The Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Photo: Scotty Reiss Get All the Things Done in a Stylish, Luxe-filled 7 Passenger SUV
What should you expect from a luxury 7 passenger, three row SUV? Well, for one, a car should look good and perform well for a long time; it should have cutting-edge technology, and the leather should retain its new car smell for more than a few years. And it should be able to make the transition from the school social to the country club and look equally elegant in both places.
What else should you expect from a luxury 7 passenger SUV? Pampering, of course. But top technology, such as driver assist safety features (blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, lane departure assist, and pre-crash mitigation systems should be the starting point), a truly useable third row and all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that means you can go where you want when you want. And that is a true luxury.
These are the best three row, 7 passenger luxury SUVs on the road right now.
Related: The 2025 Volvo EX90 Is a Step Closer; Here are Pricing and Power Specs
BMW X7
Why You’ll Love It
The BMW X7 was recently updated, and it’s impossible not to be impressed, just from the looks of it. In the front of the cabin, the new multimedia screen is comprised of a single pane of glass that houses a 12.4” driver information screen and a 14.9” multimedia system. It stands apart on the wood-grained dash from the air vents and control buttons underneath. The cabin has an even more elegant and opulent look and feel.
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The three-row SUV also sports a new look in front, with a new lower bumper and svelte new daytime running lights. There are slim new tail lights and a chrome bar that spans the tailgate. And there’s a new look to the interior upholstery (including Swarovski crystal features) and new interior colors to choose from.
Why Your Family Will Be Spoiled
Your passengers will love spreading out in the luxurious amount of space this three-row, 7 passenger SUV offers. There is plenty of headroom, all-electric seating, an ample 46 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, ambient lighting for the panoramic sunroof, and potent decadence throughout, like perfectly-sized Alcantara throw pillows to place behind your head.
What it Costs
The X7 xDrive40i starts at $81,900
Why We Love Everything in the 7 Series from BMW
Infiniti QX60
Why You’ll Love It
Infiniti is for all you design lovers out there. Not only is the exterior elegant—the curvy hood line reflects the sinewy roll of the flared fenders—but inside, Infiniti works magic with leather upholstery, wood trim, and metal accents. If you desire luxury and comfort features, like quilted leather seating, knobs that feel like they have some heft, or a detailed, pretty grille, we have the vehicle for you. The brand is also an innovator in driver assist technology; they were the first to introduce adaptive cruise control and lane departure assist, adding up to its “ProPilot program” that keeps distractions from derailing your drive. Oh, and it has a “purse area” up front, too.
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Why Your Family Will Be Spoiled
Let’s start with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats for both the driver and the passenger. The massaging feature can be managed with a simple button on the seat base. Infiniti created large door openings in this three-row SUV so that owners would have an easier time installing car seats and so passengers would have an easier time getting in and out. Also, second and third-row seats are elevated so passengers can see out the front more easily. Consider every ride an understated pleasure cruise, offering the best views from any seat in the house.
What it Costs
$49,280-$68,000
We need the understated elegance of the Infiniti QX60 in our lives, here’s why
Mercedes Benz EQS
Why You’ll Love It
What we need to tell you is that the EQS SUV is nothing short of spectacular. To be in this luxury SUV is like moving through the world in your own personal space bubble. Part of this is because of the attention to every detail you can think of (and some you can’t). This is what Mercedes Benz does with utmost élan. Sophisticated driver assistance systems keep you as safe as possible, so you can be reassured while you adjust the customizable lighting (as well as drive modes). Preset modes adjust lighting, sound, and fragrance diffuser. There’s even a Power Nap mode you can use while you charge the vehicle. And don’t forget this vehicle is off-road capable – rear-wheel steering gives the EQS SUV 4.5 degrees of extra radius for skillfully maneuvering hairpin turns and the like.
Why Your Family Will Be Spoiled
The crew can relax and enjoy heated and ventilated seats with massage, beautifully detailed leather, inlaid wood, and brushed metal finishes. Your second-row passengers will absolutely adore the screens because the Energizing Comfort preset modes are also accessible from the second row. The lucky person riding shotgun in this 7 passenger SUV has their own screen on which they can connect their phone, customize their environment, or even help with navigation.
