The 10 best 7-seater SUVs you can buy in 2026

This particular year offers genuinely strong shopping conditions for anyone hunting a new midsize or large SUV, even for the biggest families needing every available seat. Most favorites in these segments have recently undergone a redesign or refresh, offering a considerably more welcoming experience even when strapping a passenger into all seven or more seats across a given lineup.

Rankings throughout this list draw on U.S. News scoring and data alongside expert reviews, incorporating factors such as value, safety, features and performance for a genuinely well-rounded overview of each vehicle. This combined approach captures both everyday livability and long-term ownership considerations, instead of judging purely on a single spec sheet number.

The 10 SUVs below appear in U.S. News & World Report, covering the best seven-seater SUVs recommended across the market in 2026. Each one balances passenger space, cargo capacity and powertrain efficiency slightly differently, giving families genuine range across gas, hybrid and fully electric options. Test driving the top candidates back to back remains one of the most reliable ways to confirm which specific vehicle actually suits a given family’s needs. Reading full reviews of each model, alongside checking current pricing and incentive data directly with local dealers, rounds out a genuinely thorough shopping process before committing to any single vehicle. Since prices and incentives shift regularly, confirming current figures close to the actual purchase date remains genuinely worthwhile for any serious buyer. A little extra research upfront tends to pay off considerably by the time a deal actually closes. Some families prioritize maximum cargo room, while others focus purely on fuel economy or electric range, and matching the right vehicle to a household’s specific priorities matters more than chasing any single headline spec alone. A test drive still settles most remaining doubts.

Credit: Kia

The Kia Telluride arrives fully redesigned for the 2027 model year, entering its second generation and evolving into an even better midsize SUV than before. It earns a U.S. News Rating of 9.5, offers 32.1 inches of third-row legroom, seats up to eight people, and holds 22.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row.

This remade Telluride isn’t quite the bargain it used to be, though it genuinely picks up where the previous generation left off and improves its family-friendly three-row recipe in numerous ways. Even against some genuinely tough rivals, many of which offer sportier driving dynamics or larger third rows and cargo volume, the Telluride comes across as the strongest all-arounder within the group, pairing a comfy interior with lots of safety features and genuinely easy-to-use systems.

As part of the redesign, the Telluride ditched its V6 in favor of a turbo-four engine that produces 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This new engine’s performance has genuinely exceeded expectations during testing, even though the related hybrid version still edges out the standard gas model on overall driving feel.

Due to its newness, no safety score exists yet for the Telluride, since crash-test organizations including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety haven’t yet completed their evaluations of the redesigned model. Shoppers should check back for updated crash-test results before finalizing a purchase decision, since official safety scores should become available once testing organizations complete their evaluation of the redesigned model. Shoppers should also compare the Telluride directly against its hybrid sibling, since the two share considerable engineering despite the meaningful difference in fuel economy and overall driving character. Checking current Kia certified pre-owned listings also gives budget-conscious buyers access to a previous-generation Telluride with remaining factory warranty coverage intact. This route often makes sense for buyers on tighter budgets specifically. It genuinely deserves consideration.

Credit: Mazda

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV stands out as a genuine top pick for anyone shopping specifically for a seven-seat SUV, earning an Overall Score of 9.0, offering 30.4 inches of third-row legroom, a Safety Score of 9.5, seating for up to seven people, and 14.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row. This midsize SUV welcomes onlookers with genuinely svelte styling, and the cabin lives up to the expectations set by the lovely exterior.

Several nice competitors exist within this segment, though Mazda’s design stands a step above most of the rest, and it’s genuinely easy to mistake its spacious, comfortable cabin for one found in a considerably pricier luxury vehicle. The CX-90 PHEV also drives with genuine agility and ease, proving noticeably more nimble than most other vehicles of similar size.

Its all-electric range of 27 miles isn’t especially impressive on paper, though it stays genuinely good enough for around-town errands and short commutes. Buyers without a specific need for plug-in capability can instead consider the gas-only CX-90, which shares much of the same driving character.

The CX-90 PHEV’s third row works genuinely fine for kids, though longer trips with adult friends in those seats would prove considerably less comfortable. Both the plug-in and gas-only versions also carry below-average cargo space compared with rivals in this particular class. Shoppers with reliable home charging access should genuinely consider the PHEV specifically, since regularly using the electric-only range meaningfully improves both running costs and everyday driving experience. Shoppers should also compare current federal and state incentives for plug-in hybrids specifically, since available credits can meaningfully reduce the effective purchase price depending on location and eligibility. Checking whether local utility companies offer discounted overnight charging rates also helps CX-90 PHEV owners maximize savings on the electricity used to recharge the battery. This small step genuinely improves the overall value equation. Every bit counts here. Checking dealer inventory across a wider region also helps buyers find the specific trim and color combination they actually want.

Credit: Hyundai

The Hyundai Santa Fe holds a base price of just $35,050, excluding a $1,600 destination fee, making it the genuine budget pick within this segment. It earns an Overall Score of 9.3, offers 30 inches of third-row legroom, a Safety Score of 9.7, seating for up to seven people, and 14.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row.

The Santa Fe’s cabin looks and feels considerably pricier than its price tag might suggest, with a design that reads as genuinely futuristic yet still familiar. This particular year marks the second consecutive year the Santa Fe has finished as a finalist for the Best 3-Row SUV for the Money award, reflecting a genuinely consistent value proposition across multiple model years.

The Santa Fe’s striking exterior draws shoppers into the showroom initially, though the model’s affordable lineup and comfortable, well-equipped cabin translate into genuinely solid sales beyond the initial visual appeal. Standard amenities include a curved 12.3-inch touch screen with wireless Apple $AAPL CarPlay and Android Auto throughout the lineup.

The first two rows of the Santa Fe stay generously proportioned for a midsize SUV, though the third row runs unsurprisingly tight for taller passengers. Cargo space remains genuinely competitive for the class, and plenty of options exist for installing child safety seats throughout the cabin. Shoppers with older children or frequent adult passengers should test the third row personally before buying, since legroom there runs considerably tighter than the front two rows suggest. Shoppers should also compare the Santa Fe against the related Santa Fe Hybrid, since the modest price difference between them may be worth paying depending on typical annual mileage. Checking current Hyundai certified pre-owned inventory also gives budget-conscious buyers access to a recent Santa Fe with remaining factory warranty coverage intact. This approach can meaningfully extend a limited car-buying budget considerably. Checking dealer inventory across a wider region also helps buyers find the specific trim and color combination they actually want.

Credit: Hyundai

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 electric SUV stands as an easy pick for the safest vehicle across this entire list, achieving a perfect U.S. News Safety score. It earns a U.S. News Rating of 9.5, offers 32 inches of third-row legroom, a Safety Score of 10, seating for up to seven people, and 21.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row.

This perfect safety score reflects a genuine pairing of excellent crash-test ratings alongside standard and available safety and driver-assistance features throughout the lineup. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Ioniq 9 a perfect five-out-of-five-star rating for overall safety, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety bestowed its top honor, a 2026 Top Safety Pick Plus designation.

The Ioniq 9 also stays relatively affordable for a large electric vehicle, yet it carries a genuinely premium look and feel typical of Hyundai’s evolving lineup. As a new addition to the brand for the 2026 model year, it’s rated for at least 300 miles of range regardless of specific powertrain configuration chosen.

Hyundai brings genuine experience to the three-row SUV segment, and like its gas and hybrid siblings, this electric version offers a great balance of passenger space and cargo capacity. The base Ioniq 9 uses a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, while other powertrain options add a second motor alongside standard all-wheel drive. Shoppers specifically prioritizing safety above other factors should compare the Ioniq 9’s crash-test results directly against rival three-row electric SUVs, since few competitors currently match this particular pairing of scores. Shoppers should also compare current charging infrastructure near their home or workplace, since convenient access to fast charging meaningfully affects how practical a large electric SUV becomes for regular family use. Checking current federal and state tax credit eligibility also helps, since available incentives for large electric SUVs can meaningfully reduce the effective purchase price depending on location. Checking dealer inventory across a wider region also helps buyers find the specific trim and color combination they actually want.

Credit: Hyundai

The Santa Fe Hybrid stands as the most fuel-efficient vehicle across this entire list, with fuel economy ratings reaching up to 36 mpg in combined city and highway driving. It earns a U.S. News Rating of 8.9, offers 30 inches of third-row legroom, a Safety Score of 9.7, seating for up to seven people, and 14.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row.

The hybrid’s electric motor propels the Santa Fe off the line genuinely quickly, though the SUV can run somewhat out of steam during certain highway passing situations. The Santa Fe feels stable through curves and delivers good overall ride quality, particularly when equipped with the standard 18-inch wheels found on most trims.

This midsize SUV carries a genuinely low price of entry, which increases its competitiveness throughout the broader segment, and it ranks among the most well-rounded hybrid SUVs available on the market today. This strong value proposition explains why the Santa Fe Hybrid finished as a 2026 Best Midsize Hybrid SUV for the Money award finalist.

