Canadian families come in all shapes and sizes, and when the back row of car seats, hockey bags, and growing teenagers start to crowd a five-seater, it’s time to size up. Three-row SUVs have become the default family vehicle for good reason: they offer the cargo capacity of a minivan, the ground clearance to handle a slushy driveway, and the all-wheel-drive traction needed to get through a Canadian February. Whether you’re shuttling kids to weekend tournaments or planning a cross-country road trip, a 7-seat SUV can do it all.
But not all three-row SUVs are created equal. Some prioritize cargo space and family-friendly tech, others lean into off-road capability or luxury, and a growing number now offer hybrid powertrains for shoppers watching their fuel bills. To help narrow things down, we’ve rounded up the best 7-seat SUVs you can buy in Canada right now, ranked by their overall CarGurus rating. Each one brings something different to the table, so you can find the right fit for your family and your budget.
About this guide
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy. For more information, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Best 7-Seat SUVs in Canada 2026
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Comfortable |
Bland styling |
| Optional twin-turbo V6 |
Nondescript interior |
| Impressive safety ratings |
Gets expensive with options |
The Ford Explorer carries on its long-running reputation as a dependable family hauler, with seating for up to seven across three rows. The rearmost row is a bit tighter than what you’ll find in some rivals, but it’s perfectly serviceable for kids or short trips with adults. Cargo capacity starts at 461 litres behind the third row, grows to 1,302 litres with that row folded, and stretches to a maximum of 2,415 litres when the second row is also stowed — enough for a weekend of camping gear or a Costco run with a full crew.
The base engine is a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive for confident traction in Canadian winters. Buyers who want extra muscle can step up to the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6, which cranks out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. Whichever engine you choose, the Explorer rides with composure on the highway and can tow up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) when properly equipped.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but it lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models." - Stephen Edelstein, CarGurus contributor
Read our full 2026 Ford Explorer review
CarGurus expert rating: 7.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Stylish design |
Irritating engine sound |
| Plenty of cargo space |
Interior materials feel cheap |
| Impressive technology |
Poor value for money |
The Chevrolet Traverse is one of the roomier players in the midsize three-row segment, and that wide-body footprint pays off in passenger comfort. It seats up to eight, and the cabin gives everyone room to breathe — including the people back in row three. Cargo numbers are a real strength here, too: there’s 648 litres available behind the third row, ballooning to a cavernous 2,764 litres with both rear rows folded flat. That’s enough capacity to swallow a hockey team’s worth of equipment or a full IKEA haul.
Power comes from a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making a healthy 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. Pair it with the available all-wheel drive — essential for most Canadians — and acceleration is brisk and well-controlled. The headline feature inside is a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen running Google Built-in, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on board. Interior plastics aren’t exactly luxurious, but the broad list of standard driver-assist features and the availability of GM’s Super Cruise hands-free system give the Traverse a strong tech edge.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Chevy gets a lot of things right with the 2025 Traverse, especially regarding technology and cargo space. However, there are head-scratchers related to quality and usability that hold it back from class leadership." - Christian Wardlaw, CarGurus contributor
Read our full 2025 Chevrolet Traverse review
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CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Practical for daily living |
Unimpressive fuel economy |
| Plenty of cargo space |
Technology looks outdated |
| Great safety ratings |
Front passenger seat lacks adjustment |
Honda’s Pilot continues to be a go-to choice for families who want a no-nonsense three-row SUV. It seats up to eight passengers, and higher trims add a clever party trick: a removable second-row centre section that swaps the bench for two captain’s chairs, transforming the cabin into a more upscale seven-passenger setup. Cargo room is generous, too, with 635 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 3,219 litres available when both rear rows fold flat. Whether the mission involves groceries, gear, or a vacation’s worth of luggage, the Pilot rarely says no.
Motivation comes from a 3.5-litre V6 producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, routed through a smooth 10-speed automatic. It’s not the most efficient setup in the class, but it’s plenty capable, with a 2,268-kilogram towing rating. Every Pilot sold in Canada includes Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, and the rugged TrailSport trim raises ground clearance to 21 centimetres and adds Snow and Trail driving modes for cottage roads and snowy mornings alike.
The CarGurus Verdict: "With the 2025 Pilot, Honda hasn’t messed with success. It is a roomy and practical daily driver that makes life easy, has plenty of power to effortlessly get up to speed, and is safe for transporting the people you love the most." - Christian Wardlaw, CarGurus contributor
Read our full 2025 Honda Pilot review
CarGurus expert rating: 9.0 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 25.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Stylish design |
Outdated technology |
| Comfortable |
Irritating lane-assist system |
| Great safety ratings |
Sticky brakes in thick traffic |
The Kia Telluride still earns rave reviews from our test team, and it remains one of the most well-rounded midsize three-row SUVs you can buy. Styling has aged remarkably well — it looks expensive without trying too hard — and the cabin reflects the same attention to detail, with available heated and ventilated seats up front and in the second row. Cargo space measures 601 litres behind the third row and expands to 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded down, giving families plenty of flexibility for road trips and weekly errands.
