Like going on long road trips with the family? Do you have a large group of friends who love to travel? A 7-seater SUV is just what you need to go on those trips while ensuring a comfortable drive for yourself and a relaxing journey for the passengers.
Here are some of the best 7-seater SUVs.
Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a good midsize SUV as it offers welcoming seating for up to seven along with a slick infotainment system. In typical Dodge fashion, it comes with muscle-car-inspired Hemi V8 powertrains (the standard engine is a 293-horsepower V6), including a 710-horsepower Hellcat version exclusively for the 2021 model. Did you know that it features one of the highest towing abilities among midsize SUVs, as it can haul up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped?
There are quite a few changes as compared to the 2020 model. In the interior, the 8.4-inch display is standard, and a new 10.1-inch touchscreen is optional. Wireless device charging is now available, and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay now have wireless capability.
The cargo space is average. Behind the third-row seats is 17.2 cubic feet of space, which is comparable to the trunk of a large sedan and sufficient for stashing several suitcases. In standard configuration, the Durango seats five across two rows, with the available two-seat third row being optional in the base trim for an added cost (standard for other models). You can fold down the second and third rows to get more space. The middle-row bench seat can be replaced with a couple of captain’s chairs, but that reduces the seating capacity to six.
The interior quality improves in some higher trims, but in general, the soft-wrapped surfaces and better stitching on touchpoints, does make it comfy.
Acura MDX
The three-row Acura SUV is one of the most affordable models in its class and comes with excellent gas mileage (earning up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway), a strapping engine, and great handling. It has one of the most economical starting prices in its class.
The MDX comfortably accommodates up to seven people on standard leather upholstery. Front seats are 12-way power-adjustable and heated too. You can quickly fold and slide the second-row seats thanks to the One-Touch Smart Slide that lets you control the operation with the touch of a button and provides easy access to the third row. Ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel are available. You could also opt for second-row captain’s chairs, which reduces the seating capacity to six. Cargo space is 43.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.9 cubic feet in total.
The engine is a 3.5-litre V6 that produces 290 horsepower and comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is fine for most driving situations. Front-wheel drive comes standard, and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is available. Safety features include high beams, lane departure warning, a rear-view camera, and the AcuraWatch suite of advanced driver aids (collision mitigation and braking system, lane keep assist, road departure warning, and adaptive cruise control).
Kia Sorento
If you are looking for a comfortable and well-equipped, midsize three-row SUV at a low starting price point, the 2020 Kia Sorento is right up your alley. The interiors are quite spacious with room for seven and come with lots of user-friendly tech features, and high-end cabin materials (soft touch surfaces as well). The fuel economy is good enough, as it earns up to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
This is a seven-seater three-row crossover with plenty of space for adults in the first two rows, while the third row is best left for small children. There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the second-row outboard seats, as well as an upper tether for the second-row middle seat. The stain-resistant cloth upholstery is apt for families, although you can switch to the leather one too. There are 11.3 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, 38 cubic feet when the third row is folded down, and 73 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The UVO infotainment system is great with the standard 7-inch touchscreen and logically arranged physical controls. Standard features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, six speakers, Bluetooth, and a USB port. Satellite radio, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless device charging, navigation, and an 8-inch touch screen are available too.
Kia Telluride
To put it in a nutshell, the 2021 Kia Telluride offers a mix of refinement, practicality, and value. It is not only roomy and comfortable for the whole family, but it comes with rich materials and standard features as well. Moreover, the pleasant driving dynamics with its 3.8-litre V6 engine producing an adequate 291 horsepower ensure that handling is smooth, and visibility is good in all directions. The refined transmission shifts quickly, without hassle. You can drive in peace without much wind or road noise.
It has a massive cargo space of 46 cubic feet with these seats folded, and 87 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The interiors are luxurious with modern designs, soft-touch surfaces, and crisp metal accents. It can seat up to eight passengers. Adults can sit comfortably in all three rows, which is a rare feat for midsize SUVs. The first- and second-row seats are supportive and supple. Synthetic leather upholstery and manually adjustable front seats are standard. Power-adjustable front seats heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and authentic leather upholstery are available.
Active safety features include blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking, while the easy-to-use infotainment system is also one of its top draws. It tows up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a great midsize SUV thanks to its inviting cabin, sufficient cargo volume, easy-to-use technology, and great safety score. It can comfortably seat up to eight people and has ample legroom as well. Due to its V6 engine, the vehicle can be maneuvered with ease, which makes for a balanced and plush ride. Steering takes minimal effort, with little body roll on curvy roads.
The rear isn’t as cavernous as a minivan, but kids and adults won’t have problems accessing the third-row seats thanks in part to standard one-touch power access. Rear seats are equipped with air vents, and other options include second-row climate control, heated and ventilated rear seats, and power-folding third-row seats. Cargo space is 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down. An extra storage compartment is housed underneath the cargo floor and a hands-free liftgate is available. The interior is quite striking with sophisticated styling and soft-touch materials. There are numerous cup holders that recess at the touch of a button to expand the center console storage area.
