Buying a new car can come with a lot of pressure and loads of questions, such as, what type of car? What kind of driving do I mostly do? What’s the gas mileage? Should I buy an EV? How many seats do I need? Well, we don’t read minds and can’t tell you what the perfect car is for you and your lifestyle, but since we are car geniuses, we can put together some pretty awesome lists.
If you have thought about purchasing a new car, there’s no denying that you have considered an electric vehicle; most Canadians have with the soaring gas prices. What you may not know is that seven or eight-seater SUVs with a third row are in high demand, just like EVs. Don’t be mistaken; vehicles with three rows of seats aren’t just for families; they are a great option for those adventure seekers or those needing extra cargo space.
Minivans are famous for being the perfect family vehicle, but midsize SUVs are pushing them aside in Canada. With so many options available for seven or eight-passenger SUVs, it’s tough to know which is the best one for you. Check out our list of top picks to tote the mini you, fur babies, and extra equipment you carry.
Toyota Highlander
Of course a Japanese-made vehicle would end up on the list - why wouldn’t it? This automaker is known for producing top-rated vehicles, so it’s no surprise the 7-seater SUV is as popular as it is. Like any Toyota, the Highlander has great resale value in both the hybrid and regular fuel options. That’s right; they have a hybrid SUV available that comes with a 4-cylinder engine and gets you 7.5-litres/100KMs which ranks it as one of the best mid-size SUVs for fuel economy. Whereas, the regular fuel engine comes with a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 295 horsepower. Not that we like to be the bearer of bad news, but we feel we should share some of the cons the Highlander owners have mentioned. It has been noted that the third row is cramped, so if you’re looking to put the kids back there, they may outgrow the space. In addition to the third row being a tight fit, the interior is a little on the boring side, so if you’re after some pizzazz, you may want to consider a different vehicle.
Kia Telluride
Kia has most certainly made strides up the success ladder from when it first launched in North America. At one point, there was massive speculation on whether or not this auto brand would survive, but perseverance has earned this automaker top spots on more than one list, including being one of the top full-size SUVs on the market. When it comes to towing capacity, many of the larger SUVs require an upgrade in order to have a greater tow capacity; that’s not the case with the Telluride. Adding to the options this vehicle offers, you can go with the standard three-row seats, which can transport eight passengers, or alternatively, you can go with the second-row captain’s chairs, making it a 7-passenger SUV.
The Kia Telluride is mechanically identical to the Hyundai Palisade but has a different body and comes standard with a 5,000 tow capacity. Not to mention, its 3.8-litre V6 engine offers 291 horsepower. Although this multi-row seat SUV comes with an all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain, it doesn’t have a ton of storage and is difficult to get your hands on. You could check our super cool site out, where we take pride in having inventory that other dealers don’t, including Kia Tellurides.
Honda Pilot
When you think of the auto industry, Honda most likely comes to mind. The Honda Pilot has been on the market since 2016, and although more expensive than similar makes and models, the price can be justified due to its roomy interior and incredible resale value. We aren’t ones to knock one of the best automakers out there, but others have criticized this model for the plain interior and minivan look. The Pilot has an amazing cargo capacity and seating for multiple passengers and can easily have more storage added by folding down the second row of seats.
Mazda CX-9
If you’re looking for a more sporty look, the Mazda CX-9 may be the vehicle for you. If you’re looking for towing capacity compared to the other third-row seat SUVs, this is most likely not the best one. Unfortunately, the Mazda CX-9 only offers 3,500 pounds of towing capabilities. You may be thankful for not having the ability to tow a larger weight since this Mazda model requires premium fuel, making it not the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market. However, the interior has the feel of a luxury SUV without the price of one with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, multiple climate controls, and a touchscreen. In addition to the lack of towing capacity, the third row of the CX-9 is quite cramped and doesn’t have the best cargo space.
Ford Explorer
Ford is widely known for the incredible pick-up trucks they produce but also has a long list of amazing SUVs, including the Explorer. If options are your thing, this is one to consider as the Ford Explorer has multiple trim levels, and you have the choice of a regular fuel or hybrid engine with 318 horsepower. The Explorer is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts as it’s ideal for going off-road due to its ground clearance and twin-turbo V6 engine. Hey, we’re all keeping your family safe, and the Explorer doesn’t fall short on safety features, including lane-keep assist, rear view camera, adaptive cruise control, and others.
Well, there you have it, some of the top seven or eight-seater vehicles out there. We may not have made it easier by presenting these five options, but we’ve given you something to think about. If none of the vehicles listed above suit your fancy, check out the Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, and Volkswagen Atlas. BTW, when we say, check out these vehicles, we don’t mean waste your time driving around to a bunch of dealerships. We mean get comfortable on your couch, open your computer, and browse our massive inventory of like-new vehicles. Or, if you prefer, come see us in-store.
If you haven’t checked FFUN Cars out before, you are about to be amazed at how convenient (and fun) buying a car is. No more trying to hide from cheesy salespeople, sweating as you wait for credit approval, or haggling on pricing. It’s simple with us; qualify for financing online, pay the price you see without negotiations, and wait for your new car to be delivered - if you want. Like we said above; you can also buy your next vehicle in-store. Don’t like it? We understand that you can’t get a feel for a vehicle by driving it around the block a few times, which is why we offer 24-hour test drives and a 30-day money-back guarantee. So whether you want a crossover or 8-seater made by Jeep or GMC, or prefer the more luxury brands such as Genesis, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Acura, we’ve got options. No need to activate emergency braking (car pun intended) on car buying because we make it (dare we say) awesome. Don’t believes us, try it for yourself
