I think important aspect to consider is how often you plan to fully utilize the 7-seater aspect of the car. Do you have a big family and need to transport everyone often? My primary concern would be your range when you’re at max capacity for passengers and cargo if you make frequent trips. Most of the time, range tests are performed to show maximum available range often in best conditions and with the driver plus minimum cargo/passengers. And if you’re buying a 3-row or specifically wanting that feature, I’d imagine you have a big family and are looking for a car to take a big family around rather frequently.

I’m not sure there’s many, if any at all, range tests of 3-rows with fully loaded passenger/cargo. But in 2022 for example MotorTrend did a 3000 lb towing test with an F150 in perfect weather and it dropped the range from 255 in their real world test down to 115, and we’ve seen many EV owners talk about the range drops with towing, heavy cargo, or even just roof racks causing 10-15% range drops. Hell, I drive a Polestar 2 and loading the car with two or three passengers loses 10% efficiency for me. So what would that look like for a family looking to take their 7 people, plus luggage, in the winter when you’re driving to grandma’s house? Would the entire family be patient enough to sit at a charging station for 40 minutes while the massive battery juices up to 80%, likely every hour or two?

Don’t get me wrong, EV9 is a fantastic car. And I’m drooling at the EX90 but also the upcoming volvo EM90 (Volvo, EV, Minivan??? Sign me the HECK up. Too bad it’s currently a China exclusive…). But I don’t think battery efficiency, capacity, technology, and charging infrastructure is there yet for someone looking for a family hauler. Maybe if you live in a place with close to perfect EV weather with great charging support year round, like CA, it may be realistic. Or if you don’t plan to use the 3-row function as often and just need it for rare/occasional family outings.

I think the best compromise is, as you’ve mentioned, PHEVs. In which case the CX-90 and EX90 are really great vehicles for filling the back with kids. If you need to transport 7 adults, the TX will offer a lot more third row legroom and I believe is more efficient than both the CX90 and EX90. A minivan like Pacifica or Odyssey will ultimately offer the best cargo capacity, passenger comfort, and car-like driving experience, but I concede that they are not everyone’s first choice when it comes to style.

Source: I live in a big family, my dad is looking for a 3-row SUV that can fit 7 adults plus, get great fuel economy, can take long trips often (like regularly from PA to NYC to see relatives), minimizes time spent on the road.