15) 2018 Cadillac Escalade
Annual Fuel Cost: $3,050 l 14/23 mpg city/hwy | $74,695 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
The Cadillac Escalade places near the bottom of our luxury large SUV rankings. It has a worst-in-class predicted reliability rating and below-average passenger and cargo volume. However, it does feature a brawny V8 engine, excellent towing capacity, and a high-end cabin. The Escalade comes standard with an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 360-degree parking camera system, active park assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a Teen Driver safety system.
According to the EPA, despite the Escalade’s huge footprint and powerful engine, it returns good fuel economy for the class. Expect to pay $3,050 per year to fill it up.
14) 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser
Annual Fuel Cost: $2,850 l 13/18 mpg city/hwy | $84,565 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
Toyota’s luxury large Land Cruiser is a top choice for off-roading, earns great marks for predicted reliability, and offers a comfortable cabin with room for eight passengers and a decent amount of cargo. It also has more standard features than most rivals, including a 9-inch touch screen, navigation, Siri Eyes Free, wireless phone charging, and a full suite of advanced driver assistance technologies.
The Land Cruiser is powered by a strong V8 engine with plenty of low-end torque. Its EPA miles-per-gallon rating is not its strong suit, but it doesn’t require premium gasoline like the Escalade and many other luxury SUVs. For this reason, the Land Cruiser’s annual fuel cost is only $2,850.
13) 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS
Annual Fuel Cost: $2,700 l 17/22 mpg city/hwy | $69,550 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.9/10
The Mercedes-Benz GLS boasts one of the most opulent cabins in our luxury large SUV rankings, with three spacious rows and generous cargo capacity. It also has one of the lowest starting prices in its class and receives an above-average rating for predicted reliability. Its standard turbocharged V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission are among the best in the class when it comes to fuel economy, resulting in an annual fuel cost of $2,700.
While the GLS doesn’t offer many standard features aside from some active safety tech, a plethora of desirable amenities are available, like a rear-seat entertainment system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
12) 2018 Audi Q7
Annual Fuel Cost: $2,450 l 19/25 mpg city/hwy | $49,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
Audi’s Q7 delivers sporty performance, comes packed with features, and has a handsome interior. It seats seven passengers in three rows, though the third row is cramped. You can choose either of the Q7’s two engine options, and annual fuel costs will remain the same at $2,450. The base turbocharged four-cylinder is the economical choice and it provides sufficient power. Upgrading to the supercharged V6 significantly increases acceleration and towing capacity, but it will cost you an extra $6,500.
Rounding out the Audi’s strengths are strong crash test scores, user-friendly cargo options, and a top-notch 7-inch infotainment system. Standard safety features include front and rear parking sensors and forward collision warning with automatic braking.
11) 2018 Infiniti QX60
Annual Fuel Cost: $2,350 l 20/27 mpg city/hwy | $43,300 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
The Infiniti QX60 crossover SUV has roomy, comfortable seating for seven passengers. Unlike in many 3-row SUVs, the third row in the QX60 can accommodate adults.
Despite the QX60’s low position in our competitive luxury midsize SUV rankings, it earns excellent crash test ratings, provides more overall cargo volume than some rivals, and gets good gas mileage. According to the EPA, it will cost $2,350 annually to fill up the QX60.
The QX60 comes with one engine option: a strong V6 paired with a polished continuously variable automatic transmission. Notable standard features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a user-friendly 8-inch touch screen.
8) 2018 Lincoln Navigator (tie)
Annual Fuel Cost: $2,250 l 16/23 mpg city/hwy | $72,555 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
The completely redesigned Lincoln Navigator heartily holds the top spot in our luxury large SUV rankings. For such a large vehicle, it returns good fuel economy. In addition, its potent twin-turbo V6 doesn’t require premium fuel. This results in an EPA-estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250.
The Navigator is an outstanding choice due to its top-notch predicted reliability rating and class-leading cargo capacity. It also provides a cushioned ride and seats up to eight, with plenty of support in all three rows.
The Navigator includes a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 10-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, the MyKey parental control system, and front and rear parking sensors as standard.
8) 2018 Lincoln MKT (tie)
Annual Fuel Cost: $2,250 l 16/24 mpg city/hwy | $43,530 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10
Lincoln’s luxury midsize MKT features a sufficient V6 base engine that uses regular gasoline and costs the same $2,250 per year to fuel as the Navigator. The MKT lands near the bottom of our rankings, due to dated styling and a lack of agility.
However, it does have some attractive qualities, like spacious seating in its first two rows, above-average cargo room, and an intuitive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s also significantly less expensive than a majority of competing models.
8) 2018 Acura MDX (tie)
Annual Fuel Cost: $2,250 l 20/27 mpg city/hwy | $44,200 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
The Acura MDX is U.S. News’ 2018 Best Luxury 3-Row SUV for the Money award winner. It earns excellent safety scores, comes loaded with features, and provides a smooth ride and composed handling. The MDX is powered by an energetic V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. According to the EPA, this setup costs $2,250 per year to fuel. While the MDX returns good fuel economy, premium gasoline is required, which pushes its annual fuel cost up.
