SUVs make up the vast majority of vehicles purchased by Canadians today apart from trucks, and three-row models are consistently popular. They fit lots of people and cargo while providing ground clearance for traversing weather-worn roads, providing practicality and peace of mind. In short, three-row SUVs have replaced minivans as the go-to form of multi-person transport, from soccer practice to extended road trips.
Here, we’ve listed the best 7-seater SUVs and crossovers available in Canada in 2024. Rather than simply recommending the best sellers, we’ve picked cars we think are the best at what they do: moving a whole lot of people and gear in a manner that’s family-friendly, comfortable, and safe.
Two different size categories are covered in this list. The majority of these family SUVs – and the majority of three-row SUVs sold in Canada – are of the smaller midsize SUV variety, which offer friendlier proportions but can sometimes be tight on interior and cargo space when fully loaded. We’ve also included a couple of large SUVs, which are sizeable enough to fit up to seven adults and their gear with the trade-off of loftier proportions and reduced fuel economy. Most come with four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) as a standard feature, and all include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Captain’s chairs for the second row are a very common optional feature in this segment.
Best 7-Seat SUVs in Canada 2024
- Genesis GV80
- GMC Yukon
- Hyundai Palisade
- Infiniti QX60
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- Kia Sorento
- Kia Telluride
- Lexus TX
- Mazda CX-90
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Honourable Mentions
Genesis GV80
Hyundai’s luxury division made waves when it released its first-ever SUV, the Genesis GV80, for the 2021 model year. It combines unique design elements with an array of safety features, including lane-keep assist, emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and 10 airbags. Two engines are available; however, those looking for the three-row version will need to select the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6. This engine generates 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque and averages 11.8 L/100 km combined. In Canada, the three-row version of the 2024 Genesis GV80 is priced at $92,500. All pricing in this article includes destination charges and fees. But the no-haggle, all-in price from Genesis also includes five years of scheduled maintenance and map updates, at-home valet service, and more.
Genesis GV80 Overview
GMC Yukon
This section really covers three cars in one, and together, they’re the best full-size SUVs on the market. The Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade all share a platform and benefit equally from the significant redesign they underwent in late 2020. This includes more spacious rear seats with loads of legroom. The Chevrolet Tahoe offers entry-level pricing while the Cadillac Escalade is the high-roller option. The latter comes with a massive curved OLED touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving and adaptive cruise control technology, and other upgrades. But to us, the GMC Yukon mid-premium SUV is just-right choice. It offers premium-leaning features and finishes for a more approachable price than the Escalade. It’s available with two different V8 engines or a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel with four-wheel drive that averages a fuel-efficient 10.5 L/100 km. A new high-end Denali Ultimate trim is available as of last year, which adds Super Cruise driver assistance technology along with 22-inch wheels, unique chrome accents, 16-way massaging front seats with contrasting stitching, aluminum and open-pore wood trim, and an 18-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system with speakers in the front-row headrests. The 2024 GMC Yukon has a starting price in Canada of $77,429, while the 2024 GMC Yukon Denali starts at $102,675 and the Denali Ultimate at $129,075.
GMC Yukon Review
Hyundai Palisade
There’s a reason there are so many Hyundai Palisades on the road in Canada: this well-priced and well-balanced vehicle upended in the mid-size three-row SUV segment when it was introduced for the 2020 model year. Its unique styling, roomy interior, and near-luxury finishes and features at higher trims made it an instant hit. The Palisade has been offered with a single engine since its launch, a 3.8-litre V6 that makes 291 horsepower, 262 pound-feet of torque, and a combined fuel consumption of 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard, and a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year integrates new front and rear-end styling and some additional technology in the cabin. In Canada, the 2024 Hyundai Palisade has a starting price of $52,206.
Hyundai Palisade Overview
Infiniti QX60
Following the redesign of the Nissan Pathfinder with which it shares a platform—and which you’ll find further down on this list—the Infiniti QX60 7-seater SUV has also been fully revamped. The QX60 entered its second generation for 2022, at least under its current naming scheme; the brand previously had a seven-seat SUV called the JX. It carries over the 3.5-litre V6 engine but goes from a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to a nine-speed automatic, which improves its drivability. Sold with standard all-wheel drive and averaging 10.8 L/100 km, the QX60 is a solid choice as a luxury three-row SUV. The 2024 Infiniti QX60 carries a starting price in Canada of $62,475.
Infiniti QX60 Review
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Jeep now considers itself a luxury brand, and its newfound premium styling and finishes combined with legendary off-road capability make some compelling offerings. The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are the top-of-the-line nameplates, but we’re impressed with the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a new version of a long-time favourite mid-size SUV that entered its fifth generation in 2021, now with a third row of seats. The wood inserts, premium leather, and smart styling bring the Grand Cherokee name into premium territory, It comes with two engine options—a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 (11.3 L/100 km combined) or a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 (14.1 L/100 km combined and a mighty towing capacity)—and three different 4x4 systems, mean the Grand Cherokee L can be customized to meet any driver’s needs. The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has a Canadian starting price of $60,515.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Review
Kia Sorento
Not everyone needs three rows all the time. If you’re happy with the second row and consider yourself a part-time third-row user, and if you could trade space for fuel efficiency, consider the Kia Sorento. This is a midsize SUV that’s on the smaller side, and the rearmost seating is best reserved for children. But it comes in gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, meaning it’s possible to get an affordable SUV that seats six while burning a minimum of fuel, or none at all if you opt for the PHEV and its 51 kilometres of all-electric range. 2024 pricing was not available as of this writing, but the 2023 Kia Sorento has a starting price in Canada of $39,483, while the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid starts at $40,983 and the 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid at $50,483. This price and the Sorento PHEV’s range allows it to qualify for federal and provincial EV rebates, which could bring the cost down significantly depending on where you live in Canada.
