This post is part of a sponsored automotive series. All opinions are mine.
We’re all swayed by being able to save energy and go green these days, but it can be tough to find an energy-efficient vehicle that actually seats the whole family. After being asked this question on Twitter the other day, I took to the books to try and find some of the best eco-friendly cars for larger families. With some help from a friend at a Westchester County (New York) dealer, here’s what I was able to find!
FAMILIES WITH 2 KIDS
For families with two kids, you can typically find more options. Here are a few of my top picks.
Chevy Volt – The Volt is one of the more renowned sedans on the electric vehicle scene. It not only seats 5 (well, 4 comfortably) but it also can travel about 40 miles before the gasoline engine kicks in. Once you do hit the gasoline use, you’ll get about 43/42 MPG (city/hwy). MRSP for the 2018 models start at $33,220.
Honda Accord Hybrid – A tried and true vehicle, the Honda Accord got a little eco-boost in their hybrid version that first rolled out in 2005. In 2013, they also added a plug-in version. The Accord hybrid seats 5 and is said to have one of the most ample legroom capacities in their comparable market. As far as gas mileage, this one gets about 47/47 MPG for the gasoline engine. MSRP for the 2018 models start around $25,100 for the base model.
FAMILIES WITH 3+ KIDS
Volvo XC90 – Not only a sharp ride, this beautiful SUV seats up to 7 with a spacious third row to boot. The hybrid version offers a plug-in option as well, otherwise running on gasoline the T5 FWD model gets 29 MPG highway, and about 22 MPG in the city. There is also an all-wheel drive (AWD) model available for us hardy Minnesotans. MSRP for these begins at about $46,900.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid – Who would have ever thought you could find a minivan that was eco-friendly? This plug-in/gasoline hybrid offers a 33 mile drive before it switches over to gasoline. You can expect about 84 MPGe (which is the estimated gasoline per mile equivalent). MSRP for these starts at around $44,995.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid – Another well-trusted brand, Toyota has created a great option for larger families to have it all. In their Highlander Hybrid, you can fit up to 8 people with it’s popular third row. For gas mileage, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets about 30 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, which seems a little backwards, but those are the facts! You can purchase these vehicles (2018 models) starting at $36,670.
With more concern for the environment and in the same effort to save money, it makes sense why more people are looking for energy-efficient vehicles for their families. These were my top picks, if you have a favorite to add, leave me a comment below!
Side note: I previously wrote about whether or not electric vehicles will raise your electricity bill, in case you want to check that out while you’re doing your research.
Til next time,
Sarah
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