Best 7-Seat SUVs in Australia 2023

By Alexi Falson on 01 Feb 2023
image for Best 7-Seat SUVs in Australia 2023 While SUVs of all shapes and sizes have exploded in popularity, seven-seat SUVs remain one of the most versatile and practical offerings for large families. 

With manufacturers packing their lineup with a compact, midsize and large SUV, new car buyers have seemingly more choice than ever before in 2023, which is what we’ll be unpacking today.

Join us as we take a closer look at ten of the best 7-seat SUVs on sale here in Australia in 2023, and unpack some of their key selling points.

Hyundai Palisade

2023 hyundai palisade

Hyundai made a big impression with the launch of its flagship seven-seat SUV, the Palisade, which has since been upgraded with a new styling package and a heap of standard equipment.

The Palisade was originally designed for the American market- one that demands massive platforms and acres of interior space, which has made it one of the most spacious seven-seat SUVs you’ll find here in Australia.

The range comes powered by a 3.8-litre V6 or a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, both of which receive an eight-speed automatic transmission and the option of an all-wheel drive system.

The generous equipment list for the entry-level Palisade includes 18-inch alloys, leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Toyota Kluger

2023 toyota kluger

Toyota has a number of seven-seat options up its sleeve, but perhaps the biggest hit with families has been the Kluger range, which has recently gained a new platform and the option of a hybrid powertrain across all model grades.

The Kluger’s all-new architecture underneath means the company has been able to extract even more space and practicality from the cabin, which makes an already impressive package even more family-friendly.

The Kluger range features a front-wheel drive base model, a mid-spec AWD variant and a range-topping hybrid AWD paired with a four-cylinder petrol, V6 petrol and a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, with braked towing capacities standing at 2000kg.

As standard, the entry-level GX comes fitted with 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, keyless entry & start and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, while higher-spec variants gain leather seats, a sunroof and a surround-view camera.

Mitsubishi Outlander

2023 mitsubishi outlander

While the Mitsubishi outlander might not be the most spacious seven-seat SUVs on the market, it remains one of the best value, and offers buyers one of the best ownership and warranty programs you’ll find in Australia.

With four variants all up, not including the option of a fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid model, there’s a heap of variety within the Outlander lineup for buyers looking at a specific price-point, all of which gain a ten-year warranty when serviced within the Mitsubishi network.

Standard equipment for the entry-level Outlander ES includes a set of 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and a pair of digital screens for the driver and infotainment system.

Step up higher into the range and you’ll gain leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a ten-speaker sound system from BOSE and a panoramic sunroof.

Kia Sorento

2023 kia sorento

The Sorento is Kia’s largest horse in the stables, and makes for one of the most appealing option for buyers looking for a comfortable, well-equipped and reasonably priced seven-seat SUV package.

Within the lineup, there’s five engine options, including a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid option, a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and comfortable suspension setup that makes long journeys a smooth affair.

Standard equipment for the entry-level Sorento S includes 17-inch alloys, LED headlights and an 8.0-inch infotainment system, while higher-spec variants gain 20-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats as well as an upgraded 10.25-inch infotainment system.

Mazda CX-9

2023 mazda cx-9

The almighty Mazda CX-9 has been a go-to option for large families for years now, and in its latest form, the package has gotten even more appealing.

The range kicks off with the entry-level Sport and moves through four variants all up, giving buyers a healthy slice of variety across different price points and a handful of premium features in the range-topping models.

The range comes powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 170kW of power and 420Nm of torque, which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and the option of front and AWD platforms.

Inside, the cabin is both stylish and practical thanks to Mazda’s expertise with interior designs and clever packaging techniques that give it a sizable 230L boot with three-rows standing, which expands to 810L in a five-seat layout.

Hyundai Santa Fe

2023 hyundai santa fe

The Santa Fe is a great seven-seat SUV option for price-conscious buyers, with prices kicking off from under $50,000 for Hyundai’s stylish, comfortable and well-equipped family hero.

The Santa Fe lineup is split into four model grades, with the option of a petrol, turbo-diesel and even a hybrid powertrain for some of the more premium member of the lineup, with fuel economy figures standing at 6.1L/100km or the diesel and 6.0L/100km for the petrol-hybrid.

Standard equipment for the base model includes 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an 8.0-inch infotainment system, while higher-spec variants gain leather seats, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an upgraded 10.25-inch infotainment system.

Isuzu MU-X

2023 isuzu mu-x

Isuzu has given its adventurous seven-seat SUV package a significant upgrade in recent years, making it a more competent off-roader with enough power to tow up to 3500kg.

The MU-X range kicks off with a trio of 4x2 options for budget-conscious buyers, headlined by another three 4x4 variants for those looking to pack a family of seven and head into the Great Outdoors.

Under the bonnet you’ll find the same 3.0-litre turbo-diesel powering the Isuzu D-Max ute which kicks out 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, while 4x4 variants pick up a new transfer case for some added off-road abilities.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

2023 mitsubishi pajero sport

Mitsubishi’s Triton-based Pajero Sport is a strong performer when put under both the off-road test and the large family test, making it one of the most versatile SUV packages on the road.

With prices kicking off from a very reasonable $45,000, the Pajero Sport offers a tonne of space and practicality for large families, and comes powered by a meaty 2.4-litre turbo-diesel that kicks off 133kW of power and 430Nm of torque.

The range is split into four grades, with the option of both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive platforms on offer that gives this family-friendly SUV some serious off-road chops.

Best of all, if you keep it serviced within the Mitsubishi network, you’ll gain a ten-year/200,000km warranty program that offers unmatched coverage and confidence over time.

Toyota LandCruiser Prado

2023 toyota landcruiser prado

If you’re looking for one of the most accomplished off-roaders with a family-friendly cabin, look no further than the latest generation Toyota Prado, which remains the benchmark for a capable seven-seat SUV package.

The Prado range is split into four variants, all of which come powered by Toyota’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel unit that produces 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a heap of off-road hardware in higher-spec variants.

The base model GX comes fitted with a five-seat layout, while the GXL and above can be option with a seven-seat configuration that offers enough space and storage options for large families, and makes for one of the most adventurous seven-seat SUVs on the market.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

2023 jeep grand cherokee l

We’ll wrap up our list with a heavyweight from the United States, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee L which has been designed as the most spacious and family-friendly Grand Cherokee package.

Split into three variants, the Grand Cherokee L range comes powered by the same 3.6-litre V6 petrol producing 210KW of power and 344Nm of torque, which transfers power to all four-wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The base model comes feature-packed with 20-inch alloys, leather upholstery with heated seats, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.4-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Request a Quote

If our list of the best seven-seat SUVs coming to Australia in 2023 has sparked your imagination, click here to get in touch with one of our car-buying experts.

AF

Alexi Falson

Alexi is an automotive journalist and road tester hailing from Byron Bay. He has an affection for both cars and motorbikes, a great admiration for the simplicity of old-school engineering, and a fascination of new technology making its way to modern cars. When he's not road testing, you'll find him surfing, hiking or helping people find their dream cars.

Have any questions? Call us on 1300 719 925

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