The MDX offers seating for up to seven passengers in three rows. The first two rows have plenty of room, but the third row is tight. Standard features include an entire suite of advanced driver assistance technologies and a dual-screen infotainment system with an 8-inch upper display above a 7-inch touch screen. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
7) 2018 Land Rover Discovery
Annual Fuel Cost: $2,100 l 21/26 mpg city/hwy | $56,285 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
The four-wheel-drive Land Rover Discovery – with its available turbodiesel six-cylinder – has an annual fuel cost of $2,100. It’s $2,000 to get the diesel engine, but it will save you $750 per year over the standard supercharged V6. Additionally, the Discovery doesn’t come standard with a third row. Adding the 7 Seat Package costs $2,195 and includes a two-speed transfer case and adaptive air suspension.
The Discovery boasts outstanding off-road prowess, solid handling, and a premium cabin with spacious seats and an expansive cargo hold. Navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 10-inch touch screen, and rear parking sensors come standard.
6) 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Annual Fuel Cost: $2,000 l 22/28 mpg city/hwy | $72,625 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
Land Rover’s Range Rover Sport offers the same turbodiesel engine option as the Discovery, but it costs a touch less to fuel, at $2,000 annually. The Range Rover Sport is tied with the Discovery in our luxury midsize SUV rankings and offers many of the same strengths, including standard four-wheel drive, exceptional off-road capability, an attractive cabin, and agile handling. However, its smaller size makes for a constricting third row and limited space for cargo.
The Range Rover Sport is significantly more expensive than the Discovery. Once you opt for the turbodiesel engine ($2,000) and the available third-row seating ($2,040) – which requires 20-inch wheels ($1,835) – it will cost you over $16,000 more than the Discovery. It includes most of the same standard features as its stablemate, adding lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking.
5) 2018 BMW X5 (tie)
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,950 l 23/29 mpg city/hwy | $64,150 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10
The BMW X5 is our 2018 Best Luxury 3-Row SUV for Families award recipient and offers a fuel-efficient turbodiesel six-cylinder engine. It features a smooth ride, athletic handling, and a luxurious cabin. Rain-sensing windshield wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and a 10.2-inch touch screen are standard. You have to upgrade to get other niceties like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless device charging, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
The X5 turbodiesel only comes with all-wheel drive and costs about $1,500 more than the all-wheel-drive gasoline-powered X5, but it will save you $600 per year on fuel. The EPA says fueling up will cost $1,950 annually. You also have to upgrade to get third-row seating, which is only suitable for children. It’s a $1,700 option but requires specific trims and other options that all add up to more than a $3,000 price increase over the 2-row model.
4) 2018 Lexus RX 350 L (tie)
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,950 l 19/26 mpg city/hwy | $47,670 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
For the 2018 model year, Lexus added the long-wheelbase RX L trim with three rows of comfortable seats. The RX crossover excels due to its handsome cabin, strong V6 engine, and cushioned ride. It’s well-priced compared to many rivals, even in its more expensive 3-row configuration. It comes standard with a wealth of features, including a stocked suite of active safety equipment, an 8-inch display, and voice recognition.
The RX 350 L is powered by a strong V6 engine paired with a quick-shifting automatic transmission. According to the EPA’s fuel cost estimate, it will average $1,950 per year for gasoline.
3) 2018 Acura MDX Hybrid
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,900 l 26/27 mpg city/hwy | $52,100 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
The Acura MDX Hybrid is very similar to its gas-powered counterpart, though it offers more horsepower and comes standard with all-wheel drive. It also returns better fuel economy, with an annual cost of $1,900 per year. That’s $450 less annually than the all-wheel-drive, gas-powered MDX. However, the MDX Hybrid costs nearly $6,000 more. If you plan to keep the car for many years and do a significant amount of city driving, the MDX Hybrid may be worth a look. If not, its lower environmental impact could still sway you.
The MDX Hybrid provides peppy acceleration, nimble handling, and a high-quality interior. The first two rows of seats offer sufficient room, but the third row is confined for adults. The MDX Hybrid comes with a full suite of advanced safety features, a dual-screen infotainment system, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
2) 2018 Lexus RX 450h L
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,750 l 29/28 mpg city/hwy | $50,620 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5/10
The all-new Lexus RX L also comes in a hybrid configuration that costs only $1,750 to fuel annually. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and is powered by the same V6 engine as the standard RX, plus three electric motors, which results in more horsepower. While the hybrid RX L requires premium fuel, it still saves $250 per year over the all-wheel-drive standard RX L, which runs on regular gasoline. The hybrid costs $1,500 more than the non-hybrid. If you drive primarily in the city, it may be a wise choice.
Like its non-hybrid twin, the RX 450h L provides three roomy rows, an attractive interior, and a coddling ride. It also comes with the same 8-inch display and a plethora of standard safety features.
