A 7-seater SUV can be the perfect vehicle for when you need to transport the whole family and their sports equipment, head off on a cross-country road trip, or simply need extra space for runs to the home improvement store. If you're considering upgrading to a seven-seat SUV, numerous options are available, ranging from smaller three-row vehicles like the Kia Sorento to larger luxury options such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS. We've gathered Edmunds experts' picks for the best 7-seater SUVs to help simplify your purchase. Looking for a 7-seater with an electrified powertrain? Check out our lists of 7-Seater Hybrid SUVs and 7-Seater Electric SUVs. And if you need more room for people, we have a list of 8-Seater SUVs that should do the trick.
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Small 7-seater SUVs
Edmunds Rating:
8.2
Starting MSRP:
$33,405
Cargo space:
12.6 cubic feet behind the third row; 45 cubic feet behind the second row; 75.5 cubic feet behind the first row
If you're looking for a third row but don't want to spend the big money that full-size SUVs like the Ford Expedition command, then the Kia Sorento is worth a look. It's smaller and has less interior space than the larger Kia Telluride, but unlike the… Telluride, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are available. Kia also offers a long list of standard features in the Sorento, including wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane keeping assistance, and multiple USB charging ports for passengers.
The Hyundai Santa Fe doesn't look anything like it used to. The new model's Range Rover-like appearance helps it stand out in the school pickup line. It has plenty of room for passengers and cargo, even with the third row up, and it offers gas and hybrid… models. Remember that the third rows in these smaller SUVs are typically only comfortable for kids or younger teens.
One of the least expensive ways to get a third row of seats is by grabbing the keys to a Mitsubishi Outlander. It's not the nicest or roomiest three-row by any means, but the Outlander shares a platform with the popular Nissan Rogue, which is only sold with… two rows. So, the Outlander benefits from the Nissan's roomy and tech-filled cabin and comfortable ride. But don't plan on bringing much on a road trip if you're a family of five or more since there's not much space behind the third row.
We often recommend the Kia Telluride to friends and family who need a 7-seater SUV because it's one of the best. It feels like a luxury SUV that costs twice as much, and it's larger and has more features than Kia's Sorento, so adults can actually sit in the… third row. The only downside is that there is only one powertrain and no hybrid or plug-in-hybrid options like the Sorento.
If you can't find a Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade is the next best thing. These two 7-seater SUVs share a platform, engines, and in-cabin tech, but the Palisade takes an even more luxurious approach and has slightly less cargo capacity. Fewer trims and… options are available, too, and expect the Palisade's starting prices to be a touch higher than the Kia's. Still, you can't go wrong with either option.
There are a few important differences between the Toyota Grand Highlander and a standard Highlander. For starters, the Grand Highlander has one of the most adult-friendly third rows on the market; it has 5.5 inches more third-row legroom compared to the… regular Highlander. Its cargo hold is also now one of the largest in the class, and an available Hybrid Max engine returns up to 36 mpg combined.
Large truck-based SUVs sometimes come with a few compromises, but the GMC Yukon has a comfortable ride and a roomy interior, making it one of the best picks for a full-size three-row. The Yukon doesn't offer all of the features of the Cadillac Escalade, but… it's nicer than the Chevy Tahoe, and an adaptive suspension and air springs are available. With useful driver assist features, the Yukon is a great choice for hauling the family and gear and even towing up to 8,400 pounds.
The Chevrolet Suburban is the stretched version of the full-size Tahoe SUV and mechanical twin to the aforementioned Yukon's XL big brother. It is 15 inches longer than the Tahoe and has 16 cubic feet of additional cargo room behind the third-row seats, making… it one of the most spacious vehicles that isn't a van. General Motors recently moved to an independent rear suspension setup on its full-size SUVs (Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade, etc.), which translates to even more room in the back of the Suburban, plus a smoother ride.
Riding on Toyota's new 250-series platform shared with the Land Cruiser, the Lexus GX is one of our favorite luxury SUVs. However, the Land Cruiser only has two rows of seats, while the GX gets an optional third row. It's not the roomiest way-back seat by any… means, but this three-row luxury SUV is extremely capable on- and off-road with electronically disconnecting sway bars, full-time four-wheel drive and a powerful V6 engine.
The Audi Q7 is one of Edmunds' favorite luxury 7-seater SUVs thanks to its high-end interior, long list of tech features, and composed ride. However, a huge downside is that the Q7 has less cargo space and third-row legroom than many competitors. Still, the Q7… is one of the most agile three-rows on the market, especially the sporty SQ7 model.
The Acura MDX is a roomy 7-seater that manages to be fun to drive despite its size. Thankfully, a new touchscreen infotainment system rights one of the previous version's biggest wrongs. We'd like better acceleration from the base engine, and real-world fuel… economy lags behind its EPA estimates, but this is still a nice-driving utility offering plenty of tech and sharp styling for a lower price than others on this list.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the brand's largest SUV and one of the best luxury three-rows money can buy. The rearmost seats have plenty of room for passengers, and the cargo hold is spacious. Mercedes-Benz also has one of the best infotainment systems in the… business, so the GLS is full of amazing tech, making it an extremely comfortable road tripper.
The BMW X7 is essentially a longer version of the X5, providing space for a third row of seats and some more cargo. Like other BMWs, the X7 has a real driver focus, helping it stand out from competing 7-seaters, yet it still manages to outdo most of the GLS'… cargo numbers. That said, the asking price is steep, and we don't love how many controls require dealing with the touchscreen interface.