When life calls for moving people, a seven-seater crossover SUV might be in your cards. Ideal for families on the go, these three-row workhorses aren’t always massive, but tend to run to the larger end of the midsize-crossover segment to maximize passenger comfort and cargo capacity.
This segment has become more crowded in recent years, with appealing newcomers like the Kia Telluride and the first-ever three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and the sheer number of choices can be daunting. So here, we’ve helped to break down this year’s 7-seater SUVs that offer the best passenger experience in all three rows along with solid cargo-hauling ability, with family-friendly attributes like sticker price, fuel economy, active-safety offering, and road manners factored in as well.
1. 2022 Kia Telluride
Forbes Wheels Rating: 85/100
Why We Picked It
The Kia Telluride is the crossover that has it all: with its comfortable road manners, lovely interior, top-notch tech, and modicum of off-road capability, it is quite literally good at everything. This year, even lower trims get a 10.3-inch touchscreen and standard navigation-aware smart adaptive cruise that automatically slows for curves. The Telluride is segment-competitive on towing (5,000 lbs max) and fuel economy (21 mpg combined), and with the third-lowest starting price on our list ($34,385 with destination, topping only the Subaru Ascent and the smaller Kia Sorento), it’s a bargain for what you get.
At 197 inches long, the Telluride is on the smaller end for midsize three-rows, yet it offers the second-largest cargo capacity behind the third row of all vehicles on this list (21 cubic feet, beaten only by the cavernous Chevy Traverse). Second-row legroom is an impressive 42.4 inches, and seats there are available heated and ventilated. And with a third row that’s comfortable for adults, expect all your passengers to be happy campers. Click here to read our review.
Pros
- Knockout interior and exterior styling
- Advanced tech is standard at all trims
- Unbeatable value
Cons
- Scarcity of interior cubby storage
- Fuel economy is only average
- Can be hard to find due to demand
2. 2022 Chevy Traverse
Forbes Wheels Rating: 76/100
Why We Picked It
The Traverse’s main claim to fame is its truly titanic cargo capacity: the 23 cubic feet it can stow behind the third row beats everything on this list, and its cavernous 98 cubic feet with the two rear rows folded flat has yet to be bested by any segment rival. At 206 inches, the Traverse is among the longest of unibody crossovers, and its supersized body pays dividends for passenger comfort as well as cargo. The 3-seater third row is comfortable for adult passengers with its 33.5 inches of legroom, and second-row captain’s chairs (standard above the base trim) recline and slide, are optionally heated, and get their own climate controls.
Despite its utilitarian bent, the Traverse is pleasant for the driver as well. The exceedingly user-friendly Chevrolet Infotainment 3 puts screen-related functions right where you need them, and the perky V6 and lithe suspension seem to defy the vehicle’s gargantuan size for smaller-handling road feel than you’d expect. For 2022 a host active-safety features have finally become standard, but items like adaptive cruise control and rear pedestrian detection are still restricted to higher trims. Click here to read our review.
Pros
- Standard hybrid powertrain with class-leading fuel economy
- Usable space inside
- Easy to maneuver and park
Cons
- Some safety tech restricted to higher trims
- Interior doesn’t feel as upscale as some rivals
- Some cost-cutting, including a passenger’s side only second row tilt-and-slide mechanism
3. 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Why We Picked It
With its impressive capability and opulent interiors, Jeep’s new three-row Grand Cherokee plays in a middle ground between mass-market and luxury SUVs. Quad-zone climate control, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and a class-exclusive 10.3-inch passenger-side dash screen are just a few of the tech and luxury touches available on this lavish machine. With its true 4-low, available adjustable air suspension, and 6,200-lb maximum towing capacity, the Grand Cherokee L also packs much more capability than most three-row crossovers, making it a great choice for families who play hard but enjoy the finer things as well.
While its minimum $42,120 sticker makes the Grand Cherokee L the priciest rig on our list, the higher, even more expensive trims still present a bargain alternative to the likes of Land Rover. At 205 inches long, the L is among the most massive of unibody 3-rows, but it doesn’t measure up in either cargo capacity or third-row legroom to other supersizers like the Traverse and Atlas. The L’s available powertrains are carryovers, and include the agreeable but occasionally overburdened 3.6L Pentastar V6, and the thirsty 5.7 V8, which can only be optioned at top trim. Click here to read our first drive report.
Pros
- Comfortable and nicely-appointed interior, legitimately luxurious higher trims
- More impressive off-road capability and higher maximum towing capacity than most rivals
- Well-sorted new chassis provides a smooth ride and responsive handling
Cons
- Some controls are small and fussy, and many functions are buried in screen menus
- Interior’s plentiful piano-black trim attracts scratches and lint
- Hefty starting price escalates quickly
4. 2022 Hyundai Palisade
Forbes Wheels Rating: 85/100
Why We Picked It
Like its corporate stablemate, the Kia Telluride, the Palisade offers an astonishing degree of luxury and feature-richness for a relatively frugal price. But although both rigs are evenly matched in rear-occupant room, the shorter Palisade provides slightly less cargo space behind the rear seats—though it still beats competitors like the Toyota Highlander.
