For families that are large or those who frequently carpool, an eight-seater SUV can be the perfect vehicle. While the market is filled with three-row SUVs, not all of them offer comfortable seating for eight adults. If maximizing passenger capacity is a priority, then finding the right eight-passenger SUV is crucial. Fortunately, despite a more limited selection compared to smaller SUVs, there are still excellent choices available. Whether you’re looking for a touch of luxury or a budget-friendly option, there’s an eight-seater SUV to meet your needs. Here’s a rundown of ten of the best eight-seater SUVs you could consider.
2018 Toyota Highlander
The 2018 Toyota Highlander is a popular choice in the eight-seater SUV category, offering configurations for eight passengers across several trims. Starting at $31,030 for the base LE model and reaching up to $46,660 for the Limited Platinum, the Highlander provides six trim levels to choose from. Drivers can select between front-wheel or all-wheel drive and two engine options. The standard engine is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. For more power, a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Cargo space is practical, with 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 42.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 83.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. For those interested in fuel efficiency, a hybrid version of the Highlander is also offered in four trims, priced from $36,670 to $48,280.
2018 Honda Pilot
The 2018 Honda Pilot is another strong contender in the eight-passenger SUV segment, known for its reliability and family-friendly features. Available in five trim levels, with prices ranging from $30,900 to $47,470, it’s important to note that the top-tier trim doesn’t offer eight-passenger seating. To maximize seating, the Touring trim, starting at $41,970, is the highest trim level that accommodates eight. The Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed or nine-speed automatic transmission depending on the trim. Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Pilot also provides ample cargo capacity. It offers up to 15.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.
2018 Toyota Land Cruiser
For those seeking a more rugged and luxurious eight-seater SUV, the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser is a premium option. Offered in a single, highly-equipped trim, the Land Cruiser starts at $84,315. It boasts a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine that delivers 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, coupled with full-time four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its robust off-road capabilities, the Land Cruiser also provides practical cargo space, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 81.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It also has a substantial towing capacity of up to 8,100 pounds. Standard luxury features include four-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated leather front seats, heated second-row seats with recline and slide functionality for easy third-row access, and a 50/50 split-folding third row. A heated leather steering wheel is also standard.
2018 Ford Expedition
The 2018 Ford Expedition is a versatile eight-seater SUV available in three trims and with standard or long wheelbase configurations to suit different needs for passenger and cargo space. The standard-wheelbase Expedition XLT starts at $51,790, while the extended-wheelbase, luxurious Expedition Platinum Max begins at $75,720. Rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive is available across the range. Under the hood, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with Platinum trims getting an upgraded output of 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Cargo capacity in standard-wheelbase models is 20.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 104.6 cubic feet with the rear rows down. Long-wheelbase models significantly increase these figures to 36.0, 73.3, and 121.5 cubic feet, respectively, making it one of the most spacious eight-seater SUVs.
2018 Lincoln Navigator
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator offers a luxury experience in an eight-seater SUV, available in four opulent trims. The base Premiere trim starts at $72,055, while the top-of-the-line Black Label trim is priced from $93,705. All Navigators are powered by a potent 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Both standard and long-wheelbase versions are offered. The standard-wheelbase Navigator provides 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator offers even more space with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 120.2 cubic feet maximum cargo capacity.
2018 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is a more budget-friendly eight-seater SUV option, though seating for eight is only available on specific lower trims. To get eight seats, you need to choose the base L, LS, or LT Cloth trims, starting at $30,295, $33,595, and $36,095 respectively. Higher trims of the Traverse are configured for seven passengers. These eight-passenger versions are equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite being an affordable choice, the Traverse offers a spacious interior with significant cargo room. It provides 23.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 58.1 cubic feet behind the second row, and a generous 98.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It also boasts a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the trailering package.
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe is a traditional, body-on-frame SUV that seats eight and is available in three trim levels with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive options across the lineup. The base LS trim with rear-wheel drive starts at $48,795, while the top-tier Premier trim with four-wheel drive is priced at $66,495. Engine choices include a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque paired with a six-speed automatic, or a more powerful 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Cargo space in the Tahoe is 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 51.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 94.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
2018 Nissan Armada
The 2018 Nissan Armada is a robust eight-seater SUV, offering this seating capacity in all four of its trim levels, providing a wide range of features and price points. Drivers can choose between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for each trim. Pricing starts at $40,060 for the SV trim with rear-wheel drive and goes up to $65,090 for the Platinum Reserve with all-wheel drive. Powering the Armada is a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Armada is designed to handle both passengers and cargo effectively, offering 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
2018 GMC Yukon
The 2018 GMC Yukon is another capable eight-seater SUV, available in three trim levels with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive options, and eight-passenger seating standard across all trims. Notably, an optional front bench seat in some trims can even increase seating capacity to nine. Pricing begins at $50,395 for the base SLE trim and reaches $70,495 for the Denali trim with all-wheel drive. Cargo dimensions mirror the Chevrolet Tahoe, with 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 51.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 94.7 cubic feet maximum. The extended-wheelbase Yukon XL version increases maximum cargo capacity to an impressive 121.7 cubic feet. The standard Yukon offers a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, but can tow up to 8,500 pounds with the available trailering package.
2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV
The 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV, the extended-wheelbase version of the Escalade, offers luxury and eight-passenger seating in all four trim levels, thanks to an optional second-row bench seat. The standard-length Escalade seats seven. The Escalade ESV starts at $77,695 for the base trim, with the premium Platinum trim starting at $96,795. Power comes from a 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Escalade ESV provides a substantial 120.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume and a towing capacity of up to 8,100 pounds for rear-wheel drive models and 7,900 pounds for four-wheel drive versions.
