Spacious, comfortable, ready to tow – those are the main things why people are buying seven-seater SUVs. The third row is foldable, so if you don’t need seats, you can turn this area into cargo space. Perfect for long trips and larger families, seven-seater SUVs are currently the hottest class at dealerships.
With increasing of the popularity, more carmakers started building three-row SUVs. Seating capacity can also be six or eight. If you need more, then you should go after a minivan. We will try to find the best 10 picks you can’t be wrong with.
The German manufacturer is fighting its way through the luxury segment with a unique offer. The 2023 Audi Q7 is currently the largest SUV until the full-size model shows up. This seven-seater offers plenty of advanced technology, and if we have to pick a downside, it would be the third-row legroom. You will have to seat the children there. Besides that, it is hard to complain about the Q7.
The base engine is not spectacular. Still, the company offers turbo-four as the entry-level option. However, most buyers will go after a V6 with 335 hp. The price is at a reasonable level for the premium SUV. Even a powerful V8 is in the mix, but only if you are buying a high-end 2023 Audi SQ7 with 500 hp. A large vehicle needs only 4.3 seconds to sprint 0-60 mph. the pricing starts just under $90,000.
2023 Cadillac XT6
It is not the most famous SUV in the lineup. But, the Escalade is out of the range for most buyers with the starting price of $80,000. The 2023 Cadillac XT6 will be a more affordable choice, although it is a luxury vehicle as well. You can save $30,000 and that is a good reason to discuss about the XT6. The company made a good call by starting the production of XT5. The early success leads to the expansion of the lineup. The XT6 is a mid-size three-row SUV. Compared to Escalade, its body is about 12 inches shorter.
The base engine is not going to impress. The 2023 Cadillac XT6 is using the same drivetrain as its smaller sibling XT5. A 2.0-liter turbo-four cracks only 237 hp. To make things right, the company is also using a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 ponies. Still, fans of the luxury SUV expect something more potent – either turbocharged V6 or a big V8. The price starts at $50,000 and the Sport model can add $10k-$15k.
2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
The 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will be a new model in the market. That might be a pro and con. The SUV is fresh, so it draws attention. Plus, we know what to expect from Jeep. On the other side are untested reliability and a questionable resale value. Still, the Grand Wagoneer was one of the most anticipated vehicles in past few years. It is like the Grand Cherokee, but bigger and more luxurious. So, it can’t fail.
Under the hood of the 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a 6.4-liter engine, the largest one the FCA is offering. The gas mileage is not the strong side, but you can’t expect a good fuel economy from the engine that delivers 475 hp. The Jeep Wagoneer is an alternative if this is important to buyers. The starting price is indicating that the company is ready to take on the rivals, including super-luxurious German SUVs.
2023 Infiniti QX80
This SUV might be one of the most popular vehicles in the luxury class. The Japanese company made a stunning premiere of the Monograph concept. Ever since the first appearance, fans can’t wait to see the 2023 Infiniti QX80, based on futuristic architecture. The QX60 is taking some parts, but the full display will be on the full-size model. Although there will be plenty of space, the QX80 is a seven-seater with second-row captain’s buckets.
It will be interesting to see what will 2023 Infiniti QX80 bring under the bonnet. A 5.6-liter V8 is a mighty unit. However, the next-gen SUV could present a new one. Options are a twin-turbo V6, although we have nothing about it, and a hybrid configuration. Nissan, the parent company, is developing new technologies, and the QX80 is the main target of this process. Being a luxury SUV means that price will be pretty hefty. But, the safety and comfort will be hard to match if you decide on savings.
2023 Volvo XC90
Another premium SUV is going to offer plenty of comfort. Well, at least for occupants in first two rows. What’s more important, the 2023 Volvo XC90 could bring something new – the electric drivetrain. The vehicle already offers a mighty T8 plug-in hybrid, which will be called Recharge in the future. This badge is being used for the XC40 EV, as well as for the XC60 PHEV.
