for. The T8 powertrain features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a rear-axle-mounted electric motor, and a 14.7-kWh battery, delivering 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power system is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering power and efficiency to all four wheels.

Getting Things Done

While most hybrid SUVs lose some towing power, the XC90 T8 has the highest maximum towing capacity in the lineup, pulling up to 5,290 pounds. You can drive for 25 miles on electric power in this Volvo SUV and enjoy the fuel savings. This makes it an excellent choice for road trips, commutes, and errands. For some drivers, the ride might feel a little harsher than expected over broken pavement, making a test drive necessary.

Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

Average Annual Fuel Costs: $1,850

If you want responsive acceleration and impressive fuel economy, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is one of the top choices among three-row seating SUVs. The posh styling, inside and out, shines through, and the increased power and performance over the standard V6 model could be worth the extra cost. The hybrid model uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, sending power through a six-speed automatic transmission. You can have this SUV with FWD or AWD, giving you desirable options. The power reaches 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, which is impressive in this class.

Starting The Second Generation

The Hyundai Palisade might still feel like a newcomer among three-row SUVs, but it’s not. The second generation begins with the 2026 model year, bringing a new hybrid powertrain, a longer wheelbase, larger exterior dimensions, and bolder styling. The dashboard has been modernized, and the seating is covered with premium materials. Some rivals handle a bit better, but this is a three-row SUV, which means you don’t need sports-car handling.

Kia Telluride Hybrid

Average Annual Fuel Costs: $1,800

The appealing nature of the Telluride is more desirable in the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid model. This version is quicker than its non-hybrid counterpart and offers impressive fuel mileage figures. The Telluride has been winning awards over other three-row SUVs since its arrival on the market, offering a rugged personality that carries over into the new generation. Power for the Telluride Hybrid comes from the same powertrain used in the Palisade Hybrid.

Building On A Winner

Kia redesigned the 2027 Telluride to deliver more of what drivers desire in a three-row SUV. The new hybrid powertrain, refined and rugged styling, and more advanced tech features make the Telluride Hybrid an excellent choice for many drivers. The hybrid model loses a bit of cargo space compared to the non-hybrid model, and it is not as luxurious as its corporate sibling, the Hyundai Palisade.​​​​​​​

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Average Annual Fuel Costs: $1,800

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid continues to offer one of the most affordable and efficient vehicles among three-row SUVs. The Highlander has always been a value-packed SUV, but the Hybrid model makes it even better with its fuel-sipping qualities. It might not be the flashiest or most powerful SUV available, but it does a lot of things well. The Highlander Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, which send power to all four wheels through a CVT. This makes for an efficient powertrain that can be great for any family drive.

Smooth And Reliable

While other SUVs might lean hard into flashy features, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid continues to do what it has done well for a few years. It rides smoothly, offers a full suite of driver-assistance and convenience features, and accommodates up to eight passengers. The third-row seat is small and better left for kids, and other hybrid models might be more enjoyable to drive, but the Highlander Hybrid can be a great choice.

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (FWD)

Average Annual Fuel Costs: $1,750

If the standard Highlander isn’t big enough, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid could be the right SUV for you and your family. This larger version offers a smooth ride, adult-sized seats in all three rows, and an excellent base hybrid powertrain. The FWD Grand Highlander Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to offer 245 horsepower through a CVT. This is the most efficient setup, but if you want AWD instead of FWD, the fuel costs will increase.

A Bigger Highlander

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offers a satisfying drive, though it’s not the most exciting. The standard hybrid isn’t particularly quick, but it doesn’t need to be. If you want to enjoy higher towing power, the Hybrid Max powertrain tows 5,000 pounds compared to 3,500 for the regular hybrid powertrain.

Kia Sorento Hybrid (FWD)

Average Annual Fuel Costs: $1,700

Among three-row SUVs, the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid has the lowest average annual fuel costs. Its efficient and refined hybrid powertrain makes it an easy choice for any family that fits inside. It comes with a long list of standard equipment, as expected from Kia, and offers the value associated with a fuel-sipping ride. The Sorento Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and one electric motor, both connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s offered in FWD and AWD to give you a desirable option.

When Fuel Savings Matter

The Kia Sorento Hybrid delivers the goods when it comes to fuel savings. If you want an alternative to the traditional hybrid setup, there’s a PHEV model that can travel up to 30 miles on electricity alone. The contemporary styling and technological advances make the Sorento Hybrid a strong modern choice in its class. Unfortunately, the hybrid model has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, compared to 3,500 pounds for the gasoline-powered models.​​​​​​​

Sources: EPA, fueleconomy.gov