Most fuel-efficient 7-seater vehicles in the Philippines

When it comes to 7-seater vehicles in the Philippines, many vehicles rise to the occasion. These often come with a variety of engine powerplants to choose from with the more popular options being the lower displacement gasoline motors and turbo diesel-powered SUVs. However, are still many other options out there that will not only meet the need for a 7-seater capacity but will also give you great fuel economy as well. That being said, we’ve created a list of vehicles per category that will meet your needs and more.

The fuel efficiency numbers on the list will be based on the reviews that we have of the vehicles and will be tallied in terms of points for their respective fuel economy numbers. This means that if a vehicle gets 8 km/L in the city and 16 km/L on the highway then it gets a total of 24 points. In the event of a tie, the vehicle with the higher city fuel efficiency number will take the win. If there are two variants of the vehicle tested, then the model with the higher fuel efficiency figures will be considered. This will better represent what the vehicle is capable of in terms of giving you the best mileage for as little fuel as possible.

It is important to note that these numbers are what we got during our testing and that your results may vary. The list is meant to give you a general idea of what to expect when it comes to how efficient these vehicles are. 

When it comes to fuel efficiency and being able to carry 7 people, the default answer usually goes to midsize SUVs. There are plenty of choices available in the Philippines each one coming with varying levels of features and engine displacements. Without further ado here is the list for the 7-seater diesel SUV segment.

Taking the top spot in the mid-size SUV category is the Toyota Fortuner. In its 2.4-liter configuration, the Japanese SUV is able to score one of the highest fuel efficiency ratings in its class. It can return 11km/L in the City and 19km/L on the highway. This is partly due to the updates that Toyota Philippines has done to the vehicle further increasing its already frugal nature. 

A popular 7-seater diesel midsize SUV to enter the fray is the Ford Everest. High on technology, it has a range of three different engine options to choose from. It can be had with a 2.2-liter, a 2.0-liter single turbo, and a 2.0-liter bi-turbo engine setup. While we don’t have fuel efficiency figures for all of the motor options, we do have the figures for the 2.0-liter bi-turbo powerplant. It returns 8.5 km/L in the city and 18.9 km/L on the highway making it one of the more fuel-efficient offerings for its segment.

While the rest of the competition has gotten new versions, one such veteran continues to fight on with a key selling point being its fuel efficiency. The Isuzu mu-X is one of the more venerable nameplates in the segment coming in with the smallest turbo-diesel engine in the form of the 1.9-liter RZ4E and a much larger 3.0-liter motor. 

The 1.9-liter MT model gets 8.2 km/L in the city and 17.9 km/L on the highway. The automatic version of the 1.9-liter variant pushed out 8.6km/L in the city and 18.2 km/L on the highway.

The 3.0-liter variant, on the other hand, produces 7.1 km/L in the city and 17.9 km/L on the highway. Bigger displacement might not always be the best option especially when it comes to maximizing your fuel efficiency in the case of the mu-X.

A Japanese offering that is also ready to duke it out with the kings of the segment is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. The 7-seater midsize SUV comes well equipped with features and only has one engine option to choose from. The 2.4-liter turbo diesel motor returns 7km/l in city traffic, while on the highway the engine is able to push out 17.7 km/L. 

If you are looking for a South Korean option for the 7-seater SUV segment then look no further than the SsangYong Rexton. The Rexton is currently available in the Philippines with two variants, both coming feature-packed and with a single 2.2-liter turbo diesel motor as the only engine option. The South Korean SUV returns 7.5 km/L in the city and 16km/L on the highway, with good fuel efficiency that puts it on par with the rest of its competition.

Another Japanese entry to make it onto the list is the Nissan Terra. The 7-seater SUV comes well equipped and comes with two drivetrain layouts to choose from. With multiple variants ready to address almost any budget, the Terra is a good choice to consider when buying a midsize SUV. When it comes to fuel efficiency the Japanese vehicle does not disappoint. Thanks to its powerful 2.5-liter turbo diesel motor, it is able to push out 7 km/L in the city, and 16 km/L on the highway. Respectable numbers that put the vehicle on par with the rest of its competitors. 

Another veteran to the 7-seater SUV game is the Chevrolet Trailblazer, much like its Japanese SUV counterpart that was developed alongside it, it too comes with two engine options to choose from. The Golden Bowtie SUV can be had with either a 2.5-liter or a 2.8-liter turbo diesel motor. While we dont have the figures for the 2.5-liter unit, we do have the numbers for the 2.8-liter model. The higher displacement variant pushes out 7 km/L in the city and 14 km/L on the highway. Decent figures for the vehicle, however, it does fall a little bit shy compared to what the other vehicles on this list have to offer.

If you are in need of more space then you might want to consider large SUVs to fit your 7-seater needs. However, bigger doesn’t always mean better as these vehicles will often not come with a more frugal turbo diesel engine.

An American offering that is available in the Philippine market today is the Ford Expedition. This large land yacht comes well equipped and with a smaller displacement engine compared to its Japanese rival. Under the hood, it comes with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 Ecoboost engine, that makes 5km/L in the city and 10 km/L on the highway. While these numbers aren’t the highest, it is understandable especially for a vehicle of its size.

A Japanese entry into the large SUV segment is the Nissan Patrol Royale. A capable off-roader and a luxurious 7-seater, this SUV comes big on features and engine displacement. Under the hood, the Patrol Royale carries with it a large and in charge 5.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine. A good match for its heft and sheer size, the large motor only pushes out 4-5 km/L in the city and 9 km/L on the highway. While not the most frugal of the vehicles out there it does make up for it in terms of the luxuries it offers and the underlying off-road capabilities underneath.