Standard safety features in the Palisade include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a rear occupant alert, lane keep assist, lane centring assist, driver attention monitoring, Smart Cruise Control (adaptive cruise control with the stop-and-go capability), a rear-view camera, and rear parking sensors.
Ford Expedition
It is considered to be the topmost among large SUVs with three rows, as it has a super turbocharged engine, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that produces 375 horsepower and provides magnificent towing abilities of up to 9300 pounds, as well as good fuel economy for the class. The 2020 Ford Expedition cabin is airy and features a classic design while offering sufficient room for both passengers and cargo.
When it comes to seating options, the SUV can seat seven if you opt for second-row captain’s chairs or eight in its standard configuration. There is good legroom in all three rows. The front seats provide an excellent view of the road ahead. The high-end modern cabin is styled with premium materials to make it comfy and inviting. Upper trims like the King Ranch and Platinum have upgraded leather upholstery, aluminum and wood trim pieces, and lots of other leather-wrapped surfaces. Cargo space is a whopping 104.6 cubes with both rear rows folded!
Acceleration is quick from a stop, with a strong throttle response as you hit the gas. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard throughout the lineup. This gearbox shifts at the right time, nicely complementing the engine’s power. Steering response is well-weighted, and handling is agile around corners.
Safety features include a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, and Ford’s MyKey. This system includes additional seat belt reminders, and it encourages safe driving by letting you do things like set speed and audio volume limits for secondary drivers.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Looking for an upmarket, midsize hybrid SUV for 7-8 people? The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is exactly what you need. With a fuel economy of up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, it is certainly impressive for a three-row SUV. It has an upscale interior with a user-friendly infotainment system and many standard tech and safety features. Cargo space is 84 cubic feet, while a power liftgate is standard, and a hands-free power liftgate is available. The first- and second-row seats are well-cushioned and reasonably spacious, even for taller adults. The third-row seats are best reserved for small children and ideally only on short trips. Interiors come with cloth upholstery for standard packages. Synthetic leather upholstery, genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats are available. The cabin has a clean and modern-looking dashboard and is relatively quiet at higher speeds too.
The hybrid system performs well in everyday driving. Acceleration is brisk, thanks to the four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, while transmission is seamless. The suspension does an excellent job of soaking up bumps and dips in the road, yielding a comfortable and composed ride. The steering is light and responsive, and the brakes slow down the SUV quickly and smoothly.
Mazda CX-9
Trendy cabin design with upscale materials and eye-catching styling, substantial and fuel-efficient engine, and excellent driving dynamics make the 2020 Mazda CX-9 an amazing choice. It comes standard with the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen. The cutting-edge features that include a plethora of driver assistance technologies are worth a mention.
The standard CX-9 has seating for seven people in three rows, and models with the second-row captain’s chairs can seat six. The cabin is noiseless, while seats provide comfort for longer trips as well. Additionally, the standard second row slides forward and backward to increase legroom or make accessing the third row easier. Cargo space isn’t much – with more rows of rear seats folded, it offers just over 71 cubic feet. Towing capacity is average, up to 3500 pounds.
Standard features in the CX-9 include the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, two USB ports, voice recognition, and internet radio integration with the Pandora, Aha, and Stitcher apps.
It has a 227-horsepower engine that allows for quick acceleration, while a six-speed automatic transmission is standard. It makes for great driving thanks to its agile handling, sharp steering, firm suspension, and excellent composure around corners.
Volkswagen Atlas
From a short trip across town to a weekend getaway, the Volkswagen Atlas is ready for it all. An available 3.6L V6 FSI engine produces 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, more than enough to take you anywhere without breaking a sweat. It has a towing capacity of 5000 pounds.
In standard configuration, the Atlas can seat seven people in three rows. There is plenty of space no matter where you are seated in the standard Atlas, and even adults have generous legroom in the third row. The sliding second row provides additional flexibility. Cargo space is 96.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
The Volkswagen Atlas comes with an abundance of useful, high-tech features. These include a 6.5-inch touch screen, Mirror Link, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, a USB port, and VW’s next-generation Car-Net service with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Safety features include safety features include front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera system, parallel park assist, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Available 4MOTION all-wheel drive with Driving Mode Selection gives Atlas drivers, the ability to switch between four different modes with the turn of a dial. You are guaranteed a lovely ride, as the SUV is relatively poised for its size, especially while turning corners.
Buying An SUV
Buying an SUV requires a lot of patience and effort, as you have to carefully weigh the pros and cons, the trim levels, wondering if your kids will wreck the leather seats, and then after all that make an informed decision. With that said, these are the best 7-passenger SUVs in the market that are currently available. But if you want to save some money, since FFUN Cars is probably the best way to buy a used car ever, why not go to last year’s model and get all the features you want without those crazy new car prices? And if all else fails and you aren’t comfortable driving an SUV, you can always opt for those sweet minivans instead. Talk to us at FFUN Cars, so we can help you make up your mind. We have car dealerships in Regina, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon and will deliver for FREE to anywhere in Saskatchewan.