As with most other Volvo SUVs, three trim levels are available. Momentum is the base package, R-Design is the most popular, while the Inscription comes as the high-end version. The electric model might find inspiration in the Polestar Raving and Performance department. The mid-size SUV is going to be priced around $50,000 for the entry-level models, and the MSRP gets to $70k with the Inscription package, PHEV system, and a few other upgrades.
2023 Lexus RX 350L
The most popular luxury SUV achieves best sales because of its versatility. The 2023 Lexus RX 350L is only one of them, and that is a seven-seat version. Compared to the base model, the L adds extension to the body, providing more space for the third row. The RX is becoming a seven-seat SUV. What’s more, this configuration is going to offer the same options as the base model – hybrid drivetrain, F Sport package, or an AWD.
The 2023 Lexus RX 350L will be a $3,000 upgrade compared to the base version. If you opt for the hybrid engine, then the extended body will cost you $3,500 and AWD comes standard. The third row is a bit crampy, but it still remains a good option for families with children. Under the hood is a 3.5-liter petrol engine, and buyers will choose if they are going with a hybrid or a classic configuration. The first one is going to save you fuel, so a $5k investment seems reasonable in the long terms.
2023 Lexus LX Three-Row
The RX is the most popular, but the 2023 Lexus LX draws more attention. The full-size SUV is coming as the all-new model and the company even changed the engine. Well, fans of the LX know that the third row was not an option for some while. Now, the seven-seat SUV is one of the best choices you can make.
The upcoming model is coming out as the 2023 Lexus LX 600. We were wondering what the number in the nameplate means. It is not an indicator of displacement, nor power outputs. A twin-turbo V6, called I-Force Max is under the bonnet, producing 490 horsepower. A lighter variant could be a 400-hp rated setup. The LX 600 is also introducing a fresh look. Still, a three-row model remains optional. The current generation offers the upgrade for $5,000.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is an old model and it requires a total overhaul. That is exactly what Nissan is going to do. The upcoming SUV will set some standards in the mid-size segment. One of the priorities is to make the vehicle more comfortable. We had no complaints for the first two rows. But, the space at the back was not so generous. According to our sources, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder will become bigger, as well as the eight-seat Armada.
The base version is going to be equipped with a V6 engine and 300 horsepower. Optionally, Nissan could add a hybrid configuration to become more competitive. Its main rivals already did it, so we can’t imagine the Japanese company leaving the market to Toyota and Ford. Plus, it will be another step towards the complete electrification of the mid-size seven-seat SUV.
2023 Range Rover Sport
It is smaller than the Land Rover Range Rover, but the 2023 Range Rover Sport is a vehicle that will offer a similar driving excitement, and save some money. The seven-seat SUV costs from $70,000, which is not the best offer on this list. However, having in mind that you are getting advanced technology and the British touch of luxury, the Range Rover Sport becomes an interesting option. If you want to upgrade it, you can end up spending two times more.
The 2023 Range Rover Sport is not going to offer a weak engine for starters. The entry-level SUV comes with 360 hp. A hybrid setup is also available. In a combination with a V6 engine, it cracks 400 ponies. Fans of a V8 power will be happy to hear that company plans enhancements on the 5.0-liter unit. It is already one of the most potent setups in the market with 520 horsepower. SVR and SVR Carbon are the top of the range models and the price exceeds $120k and $130k respectively.
2023 Toyota Highlander
The best-seller in this list. Highlander is a special SUV that doesn’t stop to excite. It was the only three-row model with a hybrid unit. Now, when the competition started to catch up, the Japanese company downgraded power with a new setup and improved the gas mileage. A way smaller models can’t return 35 miles per gallon. Still, some fans are still complaining about a switch from a 3.5-liter V6 and 310 hp, to a 2.5-liter 4-banger and 255 ponies.
The next step in the evolution – the 2023 Toyota Highlander Prime. A plug-in hybrid setup would restore the power loss, but the fuel economy will be kept at a high level. We can expect a similar configuration like for the Rav4, where the PHEV can produce 302 horsepower. Since the Highlander is heavier, the gas mileage would drop probably to 32-33 mpg, which is still superb output.