What are the options if I've got a family of eight and we'd like something that gets decent gas mileage? We are looking for something with low mileage, and it must have ample seating for eight (third row must seat real people, unlike some of the tiny third-row seats). Mileage needs to be in the 20-25 mpg range. Are any manufacturers coming out with diesels in the near future?
Finding an eight-passenger hauler is not a problem, as most full-size, truck-based SUVs and vans can do it well with a third row and ample room. A list of vans and SUVs can be found here, where Ask.cars.com answered which vans can carry nine people.
However, finding one of these gas guzzlers that will get 20-25 mpg is virtually impossible — unless, of course, all your driving is downhill with a strong tailwind, but we guess not. You most likely won't see diesels used in this segment for increased mileage ratings, but rather hybrid technology.
Before the end of the year, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon will have hybrid versions that should be able to reach combined 20 mpg ratings. That is, if GM’s current mileage claims hold true in real-world driving. Both hybrids will have a third-row seat and can fit eight people.
We drove the two hybrid SUVs at a recent GM event and walked away rather impressed at the hybrid’s seamless operation. Being a two-mode hybrid, these SUVs can operate solely on battery power, engine power or a combination of the two.
Senior Editor Joe Wiesenfelder spent time driving the Tahoe hybrid and writes in his First Drive article, “After driving it and its full-size sister SUV, the GMC Yukon Hybrid — and after grilling GM's execs — there don’t appear to be any significant tradeoffs compared to a regular model. That said, the gas mileage is now described only as "up to 25% better" than the non-hybrid in mixed driving and up to 40% better in the city. That would mean gas mileage around 19.6 mpg in city driving, while the mixed-driving estimate could be as high as 20 mpg. EPA numbers will be released closer to the on-sale date in the fourth quarter of 2007.”
Pricing hasn’t been released yet, but Wiesenfelder dishes out details we do know: “GM execs suggest the hybrid won't exceed the price of either model's most-loaded non-hybrid trim level, which is just shy of $40,000 for a Tahoe LTZ 4WD and $49,420 for a Yukon Denali AWD, including destination charges.”
UPDATE: As our attentive readers pointed out, some minivans can carry eight people and have the possibility of mileage in the 20-25 mpg range – depending on your driving style and use, of course. The 2007 Honda Odyssey (with cylinder deactivation available on higher end models) and Toyota Sienna are available with seating for eight and both have EPA ratings of 17 city/ 24 highway mpg when using the EPA’s 2008 testing procedure. Without cylinder deactivation the Odyssey is rated at 16/23 mpg. The 2008 ratings are more reflective of real-world driving but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll achieve those estimates. The Honda Pilot can also seat eight, but its mileage ratings are a little lower and whether or not it can comfortably fit three in the back seat depends on the occupants’ size: Children should be fine but you’ll be pushing it with three adults back there.
Learn more
Dodge Sprinter easily holds 8 and is 3 litre V6 diesel powered, No EPA rating, but 20 MPG is not rare
Hm...I am thinking of having 2 vehicles in order to achieve that.
Jason, you’re right. Some minivans can haul eight people when equipped with a second row bench seat and can get 20-25 mpg. We’ll get a list up shortly of minivans that can do exactly that. Feel free to go ahead a shout `em out if anyone has any more. Thanks.
Also you guys failed to mention the the crossover triplets (Outlook, Acadia, and Enclave)from GM that get milage ratings of (18/26 FWD) and (17/24 AWD). These are solid alternatives to a full-size SUV or minivan.
Looking for the same. Pilot will, Honda and Toyota have an 8 passenger mini van options. Any others?
David J
The crossover triplets get 17mpg in the city. How often and how much do you really drive on the interstate to get the 26? If you travel a great deal than ok, if you do most in the city than its the same as a truck but with more room.
I own a 2007 Toyota Sienna which seats 7 or 8 passengers. It has the most space with the best fuel economy. I average 23.5 MPG; however, this was good mileage when gas was 99 cents/gallon. The best mileage that I achieved was 27 MPG on the highway.
"I own a 2007 Toyota Sienna which seats 7 or 8 passengers. It has the most space with the best fuel economy. I average 23.5 MPG; however, this was good mileage when gas was 99 cents/gallon. The best mileage that I achieved was 27 MPG on the highway.
Posted by: John,"
Hmmm? Did you mean a 1947 Toyota Sienna when "gas was $.99 a gallon"? Maybe you meant $2.99 a gallon?
When I took a quick peek at a Yukon hybrid at a dealer last month, I was aghast at the 3rd row seat. There is no foot well! Maybe babes in car seats could sit comfortably, but how can anyone rate this as an 8 seater! I was appalled.
I have a Chevy Venture (2000), which seats 8, has the extended cab, larger engine (for towing). It has been getting 32 miles per gallon (suburbs). For city driving it did obtain only 28 MPG. recently. Wish they continued to make it, having a hard time finding a new car that seats 8 and can have the storage space, as well as the millage I receive. Been looking for a new vehicle for the past year - just can't imagine getting less millage than 32 MPG.
i read and am becoming increasing frustrated,, If diesel engines give better milage, and familys with 3+ kids require them, why are we being confind/guided, basically told that we have to buy a big V8 gas engine, when in europe they have diesel engines in the majority of vehicles.. if this is not control and monopolisation i do not know what is...
its not about profit for big corporations, in my mind its fast becoming what are we going to leave for our children, as well as practically combining the technologies we have today with a plan for the future.
As well as listening to what large families require instead of penalising us.
See if your question has already been asked and answered
Your question has been successfully submitted to Ask.cars.com. It will now be reviewed by our editors and we'll answer it soon if we think it's a useful question. You will be notified via e-mail when the answer is posted. Ask.cars.com tackles your questions about new cars and the car-buying process. Unfortunately we can't answer questions regarding:
Have our experts answer any of your questions about new cars.
Don't worry — we won't publish your last name or email.
What about an 8-passenger minivan? The first one that comes in mind is the Honda Odyssey, which has 2007 EPA ratings of 19/26.