Those looking for the best 7 seat SUVs are typically not shopping for a third row that they can toss their briefcase on. These consumers either have larger families or they tend to haul a lot of passengers fairly frequently. Some of these SUVs may be standard as five-passenger vehicles, but at least a third row is optional, and it is always helpful if the third row is roomy enough for adults; not just young children.
Of course, when hauling a family, most consumers tend to also loo... (full review continues below)
Those looking for the best 7 seat SUVs are typically not shopping for a third row that they can toss their briefcase on. These consumers either have larger families or they tend to haul a lot of passengers fairly frequently. Some of these SUVs may be standard as five-passenger vehicles, but at least a third row is optional, and it is always helpful if the third row is roomy enough for adults; not just young children.
Of course, when hauling a family, most consumers tend to also look for exceptional crash test ratings, acceptable braking abilities and even technical features, such as a rear seat entertainment system. Therefore, it is not necessarily easy to make this list, but there are 10 vehicles that certainly have.
Starting the list of best 7 seat SUVs is the Cadillac Escalade. The cabin is luxurious with attractive faux wood trim and supple leather upholstery. Second-row captain's chairs are standard, but a bench seat is available, which would bump seating capacity to eight.
BMW X5 is next, thanks to its optional third row bench that adds two seats. It receives top safety scores and the front seats are unbelievably comfortable. Optional 14-way power seats are even available.
The Chevrolet Traverse features a completely new interior for 2013, with plenty of soft touch surfaces. Front row passengers receive more than enough room and although the third row is a bit cramped, the second seat does slide to help offer a little more room. The third row is easily deployed and stored; a definite highlight of the vehicle.
Next on the list of best 7 seat SUVs is the Buick Enclave. All three seats are incredibly spacious, allowing even adults to be comfortable on long trips in the back. Second row captain's chairs are standard, but an optional second row bench seat allows seating for up to eight passengers.
Toyota Land Cruiser is another one of the best 7 seat SUVs. However, it actually offers standard seating for eight. Interior enhancements are being welcomed with open arms for 2013, and everything comes standard, including heated and cooled seats and a rear seat entertainment system. Although the third row is more suitable for children, it is easily accessed with the one-touch tumble-forward second-row seat.
Mitsubishi Outlander earns a spot on the list for its generous cargo capacity and optional third row seat. This is a vehicle that returns surprisingly good gas mileage, and the flip-down tailgate can support 440 pounds, making it perfect for tailgating at the big game or sitting on it at the campsite.
Another one of the best 7 seat SUVs is the extremely affordable Kia Sorento. It is hard to find fault in a vehicle that has a decent size third row seat, yet wears a base MSRP of only $23,150. Phenomenal fuel economy and "Good" crash test ratings are two additional reasons why Sorento is a popular pick.
Next is the Toyota Highlander, which offers roomy seating for seven and boasts an innovative second row seat design. The cabin is plush and gently sprinkled with convenience features, and it not only gets top crash test scores, it can stop from 60 in only 118 feet!
Another top 7 seat SUV is the Ford Explorer. The cabin provides incredibly stylish space, and the vehicle comes with a ton of safety features, which includes second-row seatbelt airbags. The dash is soft, the seats are plush and the upscale design is just as nice in some vehicles with a higher price tag.
The luxurious interior is definitely a highlight of the Hyundai Veracruz. While the third row may provide limited room, the vehicle does offer 87 cubic feet of cargo space. Plus, its boxy styling makes it easy to load awkward items. It is supple, quiet and composed on the road, which is everything you want in a vehicle of this size.
Other honorable mentions that were close to making the list of best 7 seat SUVs include the Nissan Pathfinder, Dodge Durango, Chevrolet Traverse, Lexus GX, GMC Yukon Hybrid and Acura MDX.