1) 2018 Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,500 l 62 MPGe | $64,950 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
It comes as no surprise that a plug-in hybrid tops our list of the most fuel-efficient luxury 3-row SUVs. The all-wheel-drive Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid’s turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine and single electric motor combine to return exceptional efficiency. You’ll also enjoy up to 19 miles of travel on electricity alone. According to the EPA, the plug-in hybrid XC90 has an annual fuel cost of only $1,500.
The XC90 plug-in hybrid boasts an exquisite cabin, outstanding safety scores, and abundant passenger and cargo space. Still, taller adults may find the third row constricting on longer trips. In addition to an extensive list of standard advanced safety technologies, the XC90 comes equipped with a responsive 9-inch touch-screen interface, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, and a hands-free tailgate.
Honorary Mention: 2018 Tesla Model X
Annual Fuel Cost: $700 l 93 MPGe | $82,500 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5/10
While the Tesla Model X is the only vehicle on this list that doesn’t accept any form of traditional fuel, choosing it will save you a significant amount of gas money annually when compared to the competition. The EPA estimates the all-wheel-drive Model X 75D’s annual fuel cost at only $700. Sure, you need convenient access to charging stations, which should be covered in many locations by Tesla’s Supercharger network. Otherwise, you can charge at home overnight and take advantage of a lower rate for electricity.
The Model X is one of the most expensive 3-row SUVs on our list, second only to the Toyota Land Cruiser. However, the Land Cruiser costs four times as much to fuel. The $82,500 Model X includes seating for seven passengers in three rows. The Model X boasts insane acceleration, class-leading cargo capacity, and a whopping 17-inch touch screen. It comes standard with collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, navigation, an automatic liftgate, a panoramic windshield, and Falcon Wing rear doors.
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15 Most Fuel-Efficient Luxury 3-Row SUVs of 2018
- 2018 Cadillac Escalade - Annual Fuel Cost: $3,050 | 14/23 mpg city/hwy | $74,695
- 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser - Annual Fuel Cost: $2,850 | 13/18 mpg city/hwy | $84,565
- 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS - Annual Fuel Cost: $2,700 | 17/22 mpg city/hwy | $69,550
- 2018 Audi Q7 - Annual Fuel Cost: $2,450 | 19/25 mpg city/hwy | $49,900
- 2018 Infiniti QX60 - Annual Fuel Cost: $2,350 | 20/27 mpg city/hwy | $43,300
- 2018 Lincoln Navigator - Annual Fuel Cost: $2,250 | 16/23 mpg city/hwy | $72,555
- 2018 Lincoln MKT - Annual Fuel Cost: $2,250 | 16/24 mpg city/hwy | $43,530 |
- 2018 Acura MDX - Annual Fuel Cost: $2,250 | 20/27 mpg city/hwy | $44,200
- 2018 Land Rover Discovery - Annual Fuel Cost: $2,100 | 21/26 mpg city/hwy | $56,285
- 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport - Annual Fuel Cost: $2,000 | 22/28 mpg city/hwy | $72,625
- 2018 BMW X5 - Annual Fuel Cost: $1,950 | 23/29 mpg city/hwy | $64,150
- 2018 Lexus RX 350 L - Annual Fuel Cost: $1,950 | 19/26 mpg city/hwy | $47,670
- 2018 Acura MDX Hybrid - Annual Fuel Cost: $1,900 | 26/27 mpg city/hwy | $52,100
- 2018 Lexus RX 450h L - Annual Fuel Cost: $1,750 | 29/28 mpg city/hwy | $50,620
- 2018 Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid - Annual Fuel Cost: $1,500 | 62 MPGe and 27 mpg combined city/hwy | $64,950
- 2018 Tesla Model X - Annual Fuel Cost: $700 | 91/95 MPGe city/hwy | $82,500
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These Luxury 3-Row SUVs Will Save You Money on Fuel
In general, luxury 3-row SUVs will cost you more to fuel than their non-luxury counterparts, as well as most vehicles in other classes. However, engine and transmission technology is improving, many vehicles are built with weight-reducing materials, and automakers are offering more vehicles with alternative powertrains.
While diesel, hybrid, and electric SUVs can save you money, many of the fuel-efficient luxury 3-row SUVs on our list are traditional, gas-powered vehicles, like the 2018 Lexus RX 350 L shown above. In order to give you an idea of each SUV’s annual fuel costs, we’ve consulted the EPA.
The EPA calculates the cost of driving 15,000 miles per year based on each vehicle’s miles per gallon (mpg) and/or miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) in the city and on the highway. It factors the current average price for gas and electricity, as well as the type of gas required (diesel, regular, premium). We’ve based the following ranking on each model’s annual fuel cost.
Remember that we update U.S. News scores and rankings on a regular basis as new expert data and reviews become available. For this reason, the scores mentioned in this slideshow may differ from the scores in our new car rankings.
Keep reading to find out more about today’s luxury 3-row SUVs with the lowest annual fuel costs.
If you’d rather learn about fuel-efficient non-luxury SUVs with three rows, click here.