Do You Need an 8 Passenger SUV?

Your family is growing but you’re not willing to concede to the minivan life—and there’s no way that two-door coupe you’ve driven since college is practical anymore. What do you do? Most crossovers and compact SUVs won’t cut it, but the segment of 8-passenger SUVs has exploded in popularity.

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What you’ll find in the market are only a handful of models that offer eight seats, and typically only in the lower trim levels. But which should you consider?

The top 8-passenger SUVs of 2023

We looked at models that offer the ability to carry eight passengers and decided on these nine as the best in the group. They range in size, price, efficiency and performance, but largely, they’ve been ranked based on their overall appeal. 

Hyundai Palisade

• Starting at $35,250
• 19 MPG city, 27 MPG highway
• Available powertrains: 3.8L V6, FWD or AWD

Pros

For brilliant standard equipment and arguably the best looks of the bunch, there’s a whole bunch to love about the Palisade. With a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen for the driver, WiFi hot-spotting for all eight people and a standard second-row bench that doesn’t seem to crowd anyone, it’s a vehicle people willingly pay more than sticker price for. And if you look at the Limited or Calligraphy trims, you lose one passenger seat but gain luxuries such as heated third-row seats.

Cons

In this size of SUV, you might expect a higher-quality 4WD system or even a RWD-based powertrain. Reviewers tend to feel the throttle could be more responsive.

Best for

Feeling like a full-size SUV and packed with tech and comforts other models miss, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is best for families who want more space and have the flexibility in the budget for some finer things.

The Palisade is flashy and surprisingly luxurious, and it’s hard to pick out things that could be done better. If you feel there are features missing, all you need to do is look a trim level or two higher to find them. Overall, the bang-for-your-buck rating is high with Hyundai’s top-of-the-line model.

Kia Telluride

• Starting at $35,690
• 19 MPG city, 27 MPG highway
• Available powertrains: 3.8L V6, FWD or AWD

Pros

As almost a copycat of its Hyundai sibling, the Kia Telluride does a lot really well. Tons of standard safety tech, including Driver Attention Warning and Safe Exit Assist, plus USB and 12V charging ports, three-row seat belt reminder and available features such as a 10-inch heads-up display. The only reason it’s behind the Palisade on the list is because the Hyundai has more aesthetic appeal—in our opinion, of course.

Cons

There isn’t much to bash about the Kia Telluride aside from the throttle feeling a bit soft and unresponsive. One small thing: You won’t find small pockets for storage, which really isn’t all that concerning.

Best for

For drivers preferring a sportier look over uber-luxury, the Telluride is a good choice. Tons of standard equipment with the available Kia Drive Wise, panoramic sunroof and a symphonic Harman Kardon sound system put it high on our list.

Nissan Pathfinder 

• Starting at $35,000
• Sport Utility Vehicle
• 20 MPG city, 27 MPG highway 
• Available powertrains: 3.5L V6, FWD or Intelligent 4x4

Pros

For a vehicle with low sales volume compared to most others on the list, it’s actually hard to see why. The Nissan Pathfinder has excellent value with one of the smoothest third-row access systems, and the driver comforts from the base S trim are decent. It’s also equipped with a 284-horsepower V6 as standard equipment and has all the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features you’d expect in a higher-end SUV.

Cons 

With the capacity to carry six passengers behind the front seats, it’s baffling that the closest the Pathfinder comes to rear seat entertainment is an accessory tablet holder. And if we’re honest, the five drive modes it comes with, even for front-wheel-drive models, are largely unnecessary because the Pathfinder is unlikely to spend time off paved roads.

Best for

Someone looking for a more stylish SUV with the perception—and hypothetical capability—to do some light off-roading will gravitate to the Pathfinder. If your budget allows it, look at the upper trim levels for creature comforts.

The Nissan Pathfinder piles on the standard tech while making space for eight people inside. With an available Intelligent 4x4 system and ProPILOT Assist and a wide range of trims, this is one of the 8-passenger SUVs that has broad appeal but curiously few sales.

Chevrolet Traverse

• Starting at $35,915 with 8-passenger seating
• Standard Sport Utility Vehicle
• 21 MPG combined
• 3.6L V6, FWD or AWD

Pros

The 2023 Chevy Traverse is an unabashed stand-in for a minivan. It boasts much of the same comfort and utility, including tri-zone climate controls, charging ports in all three rows and 10 cup holders. You won’t overspend on an 8-passenger SUV simply so you don’t have sliding doors.

