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Years ago, minivans and station wagons were the dominant forces in people hauling, but the SUV has since overtaken the minivan and station wagons are nearly extinct. Part of the SUV’s success is its wide range of seating options for families of all sizes. These options include 7- and 8-passenger options for larger families.
For many families, an 8-passenger SUV is just too much, but a 7-passenger model usually adds the extra comfort of captain’s chairs in the second row, making a great spot for adults and older teens.
To identify the best 7-seater SUVs in Canada for 2025, we focused on the key factors that matter most to Canadian families. These considerations ensure each vehicle meets the demands of daily life while delivering an enjoyable driving experience. Here’s what we looked at:
By employing these criteria, you can make an informed decision when choosing the best 7-passenger SUV in Canada for your family.
You have plenty of 7-seater SUVs in Canada to choose from, but which ones are the best for your family? We outline the seven best 7-seater SUVs in Canada below.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander earns its title as the best 7-seater SUV in Canada with a perfect mix of reliability, spaciousness, and advanced features. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or embarking on a family road trip, the Highlander delivers comfort and practicality in every scenario.
Designed with versatility in mind, the Highlander offers 983 mm of legroom in the second row, providing plenty of space for passengers to stretch out. While the third row is more compact, with 711 mm of legroom, it’s ideal for kids or shorter adults. Cargo space is a standout feature, ranging from 453 litres with all seats upright to an impressive 2,387 litres with the rear seats folded, ensuring there’s room for everything from groceries to road trip essentials.
Toyota equips the Highlander with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain balances performance with fuel efficiency, boasting a combined consumption rating of 9.9 L/100 km. The Highlander’s smooth ride and capable handling make it an excellent choice for both city and highway driving.
Modern families will appreciate the Highlander’s advanced technology. It features a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims include a 12.3-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system for an elevated experience. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ ensures peace of mind with features like lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the ultimate choice for families seeking the best 7-seater SUV in Canada. With its spacious interior, efficient performance, and advanced safety features, it’s a reliable companion for every journey.
The 2025 Honda Pilot is a family-focused SUV that combines spaciousness, reliability, and advanced technology. As one of the best 7-seater SUVs in Canada, the Pilot is a popular choice for families who need room for everyone and everything while enjoying a comfortable ride.
The Pilot excels in passenger space, offering an impressive 1,036 mm of legroom in the second row, ensuring even taller passengers have room to stretch out. The third row provides 826 mm of legroom, making it roomier than many competitors and suitable for both children and adults on shorter trips. With up to 3,166 litres of cargo space when all seats are folded, the Pilot easily handles large loads, making it one of the most versatile 7-seater SUVs in Canada.
Performance remains strong with a 3.5-litre V6 engine that generates 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the Pilot delivers smooth acceleration and stable handling. Its towing capacity of 2,268 kg adds to its versatility, whether you’re hauling a camper or a small trailer.
Honda prioritizes safety and tech in the Pilot, equipping it with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Trailsport trim, which includes a 7-seater configuration, features a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring families stay connected on the go.
The 2025 Honda Pilot is a well-rounded and top-rated 7-passenger SUV in Canada, offering impressive space, reliable performance, and advanced safety features. It’s the ideal SUV for Canadian families looking for comfort and capability.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is a true multitasker, offering a blend of rugged capability and modern sophistication that makes it a great fit for families on the go. With bold styling and a well-thought-out interior, the Santa Fe stands out as one of the most versatile 7-seaters on the market.
Comfort takes center stage in the second row, where passengers are treated to an impressive 1,031 mm of legroom, making long trips more enjoyable. While the third row is snug with 762 mm of legroom, it’s perfect for children or shorter rides. Storage space is competitive, with up to 2,041 litres available when the rear seats are folded, ensuring there’s room for groceries, sports equipment, or travel essentials.
Powering the Santa Fe is a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Matched with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, it provides a smooth yet lively drive. The Santa Fe’s towing capacity of 2,041 kg makes it a reliable choice for families who enjoy camping or boating trips.
Tech-savvy families will find plenty to love in the Santa Fe’s modern cabin. A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard, while higher trims offer a customizable digital instrument cluster and premium sound options. Safety is a major highlight, with Hyundai SmartSense delivering features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe combines bold design, advanced tech, and family-friendly features, making it a standout among 7-seater SUVs in Canada. It’s the perfect choice for those who value comfort, safety, and versatility.
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 proves that practicality and style can coexist in a family-friendly SUV. With its luxurious interior, sharp design, and refined performance, the CX-90 is a standout choice for families seeking more than just utility in their vehicle.
Passengers in the second row will appreciate the generous 1,000 mm of legroom, while the third row, at 773 mm of legroom, is better suited for younger passengers or short trips. The CX-90 offers up to 2,101 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it a versatile option for family road trips, errands, and everything in between.
Under the hood, the CX-90 is powered by two turbocharged inline-six engines, ranging from 280 to 340 horsepower, depending on the trim. These engines deliver smooth and responsive performance while maintaining competitive fuel efficiency, embodying Mazda’s signature “Zoom-Zoom” driving dynamics. For families who prioritize a sporty feel in their SUV, the CX-90 hits the mark.