If you want a vehicle that's a little bit more compact but at the same time has a 7-seater capacity, then you might want to consider a compact crossover. These often come with lower displacement engines but still fit the bill in terms of the power and torque they give to match its people hauling capabilities. 

The Honda CR-V is one of the more seasoned veterans on this list. The popular crossover soon evolved into what it is today. It comes equipped with two engine options: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, and a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel powerplant. The gasoline engine pushes out 7.5 km/L in the city and 19.7 km/L on the highway. Its diesel variant, on the other hand, delivers 10.3 km/L in the city and 24 km/L on the highway. 

The Chery Tiggo 8 is a recent newcomer to the segment and comes tech-packed with features that one wouldn’t normally find in its class. The Chery 7-seater crossover comes powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline turbocharged engine that is capable of returning 10 km/L in the city and 15 km/L on the highway. Great figures for a vehicle that also won’t break the bank especially for what it offers.

If you are in the market for a vehicle with car-like ride comfort but comes with a bit more ground clearance and space, then you might want to consider the following vehicles that could best fit your needs. These come in a range of fuel-efficient turbo diesel motors and gasoline fed powerplants that deliver well to return your investment on gasoline.

If you are in the market for a diesel fed midsize 7-seater crossover then you might want to consider the Hyundai Santa Fe. It does well to deliver on power, space, and feature just like many other vehicles in its class. Like many other vehicles on this list, it comes powered by a diesel motor, a 2.2-liter turbocharged engine to be precise. While it comes big on power, it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to fuel efficiency as it produces 8.8 km/L in the city and 22.4 km/L on the highway. 

One of the South Korean entries onto this list is the Kia Sorento. It easily fulfills the criteria of being a 7-seater vehicle and it also comes with an economical power plant to boot. While it isn’t the newest model on the market it still delivers well in terms of its price and features. Under the hood is a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that is capable of producing 7 km/L in the city and 22 km/L on the highway. 

A Japanese entry into the list is the Mazda CX-9, the flagship model of the brand in terms of their 7-seater vehicles. Being a crossover that it is, it carries with it car-like ride comfort despite its size, and ground clearance to match that of its SUV counterparts. Under the hood, the CX-9 comes powered by a 2.5-liter gasoline engine that suits the large body of the vehicle well. Despite its size, the SkyActiv technology found in the engine is able to give the crossover decent fuel efficiency numbers. The CX-9 produces 6.2 km/L in city traffic and 12-13 km/L on the highway.

One of the go-to categories for those looking for a 7-seater vehicle is the MPV segment. These come in various sizes with many engine options to choose from. That said, these vehicles are versatile in what they can offer and come competitively priced as well.

A relative newcomer to the segment, the Suzuki Ertiga quickly became popular thanks to its affordable pricing and the features that it has. For its price bracket, the MPV comes powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine much like the rest of its competitors. The gasoline motor is able to give the vehicle impressive fuel economy figures as it delivers 9.4 km/L in the city and 20.8 km/L on the highway. This makes it easily one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.

Another Japanese entry on the list that comes with SUV-like looks is the Honda BR-V. A popular option for those looking to get a versatile 7-seater vehicle that also won’t break the bank. It comes powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated motor which gives the vehicle fuel economy figures of 8.8 km/L in the city and 21 km/L on the highway. 

If you are looking for a more SUV-like designed vehicle but comes with the same amenities as the Ertiga, then look no further than its brother the Suzuki XL7. Much like the vehicle it's based on, it too comes powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine. It is able to give the vehicle fuel economy figures of 9 km/L in the city and 20 km/L on the highway.

The Mitsubishi Xpander was the Japanese brand’s answer to the growing MPV segment in the country. It comes with a unique and futuristic styling that sets it apart in its class and also comes with the standard features you’d expect from its category. Under the hood, Xpander is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that gives the vehicle fuel efficiency figures of 10 km/L in the city and 17km/L on the highway. It is important to note that it also comes with a higher ground clearance Cross variant which also carries the same engine. For that specific variant, it comes out with 9 km/L in the city and 13km/L on the highway. 

A veteran of its segment, the Toyota Innova, is one of the more recognizable nameplates in its category. It brings with it a large 2.8-liter diesel engine that gives the MPV a great amount of power to haul the people and or cargo that you might need. Speaking of diesel power, the motor is able to return 8.2 km/L in the city and 18.7 km/L on the highway.

A recent addition to the Philippine automotive market from a brand that has been making waves in the country is the Geely Okavango. This 7-seater MPV comes with SUV looks and with a comfortable ride to rival that of a crossover. Under the hood, the Okavango comes powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that is also equipped with a 48V hybrid system. That said the MPV returns 7 km/L in the city and 17.5 km/L on the highway.

Another addition to the MPV segment that seeks to shake things up is the Maxus G50. This MPV carries with it a more minivan-like design, however, differentiates itself from the rest of the pack by being an 8-seater vehicle that comes with a turbocharged gasoline engine. While larger in size compared to its counterparts, the gasoline motor does its best to return good fuel economy figures. The G50 returns 8 km/L in the city and 15 km/L on the highway.

If you are looking for an affordable 7-seater that comes with a popular Japanese brand then look no further than the Honda Mobilio.  Another popular entry from Honda, that fits right in and addresses the needs of those who want a 7-seater vehicle that won’t break the bank. It comes powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that grants it 4.9 km/L in the city and 16.9 km/L on the highway. 

If you want a gasoline SUV that comes with MPV qualities then the Toyota Rush could be your best bet. It comes powered by a 1.5-liter engine that delivers adequate power for the vehicle. The Rush delivers well relatively well equipped for its price point with Toyota recently adding a reverse camera to the E variant and converted it into a 7-seater. When it comes to fuel economy figures that Rush pushes out it is able to do 6.9km/L in the city and 14.1km/L on the highway.