Cons

The Traverse is less refined than many of the competitors on this list. What’s noticeably missing, even on upper trim levels, is a rear seat entertainment system option.

Best for

If you’re shopping for an SUV that can carry three-quarters of a soccer team to the field comfortably without breaking the bank, the Traverse is an excellent option for you. 

The Chevrolet Traverse is a capable 8-passenger carrier with more than 98 cubic feet of cargo volume and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. It has a wide range of safety systems, such as HD Surround Vision and Adaptive Cruise Control to keep driver and passengers in good shape, without the pretense other competitors bring to the table.

Honda Pilot

• Starting at $39,150
• Sport Utility Vehicle Minivan
• 19 MPG city, 27 highway
• Available powertrains: 3.5L V6, FWD or 4WD

Pros

The 2023 Pilot makes strides in differentiating itself from the competition. The middle bench can stow away for more cargo space. It’s stylish, with standard 20-inch wheels on the Sport trim, and LED headlights and fog lights are standard, as is Walk Away Auto Lock.

Cons

If you’re looking specifically for 8-passenger SUVs, only the lowest two trim levels have it available. That means you can’t get the top comfort and safety features with eight seatbelts. Plus, it’s more expensive at the base trim.

Best for

If a trusted brand name is a draw, Honda should be in the running. Exterior styling is pretty sharp, and if you aren’t looking for all the bells and whistles, the Pilot won’t steer you wrong.

An improved all-wheel-drive system gives the Honda Pilot even better on-road and off-road handling, and its classic Honda appearance is sleek and sexy, even for lower trim levels. Packed with standard safety equipment for all three rows and available tech that rivals luxury brands, it’s a fine SUV.

GMC Yukon XL

• Starting at $61,995
• Full Size Sport Utility Vehicle 
• 15 MPG city, 20 MPG highway
• Available powertrains: 5.3L V8, 3.0L I6 diesel, 6.2L V8, RWD or 4WD

Pros

Obviously, the massive footprint of the Yukon XL gives passengers more space in all three rows than any other SUV. A 10.2-inch infotainment screen up front is standard, as is a WiFi hotspot and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s one of the few models that still offers rear-seat media systems, and there’s also an option for nine-passenger seating.

Cons

You’re doubling the lower-priced models on this list to get extra space in a truck chassis. That also costs a few miles per gallon.

Best for

The Yukon XL is the right choice when you need to carry bigger bodies than middle-school kids and when you want higher ride height and the ability to tow like a truck.

It’s GMC’s best-performing and most luxurious SUV with the premium tech available. Built for truck-like functionality with space for seven, eight or even nine people inside and an available rear entertainment system, it’s larger than life.

Ford Expedition MAX

• Starting at $61,190
• Full Size Sport Utility Vehicle
• 17 MPG city, 23 MPG highway
• Available powertrains: 3.5L V6, RWD or 4WD

Pros

The Expedition MAX has Powerfold third-row seats and USB ports for all three rows. It has 15 cup holders, and the driver gets a 12-inch screen with SYNC 4 technology. Stepping up to the higher trims gets you features such as zone illumination, adaptive suspension and a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Massaging front seats are even an option.

Cons

Unfortunately, the only 8-passenger Expedition MAX is the XLT trim. Otherwise, you have seating for seven. Real-world fuel efficiency tends to fall short of expectations. Plus, it’s not as nimble as other models.

Best for

With premium-level pricing, the Expedition MAX is a statement purchase. If you need cargo space and passenger space, it’s top of the list. Stretched 12 inches longer than the regular Expedition, it adds comfort for the third-row seats. And with 440 horsepower and true four-wheel drive available, it’s one of the few you can trust to actually take offroad.

Toyota Sequoia

• Starting at $58,365
• Full Size Sport Utility Vehicle
• 21 MPG city, 24 MPG highway
• Available powertrains: Twin-turbo 3.5L V6 Hybrid, 2WD or 4WD

Pros

As far as full-size 8-passenger SUVs go, the Sequoia is the best on fuel courtesy of its 437-horsepower V8 hybrid—yes, hybrid—powertrain. The sliding third row accommodates long legs with up to 33.7 inches of legroom. The SR5 and Limited trims both offer eight seats, and second- and third-row sunshades as well as rear heater controls give passengers control over their comfort.

