The Best Family Cars With 7 Seats In 2025
Are you trying to decide between a 7-seater or an 8-seater SUV and wondering which one is actually better for your family?
On paper, having more seats might seem like the obvious choice—more seats mean more room for passengers, right? But in reality, it’s not always that simple. The second-row setup (captain’s chairs vs. bench seats) and how often you use the third row can make a big difference in what works best for your family.
You can achieve a 7-seat SUV in two ways:
Captain’s chairs in the second row with two seats in the third row
Bench seat in the second row (seating three) with two seats in the third row
Each setup has pros and cons depending on your car seat needs and daily routine.
If you’re new here—welcome! I’m Kelly, The Car Mom. I’m a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and mom of four. Helping families find the best car for their needs is what I do best.
Let’s break down what to look for when shopping for a three-row SUV and how to decide between captain’s chairs and a bench seat.
Family Cars With 7 Seats In 2025
There are tons of 3-row SUVs on the market in 2025, but these are my top picks for families. Each one stands out with family-friendly features like car seat tilt, generous third-row legroom, and more.
I’ve linked my full car tours so you can see exactly what I love about each SUV.
Midsize SUV:
Kia Telluride - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Hyundai Palisade - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Toyota Grand Highlander - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Honda Pilot - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Subaru Ascent - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Mazda CX-90 - 2 Seats in 3rd Row
Nissan Pathfinder - 2 Seats in 3rd Row
Volkswagen Atlas - 2 Seats in 3rd Row
Chevrolet Traverse - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
GMC Acadia - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Luxury Midsize SUVs:
BMW X7 - 2 Seats in 3rd Row
Volvo XC90 - 2 Seats in 3rd Row
Lexus GX - 2 Seats in 3rd Row
Lexus TX - can choose 2 or 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Mercedes-Benz GLS - can choose 2 or 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Audi Q7 - 2 Seats in 3rd Row
Land Rover Defender 130 - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Full-Size SUVs:
Chevrolet Tahoe / Suburban - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
GMC Yukon / Yukon XL - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Ford Expedition / Expedition Max - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Jeep Wagoneer / Grand Wagoneer - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Nissan Armada - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Toyota Sequoia - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Full-Size SUVs:
Lincoln Navigator - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Cadillac Escalade - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Infiniti QX80 - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Electric SUVs:
Tesla Model Y - 2 Seats in 3rd Row
Rivian R1S - 2 Seats in 3rd Row
Kia EV9 - 2 Seats in 3rd Row
Minivans:
Chrysler Pacifica - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Honda Odyssey - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Toyota Sienna - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Kia Carnival - 3 Seats in 3rd Row
Captain’s Chairs vs. Bech Seat - Which Should You Choose?
Let’s start by breaking down the second row. When deciding between captain’s chairs and a bench seat for your SUV, it all comes down to your family’s specific needs. Both options have their pros and cons, but here’s what to consider:
Why Choose Captain’s Chairs?
Captain’s chairs offer a luxurious, first-class feel with added space and comfort. They also make third-row access easier—perfect for families who use the third row daily. If you have older kids or frequently transport adults in the back, this setup can be ideal.
However, captain’s chairs sacrifice one seat in the second row, which might be a dealbreaker for families. If you use your third row daily, it can limit your trunk space—whereas a bench seat in the second row would let you fit an extra passenger without needing to fold up the third row as often. Captain’s chairs are also typically more expensive, sometimes only available on higher trim levels.
Why Choose A Bench Seat?
Bench seats are practical, offering space for up to three passengers in the second row. They’re a great choice for families with young kids who need every seat or for those who want more flexibility without the added cost of premium features.
There’s no clear winner between bench seats and captain’s chairs—it really comes down to your car seat setup and how often you plan to use the third row.
If you want to read more about which second-row seating option to consider, check out my post: Captain’s Chairs vs. Bench Seats: A Comprehensive Guide.
Two Seats In The Third Row Might Be Better Than Three. Here’s Why…
Let’s talk about those third-row seats. While three seats might sound like a bonus feature, two seats often make more sense when it comes to comfort and usability. Here’s why:
More Comfort For Passengers
Third rows in SUVs are notoriously compact—it’s just how they’re designed. They’re great for adding extra seating, but when you try to squeeze three seats back there, things can get tight quickly. For families who use their third row every day—like mine—it’s important to think about how comfortable that space will actually be.
When you have just two seats in the third row instead of three, it creates a much more usable space. There’s extra room, which can make a world of difference, especially when kids are in car seats or boosters. If you’ve got older kids or teens—or even adults occasionally hopping back there for carpool duty—two seats are often a better fit.
Easier Car Seat Installation
For larger families, car seat placement often looks like this: younger kids in rear-facing car seats are in the second row, while older kids in forward-facing seats or boosters move to the third row. But installing car seats in the third row can be tricky and not all third row benches are created equal.