The Santa Fe Hybrid pairs a turbo-four engine with a single electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission, with front- or all-wheel drive depending on the trim selected. Shoppers planning frequent highway passing maneuvers should test-drive the Santa Fe Hybrid on actual highway on-ramps, since the powertrain’s limitations show up most clearly during quick acceleration at speed. Shoppers should also confirm current EPA ratings directly with a dealer, since real-world mileage can vary somewhat depending on driving conditions and typical passenger and cargo loads. Comparing current insurance quotes against the standard gas Santa Fe also helps buyers understand the true total cost difference between the two versions. This side-by-side comparison helps clarify true long-term costs accurately. Reading recent owner reviews specifically focused on long-term reliability also helps buyers set realistic expectations. This step genuinely pays off in the long run.

Credit: Hyundai

The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid arrives all-new for 2026, making a memorable entrance as the winner of the 2026 Best Midsize Hybrid SUV for Families award. It earns a U.S. News Rating of 9.3, offers 32.1 inches of third-row legroom, a Safety Score of 9.3, seating for up to eight people, and 19.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row.

Testing of this new hybrid version revealed genuinely high praise throughout, since while the gas-only Palisade already improved considerably over its predecessor, the hybrid version stands as the genuinely preferable choice for most buyers. For only a modest price increase over the standard gas model, the hybrid delivers more power and efficiency alongside considerably more smoothness and confidence while driving.

The Palisade Hybrid pairs a turbo-four engine with two electric motors and a six-speed automatic transmission throughout the lineup. It comes with standard front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive remains available for buyers who want it.

The gas-only Palisade offered only adequate power in testing, though the hybrid version’s 42-horsepower boost gives it genuinely plenty of go whenever a driver actually asks for it, making highway merging and passing considerably less stressful than in the standard model. Shoppers comparing the hybrid against the standard gas Palisade should calculate the price difference against their typical annual mileage, since fuel savings alone may or may not justify the higher upfront cost depending on driving habits. Shoppers should also confirm current Palisade Hybrid dealer inventory before visiting, since demand for this genuinely well-reviewed new hybrid may outpace early production numbers during its first model year. Comparing current Palisade Hybrid battery warranty terms against rival three-row hybrids also helps buyers estimate long-term ownership costs accurately. This detail genuinely matters for long-term budget planning. Reading recent owner reviews specifically focused on long-term reliability also helps buyers set realistic expectations. This step genuinely pays off in the long run.

Credit: Kia

Making a genuinely great vehicle even better proves difficult, yet Kia succeeded admirably with the hybrid version of the redesigned Telluride. It earns a U.S. News Rating of 9.3, offers 32.1 inches of third-row legroom, seating for up to seven people, and 21.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, with a safety score not yet available due to its newness.

All-new for the 2027 model year, the Kia Telluride Hybrid improves on almost every aspect of the gas-only original. One of the original Telluride’s few genuine weaknesses involved mediocre fuel economy, though the Telluride Hybrid can now deliver up to 35 mpg combined, a genuinely significant improvement over the standard model’s figures.

This hybrid version costs more than the standard Telluride, though the price increase proves genuinely worth it given the meaningful efficiency gains delivered throughout typical daily driving. The driving experience also stays genuinely consistent across the full lineup, meaning shoppers who spend less on lower trims still receive similar overall rewards behind the wheel.

Every Telluride Hybrid comes with a turbo-four engine, a pair of electric motors and a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering genuinely eager performance without sacrificing the efficiency gains that define this particular version of the Telluride. Shoppers should confirm current dealer inventory for the Telluride Hybrid specifically, since demand for the improved fuel economy figures may outpace early production numbers during the model’s first year. Shoppers should also compare the Telluride Hybrid directly against the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, since the two share considerable engineering despite coming from different brands within the same corporate family. Checking current Kia loyalty incentives also helps returning owners stack additional savings on top of the Telluride Hybrid’s already competitive fuel economy advantage. Every bit of savings genuinely helps against an already strong fuel economy advantage. Reading recent owner reviews specifically focused on long-term reliability also helps buyers set realistic expectations. This step genuinely pays off in the long run for most buyers.

Credit: Ford

Full-size SUVs remain considerably less common on the market compared with the jam-packed compact and midsize segments, though these larger vehicles stay no less competitive than their smaller counterparts. The Ford $F Expedition earns a U.S. News Rating of 9.2, offers 36.5 inches of third-row legroom, a Safety Score of 8.4, seating for up to eight people, and 21.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row.

The Expedition genuinely masters versatility, offering both regular- and long-wheelbase variations alongside a robust powertrain available with two different power ratings and a stout body-on-frame design delivering solid towing and off-roading capability. Beyond a few minor nitpicks, it ranks among the genuinely best large SUVs found anywhere on the market today.