Cons

Once again, passengers need to bring their own entertainment along because the Sequoia doesn’t have an available rear seat media system. And the higher the trim level you want, the more the comfort focuses on the front (and occasionally second) row, leaving the third row out.

Best for

The Sequoia suits high-end SUV shoppers who need space for a large, growing family or a mobile boardroom. It’s geared toward professionals and the Toyota devotees.

With towing capacity up to 9,520 pounds, a configurable third row and heated and ventilated seats for the front and second row, the Toyota Sequoia has something for everyone. The monstrous 14-inch touchscreen display and power-extending running boards put the final touches on a supremely-equipped eight-seater.

Subaru Ascent

• Starting at $33,895
• Standard Sport Utility Vehicle
• 20 MPG city, 26 MPG highway
• Available powertrains: 2.4L I4, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Pros

As you’ve come to expect from Subaru, the Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive and a host of safety systems. The entry price is also the lowest of our choices, and it’s surprisingly capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds to make up for its smallish size. 

Cons

With the only four-cylinder on the list, the Subaru Ascent is close to being underpowered for an 8-passenger SUV. The third row is really only accessible for diminutive statures and not designed to be comfortable for the long haul.

Best for

The Subaru Ascent is ideal for families who only travel together occasionally and not too far from home. 

The largest vehicle in Subaru’s stable, the Ascent receives a generous bump in technology and driver safety equipment. Standard equipment includes a large 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus the all-wheel drive system you’ve come to expect from Subaru.

What to look for in an 8-passenger SUV

Of course, the first aspect you’re looking for in an 8-seater is the ability to get all your passengers strapped in safely. However, there are a handful of other considerations when you’re shopping for the right SUV to add to your fleet.

Legroom

Some manufacturers sacrifice third-row and even second-row space just to jam in an extra bench with three seatbelts. Look for an SUV that has at least 33 inches of legroom in the third row so the average person can get in without folding like a pretzel.

Rear-seat comfort

Your rear seats are for real people, too. Look for amenities that keep them as comfortable as possible, such as heated seats, the ability to recline and headrests that adjust well.

Access

Third-row access can be a pain in some vehicles. Look for a vehicle that makes it easy to get into (and out of) the third row seat. 

Power

With more passengers comes more weight, and you need the torque and horsepower to move a heavier vehicle. When you test drive, load the SUV up with everyone you’ll usually carry and ensure it doesn’t feel gutless, even if there’s a noticeable difference in acceleration.

Storage

More people also means more ‘stuff’. A third row that butts up against the trunk doesn’t leave much room for cargo. Compare cargo volume behind the third row, or you might not have room to carry a casserole dish.

Entertainment

Let’s face it: Kids have their own devices these days. A rear-seat entertainment system is still nice, but at minimum, look for a vehicle with WiFi connectivity so you don’t hear fighting from the backseats.

Budget

Naturally, you need to pay for your purchase. Mid-size SUVs start in the mid-30,000s while 8-passenger SUVs in the full-size segment are $50,000 and up.

How we chose the best 8-passenger SUVs

We weighed some of the most popular and important aspects of 8-passenger SUVs to arrive at these nine models. We left them unranked because there’s a wide spectrum of features and specifications.

Comfort for third-row occupants

Our primary consideration is for passenger comfort among all three rows, specifically focusing on the third-row passenger’s ability to sit for extended periods of time. Other comfort factors include access to HVAC controls, sunshades and USB charging ports.

Fuel economy

Fuel economy factors highly into rankings because 8-passenger vehicles seldom have all seats filled. Models have been considered according to fuel economy compared with displacement and vehicle size.

Reliability

We included models available on the mass market and among the most trusted models. 

Value

We considered the type and quantity of features, including the powertrain, to rate each model based on bang for your buck.  

User reviews

Models must have been available for three years. Owners rate their ownership experience above average.

Safety

All of our selections include features above and beyond standard ADAS systems. They might include Adaptive Cruise Control, Hands-Free Driving, and automated brake assistance.