Which 2024 Three-Row SUV Gets the Best Real-World Gas Mileage?

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid achieved a dominant real-world fuel economy of 35.1 mpg in our extensive testing, making it the clear choice for buyers prioritizing efficiency. The other six contenders, including the Honda Pilot and Volkswagen Atlas, were separated by a remarkably narrow margin of just 1.9 mpg, meaning your monthly fuel costs will likely be similar if you choose a conventional gasoline model.

For families, fuel efficiency is often a top concern, directly impacting the monthly budget. Modern three-row SUVs have evolved from gas-guzzling behemoths into surprisingly efficient people-haulers. To cut through manufacturer claims and provide actionable data, we conducted a rigorous, real-world fuel economy test over a 250-mile route with seven popular 2024 models. This test was designed to replicate a typical family trip, providing a realistic picture of what you can expect at the pump.

How Did We Test Real-World MPG for These Family SUVs?

To ensure fair and accurate results, our testing methodology was meticulously planned. We embarked on a 250-mile drive through Southern California, a route chosen for its variety of driving conditions including sustained elevation changes, mountain passes, highway cruising, and traffic-clogged urban areas. This diverse landscape ensures the results are representative of mixed daily use, not just ideal highway conditions.

Key aspects of our testing protocol included:

• Driver Rotation: Seven drivers cycled through each SUV at set intervals to minimize the impact of individual driving styles on the results.
• Real-World Settings: All vehicles were driven in their normal mode with air conditioning on自动, windows up, and cruise control disengaged.
• Precise Measurement: Each SUV was filled with the same 91-octane fuel from the same pump before and after the test. We calculated fuel economy based on miles traveled divided by gallons burned, then averaged that figure with the vehicle's own trip computer reading for a final, reliable mpg number.

So, Which 2024 Three-Row SUV Is the Fuel Economy Winner?

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited was the undisputed champion, returning an impressive 35.1 mpg. This result, which is more than 10 mpg better than the next most efficient vehicle, highlights the significant advantage of its hybrid powertrain. For buyers who log high annual mileage or simply want to minimize fuel stops, the Grand Highlander Hybrid stands in a class of its own.

The results for the non-hybrid SUVs were far more competitive. Here is how the entire lineup stacked up:

The narrow spread from second place (24.8 mpg) to seventh place (22.9 mpg) illustrates that among traditional gasoline-powered three-row SUVs, fuel economy is remarkably consistent. Your choice will likely be influenced more by other factors like styling, technology, or cargo space than by a major difference in fuel costs.

What Do These Results Mean for Your Next SUV Purchase?

Based on our assessment experience, the key takeaway is clear: if minimizing fuel expenditure is your primary goal, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is the unequivocal recommendation. Its hybrid system delivers tangible, significant savings that justify its typically higher upfront cost over time.

However, if you prefer a conventional V-6 or turbocharged engine, the decision becomes less about fuel economy and more about other vehicle attributes. The difference of 1.9 mpg between the Pilot and the Ascent is minor in terms of annual fuel costs. Therefore, you should feel confident prioritizing the SUV that best meets your family's needs in terms of interior comfort, driving dynamics, safety features, and overall value. Test driving your top two or three choices is highly recommended to see which vehicle feels right for you, as their on-road character varies more than their fuel consumption.