Offering a great combination of a spacious body, passenger transportation, raised ground clearance and cargo space, sports utility vehicles (popularly known as SUVs) are perfect for large and active families.

They are excellent for road trips in the hot summer months and the frigid winters of Canada or simply as a city vehicle. 7-seater SUVs are spacious, powerful and comfortable.

Here is our list of some of the best 7-seater SUVs in Canada.

Ford Explorer

One of the most iconic 7-seater SUVs, the Ford Explorer is quite popular with firefighters and police. Introduced in 1990, the SUV is versatile and reliable, making it the perfect option for the Canadian weather. The SUV features a foldable 3rd row with ample legroom to accommodate your large family.

One of the best-sellers from Ford, the smooth-riding Ford Explorer is an all-wheel-drive system that offers an excellent towing ability of a maximum of 5,000 lb. The Ford Explorer comes 2.3-litre Ecoboost and a 10-speed automatic as a standard; however, if you want more power, you can opt for the 3-litre twin-turbocharged Ecoboost V6 or the 3.3-litre Hybrid Powertrain power options.

The Ford Explorer has an impressive interior with heated/cooled front passenger seats. Equipped with a 360° camera with a split-view display, an 8-inch LCD colour screen, Terrain Management System with 7 preset modes to enhance the driving according to the road conditions and optional SYNC infotainment, the SUV is the best option for families that are always out and about.

So, if you’re looking for a compact 7-seater SUV that is versatile yet powerful, then the Ford Explorer may be the best option for you.

Ford Explorer Specs at a Glance

• Number of Seats: 7 with 2, 2, 3 seat arrangement
• Max Cargo Capacity: 2,313 litres
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lb (2,268 kgs)
• Cargo Space: 1,356 litres
• Available in 3 Options: Standard 2.3-litre EcoBoost, 3.3-litre Hybrid Powertrain or 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6
• 10.1-inch LCD touchscreen with SYNC 3 (optional)
• PowerFold 3rd row seats
• Ford Co-Pilot 360

Honda Pilot

The compact and sleek Honda Pilot has ample space at the rear for your grown-up teens or adult passengers and can accommodate 7 -8 passengers. The Honda Pilot’s 3.5-litre V6 engine featuring the Eco Assist system helps to drive in a fuel-efficient way.

The all-wheel drive is a great feature with driving modes that can adjust for the ice and snow. The SUV has a towing capability of 5,000 lb. Excellent for the extreme cold temperatures of Canada, the SUV is equipped with a heated wiper park and heated side mirrors that ensure that you have a fog and ice-free view.

The SUV has the option of a high-definition Blu-ray rear entertainment system and a panoramic roof that can keep the rear passengers entertained. With its 7.3-inch ground clearance, ample cabin space, good storage space, safety technology and fuel efficiency, it is no wonder that the Honda Pilot is a firm favourite.

Honda Pilot Specs at a Glance

• Number of Seats: 7-8
• Max Cargo Capacity: 2,373 litres
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lb (2,268 kgs)
• Cargo Space: 1,325 litres
• 280 hp 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 direct-injection engine
• Multi-angle rearview camera
• Tri-zone automatic climate control system with air filtration and humidity control
• Blu-ray rear entertainment system (optional)
• Panoramic roof (optional)
• Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition (optional)

3 Row SUV: Subaru Ascent

While all 7-seater SUVs come with 3-row seating, some fixed and some foldable, the Subaru Ascent is one of the most popular 3 row 7-seater SUVs in Canada. One of the biggest vehicles from Subaru, the SUV comes with the signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that sets the Subaru Ascent apart from the other SUVs.

Equipped with a 260 hp, 4-cylinder engine and the advanced Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, the SUV has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lb. The Subaru Ascent has a high ground clearance, which makes it quite easy to get around, especially when it is snowing.

Equipped with the Eyesight safety system, the Ascent has many safety features such as blindspot detection, lane-departure warning, auto emergency braking, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist even in the standard model, making it among the safest SUVs around.