What It Costs
Base prices begin at $104,400; the EQS 580 4MATIC SUV begins at $125,950.
The Mercedes Benz EQS SUV is an absolute wonder of tech and luxury
Range Rover
Why You’ll Love It
This is old-school quiet luxury: elegant design inside and out, no screaming badges or flashy details that arrive before you do. Inside, you’re simply swathed in the best leather and finest design this British heritage luxury brand can muster. The long wheelbase version adds two additional seats for 7 passenger seating, the first in this SUV from Range Rover.
Why Your Family Will Be Spoiled
No one will feel left out; front seat passengers will enjoy the elegantly resigned multimedia system, massaging seats and leather at every touch point. Rear seat passengers can enjoy heated and cooled seats, an option with additional screen controls and power rear electric shades. 3rd row passengers also get lovely leather seats, air vents and USB ports. Regular 3rd row users may want to consider where everyone will sit, however.
What it Costs
Base price starts at $113,000 for the SE edition and tops out at about $234,ooo for the SV edition.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Why You’ll Love It
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the ultimate family off-roader. Jeep finally, after many customer “suggestions,” has added a 3rd row to this popular family off-roader. At about 10″ longer and about 7″ taller, the Grand Cherokee L boasts a full-size 3rd row that the average adult will find comfortable. Add to that all the off road capability and features – skid plates? yes! Recovery hooks? Yup! – powered by a new inline-6 cylinder engine that generates about 290 horsepower in the base mode and up to 360 HP in the V8 edition.
Why Your Family Will Be Spoiled
There’s a great sound system, charging ports galore, the option of massaging front seats and plentiful storage. There are screen options for rear seat passengers, lots of cup holders, air vents and the 3rd row is easy to access. And, anyone in the
What it Costs
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L starts at $$42,000 for the Laredo edition and tops out at about $71,000 for the ultra swanky Summit Reserve edition.
We are simply wild over the 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L Series II
Rivian R1S
Why You’ll Love It
Rivian is a relative newcomer to the automotive scene. Still, the US-born electric car company is prepared to dazzle its customers with a laundry list of features that compel you to notice the first three row, 7 passenger electric SUV. There are 46.7 cubic feet of space when the seats are down and lots of cubbies to hold your things. All models are 4-wheel drive and offer multiple drive modes. And although it only has a wheelbase just over 200″, it has 3 rows. Clever details abound, like an adjustable cargo floor and a two-piece clamshell tailgate. The top opens up, and the bottom portion opens down, creating an extended-load floor, making it easy to catch the soccer match or change a diaper. The R1S, with its 830 horsepower, also has a max ground clearance of 15” and multiple 4-wheel drive modes, so you are perfectly capable of going off-road.
Why Your Family Will Be Spoiled
The tall, square shape of the cabin is ideally designed for passenger comfort, and also R1S accommodates child passenger car seats quite well. A rear household outlet and air compressor are tucked into the cargo space wall. Also included are a removable Bluetooth speaker, 8 USB ports, and fully reclining front seats. The Rivian Adventure Network offers charging options at trailheads and national parks, so the only thing you’ll need for your next family trip with this vehicle is time and imagination. You can also use Pet comfort mode: put the climate system in pet comfort mode, and it’ll keep the cabin at 72 degrees while the car is locked. A message pops up on the screen that tells passersby that your pet is comfortable and cared for. We think that is a thoughtful feature in a luxury SUV.
What it Costs
The R1S starts at $72,500 -$104,000
The Rivian R1S is the first 3-row electric SUV, and it’s full of clever conveniences
Why You’ll Love It
Sporty but still roomy and family capable, the this 3-row SUV has one feature that no there has that sets it apart: A removable center row middle seat. So, you can have a center row bench or captains chairs, your choice. From there, the MDX features luxury appointments, plenty of power from the 290 HP V6 engine and 5,000 lbs. towing capacity.
