A family car trip is a great way to have a good time with your dearest people, exploring interesting places and getting new experiences. What’s more, today you can easily rent a car anywhere you need online or via convenient car rental app. Among the many vehicle categories, minibuses and minivans are preferred for family tours. However, what if you need not only a big car but also a car to travel off-road? Then an SUV or crossover with 3 rows of seats will be a great option. Such a car can accommodate up to 7-8 passengers, providing comfort for everyone.
Despite the fact that these are usually large cars, some of them offer excellent fuel economy. Which ones? You can find them in the following list…
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Volvo XC90
Volvo XC90 crossover in T8 configuration is recognized as the most economical three-row car in the SUV class. This is a hybrid configuration with a gasoline engine and an electric motor. According to the manufacturer, the average fuel consumption is 2.1 liters per 100 kilometers. If you drive at a speed of 120 km/h and enjoy all the privileges of comfort, the average fuel consumption will be 3.5-4 liters per 100 km.
When driving only on electric motor only, the Volvo XC90 will be able to travel 28 kilometers. The system automatically lowers the crossover, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag. The on-board computer display shows information about which systems are best to turn off in order to maximize energy savings. Many will say that not every standard car or minivan will be able to show such impressive characteristics.
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Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander hybrid is not a luxury, but a reality that can save money well and take your family on vacation with comfort. This model is very popular with car rental companies because it offers excellent driving performance along with fuel efficiency.
In the city, the Highlander Hybrid crossover consumes 8.5 liters of gasoline, on the highway – 8.5 liters, and in the combined driving mode – 8.3 liters. For owners of conventional, non-hybrid Toyota Highlander, this figure is much higher – 12.8 l / 7.6 l / 9.5 l, respectively. The set of the hybrid installation includes a gasoline engine with the volume of 3.5 liters, as well as a pair of electric motors. The total power of the units is 306 hps. As for the gearbox, the manufacturer installs an e-CVT continuously variable transmission in this car.
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Acura MDX
The new Acura MDX has everything you can imagine in your ideal 7 seater rental car. Similarly to the hybrid-powered Volvo XC90 T8, it will surprise with its economy and rich equipment list in terms of comfort. Despite the fact that a powerful V6 engine paired with two electric motors on the front axle is hidden under the hood, the crossover consumes 9 liters on the combined driving mode.
The total power of the hybrid Acura MDX is 321 hps, which are driven by a 7-speed robotic gearbox. The manufacturer doesn’t indicate how much the car can drive on electric traction only, but since it’s a competitor to the Volvo XC90 T8, you can expect a similar distance reserve.
The car’s suspension is adaptive, so the system automatically adjusts the aerodynamic resistance, choosing the most optimal option in terms of the ratio to fuel consumption.
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Mitsubishi Outlander
If the previous leaders of the rating were all hybrid, then the fourth position is occpied by the non-hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander crossover. Compact, small 6 passenger SUV rental with 3 rows of seats is able to present exciting moments of a road trip. The average consumption of such a crossover in the city is 9.7 liters, on the highway 6.2 liters, and in the combined driving cycle it will require 7.5 liters. This is quite impressive considering that the car has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine.
Of course, if you are a driver who doesn’t like to move fast and prefers a moderate driving style, then the fuel consumption of Mitsubishi Outlander crossover will please you even more. The power of the unit is 150 hps, while the maximum torque is 196 Nm.
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Kia Sorento
It would seem that this massive crossover doesn’t fit into the requirements of the most fuel-efficient crossovers, especially with 3 rows of seats. The most economical configuration is considered to be the version with a turbocharged diesel engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Although, the same equipment, but with the Sportmatic automatic transmission, also shows excellent fuel economy figures.
The average consumption of a 7-seater SUV Kia Sorento is 5.7-6 liters per 100 km. In the city, the crossover will require 6.9-7.2 liters, and on the highway 4.9-5.3 liters. A huge advantage is that the drive can be turned off and when driving long distances, the car turns into a comfortable and economy minivan.
Having considered the 5 optimal models of SUVs, it becomes clear that the theory of high fuel consumption of SUVs is not so true. Modern manufacturers are trying their best to reduce fuel consumption, while maintaining all the properties and strengths of crossovers.
Each of the above models will perfectly act as a family rental car, which will comfortably take you to any place, regardless of the quality of the road surface.