If you're in the market for a vehicle that can fit your entire family plus loads of gear, a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is an excellent choice.
There are plenty of things going for the SUV. They are a mix of power, cargo space, and off-road toughness that can handle any challenging situation. Large and medium SUVs boast impressive boot space and a folding third-row seat for those extra, unexpected passengers. The most remarkable feature of the SUV, however, is engine power.
These vehicles have enough horses and grunt to speed along the highway or tow a large boat. You'll never have to second-guess yourself when driving an SUV, even when you're loaded with passengers.
So, without further ado, here are our top choices for the best 7-seater SUVs you should consider buying.
Top 7 Seater SUVs
1. Toyota Highlander
If you're looking for a versatile SUV that gives you the best value for money, you can't go wrong with the Toyota Highlander. It comes in six trim levels: LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited, and Limited Platinum, giving you plenty of options depending on your budget. The base model has a 2.7-liter four-banger mated to a six-speed AT gearbox. If you want more oomph, all the other models have the more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood. The cargo space on a Toyota Highlander is an exceptional 83.7 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats folded down.
What We Like: The Toyota Highlander in Limited trim has a PA system, so the third-row passengers (presumably kids) can hear you screaming at them. Quirky, but cool.
2. Infiniti QX60 Hybrid
The Infiniti QX60 Hybrid makes the cut because the world needs more vehicles that consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions. This SUV comes in two options: one with a four-cylinder-hybrid engine and one with a gas-engine. Skip the gas version and go for the QX60 Hybrid with the Driver Assistance Package, which includes front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, cornering assistance, and backup collision intervention. When properly equipped, the four-banger hybrid QX60 can tow around 3,500 pounds. How about that?
What We Like: It's a hybrid.
3. Lexus LX 570
If you're looking for a 7-seater SUV that's a combination of luxury and brawn, the Lexus LX 570 and its 383-horsepower V8 is worth a look. It only comes in one trim but is feature-packed with almost everything you could want in an SUV. Making a wrong turn into some rough terrain won't be a problem because the LX 570 has serious off-road capabilities. It packs a two-speed transfer case, adjustable suspension, locking center differential, and crawl control. For an even plusher interior, the Luxury Package has heated and ventilated first and second-row seats, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The moonroof and a 12.3 infotainment screen come standard.
What We Like: The moonroof and the Mark Levinson audio system. You can live in an LX 570 with these two options, some water, and food. Plus the heated seats, of course.
4. Hyundai Santa Fe XL
The Hyundai Santa Fe XL is a no-nonsense 7-seat SUV that has ample power and can gobble up loads of cargo (and people). Folding the third-row seats gives you 40.9 cubic feet of boot space, but the real magic happens when you fold down the second-row seats, giving you a generous 80 cubic feet of real estate. Upgrading to the top-spec XL gets you second-row captain's chairs for a more luxurious back seat, but seating capacity goes down to six.
What We Like: The captain's chair upgrade adds flavor to the interior, making the SUV look more expensive than it is.
5. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is another value-packed 7-seater that comes in two trims: the base model packing a four-cylinder FWD engine, and the top-spec SX Limited with a beefier V6 engine. Standard kit includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive headlights. If you're getting a Sorento, go for the SX Limited. It has a bigger engine and upgrades like heated first and second-row seats (plus the steering wheel), ventilated front seats, and plush Nappa leather.
What We Like: The top-spec SX Limited and all the options that come with it.
6. Volvo XC90
Volvo has a reputation for building elegant and luxurious vehicles with a strong emphasis on safety. The Volvo XC90 is a seven-seat SUV with a third-row that lives true to the marquee automaker's vision. With both the second and third-row seats folded down, the XC90 offers an outstanding 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space that comes with a standard hands-free liftgate for easy loading. Under the hood, you can choose between three powertrain options: the T5 (250-HP turbo), T6 (316-HP turbo), and the T8 (Plug-in Hybrid). After choosing your engine, you can decide on the trim: Momentum, R-Design, Inscription, and the T8 exclusive Excellence.
What We Like: The T8 plug-in hybrid option and the names for the engine trim, which sounds a little like codenames for the Terminator.
7. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV from the American carmaker that can seat seven people, thanks to the standard third-row seat. If you don't need to seat that many people, you can opt for the upscale look of the captain's chairs. The Explorer has five trim levels with three engine options. Available trims include XLT, Sport, Limited, and Platinum. For the engine options, the Explorer comes with a standard 290-horsepower V6, a 280-horsepower four-banger with a turbocharged EcoBoost engine, and the 365-horsepower EcoBoost V6. If you got a little extra, spring for the Platinum option with the power moonroof, Sony premium audio, and an air filtration system.
What We Like: The turbocharged EcoBoost V6 is a winner. The air filtration system is a nice touch, too.
Benefits of Having a Family SUV
There you have it folks, seven of the best 7-seat SUVs in the market today. Whatever brand or model you choose, you can't go wrong with getting an SUV. You get power, reliability, cargo space, and safety all rolled into one powerful machine that can take the challenges on the road and threats off it.
