The Best 8-Seater SUVs for 2024 and 2025

Fear not, we've waded through the sea of three-row SUVs to bring you a comprehensive guide to the best 8-seater family cars for 2024 and 2025. We'll explore everything from the most budget-friendly options to the pinnacle of luxury, helping you find the perfect chariot for your crew.

Do Any SUVs Really Have 8 Seats?

Yes, they do! While many three-row SUVs offer seating for seven with comfortable second-row captain's chairs, a significant number of models provide a second-row bench seat, boosting the seating capacity to eight. This seemingly small difference can be a game-changer for larger families or those who frequently have extra passengers.

Now, let's dive into our top picks for the best 8-seater SUVs.

1. Kia Telluride

Kia Telluride | Photo: jetcityimage - stock.adobe.com 

Specs:

• Engine: 3.8L V6 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft of torque)
• Cargo Space: 595 L behind the third row, 1,303 L behind the second row, 2,464 L with all rear seats folded
• Fuel Economy (FWD): 11.8 L/100 km city / 9.0 L/100 km highway

The Kia Telluride has been a dominant force in the three-row SUV segment since its debut, and for good reason. It masterfully blends upscale styling, a feature-packed interior, and a comfortable ride at a price point that's hard to beat. For 2024 and 2025, the Telluride continues to be a top contender, offering seating for up to eight passengers on its lower trim levels. Its bold and boxy design translates to a surprisingly spacious and airy cabin, with ample room for adults in the third row.

Step inside, and you're greeted by a well-appointed interior that feels more luxurious than its price tag suggests. Higher trim levels offer amenities like soft leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a large dual-screen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Telluride's smooth ride and composed handling make it an excellent choice for long road trips, and its powerful V6 engine provides plenty of get-up-and-go for highway merging and passing.

 

2. Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai Palisade | Photo: Виталий Сова - stock.adobe.com 

Specs:

• Engine: 3.8L V6 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft of torque)
• Cargo Space: 510 L behind the third row, 1,297 L behind the second row, 2,446 L with all rear seats folded
• Fuel Economy (FWD): 12.4 L/100 km city / 9.0 L/100 km highway

Sharing its underpinnings with the Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade offers a similarly compelling package with its own distinct personality. The Palisade boasts a sophisticated and elegant design, with a cascading front grille and unique lighting elements that give it a premium look. Like the Telluride, the Palisade can be configured with a second-row bench to accommodate eight passengers, making it an excellent choice for larger families.

Inside the Palisade, you'll find a luxurious and comfortable cabin packed with thoughtful convenience features. The interior design is both stylish and functional, with high-quality materials and an intuitive layout. The Palisade is renowned for its quiet and comfortable ride, making it a serene environment for both driver and passengers. With a host of standard safety features and user-friendly tech, the Hyundai Palisade stands out as one of the cheapest 8-passenger vehicles to offer such a high level of refinement.

 

3. Toyota Grand Highlander

Toyota Grand Highlander | Photo: jetcityimage - stock.adobe.com 

Specs:

• Engine:
• Turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder (265 hp)
• 2.5L 4-cylinder Hybrid (245 hp)
• Hybrid MAX with 2.4L turbo and electric motors (362 hp)
• Cargo Space: 583 L behind the third row, 1,640 L behind the second row, 2,761 L with all rear seats folded
• Fuel Economy (Hybrid FWD): 6.5 L/100 km combined

For those who need maximum space, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is a game-changer. As its name suggests, this is a larger, more accommodating version of the popular Highlander, designed specifically to address the need for a truly adult-friendly third row and ample cargo space. The Grand Highlander is one of the roomiest 8-passenger vehicles in its class, offering generous legroom in all three rows, a key factor for families with teenagers or those who frequently travel with adults in the back.

Beyond its cavernous interior, the Grand Highlander offers a range of powertrain options to suit different needs. The standard turbocharged engine provides ample power for daily driving, while the hybrid model delivers impressive fuel economy, a major plus for families on the go. For those who crave more performance, the Hybrid MAX powertrain offers a surprising amount of horsepower without a significant penalty in fuel efficiency. With Toyota's reputation for reliability and a host of standard safety features, the Grand Highlander is a top choice for the practical and spacious-minded family.

 

4. Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot | Photo: jetcityimage - stock.adobe.com 

Specs:

• Engine: 3.5L V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft of torque)
• Cargo Space: 617 L behind the third row, 1,685 L behind the second row, 3,165 L with all rear seats folded
• Fuel Economy (2WD): 12.4 L/100 km city / 8.7 L/100 km highway

The Honda Pilot has long been a favorite among families, and the latest generation, redesigned for the 2023 model year, is the most capable and rugged Pilot yet. It offers seating for up to eight people in most of its trim levels.The interior is designed with family functionality in mind, featuring clever storage solutions and a versatile seating arrangement. The second-row center seat can even be removed and stored in a hidden compartment in the cargo area, providing an easy walkthrough to the third row.

On the road, the Pilot delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, with a refined V6 engine and a slick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. For those with a more adventurous spirit, the TrailSport trim offers increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a specially tuned all-wheel-drive system, making it a capable off-road vehicle. With its combination of practicality, comfort, and Honda's legendary reliability, the Pilot remains a top contender in the 8-seater SUV category.

