Most Fuel-Efficient Used Three-Row SUVs

Consumer Reports tested the gas mileage of these affordable models

2017-2018 Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Photo: Toyota

If you need to carry more than five passengers, a three-row SUV is a good option. But newer models can be pricey, and midsized SUVs rarely match the fuel efficiency of a smaller vehicle.

Today, buying used is an even more compelling choice because of both the spike in fuel costs as well as the global shortage of the chips that has caused shipments of new cars to be delayed or coming in at lower-than-expected volumes.

That’s why Consumer Reports put together this list of 5-year-old three-row midsized SUVs with the best overall fuel economy, from luxury models to efficient hybrids. All performed well enough in our tests to be recommended when new, and all have average or better reliability according to Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Surveys, where we ask CR members to tell us about what went wrong with their cars.

MORE ON SUVs
Used Luxury SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead
Best New Cars and SUVs for Under $30,000
Most Reliable Midsized SUVs
Best 3-Row SUVs From Consumer Reports' Tests

These SUVs are also recent enough that their performance in our tests—such as acceleration, braking, and fuel economy—is on a par with brand-new models. Plus, many were available with active safety features such as forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), and blind spot warning (BSW) as either standard or optional equipment.

Some of these models include our Green Choice designation, which highlights the vehicles with the cleanest emissions.

Armed with these data, which aren’t available anywhere else, you can narrow down the right used three-row SUV for your needs.

If you’re a CR member, this article and the list below are already available to you. But if you haven’t signed up, click below and become a member to access this list and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and appliances.

Sign up for CR’s Cars email newsletter to be notified when we post our latest road tests.

Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

Become a Member
More From Consumer Reports