The MDX was redesigned for the 2022 model year and sports Acura’s signature “diamond pentagon” grille with jewel headlights. The brand offers a wide range of trims, from the base MDX to the Type S Advance, which takes the power up to 355 HP.
Why Your Family Will Be Spoiled
Everyone will feel sporty and stylish in this SUV, and they’ll feel a little more pampered with features adapted from Honda’s wildly popular Odyssey minivan. This includes the Social Playlist, which allows everyone in the car to contribute songs to what the family is listening to; Cabin talk, which lets front seat passengers communicate directly with 3rd row passengers via a speaker and microphone system; and a phone app that allows passengers to control volume, climate, music, navigation, and even the sunroof.
What it Costs
The Acura MDX base model starts at about $49,000 and tops out at about $73,00 for the Type S Advanced.
Bonus Picks – Because There are too Many to Choose From
The mid-size crossover SUV segment has exploded in recent years, with new models from almost every car maker. In addition to our picks above, which are mostly new or recently redesigned, here are our other faves:
Mazda CX-90
This one gets a bonus pick because it’s not just a 7-seater; it’s also a 6 or 8 seater– it’s your choice. Buyers also get to choose from a gas powered engine or a plug-in hybrid electric version. All this in a larger, more spacious and more luxe SUV that now replaces the popular CX-9. Priced from about $39K.
Volvo XC90
This one continues to be a fan-favorite: The XC90 is an easy go-to for style, safety and comfort. Many buyers say they would only choose Volvo to protect their families, but we love the elegant interiors, large easy to use multimedia system and roomy interior. There is some debate about the lack of arm rests on the center row captains chairs, but those of us climbing into the 3rd row don’t miss them, or how they snag our coats on the way back. Priced from $48K.
Genesis GV80
This might be the most luscious SUV on the road right now; drive by one and you’ll notice your head turning. Its horizontal exterior lights wrap the car’s front and rear ends like a bracelet; inside, details are understated and modern, with flashes of crystal and textured metal on the controls. The GV80 offers only one model with a 3rd row in the mid-trim Advanced+ model. And while there is a center row captains chair option, it’s more of an executive feature with a command center between the seats rather than a pass-through. However, Genesis does have 3rd row power folding controls on the front multimedia system, which is a a huge, and brilliant, convenience. Priced from about $57K.
Cadillac XT6
This one made its debut in 2019 for the 2020 model year and has been at the top of our list since. Cadillac tossed out all it’s old rules and built a roomy 3-row SUV with lots of smart, thoughtful features that drivers and their passengers need. And, it’s beautiful, inside and out. Priced from $51K.
Lincoln Aviator
Talk about a revolution: This first ever 3-row crossover SUV from Lincoln was the flagship for the brand’s new look, feel and approach to luxury. With reminder chimes performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra rather than an audio lab, interiors that carry names such as “Destination” and “Chalet,” and tech features that early adopters love, this SUV sets new standards for American luxury. Priced from $53K.
Lexus TX (coming in 2024)
We can’t wait to drive this one or to see it roll into dealerships in late 2023: Lexus FINALLY has a 3-row SUV crossover with a true 3rd row (we loved the effort of the RX-L but found the 3rd row simply too small for regular use). This Lexus shares its bones with the Toyota Grand Highlander but that’s where the similarities stop; this is all Lexus inside and out and a plug-in hybrid electric version is part of the plan.
Lexus GX (coming in 2024)
This was the announcement of the year: The much-loved GX finally got a makeover and it’s spectacular. The prototype saw didn’t have a third row, so we didn’t get to try it out, but it’ll have one when it comes to dealerships in 2024. It’ll also have all the 4 wheel drive capabilities that GX owners love, and a rugged new look inside and out, as well as a new multimedia system with “Hey Lexus” voice assistance and an Overtrail trim that features all the off-road goodies.
The options are many and the choices are not easy when it comes to picking a 3-row 7 passenger SUV. But it sure beats the alternative.
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