5 fuel-efficient three-row used vehicles
There's a good chance that gasoline prices will rise again this summer. But what about afterwards, and for the next few years? One thing's for sure: the days of cheap gasoline are over.
For families who need a vehicle with three rows of seats, that's a shame, because the higher fuel consumption quickly adds to the bill at the pump - unless you opt for a 100% electric or plug-in hybrid model, but that's another story. So many people turn to the second-hand market, looking for a lower price to save money.
Are you one of them? Here are five examples of fuel-efficient three-row used vehicles to suit all tastes and needs. Note: fuel consumption ratings are those of Natural Resources Canada for an unloaded vehicle.
Kia Rondo
An alternative to conventional minivans, like the Mazda5, the Rondo offered an optional third row of seats to accommodate seven people in total, enhancing its practicality. Equipped with a four-cylinder engine developing 164 hp, it consumed just over 9 L/100 km before being withdrawn in 2017.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Like the current generation, introduced in 2022, the old Outlander could accommodate up to seven passengers. Two engines were on the menu, one with four cylinders (166 hp) and the other with six (224 hp). Some versions were able to combine the former with seven seats. This resulted in an average fuel consumption of 9.1 L/100 km... at the expense of power, of course.
Mazda CX-9
The second-generation CX-9 (2016-2023) wasn't just handsome and agile: it could also be fuel-efficient thanks to Mazda's Skyactiv technology. Instead of a V6, this three-row Japanese midsize SUV operated a turbocharged four-cylinder (227 hp) and offered front-wheel-drive versions, lowering its average fuel consumption to 9.6 L/100 km. Add almost a liter if you opt for a four-wheel-drive model.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan has become much bigger for its second generation (2018 to date), but it has also added an optional third row of seats. Obviously, this is only suitable for young children and not for long distances. However, it's a good troubleshooter in certain situations. With 4MOTION all-wheel drive, the seven-seater Tiguan burns just under 10 L/100 km.
Toyota Highlander hybrid
An electrified model has to be included in this list, and the Highlander hybrid is certainly one of the first names you should think of. The previous generation (2014-2019) did a good job, averaging 8.3 L/100 km, but the new one (2020 to present) is nothing short of exceptional: 6.7 L/100 km. And this Highlander can still tow up to 3,500 lbs. Its system is also found in the latest Sienna minivan, introduced in 2021.