Every Telluride comes with a 3.8-litre V6 producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Acceleration is smooth and predictable, and the chassis offers a confident, settled feel on the highway. For families who like to explore beyond the pavement, the X-Line and X-Pro trims add additional ground clearance and off-road hardware without compromising the on-road comfort that has made the Telluride such a hit.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Aging technology caused some irritation during a five-day road trip in the 2025 Kia Telluride. Otherwise, it was perfectly suited to long-distance travel whether rolling down a highway, roaming a major city, or romping down trails." - Christian Wardlaw, CarGurus contributor
Read our full 2025 Kia Telluride review
CarGurus expert rating: 7.5 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Multiple powertrain options |
XRT trim loses luxury features |
| Great ride quality |
Fuel economy lags behind top rivals |
| Spacious |
|
Newly redesigned, the Hyundai Palisade arrives with a longer wheelbase, more overall length, and a clear ambition to outshine the rest of the segment. Adults will find the third row genuinely usable, and there’s up to 540 litres of cargo space behind that rearmost row, growing to 1,310 litres when those seats fold flat. The cabin takes inspiration from mid-century modern design and pairs it with high-quality materials, standard heated front and second-row seats, and an abundance of USB-C charging ports — a small but appreciated detail for families with screen-addicted passengers.
The base powertrain is a 3.5-litre V6 making 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. New for this generation is an available hybrid setup that combines a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with two electric motors for a total system output of 329 horsepower — a welcome option for shoppers who want both grunt and efficiency. Either way, the Palisade rides with a polish that belies its non-luxury price tag and can tow up to 2,268 kilograms.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is an improvement over the model it replaces in every meaningful way. Consider it a top choice if you’re in the market for a comfortable three-row SUV with space for the whole family." - Jeremy Korzeniewski, CarGurus contributor
Read our full 2026 Hyundai Palisade review
CarGurus expert rating: 8.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.5%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Quiet cabin |
Poor fuel economy |
| Google Built-in infotainment system |
Uninspired driving dynamics |
| Low base price |
Cramped third row |
If a luxury badge matters but the budget is finite, the INFINITI QX60 has a strong case to make. The Luxe and Sport trims come standard with seven-passenger seating, and the freshened cabin gains a new Google Built-in infotainment system alongside the upscale materials buyers expect. Cargo capacity isn’t the largest in the class — 411 litres behind the third row, 1,178 litres with that row folded — but it’s perfectly serviceable for the daily school run, weekly grocery runs, and the occasional weekend escape.
The QX60’s powertrain is its most distinctive feature: a VC-Turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder that uses variable compression technology to produce 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive, it delivers smooth, refined acceleration that handles highway merging without drama. Around town, the cabin stays impressively quiet, and the suspension is well-tuned to soak up pockmarked Canadian roads — exactly what you want from a luxury family SUV.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you want a soft-riding and quiet luxury three-row SUV that meets most of your technology expectations, an Infiniti QX60 in Luxe trim makes sense. It offers an upscale cabin with digital displays and a touch-sensing dashboard control panel that is surprisingly easy to use." - Christian Wardlaw, CarGurus contributor
Read our full 2026 INFINITI QX60 review
CarGurus expert rating: 6.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Stylish design |
Poor ride quality |
| High-end interior |
Unintuitive technology |
| Plenty of cargo space |
Pedestrian performance |
If there’s one thing the Volkswagen Atlas does very well, it’s space. The cabin feels properly large, the third row is actually usable, and there’s plenty of cargo room to back it up — 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to a massive 2,735 litres with both rear rows folded. Add in a more upscale-feeling interior than the price tag suggests, and the Atlas makes a compelling pitch for families who want minivan-level practicality in an SUV wrapper.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder making 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Off-the-line performance is merely adequate, but the wide power band makes highway merging and passing painless. Fuel economy lands at 10.7 L/100 km combined for the Comfortline trim — reasonable for a large three-row SUV, even if it’s not class-leading. Just be aware that the ride quality can feel firmer than expected on rough pavement.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas delivers on its core promise of style and space at a non-luxury price point. This handsome three-row SUV offers compelling value for shoppers prioritizing looks and space." - Matt Smith, CarGurus contributor
Read our full 2026 Volkswagen Atlas review
CarGurus expert rating: 6.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Refined V6 engine |
Poor fuel economy |
| Spacious three-row seating |
Firm low-speed ride |
| Excellent value and features |
Dated infotainment look |
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade delivers a premium experience that rivals traditional luxury SUVs, making it a standout choice for Canadian families seeking upscale comfort without the premium badge. Inside, the Palisade impresses with high-end materials, including available Nappa premium leather, a massaging driver's seat, and heated outboard seats in the first two rows to combat chilly Canadian winters. The cabin is thoughtfully designed with generous space across all three rows, offering 509 litres of cargo capacity behind the third row, which expands to a cavernous 2,447 litres when all rear seats are folded down.