The Expedition also stands as the winner of the 2026 Best Large SUV for the Money award, reflecting its genuinely strong overall value proposition within this particular segment. Every Expedition configuration comes standard with a twin-turbo V6 engine capable of moving the large SUV with genuinely unrelenting power whenever needed.

Rear- and four-wheel drive configurations remain available depending on the specific trim chosen, and ride and handling stay surprisingly smooth given the vehicle’s considerable overall size and weight. Shoppers deciding between the regular- and long-wheelbase versions should measure their typical parking situations carefully, since the Max variant’s extra length can complicate maneuvering in tighter urban garages. Shoppers specifically planning to tow should confirm current towing capacity figures for their exact configuration, since ratings can shift depending on the specific engine and drivetrain combination chosen. Checking current Ford certified pre-owned inventory also gives budget-conscious buyers access to a recent Expedition with remaining factory warranty coverage intact. This option genuinely deserves consideration from cost-conscious shoppers specifically. Reading recent owner reviews specifically focused on long-term reliability also helps buyers set realistic expectations. This step genuinely pays off considerably in the long run. Extra diligence rarely hurts anyone shopping carefully for a new SUV.

Credit: Hyundai

The fully redesigned Hyundai Palisade successfully made an already beloved model even better throughout this latest generation. It earns a U.S. News Rating of 9.1, offers 32.1 inches of third-row legroom, seating for up to eight people, and 19.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, with a safety score not yet available.

The previous generation Palisade already ranked among the best SUVs on the market, making it genuinely impressive that Hyundai found room for meaningful improvement without changing things simply for the sake of change. Though the spec sheet shows only minor size increases for this new generation, those changes translate into a cabin that feels considerably roomier throughout, with high-trim models genuinely rivaling the opulence and feel of dedicated luxury SUVs.

The Palisade comes available across seven distinct trim levels, all featuring a 3.5-liter V6 engine throughout the lineup. The base SE trim represents the best value, including a considerable amount of tech and safety features while costing less than many direct competitors, while the top Calligraphy trim functions best as a genuinely more affordable alternative to a dedicated luxury vehicle.

The Palisade offers a maximum of 86.7 cubic feet of total cargo space alongside genuinely competitive third-row legroom compared with rivals throughout this segment. Shoppers torn between the base SE trim and pricier Calligraphy version should test-drive both back to back, since the price gap between them is considerable despite both offering the same core three-row layout. Shoppers should also compare the redesigned Palisade against the related Palisade Hybrid, since the modest price difference between them may be worth paying depending on typical driving patterns. Checking current Hyundai certified pre-owned listings also gives budget-conscious buyers access to a previous-generation Palisade with remaining factory warranty coverage. This side-by-side comparison genuinely clarifies which specific model fits better. Reading recent owner reviews specifically focused on long-term reliability also helps buyers set realistic expectations.

Credit: Chevrolet

The distinctive Chevrolet Suburban functions as Chevy’s flagship SUV and finished as a finalist for both the Best Large SUV for the Money and Best Large SUV for Families awards for 2026. It earns a U.S. News Rating of 9.1, offers 36.7 inches of third-row legroom, seating for up to nine people, and 41.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, with a safety score not yet available.

The Suburban offers genuinely class-leading passenger and cargo space, a lineup of stout engines and an impressive list of standard driver-assistance features, all at a price that stays less expensive than some direct competitors offer for comparable capability.

The Suburban ranks among the genuinely best vehicles across this entire list for families regularly needing to carry a big crew. Chevy provides third-row passengers with a genuinely generous 36.7 inches of legroom, considerably more than most rivals in this segment.

Though the Suburban can carry up to nine occupants total, parents should keep in mind that only three full sets of LATCH connectors exist for child safety seats throughout the cabin, fewer than expected in a vehicle of this considerable size. Families with more than three young children needing car seats should confirm current LATCH connector placement carefully before buying, since the limited count may require creative seating arrangements for larger families. Shoppers specifically planning to tow should confirm current towing capacity figures for their exact configuration, since ratings can shift depending on the specific engine and drivetrain combination chosen. Checking current Chevrolet certified pre-owned inventory also gives budget-conscious buyers access to a recent Suburban with remaining factory warranty coverage intact. This extra research genuinely pays off for budget-focused shoppers considerably. Reading recent owner reviews specifically focused on long-term reliability also helps buyers set realistic expectations. This step genuinely pays off considerably for most families. Extra diligence rarely hurts a family shopping carefully for a new SUV.