Best 7-seater SUVs. 2022 7-Passenger Cars Rated

Characteristics of 7-seater cars

Most buyers looking at a 7-passenger SUV want more than just a spacious hauler for their family. Luckily there are a number of relatively affordable options for shoppers on a budget, too. The majority of these larger crossover SUVs are marketed towards those who want the best for their loved ones. Here are some of the key qualities of SUVs with 7 seats:

Size: While not every seven-seater needs to be a full-size SUV, the top contenders are usually on the larger side. This gives them the space they need to give everyone enough room to get comfortable over long trips. The midsize crossovers that can squeeze in seven are usually only sufficient for a quick trip or moving a gaggle of toddlers.
Accommodations: Naturally, you need to ensure there is enough room for all your passengers. But space alone does not make for luxury. These cars are designed for long drives, so comfortable seat cushions and upholstery are essential.
Safety: If you’re going to be hauling the kids around, you will need to ensure their well-being is always placed first. Most of these family-oriented SUVs have impressive safety ratings, but it’s the available driver-assistance technology that appeals most. Systems such as blind-spot monitoring and forward collision avoidance are becoming the norm, and crossovers that lack them just won’t cut the mustard. AWD is also usually standard, making them ideal for dealing with rain or snow.
Entertainment: Unless you enjoy threatening to turn the car around every fifteen minutes, you’ll probably want a distraction for the kids. Even the most affordable of these cars usually have an optional rear-seat entertainment system. Even if you don’t spring for this, many receive pretty comprehensive infotainment suites, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and often Wi-Fi as standard.

Why choose an SUV with 7 seats?

There are loads of SUVs on sale in the US, but new 7-seater SUVs don’t usually come cheap. This means you need to carefully consider the pros and cons of such a large purchase:

Pros

Most can fit up to seven in relative comfort
Seats are generally very comfortable
Plenty of standard features
Comprehensive infotainment suites
Multiple high-luxury brands

Cons

Very few have truly spacious third rows
Commodious trunks are rare
Good mileage is more of an afterthought
Very few are truly cheap

FAQs about 7-seater Cars

What is the best seven-seater car?

You’re not strapped for choice in this segment, so the best 7-seat SUV for you boils down to your specific needs. In our rankings, the Cadillac Escalade scores the highest marks, but it also bears the highest cost. In terms of pure value for the money, the Kia Telluride is hard to beat. There are plenty of other honorable mentions, though, such as the Volvo XC90, the BMW X7, or the Lincoln Navigator. There are numerous good 7-seater SUVs from 2021 to consider, too.

What is the cheapest seven-seater SUV?

While it is true that a lot of luxury brands compete in this market, those who want to buy but have limited finances are still accommodated. In fact, there are a number of relatively low price options to choose from. The Kia Telluride starts at around $33,000 and offers excellent value for the price. The Hyundai Palisade is similarly priced. However, if this is still above your pay grade, the Kia Sorento is closer to $30k. Alternatively, you could look at a used model from 2020 or thereabouts if you wish to stay moderately current with modern tech.

Are there any seven-seater electric variants?

Now that EVs are starting to really take off, automakers are scrambling to make sure they have something in every segment and category. This means you no longer have to settle for a hybrid when trying to save on fuel and moving seven people at the same time. Still, there are only a few EV SUVs with 7 seats in the USA at the moment. These include the Mercedes-Benz EQV and Tesla Model X. Apart from excellent mpg returns, they are both packed with modern features. However, they do compound the already present issue of a high price tag with the extra cost of an electric powertrain.

Best 7-seater SUVs of 2022