The SUV is equipped with loads of features such as 19 cup holders (you heard that right!), a 6.5-inch touchscreen that comes with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, Wi-Fi capability, rear cross-traffic alert and an option of captain’s chairs or a bench in the 2nd row.

Subaru Ascent Specs at a Glance

• Number of Seats: 7 or 8 in the arrangement 2, 2, 3 or 2, 3, 3 (optional)
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lb (2,268 kgs)
• Cargo Space: 1,331 litres
• 2.5-litre 260 hp turbocharged inline 4 engine
• Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission
• Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system
• 19 cup holders
• Eyesight safety system
• Android Auto and Apple Carplay

Under $40,000 SUV: Hyundai Palisade

If you’re on the lookout for a 7-seater SUV for under $40,000, then the Hyundai Palisade is the SUV that will fit your budget perfectly. The newest SUV from Hyundai, SUV offers spacious and comfortable seating, irrespective of where you’re sitting. The SUV has a 3.8-litre V6 engine that is combined with an 8-speed auto transmission.

The Hyundai Palisade offers many optional modes including the snow mode, which makes the SUV perfect for all your winter trips. The 3rd-row seating of the vehicle can be folded electronically via the infotainment system and the hands-free Smart Power Liftgate allows you to open it just by standing behind the SUV with your key fob.

The Hyundai Palisade is equipped with a wide range of safety features, including curtain airbags in the 1st and 2nd columns and lane departure warnings. The sleek design of the Palisade with its suspension, powertrain, fit-and-finish quality, suede-like headliner, ventilated 2nd-row seats, all available for a price point of less than $40,000 makes the SUV a fantastic buy.

Hyundai Palisade Specs at a Glance

• Number of Seats: 7-8 in 2, 3, 3 or 2, 2, 3 arrangement
• Max Cargo Capacity: 2,447 litres
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lb (2,268 kgs)
• Cargo Space: 1,297 litres
• 3.8-litre, 291 hp V-6 engine
• 8-speed auto transmission
• Electronically foldable 3rd-row seats

Under $50,000 SUV: Toyota 4Runner

With its rugged styling, durability and excellent off-road performance, the Toyota 4Runner is a powerful 7-seater SUV. Equipped with a 270 hp, 4-litre 6-cylinder engine with 5-speed transmission, the SUV has plenty of muscle needed to handle the toughest of terrains.

A true workhorse with a towing capability of up to 5,000 lb, the Toyota 4Runner is the perfect companion to explore the unknown.

The SUV is equipped with a comfy interior, innovative tech, loads of safety features, leather-trimmed perforated ventilated and heated front seats, power rear glass window for easy access, Smart Key System with push-button start and power slide moonroof featuring a sunshade to ensure that you are extremely comfortable.

Toyota 4Runner Specs at a Glance

• Number of Seats: 7 in 2, 3, 2 arrangement
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lb (2,268 kgs)
• Cargo Space: 1,337 litres
• Powertrain: 4-litre, 270 hp V6 engine
• 5-speed auto transmission
• 4-wheel drive

Most Fuel-Efficient SUV: Toyota Highlander

https://www.kia.ca/en/vehicles/2022/telluride

If you have a growing family and want to invest in a 7-seater SUV that will not drain your pocket with its high fuel cost, then you can check out one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on our list.

When you consider the SUV which is best in terms of gas consumption in Canada, then the Toyota Highlander may be a good option for you, offering a mileage of 8.5 km per litre.

With seating for up to 8 passengers, the SUV is solid in terms of reliability and offers plenty of room. The standard SUV is equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and the dynamic Torque-Control AWD system, as well as the 8-speed automatic transmission, provides a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lb.

The Toyota Highlander is equipped with plenty of safety features such as Toyota Safety Sense, side curtain airbags for all the 3 rows and Driver Easy Speak that allows the driver to remain focused on the road and also speak to the passengers in the back seat.