While the Palisade closes the gap with some frills that the Kia doesn’t get—like included complimentary maintenance, and available power-folding third-row seats and an all-digital gauge cluster—the sales numbers suggest that it’s the Telluride that most buyers want in the garage. Click here to read our review, or here to find out about the upcoming 2023 Palisade.
Pros
- Opulent interior
- Comprehensive suite of advanced safety features
- Better interior small-item storage than the Telluride
Cons
- Busy exterior design borders on gaudy at higher trims
- Ride can be choppy over some surfaces
- Slightly less cargo capacity than the Telluride
5. 2022 Volkswagen Atlas
Forbes Wheels Rating: 77/100
Why We Picked It
The Atlas provides room for days, with class-leading legroom in the third row, grownup-sized seating throughout, and cargo capacity that’s bested only by the supersized Chevy Traverse. Its large window openings and an available panoramic sunroof gives the Atlas’s cabin an airy feel that the more cavernous three-rows sometimes lack. While its massive size can make it feel underpowered with either engine, the well-dialed handling makes it lighter on its feet than a vehicle of this size has any right to be.
The competitively-priced Atlas boasts a functional interior with some great standard tech, including VW’s nifty Digital Cockpit, but it otherwise looks a little ho-hum inside compared to more glamorous competitors. Also, owners report that the Atlas is prone to some glitches that can result in it spending more time in the shop than busy families might like. Those who can handle this risk will find the Atlas a spacious, stylish and comfortable people-hauler that can be had at an average price. Click here to read our review.
Pros
- One of the most spacious interiors in the segment
- Handsome, brawny exterior styling
- Nicely refined handling makes it pleasant to drive
Cons
- Plain-jane interior
- Ride is a little firm for some tastes
- The optional V6 gets poor fuel economy
6. 2022 Ford Explorer
Forbes Wheels Rating: 78/100
Why We Picked It
The Explorer is a versatile hauler, offering a wide array of trims and excellent powertrain choices to its credit. With its twin-turbocharged V6 and nimble handling, the ST variant gives the Mazda CX-9’s driving dynamics a run for their money, and even knocks at the door of German rivals. An also-impressive 318-horsepower hybrid is available, but with its paltry 25 mpg combined, it won’t do you any favors at the pump.
While performance is its focus, the Explorer gets a big dose of comfort and practicality as well, with a smooth ride, decent cargo space for its size, and agreeable seating in all three rows. Ford doesn’t try to cram in too many seats, so roominess for the maximum 7 passengers is preserved. Top-notch tech abounds, with available features like traffic-sign-aware adaptive cruise and a nearly seamless self-parking function. Finally, an above-average towing capacity—5,600 lbs when properly equipped—makes the Explorer a capable and well-rounded three-row. Click here to read our review.
Pros
- Powertrains run the gamut from high-performance to hybrid
- Generous offering of advanced tech
- Smooth, well-controlled ride
Cons
- Lackluster fuel economy from the hybrid
- Some interior pieces feel cheap
- Price escalates quickly, particularly for the hybrid
7. 2022 Subaru Ascent
Forbes Wheels Rating: 83/100
Why We Picked It
Sensible, economical, and well-executed, the Ascent offers a family-fun-sized version of the best aspects of the Subaru brand. While occupant and cargo room are solidly average and interior furnishings are hardly opulent, the Ascent’s cabin is thoughtfully-equipped all the way to the rear, with cupholders and connectivity galore. Its generous suite of active driver assists, including adaptive cruise with lane centering, is standard on all trims, and for 2022 the Ascent earns the IIHS’s coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating.
The Ascent further distinguishes itself with its standard all-wheel drive—an optional upgrade on most rivals—and its budget-friendly starting price of $33,470 with destination, which on this list is beaten only by the much smaller Kia Sorrento. While its ride and handling are agreeable, the Ascent’s main downside is its powertrain, which feels peppy enough at low speeds but struggles to motivate the heavy crossover on the highway. Click here to read our review.
