The market for seven-seat SUVs has exploded, offering an unprecedented variety of choices. Whether you’re looking for gas, diesel, hybrid, or electric, you can now find a spacious SUV with three rows of seating that combines rugged capability with a style that far surpasses any minivan.
Forget the days of prioritizing only the front seats; today’s best 7-passenger SUVs are designed to pamper passengers throughout the cabin. With enhanced rear seating comfort and a wealth of features, your kids and carpool companions will appreciate the journey, even on the longest road trips.
These top three-row SUVs stand out by providing exceptional amenities and generous legroom, ensuring everyone travels in comfort and style.
Spacious third-row seating in the Toyota Grand Highlander, offering ample room for passengers (Photo: Evan Williams)
The Rise of the 7-Seater SUV
Back in the 1960s and 70s, the station wagon reigned supreme as the family vehicle of choice. Some even featured those nostalgic rear-facing seats in the tailgate, adding a touch of extra capacity. Many cherished family road trip memories were made within the confines of these wagons.
However, automotive manufacturers recognized a growing demand for more passenger space, particularly from families with more than two children seeking extra room. Third-row seating initially emerged as a hallmark of minivans. But as minivans gradually lost popularity, the seven-seater SUV stepped into the limelight and carved out its own niche.
Today, a vast selection of mid-size and full-size SUVs offering third-row seating is readily available. Notably, some of the larger SUVs can even accommodate up to eight occupants, perfect for larger families or carpooling needs.
Many of these SUVs also provide substantial cargo space, even when all three rows are in use. Furthermore, the flexibility to fold, stow, or even remove the rear seats when not needed adds to their practicality.
Modern 7-passenger SUVs are brimming with features designed for everyone on board, not just those in the front. Depending on the model, passengers can indulge in entertainment systems, heated and ventilated seats, and personalized space that minimizes sibling squabbles on long journeys. With the right seven-seater SUV, family road trips might actually become something to look forward to.
Of course, these family-oriented vehicles have a few trade-offs. Their size means they aren’t designed for sporty handling or thrilling driving dynamics. Parking and maneuvering in tight spaces can also be challenging due to their dimensions. Although, advanced camera systems and parking assist technologies in many models offer significant help, even for less experienced drivers. Historically, SUVs have also been known for less-than-stellar fuel economy. However, the advent of electric powertrains is changing this perception, offering more fuel-efficient options in the seven-seater SUV segment.
Ultimately, these three-row SUVs provide the invaluable capability to bring along more loved ones – family, friends, and even pets – on all of life’s driving adventures. If you need a third row, maximizing its utility is certainly a smart choice.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer L boasts a spacious and comfortable third row, perfect for adult passengers (Photo: Evan Williams)
Top Picks: 7 of the Best 2025 7 Passenger SUVs
Here are some of the best 7-passenger SUVs expected to be available in 2025, offering a range of features and capabilities to suit different needs and preferences:
- Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL
- Ford Expedition / Lincoln Navigator
- Genesis GV80
- Kia EV9
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer
- Toyota Grand Highlander
1. 2025 Chevrolet Suburban / 2025 GMC Yukon XL: The Kings of Space for 7 Passengers
The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban High Country, showcasing its robust and luxurious design (Photo: Chevrolet)
The Chevy Suburban and its sibling, the GMC Yukon XL, have long been the go-to choices for those prioritizing maximum passenger and cargo space in a 7-passenger SUV. Offering generous legroom in both the second and third rows, these SUVs ensure comfortable seating for all. Plus, with a best-in-class maximum cargo volume of 144.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded, you get unmatched flexibility to carry passengers and gear, adapting to your specific needs. When equipped with a front bench seat, these behemoths can even accommodate up to nine passengers.
The Suburban and Yukon XL lineups offer a wide spectrum of trim levels, catering to diverse buyer preferences, from practical workhorses to luxurious family haulers and even off-road capable models. Planning adventurous family trips off the beaten path? The Z71 trim package equips the Suburban with recovery hooks, a skid plate, and all-terrain tires on 20-inch wheels, enhancing its off-road prowess. For the pinnacle of large SUV luxury, the Yukon XL Denali Ultimate stands ready to impress.
The spacious interior of the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban High Country, highlighting its premium features and design (Photo: Chevrolet)
A robust 5.3L V8 engine producing 355 horsepower comes standard, providing ample power. For even more demanding tasks, available engine options include a 420-horsepower 6.2L V8 and a 305-horsepower 3.0L Duramax diesel. All engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. For those planning to tow trailers or campers, the Max Trailering package is essential, boosting towing capacity up to 8,200 pounds.
For 2025, Chevrolet has integrated new technologies such as Boat Ramp Assist, connected cameras with security record mode, and a redesigned cabin featuring a larger, more intuitive screen. Utilizing Super Cruise on higher trims significantly enhances highway driving ease and safety. If you prioritize cavernous passenger and cargo space in a 7-passenger SUV, the Suburban and Yukon XL are compelling choices.
With an anticipated starting MSRP around $60,000, the 2025 Suburban and Yukon XL are positioned competitively within their class.