The SUV has captain’s chairs in the 2nd row, which makes long travels very comfortable and optional smartphone integration.

The best thing about the Toyota Highlander is that this is among the very few SUVs that have a hybrid model, which is an excellent choice for drivers looking for space coupled with efficiency. Available in a choice of 5 trim options, the Toyota Highlander is sure to be a great buy.

Toyota Highlander Specs at a Glance

• Number of Seats: 7 in 2, 2, 3 (optional) or 2, 3, 3 arrangement
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lb (2,268 kgs)
• Cargo Space: 1,371 litres
• 3.5-litre V6 engine
• 8-speed Automatic Transmission
• Captains’ chairs in the 2nd row
• Dynamic Torque-Control AWD system
• Driver Easy Speak
• Available in 5 trim options

8-Seater SUV: Kia Telluride

While this is a round-up of the best 7-seater SUVs in Canada, we thought that if your family is an extra member larger and you want to squeeze in one extra person, then an 8-seater SUV is sure to be a welcome option. And, so we have decided to include an 8-seater SUV in our list, which is the Kia Telluride.

This mid-size SUV is truly larger-than-life and boasts seating of up to 8 passengers comfortably. The Kia Telluride is equipped with a 3.8 litre 291 hp V6 engine that has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lb.

The SUV offers sufficient power, enabling you to drive through the tough Canadian terrains effortlessly. The Kia Telluride has a luxurious and plush interior that ensures a super-smooth and quiet ride.

The SUV has good 2nd and 3rd-row legroom for comfortable seating. The spacious cabin includes a 10.3" touchscreen offering infotainment to keep your family entertained during the trips.

With its integrated all-wheel drive, supportive and comfortable seats, advanced features and tech, large windows and stunning looks, the Kia Telluride of a near-luxury experience, without compromising on the functionality.

Kia Telluride Specs at a Glance

• Number of Seats: 8
• Max Cargo Capacity: 2,464 litres
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lb (2,268 kgs)
• Cargo Space: 1,325 litres
• 3.8 litre, 291 hp, V6 engine
• 8-speed auto transmission
• 10.3 touchscreen
• Integrated all-wheel drive

Do You Really Need More than 5 Seats?

If you’re thinking of buying a car, the first and foremost thing to do is to determine what size of vehicle do you actually want and this can be quite a tricky task. You may have been pondering for a while about purchasing a 7-seater car, but you may be having your doubts about whether you need such a large vehicle.

Owning a 7-seater car is a lot more than just having 7 seats and here are some reasons why purchasing a 7-seater vehicle may be a more sensible option compared to a 5-seater.

• Storage Space: All the 7-seater vehicles have 3 rows of seats. However, if you’re wondering whether you need a vehicle with 3 rows of seats that you may not even use, then it is worth considering that the SUV is much more than just an extra row of seats. You can simply use the last row as storage space, to carry your stuff if you are going on a road trip, moving home or simply earn some extra money transporting stuff. The extra space comes in super handy.
• Versatility and Efficiency: If you have a large family or one that is growing, then having a 7-seater is extremely useful. A 7-seater car is perfect for a big family or if you want to take along your friends on a road trip. You can also convert the 3rd row of your 7-seater into space to transport your pets.
• Plenty of Options: If you’re planning to buy a 7-seater car, then you’ll realize that there are plenty of options on the market, right from crossovers to minivans to SUVs, you can choose the one that works best for you and your family.

So, to answer the question, “do you really need more than 5 seats?” Well, it depends on your needs. If you have a large family of 6-7 members, then a 7-seater vehicle is the best way to accommodate everyone.

However, if you are a small, but growing family and don’t think that you need a 7-seater, then it may be a wise idea to consider the growing needs of your family and plan for the future, lest you are short of space.

And, we hope that after reading our reviews of the best 7-seater SUVs, you can choose the one that you think works best for you and your family.

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