Under the hood, every Palisade is equipped with a robust 3.8-litre V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive for confident traction in all weather conditions. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient option in its class, returning an estimated 11.1 L/100 km in combined driving, the refined powertrain and whisper-quiet cabin elevate the driving experience. Advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen and Highway Driving Assist, further cements the Palisade's status as a sophisticated and capable family hauler.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2025 Palisade gets so many things exactly right that the few flaws are easily overlooked. This Hyundai has aged remarkably well and remains more appealing than many of its rivals in the midsize three-row SUV arena." - Christian Wardlaw, CarGurus contributor
Read our full 2025 Hyundai Palisade review
CarGurus expert rating: 5.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Stylish design |
Middling fuel economy |
| Small-but-mighty Hurricane 4 Turbo engine |
Poor value for money |
| It’s a towing and off-road champ |
|
The Jeep Grand Cherokee in its standard form is a five-seater, so seven-seat shoppers will want to focus on the longer Grand Cherokee L. This stretched version brings competitive headroom across all three rows and gives the Grand Cherokee’s rugged image some serious family-hauler credibility. Behind the third row, you get 487 litres of cargo space, which grows to 1,328 litres with that row folded and tops out at 2,395 litres with the second row stowed away as well — plenty of room for camping, cottage runs, or hockey weekends.
For 2026, the big news is the new Hurricane 4 Turbo engine, which produces 324 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque on regular gas. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard four-wheel drive, giving the Grand Cherokee L confident performance regardless of the weather. As you’d expect from a Jeep, towing is a strong suit — up to 2,810 kilograms (6,200 pounds) — and the available off-road hardware means it can actually deliver on the brand’s adventurous reputation when the pavement ends.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The turbo-four engine is impressive, but it can’t account for the lack of a hybrid powertrain — or the price tag for the best version of this grand dame of SUVs." - Stephen Edelstein, CarGurus contributor
Read our full 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee review
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CarGurus expert rating: 6.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 15.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Spacious third row |
Uninspired styling |
| Standard advanced safety features |
Some technology only available with a subscription |
| Multiple powertrain options |
|
Built for families who outgrew the regular Highlander, the Toyota Grand Highlander earns its name with a third row that adds roughly 15 centimetres of legroom — enough that adults nearing six feet tall can ride back there without complaint. The Grand Highlander seats up to eight, and cargo numbers are equally impressive: 586 litres behind the third row, expanding to a cavernous 2,761 litres with both rear rows folded. It’s a true minivan alternative for shoppers who simply won’t consider a minivan.
Buyers get three powertrain choices, all paired with standard all-wheel drive. The base setup is a 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder, while a 245-hp standard hybrid offers stellar fuel economy of 7.0 L/100 km combined. At the top of the lineup, the Hybrid Max powertrain combines the turbo-four with a hybrid system to produce 362 horsepower and a 2,268-kilogram towing capacity — strong numbers for anyone who actually plans to put their three-row SUV to work on weekends.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Despite a few small foibles, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is perfect for active families who need a bit of extra space and comfort." - Emme Hall, CarGurus contributor
Read our full 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander review
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FAQ
What is the most reliable 7-seat SUV in Canada?
Toyota and Honda consistently top reliability surveys, so the Toyota Grand Highlander and Honda Pilot are among the safest bets. Both brands have established track records for long-term durability, strong resale value, and lower-than-average repair costs over time.
Do all 7-seat SUVs come with all-wheel drive in Canada?
Most three-row SUVs sold in Canada offer all-wheel drive, and many — including the Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and INFINITI QX60 — come with it as standard equipment. That’s a major advantage for navigating Canadian winters and unpaved cottage roads.
Which 7-seat SUV has the most cargo space?
Among the SUVs on this list, the Honda Pilot leads with up to 3,219 litres of cargo capacity when both rear rows are folded flat. The Chevrolet Traverse (2,764 litres) and Toyota Grand Highlander (2,761 litres) follow closely behind.
Are there any hybrid 7-seat SUVs available?
Yes. The Toyota Grand Highlander is available with both a standard hybrid and a more powerful Hybrid Max powertrain, while the redesigned Hyundai Palisade now offers a hybrid option as well. These are great choices for Canadian families looking to reduce fuel costs without giving up space.
How much does a 7-seat SUV cost in Canada?
Prices vary widely based on brand, trim, and powertrain. Mainstream three-row SUVs like the Volkswagen Atlas and Honda Pilot typically start in the mid-$40,000 range, while luxury options like the INFINITI QX60 and loaded versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L can climb well past $70,000.
Can a 7-seat SUV tow a trailer?
Most of the SUVs on this list can tow at least 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) when properly equipped, which is enough for small boats, utility trailers, or pop-up campers. The Jeep Grand Cherokee leads the pack with a class-leading 2,810-kilogram (6,200-pound) towing capacity.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car-buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations driven primarily by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers — real owner experiences and current market value.
Our expert reviewers come from some of North America and Canada's most trusted automotive publications, bringing hands-on experience testing vehicles. They put each car through its paces and create detailed reviews covering everything from form and function to performance and cost effectiveness.
But we don't stop there. We also analyze hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus.ca to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of great deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to hear from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings rated as good or great deals into a final Overall CarGurus Rating — a three-way approach that reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver real satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
*The CarGurus market data in this guide was last updated in May 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.*
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