Kia Sorento review
Kia Telluride
Like its Hyundai Palisade cousin, the Kia Telluride is a popular choice among Canadians. Although the same 3.8-litre V6 can be found under the hood with very similar specifications to the Palisade (291 hp, 262 lb-ft, 11.3 L/100 km combined), its distinct exterior, lighting signature, and interior layout arguably make it more appealing. All grades come with standard all-wheel drive. Like the Palisade, the Telluride receives a mid-cycle refresh for 2023 that integrates updated daytime running lights and a new twin-screen setup for the dashboard. It also receives new X-Line and X-Pro grades that up the off-road ante. In Canada, the 2024 Kia Telluride has a starting price of $53,083.
Kia Telluride Overview
Lexus TX
The 2024 model year is a great one for new three-row SUV options, and one of our favourites is the Lexus TX. Based on the same architecture as the Toyota Grand Highlander you’ll find further down this list, the Lexus TX fills a long-standing gap in the luxury automaker’s line-up. It provides a mid-size luxury SUV with a usable third row, much more spacious than the former Lexus RX L but not as large and imposing as the Lexus GX and Lexus LX. Three powertrains are offered. The Lexus TX 350 has a gas-only powertrain, a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The Lexus TX 500h is a performance hybrid with the same 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder coupled it to a hybrid powertrain for a total system output of 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. This version also includes Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system for a smooth ride and an enhanced driving experience. In the Lexus TX 550h+, a 3.5-litre normally aspirated V6 is matched to a plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering a combined 404 hp and up to 53 kilometres of all-electric range. The 2024 Lexus TX 350 starts at a price of $72,036 in Canada, while the 2024 Lexus TX 500h starts at $87,486. Pricing for the 2024 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid was not yet announced as of this writing.
Mazda CX-90
Here’s another in the crop of new-for-2024 seven-seaters. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 significantly levels up the automaker’s three-row capabilities, which were previously limited to the fun-to-drive but spatially challenged Mazda CX-9. Two powertrains are offered. The 3.3-litre turbo inline-six-cylinder engine with mild hybrid technology makes 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque with standard AWD, while the high-output version creates 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. On the plug-in hybrid, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine makes 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 42 kilometres of electric range. Pricing in Canada for the 2024 Mazda CX-90 starts at $48,753, while the 2024 Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid starts at $57,753. Because its electric range falls below 50 kilometres, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV qualifies for half of the standard amounts for federal and provincial EV rebates.
Mazda CX-90 review
Nissan Pathfinder
Like the Infiniti QX60 named earlier on this list, the related Nissan Pathfinder 7-passenger SUV was also fully redesigned for the 2022 model year. It benefits from the same upgrade to a nine-speed automatic transmission to go with its 3.5-litre V6 engine, while all-wheel drive is standard. Fuel consumption is slightly lower than in the QX60 at an average of 10.5 L/100 km combined. For 2023, the Rock Creek trim was added to the line-up with an off-road tuned suspension, 18-inch beadlock-style wheels with all-terrain tires, a roof rack with a 100-kilogram (220-pound) load capacity, a surround-view camera with off-road mode, and trim-exclusive exterior and interior design elements. The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder carries a starting price in Canada of $49,683.
Nissan Pathfinder Review
Toyota Grand Highlander
Like the Lexus TX, the Toyota Grand Highlander is an entirely new three-row SUV launching for 2024. It offers more space and practicality than the smaller Toyota Highlander without stretching all the way into Toyota Sequoia large SUV territory. Three powertrains configurations are available: a gas-only 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 265 hp, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid producing 243 hp while averaging 7.0 L/100 km combined. In the Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max, a 2.4-litre turbo-four with hybrid technology comes together for 362 hp while averaging 8.8 L/100 km combined. The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of advanced safety features is standard. Pricing for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander starts in Canada at $53,775, while the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $57,075 and the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max starts at $68,735.
Honourable Mentions
There are a few more models worth considering for certain buyers. The Volkswagen Atlas is traditionally one of the roomiest three-row SUVs. It enters a new generation for 2024 that we’re looking forward to testing. The same goes for the Ford Explorer, which we have not yet tested in its redesigned version for 2024.
For those seeking a three-row battery electric SUV, these are starting to hit the market. On the early end, the Kia EV9 is worth a look. Some buyers may wish to consider the Honda Pilot, though we feel its pricy in Canada for what it offers. The Mazda CX-9 remains a good option for occasional use of third-row seats while it’s still around, as does the Acura MDX. The Subaru Ascent offers solid value at the lower end of its pricing structure.
Note: Images may show US models.