 

5. Ford Expedition

Ford Expedition | Photo: Blanca - stock.adobe.com 

Specs:

• Engine: Twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 (380 hp, 470 lb-ft of torque; higher output versions available)
• Cargo Space (Standard): 547 L behind the third row, 1,628 L behind the second row, 2,962 L with all rear seats folded
• Fuel Economy: Approximately 12.4–12.8 L/100 km combined

When you need serious space and capability, the Ford Expedition answers the call. This full-size SUV offers a commanding presence on the road and a cavernous interior with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. For those who need even more room, the Expedition MAX extends the wheelbase and cargo area, creating a truly massive cabin for both people and their belongings.

The Expedition is powered by a potent twin-turbocharged V6 engine that delivers impressive horsepower and torque, making it a class leader in towing capacity. Despite its size, the Expedition provides a surprisingly smooth and composed ride, thanks to its independent rear suspension. The interior is well-appointed, with a range of available tech features, including a large optional touchscreen that dominates the center stack. For families who need to tow a boat or a large trailer, the Expedition is one of the most capable 8-seater SUVs on the market.

 

6. Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln Navigator | Photo: Erman Gunes - stock.adobe.com 

Specs:

• Engine: Twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 (440 hp, 510 lb-ft of torque)
• Cargo Space (Standard): 547 L behind the third row, 1,628 L behind the second row, 2,926 L with all rear seats folded
• Fuel Economy (4WD): Approximately 13.8 L/100 km combined

For those seeking the ultimate in American luxury and space, the Lincoln Navigator is a top contender. Based on the same underpinnings as the Ford Expedition, the Navigator takes luxury to a whole new level with its stunning design, opulent interior, and an array of high-end features. It offers seating for up to eight passengers in its standard configuration, ensuring that the whole family can travel in style and comfort.

The Navigator's interior is a true sanctuary, with plush leather seating, real wood trim, and a serene ambiance. The available 30-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality are a testament to the Navigator's commitment to comfort. The powerful twin-turbocharged V6 engine provides effortless acceleration, and the available air suspension creates a buttery-smooth ride. For those who want one of the most luxurious 8-seater SUVs available, the Lincoln Navigator is a must-see.

 

7. Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac Escalade | Photo: Denis Sh - stock.adobe.com 

Specs:

• Engine:
• 6.2L V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque)
• Turbo-diesel 3.0L I6 (277 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque)
• Supercharged 6.2L V8 in Escalade-V (682 hp, 653 lb-ft of torque)
• Cargo Space (Standard): 722 L behind the third row, 2,064 L behind the second row, 3,426 L with all rear seats folded
• Fuel Economy: Approximately 15–17 mpg combined (gas V8)

The Cadillac Escalade is an icon of automotive luxury and has long been the answer to the question, "What is the most luxurious 8-seater SUV?". The latest generation continues this legacy with a bold design, a technologically advanced interior, and a commanding presence that is impossible to ignore. While many Escalades are configured with second-row captain's chairs for seven passengers, an eight-seat configuration is available.

The Escalade's cabin is a showcase of cutting-edge technology, highlighted by a massive curved OLED screen that stretches across the dashboard. The interior is adorned with premium materials, including soft leather, wood, and metal accents. The ride is exceptionally smooth, thanks to the standard independent rear suspension and available air suspension with Magnetic Ride Control. For the ultimate in performance, the Cadillac Escalade-V boasts a monstrous supercharged V8 engine, making it one of the most powerful full-size SUVs on the planet.

 

8. Grand Wagoneer

Grand Wagoneer | Photo: be free - stock.adobe.com 

Specs:

• Engine: Twin-turbo 3.0L I6 (510 hp, 500 lb-ft of torque)
• Cargo Space (Standard): 776 L behind the third row, 2,064 L behind the second row, 2,667 L with all rear seats folded
• Fuel Economy (Gas V8): Approximately 13.8–15.7 L/100 km combined

Reviving a legendary nameplate, the Grand Wagoneer has quickly established itself as a top-tier luxury SUV. It offers a stunning and spacious interior with seating for up to eight passengers. The Grand Wagoneer is all about providing a first-class experience for everyone on board, with an abundance of premium materials and advanced technology.

The interior is a feast for the senses, with rich leather, genuine wood trim, and a plethora of screens for both infotainment and passenger entertainment. The powerful twin-turbo inline-six engine delivers robust performance, and the standard four-wheel drive and air suspension ensure a comfortable and capable ride in all conditions. The Grand Wagoneer is also a highly capable tow vehicle, making it a great choice for families with large recreational toys.

A Note on Other Contenders

While our list highlights some of the top players, there are other excellent 8-seater SUVs worth considering, such as the Nissan Pathfinder, which offers a rugged design and solid capability, and the Lexus GX, which provides a blend of luxury and off-road prowess, although its third row is best suited for smaller passengers. The Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander also offer three rows of seating but are more commonly found in a seven-seat configuration.

The Final Word: Finding the Right Fit For You

Choosing the best 8-seater SUV ultimately comes down to your family's specific needs and budget. For unbeatable value, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer near-luxury features at a mainstream price. If maximum passenger and cargo space is your top priority, the Toyota Grand Highlander’s expansive, adult-friendly third row makes it a class leader in practicality. For those with heavy trailers or boats, the sheer power and towing capability of a body-on-frame SUV like the Ford Expedition is essential.

For the ultimate in opulence, the Lincoln Navigator provides a serene, first-class sanctuary, while the Cadillac Escalade makes a bold statement with its cutting-edge tech and commanding presence.

Ultimately, the spec sheet only tells part of the story. We strongly encourage you to test drive your top contenders to see how they feel on the road and how well they fit your family in person. Getting behind the wheel is the final, crucial step in finding your perfect travel companion. Happy travels!

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