Smallest fuel efficient Min 6 seat car/suv

Hi. I can't speak for the rest, but I've been eying the Sedona for a while too due to the seating/size. It's a feature packed vehicle for sure, but the fuel economy isn't that great from what I've seen. The only other option I saw was the pacifica plug in hybrid(which is also a van), but it's like 40k+ for a used one :/

There's the kia niro, but that one only seats 5, butt to get more room than with a sedan. But yeah, it's a bit difficult finding something efficient yet roomy if you don't have lots of money.

Sedona is a minivan, if you're ok with that size the Toyota Sienna is more ideal. Kia Sedona has a bigger resale problem than even the typical Kia. Toyota Highlander is a reliable 7 seater CUV...but it actually drives worse than the Sienna, feels even more soccer mom-like. The biggest problem with the 7 seater CUV and even big SUVs is their 3rd row seats are never ideal. Only the minivan class has 3rd row seats that will never be a problem even in the event your children get to adult sizes unexpectedly early. However with fuel efficiency...there is no really efficient 7 seater other than the Pacifica hybrid. Also note all 7 seaters are very large, a Chevrolet Tahoe is bigger than everything mentioned but its not that much bigger. Of the 3 you listed, the Ascent is the most fuel efficient, but its only slightly more and likely the only reason it is comes down to the fact its smaller than the other 3.

You're left with this conundrum. How often do you need those 6 seats? If its often, you'll take that penalty in fuel and drive a big vehicle, there's no way around it. If its not often at all...its probably wiser to save the money and go with a more manageable 5 seater car. They'll be more fuel efficient, cheaper to buy, if you go with sedan/hatchback/wagons they're cheaper to run and when you need those 6-7 seats just rent a 7-seater.

Tesla Model X seats 7. Though there's really no reason for an SUV, so you should just get the Model S with 7 seats.

Kia Rondo? Mazda5 or Orlando used?

If you can wait for the Model Y 3rd row, might be another option.

vkizzle wrote: ↑XC90 PHEV.

OP you never stated your budget, what is it?

Model S

engineered wrote: ↑ Tesla Model X seats 7. Though there's really no reason for an SUV, so you should just get the Model S with 7 seats.

Damn it, beat me to it LOL

Can't get anymore fuel efficient when it doesn't need fuel...

Under $55k but lower the better!

x3fann wrote: ↑ OP you never stated your budget, what is it?

Smallest 6 person SUV
Rogue
Outlander
Tiguan

Definitely not XC90 or model x

Just get the pacifica hybrid then.

Caravan /thread

I'm biased but I like my Honda pilot. Can actually fit people in third row.

How do you find the reliability and fuel efficiency?

x3fann wrote: ↑ Just get the pacifica hybrid then.

+1

I don't own one, but it would be on my very short list if requiring 6 seats. Qualifies for a $5,000 federal incentive and can do most of your driving for $1/day of cheap electricity. Unfortunately in the winter months it's still going to run the gas engine a fair bit to generate heat.

engineered wrote: ↑ Tesla Model X seats 7. Though there's really no reason for an SUV, so you should just get the Model S with 7 seats.

there's an S with 7 seats?

konsensei wrote: ↑ there's an S with 7 seats?

Yes.