5 Used Three-Row SUVs That Get the Best Real Gas Mileage According to Consumer Reports – Jalopnik

As much as it pains parents to admit it, there’s no such thing as a cool three-row family wagon. You may tell yourself that people respect your Ford Explorer ST more than a Honda Odyssey, but do they really? Of course not. We’re talking about gigantic vehicles designed to transport children, and in that regard, price, practicality, reliability and fuel economy are the most important things.

Unfortunately for most hardworking Americans, new family carriers have become ridiculously expensive, putting them out of reach for many. The good news is that used three-row crossovers can still be great options. But which ones are worth considering, especially if you’re concerned about gas mileage?

To help you there, our friends Consumer Reports recently compiled a list of 2020 model year three-row SUVs that are reliable and highly rated, while also achieving the best real-world gas mileage in the segment (based on their own testing and owner-reported fuel economy data). Let’s see which crossovers made the top five.

Although the 2020 Lexus RX L gets a V6 that you’ll likely find much more refined than the turbocharged four-cylinder engine that replaced it in the current Lexus RX, don’t expect sporty driving. But it’s a well-reviewed, highly recommended luxury crossover that returned 20 mpg Consumer Reports‘ testing. Owners have fared slightly better, however, reporting that it achieves an overall average of 22 mpg.

That said, it has a V6 like the Lexus and may be quicker than you expected, even if it isn’t a seven-seat Corvette in terms of handling or acceleration. And despite being big enough to compete in space with some full-size SUVs, it also returned 20 mpg Consumer Reports‘ testing. And like the Lexus, owners report slightly better fuel economy, with an average of 22 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander also gets a V6, which will be a welcome relief for anyone who struggles with Toyota’s rattling, loud, unrefined four-cylinders. In Consumer Reports‘Testing it still returned 22mpg. Meanwhile, owners report seeing an average of 23 mpg overall. Those aren’t Toyota hybrid numbers, but keep in mind that hybrids also typically cost more upfront. and you are not guaranteed to get your money back quickly.

Unlike the crossovers we’ve seen on this list so far, the CX-9 uses a turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers plenty of power and should make up for the power drops that naturally aspirated engines see at higher altitudes. In Consumer ReportsDuring testing, the CX-9 returned 22 mpg overall, with owners reporting an average of 24 mpg.

If you opt for the hybrid version, you’ll have to trade the non-hybrid V6 for a four-cylinder, but any complaints you have about the engine will likely pale in comparison to how much better the gas mileage is. In Consumer ReportsIn testing it returned 35mpg overall, with owners reporting an average of 34mpg. Good luck finding another used three-row crossover that can match it.