Best 6-seater SUVs of 2023

What to look for in a six-seater SUV

Having enough room may be the defining characteristic of such machines, but that isn’t all it takes to make them viable for growing families. There are a number of key points you should consider when purchasing the ideal hauler:

• Space: Naturally, you’ll need to ensure that you could really fit six people inside. But it goes a little bit further, too. While not always the case, it’s not uncommon for the third-row to lack head- and legroom. It doesn’t hurt to peruse bulkier options if you have teens or expect to be transporting adults on a regular basis.
• Cargo capacity: Squeezing a third row of seats into any frame is likely to infringe on the place where you store your stuff, and midsize crossovers often have to compromise in this area. With all the seats in place, it’s not uncommon for six-seaters to have trunks that are on par with average sedans. If you have to haul both passengers and their luggage, you should take this into consideration.
• Value for money: These automobiles are targeted at buyers who want the most bang for their buck. While these bigger automobiles don’t necessarily offer the best fuel economy, engineers go out of their way to optimize efficiency over performance. That same mentality usually extends to frivolous amenities, with only the more expensive models offering luxury comforts and conveniences.

Best 6-passenger SUVs

With these points in mind, let’s check out some of our top-rated contenders within the segment for 2022 and 2023 to give you an idea of what makes a great SUV that can seat six:

• Volvo XC90 - With both a gasoline and a hybrid model on offer, Volvo seems to have mastered the form. The XC90 may not be one of the largest, but it’s a 6-person SUV nonetheless, although the third row is best reserved for children. It certainly doesn’t hurt that every surface is appointed with soft leatherette or genuine leather. As you’d expect, the trunk is cavernous, too. Finally, it gets a decent amount of standard tech as well as driver-assistance features. Sadly, all these extras push the cost up quite a bit with the regular XC90 starting just below $50k, while the hybrid’s cheapest configuration will set you back at least $67,000.
• Lincoln Aviator - Similarly priced to its Swedish rival, the Aviator is a good US alternative. First- and second-row occupants are once again spoiled with spacious captain’s chairs, while the back row remains the domain of smaller, younger individuals. This machine actually beats the Swede when it comes to cargo volume.
• GMC Acadia - A less expensive alternative to those already mentioned, the Acadia starts below $30k for a new model. But, for this price, you actually get a near-luxury item that fairs well on the best 6-passenger SUV roster. However, the first two rows are as spacious, even if the third row is no worse for the class. Where it falls horribly short is the small trunk. With a decent consignment of features and competitive fuel economy, though, it still holds its own against rivals.

Advantages and Disadvantages of owning a six-seater SUV

Pros

• Accommodations for six (or more) passengers
• Safety is usually well provided for
• Many luxury brands to choose from
• Focus area for hybridization
• Maximum storage space is generally quite impressive

Cons

• “Space for six” doesn’t necessarily mean spacious
• Reasonably-priced iterations are rare
• Area behind the rear seats is seldom impressive

FAQs

We strongly suggest that you peruse our detailed reviews for anything that catches your eye. We give all the information you could require on current and highest-rated variants, while teasing some of those upcoming for 2021.