2. 2025 Ford Expedition / 2025 Lincoln Navigator: Comfort and Capability for 7 or 8
2023 Ford Expedition Shown; (photo/Ford)
The Ford Expedition, a strong contender in the 7-passenger SUV segment, offering a blend of comfort and utility (Photo: Ford)
Ford’s contender in the 7-passenger SUV category is the Expedition, which can accommodate up to eight passengers depending on the chosen configuration, offering versatile seating arrangements for families. Comfort takes center stage in Ford’s flagship SUV, featuring available heated and ventilated second-row seats – a premium feature often reserved for front passengers in other vehicles, demonstrating Ford’s focus on passenger well-being.
With a generous 36 inches of legroom in the third row, the Expedition provides ample space, even offering optional power-reclining third-row seats for enhanced relaxation. When cargo hauling is the priority, the second and third rows can be folded down to create a substantial 121.5 cubic feet of cargo space – enough to fit approximately four queen-size mattresses, showcasing its impressive cargo capacity.
The luxurious interior of the 2024 Lincoln Navigator, offering premium comfort and sophisticated design for up to 7 passengers (Photo: Lincoln)
With an extensive range of 10 trim levels, from the opulent Platinum to the off-road-oriented Timberline and the performance-focused Stealth Performance Edition, the Expedition can be customized to match your driving style and weekend adventure aspirations. Equip it with the Trailer Tow Package, and you can tow up to an impressive 9,200 pounds.
The base 2025 Ford Expedition XL STX starts at around $56,000 and delivers an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking the same utility with a touch of luxury, the Lincoln Navigator is worth considering. Sharing the same robust underpinnings as the Expedition, the Navigator elevates the experience with a significantly more upscale interior adorned with leather and wood accents. It also offers a wider array of luxury features, providing exceptional pampering for all seven (or eight) occupants, with prices starting around $83,000.
3. 2025 Genesis GV80: Luxury 7-Passenger SUV Without the Premium Price Tag
The 2025 Genesis GV80, a stylish and luxurious 7-passenger SUV that challenges premium brands (Photo: Genesis)
The 2025 Genesis GV80 is best described as luxurious, exquisitely crafted, boasting impressive build quality, and packed with advanced technology. The GV80 offers remarkable value compared to other high-end 7-passenger SUVs in its class, making luxury more accessible. The refined full leather interior is enhanced with premium touches like a Lexicon 14-channel audio system, a large 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen, and tri-zone climate control, creating a truly luxurious environment.
For those needing seven-passenger capacity, the GV80 offers it in the range-topping 3.5T V6 AWD Advanced+ trim. While third-row legroom is a slightly tighter 30.3 inches, making it better suited for shorter journeys or younger passengers, the GV80 excels as a luxury SUV that doesn’t compromise on comfort or features.
The elegant and feature-rich interior of the 2025 Genesis GV80, emphasizing its luxury and technology (Photo: Genesis)
A potent 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivers 375 horsepower to all four wheels, providing confident performance. EPA estimates suggest a combined city/highway fuel economy of 20 mpg. With a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the GV80 is capable of handling light to medium towing tasks.
Luxury often comes at a steep price, but the GV80 undercuts many of its competitors, offering exceptional value. The 2025 Genesis GV80 Advanced model starts at $73,800, making it a compelling option for luxury-seeking families.
4. 2025 Kia EV9: The Electric 7-Passenger SUV Revolution
The 2024 Kia EV9, an all-electric 7-passenger SUV, leading the charge in sustainable family transportation (Photo: Paul Eisenstein)
The Kia EV9 presents an exciting all-electric option for families needing both ample seating and generous cargo space. While similar in length to Kia’s gas-powered Telluride, the EV9 leverages its compact electric motors to achieve a longer wheelbase. This translates to more interior space for both passengers and cargo, maximizing practicality. The EV9 offers 32 inches of legroom for third-row passengers, and the second row, with an expansive 42.8 inches of legroom (more than the front seats), can be adjusted forward to further enhance third-row space.
The spacious and modern interior of the Kia EV9 SUV, designed for comfort and versatility for up to 7 passengers (Photo: Kia)
Kia also offers optional Relaxation Chair seats for the second row in the EV9. These ultra-comfortable seats recline significantly further back than typical first-class airplane seats and include elevating footrests, providing unparalleled second-row passenger comfort.
Cargo capacity is also impressive, with 20.2 cubic feet of storage behind the third row and a substantial 81.7 cubic feet when all seats are folded down, offering ample room for luggage, groceries, and gear.
The EV9 is available with a single 215-horsepower rear motor offering 230 miles of range, or a Long-Range version extending to 304 miles. Dual-motor models deliver up to 379 horsepower and all-wheel drive, with a range of up to 280 miles. The 2025 EV9 starts at a competitive $54,900, making electric family transportation more attainable.
5. 2025 Chevrolet Traverse: A Seriously Upgraded 7-8 Passenger SUV
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71, showcasing its rugged styling and off-road ready features for adventurous families (Photo: Andy Lilienthal)
Chevrolet has given the Traverse a significant overhaul for 2025, introducing a new engine, a redesigned cabin, and a new Z71 trim level geared towards off-road adventures. This already spacious model, capable of seating up to eight passengers, is now even more appealing with these comprehensive updates.