When choosing a third row for car seats, keep an eye out for these features:
Tether Anchors: Ensure there are tether anchors for at least two seats in the third row.
Wide Seats: Look for models with wider seating surfaces to prevent crowding.
Seat Belt Installation Options: Make sure there’s enough room to install car seats securely using seat belts if needed.
Easy Access: Sliding second-row seats make it easier to install car seats and provide the needed clearance.
For families who use their third-row daily, like mine, two-seat configurations often work better because they provide more room and easier access to LATCH points. That said, even with three seats back there, proper planning and installation can make it work safely and comfortably.
Additional Cargo Space When You Need It
The number of seats in the third row can directly impact how much cargo space you have behind it. In many SUVs, a two-seat third-row configuration often leaves more room for storage because the seats are slightly wider and positioned differently than in a three-seat setup.
Here’s why this matters:
Two-Seat Configurations: These often leave a bit more open space behind the third row because they don’t extend as far across the width of the vehicle.
Three-Seat Configurations: While they add an extra seat, they can take up more of the available trunk area, leaving less room for larger items.
For families who need to balance passenger seating and storage space daily, this difference can make life easier. This means you might have more usable space for strollers, sports gear, or groceries—even when both third-row seats are occupied.
Key Considerations When Choosing A 7-Seater Car
So how do you pick the right 7-seater SUV? Here are some things to keep in mind as you shop:
How Functional Is the Second Row for Your Family?
The second row is the heart of your daily driving experience—it’s where car seats go, kids climb in and out, and passengers spend the most time. When choosing a 7-seater SUV, it’s important to consider how the second-row setup impacts your family’s routine.
Captain’s Chairs: These individual seats offer more comfort and easier access to the third row. They’re great for families with older kids or those who frequently use the third row.
Bench Seats: A bench adds an extra seat in the second row, making it ideal for larger families or carpools. However, accessing the third row may require folding or sliding part of the bench.
Key Features to Look For:
Sliding or tilting seats can make third-row access easier, while adjustable seatbacks and extra legroom improve passenger comfort. Think about how often you’ll need to fold seats or install car seats when deciding which setup works best for your family.
How Often Will You Use Your Third Row?
Accessing the third row shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle every time someone needs to climb
back there. Look for models that make it easy—whether that’s sliding second-row seats, wide door openings, car seat-friendly tilt, or choosing captain’s chairs over a bench. All these features give passengers enough room to step through comfortably.
If you plan to use your third row daily (versus just occasionally), test how easy it is to access during your test drive—and don’t forget to bring along your kids or gear to see how it works in real life.
To learn more about all the third-row access options available on the market, check out my post: Types of Third-Row Access.
What Is The Amount Of Space Your Family Needs?
If you plan to use your third row daily and still need cargo space behind it (think strollers or sports gear), consider an extended-wheelbase model like the Ford Expedition Max or GMC Yukon XL. These larger SUVs offer significantly more trunk space behind the third row without compromising passenger comfort.
If you only use your third row occasionally, midsize or standard full-size SUVs might give you all the space you need without jumping to the absolute biggest car on the market.
Are you not sure what the best wheelbase size for your family would be? To help you narrow down the right option, check out my post: Regular vs. Extended Wheelbases: Which Size Vehicle Is Right For Your Family?
What Safety Features Would Make Driving A Larger Car Easier?
Driving a 7-seater SUV comes with its own set of challenges. These vehicles are bigger, heavier, and have longer blind spots than smaller cars, which means they can be trickier to maneuver in certain situations. That’s where safety features come in—they’re not just about preventing accidents; they can also make driving a large vehicle less stressful.
For example, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are especially useful when you’re navigating parking lots or merging into traffic since it’s harder to see everything around you in a larger car. Or if you’re someone who dreads parallel parking, features like parking sensors or a 360-degree camera can make squeezing into tight spaces much easier.
That said, not every feature is a must-have. While advanced systems like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist are nice to have on long drives, they might not be worth the added cost if you’re mostly driving around town. The key is to focus on the features that make you feel confident and safe behind the wheel—and skip the ones that don’t fit your budget or driving habits.
The Best Third Row Seating Option Is One That Works For Your Family
Deciding between a 7-seater and an 8-seater SUV isn’t just about fitting everyone—it’s about finding a setup that works for your family’s daily needs. Maybe you prioritize comfort and ease of car seat installation with two spacious third-row seats, or you instead need the flexibility of an 8-seater to make sure everyone has a spot.
The key is to think about how you’ll actually use your car day-to-day. Will you need all eight seats regularly? Do you value easier car seat installation? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here—just what makes sense for your family’s lifestyle.
Take your time test-driving different options, and don’t be afraid to bring your kids or gear along to see how everything fits in real life. Whether it’s comfort, space, or practicality, the best choice is the one that makes your daily drives easier and more enjoyable.
What seating setup do you prefer for your family? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest family car information for 2025, check out my recent posts:
