You don’t have to be a parent to want a three-row SUV. After all, these vehicles are great for all types of drivers, especially those who frequently carry passengers and cargo. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer loading up with camping gear or a regular carpool participant trekking into the city with you and your workmates in tow, three-row SUVs come in handy. What also comes in handy is a vehicle that’s fuel efficient, which makes hybrids excellent choices for those who don’t have time to spend at the gas pump, let alone want to entertain these high fuel prices.
Searching for an accommodating travel companion that’s also efficient would naturally lead shoppers to hybrid three-row SUVs. So, why are there hardly any such options out there? There seem to be more sports cars available, which aren’t practical at all, than hybrid three-row SUVs, which are practical and beneficial options for many drivers. Passing by your local Toyota dealer, you’ll find two in the lineup; however, aside from Toyota, the options are few and far between. If you’re wondering where all the hybrid three-row SUVs are hiding, you’re not alone, as this seems to be an untapped market.
Why They’re Great
What makes hybrid three-row SUVs so in tune with the needs of drivers near and far, you ask? Well, for one, they’re highly versatile. Three rows of seats are there to cater to whoever and whatever is joining you on the ride. Parents love them because they don’t have to resort to a minivan and lose what’s left of their cool. Drivers who yearn to get out into nature have plenty of space to put all of their must-have adventure gear. People who are hauling passengers around town can offer all on board ample legroom. The list goes on.
In addition to three rows of space and an abundance of cargo room, hybrid three-row SUVs are efficient, capable, and comfortable, making them ideal options in the industry. Choosing a hybrid means that you get to tap into power from an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to move forward. These components work in tandem with one another to ensure drivers are taking advantage of better fuel economy than strictly gas-powered cars can offer. This is especially appealing to parents carting their children to all the various places they need to go during the day, as well as those regularly clocking in miles on the interstate.
Many hybrid three-row SUVs offer various features to make the drive better. For families, you’ll find entertainment options for the youngsters. Cargo solutions, like roof rails, stowable seating, and numerous cubbies, help you remain organized on board. Enhanced capabilities, like all-wheel drive, dedicated drive modes, and more, allow drivers to create the ride they demand out on the open road. Being able to drive a vehicle that’s spacious enough to accommodate large families, loads of gear, and more while also being easy on the wallet at the pump makes hybrid three-row SUVs outstanding options for busy travelers everywhere.
Hybrid Three-Row Options
So, let’s meet the options drivers have when it comes to hybrid three-row SUVs. It’s important to note that this segment is quite small, which begs the question—why? If they’re this accommodating, why aren’t there more of them? I think that as time goes on, we’re going to see more options emerge, especially since so many automakers are turning towards hybrid and electric offerings. In the meantime, though, here’s what you have to work with:
Toyota Highlander
This Toyota staple has been a family favorite for years. Not only does the 2024 Highlander Hybrid offer an arsenal of superior safety features, but it’s also cavernous inside without being too imposing to drive. A traditional gas option is also available, but opting for the hybrid is highly recommended for drivers who want to take advantage of maximum fuel efficiency. With a 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, the 2024 Highlander Hybrid allows travelers to enjoy heightened efficiency, getting an estimated 36 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. Dynamic Torque-Vectoring All-Wheel Drive comes to the rescue in dangerous environments, like bad weather and uneven terrain, while a 3,500-lb towing capacity appeals to those traveling with small campers and trailers.
The Highlander Hybrid seats up to eight in its three rows, and no matter where you’re seated, it’s important to note that this vehicle offers ample legroom and comfort for all. This Toyota favorite is also armed with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which makes it a winner for families, with features like Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist to gently guide drivers back into their lane if they stray, as well as a Pre-Collision System, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and more. The Highlander Hybrid also offers a Blind Spot Monitor and Front and Rear Parking Assist to aid in tricky driving situations, making it ideal for a multitude of different drivers.
Toyota Grand Highlander
For those who need more space, the larger Grand Highlander delivers 97.5 cu.ft. of cargo volume, compared to the Highlander’s 84.3 cu.ft. Even adults can ride comfortably in the third row, which is another win for the Grand Highlander, and with two hybrid powertrains available, finding the power and efficiency you need is a given in this Toyota model. A 2.5L hybrid powertrain and a more powerful 2.4L i-FORCE MAX turbocharged hybrid option allow drivers to design the ride they demand; the latter delivers 362 hp to the drive to elevate excitement on board. The turbocharged variant also offers more towing power for your ride, allowing you to pull up to 5,000 lbs without issue. Getting an estimated 37 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway with its 2.5L option, the 2024 Grand Highlander is equipped to handle any type of journey.
Kia Sorento
There’s one other hybrid three-row option out there; however, it’s not quite as impressive as the Toyota models. It’s the Kia Sorento, armed with three rows to accommodate passengers and up to 75.5 cu.ft. of space for gear. As you can see, this is much smaller than the Highlander models, which can be a disappointment for those who need as much space as they can get. Its third row is also a bit tight, which probably won’t make adult passengers very happy to be seated in the back. With two hybrid powertrains to choose from—a traditional hybrid powertrain and a plug-in hybrid variant—the 2024 Sorento gets an EPA-estimated 39 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway or 79 MPGe with its plug-in option. Although its efficiency is impressive, it’s seriously lacking in power, only able to tow up to 2,000 lbs.
Calling All Hybrid Three-Row SUVs
When it comes to space, SUVs offer it, and when you need more, three-row SUVs can handle this challenge like pros. When you want to take advantage of some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the streets, hybrids are it. Combine the two, and you get hybrid three-row SUVs, ideal for a multitude of different drivers.
Although you don’t see too many of these models out there, it doesn’t mean that more aren’t coming down the pipeline. It’s only a matter of time before automakers are offering a mostly hybrid and electric inventory, which means that more three-row SUVs are bound to receive hybrid upgrades. Until then, however, you have some really outstanding models to choose from in Toyota’s selection, making it easier for families to handle their little ones, adventurers to carry their gear, carpoolers to enjoy the commute, and many more travelers to engage in a ride that caters to their needs.