The new 2.5L turbo-four engine produces 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, exceeding the performance of the V6 it replaces. An eight-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth power delivery, and AWD models are expected to achieve 21 miles per gallon combined fuel economy. The Traverse now offers GM’s Super Cruise hands-free highway driving assist as an available option, enhancing driver convenience on long journeys.
The surprisingly spacious third-row seating in the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, offering comfortable room for passengers (Photo: Andy Lilienthal)
The 2025 Traverse offers up to 98 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats folded down. When all seats are in use, the third row still provides a comfortable 34 inches of legroom and an impressive 37 inches of headroom. While not a heavy-duty towing specialist, it can still handle up to 5,000 pounds when needed. The Z71 trim adds all-terrain tires for venturing to campsites, while the RS trim offers a more road-focused driving experience.
The starting MSRP for the base 2025 Traverse is a budget-friendly $40,995, making it an accessible option for families seeking a spacious and capable 7-8 passenger SUV.
6. 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer: Premium 7-Passenger Luxury and Capability
The 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, a luxurious and spacious 7-passenger SUV with a commanding presence (Photo: Evan Williams)
Jeep steps into the premium 7-passenger SUV arena with the Grand Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer L. This upscale SUV boasts a generously sized cabin with third-row seating designed to satisfy even the most discerning passengers, prioritizing comfort and space for all occupants.
The Grand Wagoneer’s third row stands out with the most overall passenger volume in its class, translating to fewer complaints about cramped legs and limited space from rear passengers. Thanks to its long wheelbase, third-row occupants enjoy a substantial 36.6 inches of legroom.
Even with the third row in use, the Grand Wagoneer offers a genuinely spacious cargo area, capable of accommodating a significant amount of luggage. Additionally, the power-folding third-row bench seat conveniently stows away when more cargo space is needed. Our review of the Grand Wagoneer L provides further insights into its features and capabilities.
(Photo/Jeep)
The opulent and spacious interior of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, showcasing its premium materials and attention to detail (Photo: Jeep)
The Grand Wagoneer is available in four models, with the top-tier Series III offering the most luxurious features and amenities. However, even the “base” Series I trim is generously equipped. When equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer-Tow package and the Hurricane engine, the Grand Wagoneer can tow up to an impressive 9,800 pounds.
While boasting best-in-class accolades, the Grand Wagoneer also commands a higher price point. The Series I MSRP starts at $91,945, and the Series III reaches $116,290. For those seeking the space without the top-tier luxury, the standard Wagoneer starts at $62,945.
7. 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander: The New Benchmark for 7-Passenger Toyota SUVs
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, a spacious and refined 7-passenger SUV that excels in passenger comfort and fuel efficiency (Photo: Evan Williams)
Toyota’s Grand Highlander has surpassed the Sequoia in our 2025 rankings, and for good reason. The Grand Highlander meets or exceeds the Sequoia in nearly every aspect relevant to passenger and cargo hauling, with the exception of towing capacity.
If you require the Sequoia’s substantial 9,000+ pound towing capacity, the Grand Highlander offers about half that capability. However, the Grand Highlander compensates with a more refined driving experience, significantly better fuel economy, and a more accessible price point.
The stylish and modern exterior of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, combining practicality with contemporary design (Photo: Evan Williams)
The Grand Highlander offers 34 inches of third-row legroom and surpasses the Sequoia with 37 inches of third-row headroom. Second-row passengers enjoy 40 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom, both exceeding its larger sibling. The Grand Highlander provides 98 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats folded and 21 cubic feet with all seats in use, offering practical cargo solutions for families.
Toyota offers the Grand Highlander with a 265-horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder turbo engine achieving 24 mpg combined. Hybrid options include a 2.5L hybrid system producing 245 horsepower and 36 mpg combined, and a more powerful 2.4L 362-horsepower Hybrid Max system achieving 27 mpg combined, offering a range of fuel-efficient and performance-oriented powertrains.
The 2025 Grand Highlander starts at $43,320 for the base XLE trim or $45,020 for the XLE Hybrid, making it a highly competitive and appealing 7-passenger SUV option.
7-Seater SUVs: Built for Family, Gear, and Adventures
This selection represents just a glimpse of the numerous impressive seven- and eight-passenger SUVs available today. They all deliver remarkably smooth rides and comfortable, stylish interiors. Many even enhance their capabilities with improved off-road performance and towing capacities, catering to diverse lifestyles and needs.
With such a wide array of 7-passenger SUVs to choose from, finding the perfect vehicle to match your lifestyle has never been easier. And yes, your passengers will likely thank you for the upgrade.
Why You Should Trust Our 7-Passenger SUV Reviews
We understand the importance of making informed decisions when investing in a vehicle. Our expert team meticulously selects the SUVs we feature and conducts thorough research and testing to identify the top choices. The GearJunkie team is committed to providing in-depth analysis and empowering our readers to make confident and well-informed purchasing decisions.
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