The CX-90 doesn’t skimp on technology either. It includes a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims elevate the experience with luxurious Nappa leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
For those seeking a stylish and sporty SUV, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 delivers on all fronts. Its combination of luxury, practicality, and standout performance makes it one of the most compelling options in the 7-seater SUV category.
The 2025 Kia Sorento strikes the perfect balance between practicality, style, and affordability, making it one of the best 7-seater SUVs in Canada. Whether you’re running errands or planning a family road trip, the Sorento delivers versatility and comfort at a competitive price.
Passengers in the second row enjoy a generous 1,060 mm of legroom, offering plenty of space for adults and teens. The third row, while tighter with 752 mm of legroom, is ideal for kids or occasional use. Cargo space is impressive for its size, with up to 2,101 litres available when the rear seats are folded. This makes the Sorento a strong contender for families looking for a spacious and reliable 7-seater SUV in Canada.
Performance-wise, the Sorento comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Its smooth ride and towing capacity of 2,041 kg ensure it’s ready for both daily drives and weekend getaways. Despite its power, the Sorento remains efficient, with a combined fuel consumption rating of 9.4 L/100 km.
Tech-savvy families will love the Sorento’s 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Kia also equips this SUV with an impressive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision avoidance. These features help make the Sorento one of the most top-rated 7-passenger SUVs in Canada.
The 2025 Kia Sorento is a fantastic option for families looking for a reliable and feature-packed 7-seater SUV in Canada. With its modern design, advanced technology, and strong performance, it’s built to handle whatever life throws your way.
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder earns its spot as one of the best 7-seater SUVs in Canada with its rugged design, strong V6 performance, and family-friendly versatility. Whether you’re tackling city traffic or heading off on a weekend adventure, the Pathfinder is built to handle it all.
With seating for seven in its Platinum trim featuring second-row captain’s chairs, the Pathfinder offers a comfortable cabin for families. The second row provides 902 mm of legroom, making it suitable for adults, while the third row, with 702 mm of legroom, works best for kids or shorter rides. Cargo space is impressive, with up to 2,280 litres available when the seats are folded, making it a great choice for hauling sports gear, luggage, or groceries. For families looking for a capable and spacious 7-seater SUV in Canada, the Pathfinder checks all the boxes.
Under the hood, the Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Its 9-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth performance, while the 2,721 kg towing capacity is perfect for families with boats, campers, or trailers. This makes the Pathfinder a top-rated 7-passenger SUV in Canada for those who value capability.
On the tech front, the Pathfinder shines with its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a premium Bose 12-speaker audio system. Safety is also a priority, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking included as standard.
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is a top choice among 7-seater SUVs in Canada, offering excellent towing capacity, advanced tech, and spacious comfort. It’s a versatile, capable, and stylish option for Canadian families.
When it comes to versatility and off-road capability, the 2025 Subaru Ascent holds its own as one of the best 7-seater SUVs in Canada. Perfect for adventurous families, this midsize SUV combines Subaru’s legendary all-wheel drive with a practical and spacious interior.
Families will appreciate the roomy second-row seats, which offer 979 mm of legroom, making it comfortable for adults and teens alike. The third row is more compact, with 804 mm of legroom, but it works well for younger children or shorter trips. The Ascent’s cargo space, measuring up to 2,140 litres with the seats folded, ensures there’s plenty of room for gear, groceries, or luggage, making it an ideal 7-seater SUV in Canada for families on the move.
The Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder boxer engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Combined with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive and a towing capacity of 2,270 kg, the Ascent is ready for all-weather adventures and light hauling tasks. Fuel efficiency is also solid, with a combined rating of 11 L/100 km.
Technology is another highlight, with Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system offering an 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and physical knobs for easy use. Safety is top-notch thanks to Subaru’s standard EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is a top-rated 7-passenger SUV in Canada, offering reliable performance, ample space, and advanced safety features. It’s a fantastic choice for families seeking a rugged and practical SUV for their daily needs and weekend adventures.
When you’ve got a big family or just do a lot of carpooling, a 7-seater SUV can be helpful to fit all the folks you haul around. Plus, they offer ample cargo room and often tow quite well.
Above, our list of the best 7-seat SUVs in Canada for 2025 offers all this and more. Some, like the 2025 Toyota Highlander, excel in virtually every category, whereas others excel in certain areas, like the off-roading abilities of the 2025 Ascent.
If you’re considering one of these new 2025 models, visit Clutch and save thousands on a high-quality used 7-passenger SUV.
The best family 7-seater SUV in Canada is the 2025 Toyota Highlander. It provides a blend of comfort, ample passenger and cargo space, advanced safety features, and reliable performance. These qualities make it an ideal choice for families looking for a versatile and dependable vehicle to accommodate their needs.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient 7-seater SUV in Canada, coming in at 6.7 L/100 km.
The Toyota Highlander received the highest reliability rating for 7-seater SUVs in the upper midsize category in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.
The Kia Telluride is the safest 7-seater SUV in Canada, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ and a perfect score across all testing criteria from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is considered the best 7-seater SUV in Canada. It tops our list with a total score of 4.1 out of 5, excelling in performance, space and comfort, technology, value, fuel efficiency, style, and reliability. Its impressive 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine delivers 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, offering a smooth and efficient driving experience.
