8 Great 7-Seat SUVs That Can Haul the Whole Family for Less than $40,000
There are more than 15 seven-passenger SUVs to choose from, so how do you narrow down your choice? From the Hyundai Palisade to the Toyota Highlander, these seven-passenger SUVs will reliably and comfortably get you and six friends to your destination. The best part? They’re all way less than $40,000.
2022 Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride: Start at $33,600
A lot has been written about the sales successes of these two Korean twins. They will be updated significantly for 2023. They’re the same SUV, with a powerful 290-horsepower V6, lots of luxury and safety features, and available all-wheel drive. The Hyundai feels more like a traditional SUV, while the Telluride has a slightly harder edge with a blockier styling.
Chevy Traverse: Starts at $33,700
The Traverse as updated for 2022 with a new exterior and now gets Chevy Safety Assist standard on all trims. The Traverse holds an impressive 98.2 cubic feet of stuff when the second and third rows are folded. Though it does have a 310-horsepower V6, the Honda Pilot is quicker. While the Premier versions can cost more than $50,000, the lower-priced RS an LT versions get a load of safety features, including rear pedestrian alert, and the Redline edition gives it street cred.
2022 VW Atlas: Starts at $34,335
The Atlas is a new addition to the list in 2022. While the Atlas hasn’t drastically changed since 2918, VW has made improvements in its reliability and standard features. The Atlas has one of the largest third-row seats and cargo areas with 96.8 cubic feet available. However, the engine is a bit of a letdown in this big SUV that could use more power. The Atlas Cross may look sportier, but it only seats five.
2022 GMC Acadia: Starts at $35,000
The GMC Acadia is, in many ways, a slightly smaller Traverse. It has the same 310-horsepower V6 and a lot of the same features, such as the GMC Pro Safety Plus. But the Acadia only holds 79 cubic feet of stuff when the seats are folded. But that size has benefits in the parking lot. It can be ordered in the AT4 trim that gives it some off-road ability, and the hands-free power liftgate makes getting things in the back easier.
2022 Toyota Highlander: Starts at $35,855
The Toyota Highlander was last updated in 2017 and is starting to look a bit old. But that’s OK because Highlander is often regarded as Toyota’s most reliable SUVs, so if you can find one used it could be a good buy. It can be ordered with a clever all-wheel-drive hybrid option that sips gas. Also, it doesn’t have the largest third row. While some of the newer SUVs, like the Palisade, may offer more space and the Pilot may be quicker, the Highlander is a long-time favorite and on Consumer Reports’ list of seven-passenger SUVs for its durability, dynamics, and value proposition. Look for the new, longer, Grand Highlander to debut in 2023.
Top Speed says the new 2023 version with its turbocharged motor is their favorite SUV this year.
Mazda CX-9: Starts at $35,855
The Mazda CX-9 hides its seven-passenger ability well. While it’s 2 inches longer than a GMC Acadia, it only has 71.2 inches of cargo space and a slim back seat thanks to its sloping roof. New for 2022 is standard all-wheel drive, which is usually an expensive option in this class. But the CX-9 is known for sporty handling and a punchy 250-horsepower turbocharged engine. It also ranks highly on safety tests and helps it get on Consumer Reports’ list of the best seven-passenger SUVs.
2022 Honda Pilot: Starts at $36,830
The Honda Pilot is due for a redesign soon, so there’s no telling if it will keep its recommended rating. But it did get several new standard features for 2022. The Pilot Sport is the new base, two-wheel drive, Pilot for 2022. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option. The Honda’s 280 horsepower V6 doesn’t sound like a powerhouse, but when paired with nine-speed auto it’s quick. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The new TrailSport package also gives it a bit of an off-road attitude with higher ground clearance.