Pros
- Plentiful active-safety technology
- Excellent value, with a ton of standard equipment even at thrifty base trim
- Standard AWD, tall ground clearance and “X-mode” terrain management system
Cons
- Underwhelming styling
- Numb steering
- Can feel underpowered on the highway
8. 2022 Mazda CX-9
Why We Picked It
As one of the more sleek seven-seaters, the Mazda CX-9 can be a squeeze—it’s particularly constrained on cargo space, where it ranks second-worst on our list behind the much smaller Sorento. However, you simply will not find a better-driving three-row with a more luscious interior at this price point. Its standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, 320 pound-feet of torque, and beautifully dialed handling make the CX-9 a joy to drive at any trim. And the slick interior finishes and muted palette gives the cabin a serene and sophisticated feel.
While it’s not the ideal choice for moving a whole pile of kids or gear, the CX-9 is a fine fit for smaller families just dipping their toes into the three-row realm. The annoying clickwheel-based infotainment system is a substantial downside, but nearly everything else about Mazda’s largest crossover makes it hard to resist once you’ve driven one.
Pros
- Spry and nimble road manners
- Beautiful, upscale-feeling cabin
- Standard AWD makes it a bargain
Cons
- Cramped third row
- Limited cargo space
- Aggravating clickwheel-based infotainment
9. 2022 Honda Pilot
Forbes Wheels Rating: 84/100
Why We Picked It
The Honda Pilot remains the paragon of practicality, with its thoughtfully laid-out dash, comfortable seating, and plentiful interior storage. Mechanisms like the one-touch second-row fold and the optional handsfree powered tailgate just work, without struggle or confusion. Honda’s bundle of active driving assists is one of the most comprehensive, and comes standard on all Pilot trims. And it’s even pleasant to drive, with its adequately-powered V6 and cushy but well-controlled suspension.
What the Pilot lacks is any sort of excitement, or really any real standout characteristics. In most areas it’s good but not excellent, and its dowdy, anonymous appearance makes it easy to lose sight of in the parking lot. Moreover, third-row seating is lacking in most amenities, and cargo capacity is at the lower end. But despite these shortcoming’s, the Pilot’s $38,805 starting price makes it the second most expensive 3-row on our list behind the near-luxury Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The Pilot is good, but amidst the emergence of increasingly dazzling competitors, it feels like it needs to do more to earn its keep. Click here to read our review.
Pros
- Spry and nimble road manners
- Beautiful, upscale-feeling cabin
- Standard AWD makes it a bargain
Cons
- Cramped third row
- Limited cargo space
- Aggravating clickwheel-based infotainment
10. 2022 Kia Sorento
Forbes Wheels Rating: 82/100
Why We Picked It
As Kia’s daintier three-row, the Sorento offers seating for seven in a pinch, while tucking many of big-brother Telluride’s great qualities into a much less imposing (and even more affordable) package. The Sorento comes standard with a generous suite of driver assists, including blindspot and cross-traffic detection. Starting at $30,845 with destination, it’s the cheapest crossover on our list and also one of the most economical ways into any three-row, save for the pokey Mitsubishi Outlander and smaller Volkswagen Tiguan.
With its premium interior and tidy handling, the Sorento shines among midsizers. It also packs an impressive array of optional powertrains, including a torquey turbocharged four-cylinder, and both gas-electric and plug-in hybrid options that offer some of the best fuel economy you can get from a three-row. However, the Sorento’s smaller size requires compromise on cargo capacity and rear-occupant room: it’s at the bottom of our list in both columns, and earns a place on our best small three-row list. Click here to read our review.
Pros
- Better driving dynamics than many larger three-rows
- Exciting optional powertrains, including two varieties of hybrid
- Shares the premium feel and many of the appointments of the larger Telluride cabin
Cons
- Cramped third row isn’t suitable for adults
- Hybrid versions only available in 6-seater configuration
- Plug-in hybrid gets pricey at higher trims
11. 2022 Dodge Durango
Forbes Wheels Rating: 72/100
Why We Picked It
As the muscle-car of the three-row world, the Dodge Durango is great pick for those who don’t want to give up performance for passenger capacity. While the supercharged Hellcat was a 2021-only affair, 2022’s SRT trim with its 6.4L Hemi is still happy to deliver a 475-horsepower thrillride and drain your wallet at the pump. With its truck-like 8,700-lb maximum towing capacity, the Durango lives up to its macho looks and beats everything on our list at lugging stuff as well.
With its oversized seats and plush interior, the Durango offers comfort in all three rows, but its high beltline and big pillars add blind spots and bring a cloistered feel to the cabin. Fortunately, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are finally standard on the Durango, but common active-safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist still must be optioned despite the SUV’s hefty ($38,590) starting price. The Durango is also constrained on cargo room for its size. Click here to read our review.
Pros
- Macho, muscle-ute styling effectively banishes the crossover blahs
- Optional V8 packs a punch and tows more than anything in the class
- Sumptuous, oversized seating make for comfortable road trips
Cons
- Common safety assists are still not standard
- Older architecture and big seats squeezes cargo capacity
- Clunky second-row folding makes third-row access a challenge
12. 2022 Toyota Highlander
Forbes Wheels Rating: 76/100
Why We Picked It
The Highlander impresses with its refined driving manners and sensibly laid-out cabin, and its tidier dimensions make it more manageable in the city than larger seven-seaters. A pair of excellent powertrains, including a gas-sipping hybrid, give it the best available fuel economy of anything on our list save the plug-in versions of the Sorento.
However, although the Highlander’s first two rows are comfortable, its third-row legroom is actually even less than the Sorento’s, making those three crowded seats provisional only. Cargo space behind the third row is similarly constrained, though it does better on overall cargo capacity than some larger competitors like the Pilot. Still, the Highlander is nonetheless a solid pick for families who don’t regularly haul a ton of extra people or gear. Its suite of active-safety assists is among the best on the market, and standard on all trims. Click here to read our review.
Pros
- Available hybrid gets up to 36 mpg combined
- Nicely-refined handling
- Comprehensive offering of standard active-safety tech
Cons
- Cramped third row and cargo hold
- Top-trim infotainment screen deletes needed analog controls
- Interior lacks pizazz in contrast to lower-priced rivals
METHODOLOGY
This list contains a mixture of 2021 and 2022 model year vehicles. We sorted our 7-passenger SUVS by passenger experience in all three rows, cargo-hauling ability and volume, fuel efficiency, handling and sticker price. Our rating methodology has been expanded from five to seven categories for 2022. As such, ratings of the same vehicle between these two model years may differ slightly.
For 2022, our ratings categories are:
- Performance
- Fuel Economy
- Safety
- Infotainment
- Comfort & Room
- Cargo Space & Storage
- Style & Design
Overall: 100 points
1. Performance (15 points) The Performance score is a subjective assessment of a vehicle’s handling, braking, acceleration, ride quality and other qualitative performance measures such as horsepower, torque, zero-to-60 time and top speed. Towing capability for trucks and SUVs also is considered. Performance of the vehicles is compared against the identified competitive set. While driving, reviewers look for attributes relative to the expectations set by the manufacturer and by consumer expectations.
2. Fuel Economy (15 points) The Fuel Economy score is based on the combined mpg estimate for the entire model lineup and how that figure measures against the identified competitive set. The mpg estimates are based on EPA data or the manufacturer if no EPA data is available. Hybrid and plug-in electric variants within a lineup that significantly lower their overall average will not be included in the comparison unless the competitive set also have hybrid or PHEV variants. Scoring for pure electric vehicles will be based on kilowatts consumed per 100 miles and the comparative mile per gallon equivalent, or MPGe.
3. Safety (15 points) The Safety score is based on crash test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Vehicles not yet rated by either agency receive zero points. Also included in the safety rating are points awarded for certain advanced driver-assistance safety features offered as standard equipment on the base trim. There are nine safety features Forbes Wheels considers mandatory for the standard offering: forward emergency automatic braking, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning or one its higher-level variants, lane keeping assistance or lane centering. Vehicles must have at least four of these in their standard offering to receive points. Vehicles that offer a Level 2 self-driving system, (a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane centering) are eligible for a bonus point.
4. Infotainment (15 points) The Infotainment score is based on points awarded for certain features offered as standard equipment on the base trim. Forbes Wheels identifies certain features that are growing in popularity and therefore have been adopted by both premium and mainstream automakers. Some of these features include a minimum 7-inch touchscreen (or premium vehicles that use a rotary knob, touchpad or other mechanism to control a non-touchscreen display), wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a customizable, digital driver information display or instrument panel and at least 2 USB ports. Additional points are awarded for popular features that haven’t been widely adopted in mainstream vehicles such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging capabilities.
5. Comfort & Room (15 points) The Comfort & Room score is based on points awarded for the reviewer’s assessment of the vehicle’s comfort, ergonomics and overall interior feel as well as effective use of space. Points also are awarded for the measurement of rear-seat legroom and how it compares with the identified competitive set. Vehicles that offer a segment-best legroom in either rear seat or optional third row are eligible for a bonus point.
6. Cargo Space & Storage (15 points) The Cargo Space & Storage score is based on points awarded for the reviewer’s assessment of the vehicle’s large and small cargo spaces (as well as small-item storage) and how well they serve their purpose and effective use of space. Reviewers also consider innovative storage solutions and flexible loading features. Points also are awarded for the cargo space measurements for rear cargo hold or trunk and how it compares with the identified competitive set. Vehicles that offer a segment-best cargo or trunk space are eligible for a bonus point.
7. Styling (10 points) The Performance score is a subjective assessment of a vehicle’s overall styling and design, inside and out. Reviewers also consider the configuration of the interior and how well the design plays into the function. Build quality also is a consideration.
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