Best 8-Seater SUVs in 2023

Kicking this slideshow off is the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. Its stylish cabin provides plenty of room for passengers, and there’s no shortage of standard features, from advanced tech to modern driver-assistance amenities. That said, its infotainment system is a step behind what you’ll find in rivals.

Although it won’t take your breath away, the Pathfinder’s acceleration is adequate for most driving needs. For an SUV of its size, this Nissan handles corners with finesse, with very little body roll. Only large bumps disturb the Pathfinder’s smooth ride. Off-road performance is impressive, but the Pathfinder’s 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity is lower than other eight-passenger SUVs in this slideshow.

The Pathfinder is a great choice on its own, but in such a competitive class, you can do better for your money.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is an enticing choice in the midsize SUV class. It boasts a long standard features list that includes an easy-to-use infotainment system that is new for 2023. There’s plenty of room to stretch out in the first two rows, but the third row is a bit cramped. Cargo space is on par with SUVs of a similar size.

For 2023, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine replaces the Highlander’s outgoing V6 power plant. The turbo-four can be loud, and it makes the Highlander feel a little underpowered on the highway. Additionally, the Highlander’s 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity is low compared to other eight-seaters. On the bright side, the Highlander achieves an even balance between handling agility and ride quality.

The 2023 GMC Yukon is one of the few SUVs in this slideshow with seating for up to nine people. Although the extended-wheelbase Yukon XL provides more cargo space than the regular Yukon, both models offer plenty of room for people and their gear. The Yukon’s long standard tech list includes many driver-assistance features and wireless smartphone connectivity.

You can count on the smooth-riding Yukon for capable acceleration, no matter which of its three engine offerings you choose. When properly equipped, this GMC can tow up to 8,400 pounds, which is about average for the large SUV class. Fuel economy is quite impressive with the available turbodiesel.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV in this slideshow, with gas mileage ratings of up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. It also rides smoothly and handles curves with minimal body roll. Acceleration is strong from a stop but lackluster on the highway, and the Highlander Hybrid’s maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds is the lowest of the bunch.

This Toyota touts an upscale cabin with quality materials and a wide array of easy-to-use tech and safety features. Although the Highlander Hybrid’s third row is tight, the first two rows are comfortable. Cargo space is subpar for a three-row SUV but decent for a hybrid SUV.

Like its slightly pricier cousin, the Yukon, the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe seats up to nine. All three rows are spacious, and there’s no shortage of cargo room in this big Chevy. Although the Tahoe has a slightly smaller standard touch screen than the Yukon, it still comes packed with desirable features like safety tech and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Tahoe feels light on its feet for a large SUV, and models with the available air suspension ride smoothly. Its capable engine lineup includes two V8s and a turbodiesel with excellent fuel economy ratings. The Tahoe can tow up to 8,400 pounds.

Not every three-row SUV offers comfortable, adult-friendly seating in every row, but the 2023 Ford Expedition is one of them. Its richly appointed cabin has seating for five, seven or eight. The Expedition’s maximum cargo capacity clears the 100-cubic-foot mark, which is a lot of room, even if rivals offer more space. The extended-wheelbase Expedition Max has the most cargo room in the lineup.

Performance-wise, the Expedition stands out in the large SUV class by offering great fuel economy ratings and one of the highest maximum towing capacities (9,300 pounds). A twin-turbocharged engine lineup helps this Ford accelerate quickly from a stop and on the highway. It may not feel as agile around turns as some rivals, but the Expedition rides comfortably, especially in the Platinum trim.

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is an extended version of the Tahoe, and it’s one of the few nine-seaters in this slideshow. The Suburban has more storage space than the Tahoe and just about every other large SUV, making it one of the best choices for those who need to haul three rows of people and their stuff.

The Suburban shares many of the Tahoe’s strengths: generally balanced ride and handling, three stellar engine options and a long list of easy-to-use tech and safety features. The Suburban can tow up to 8,300 pounds, which is average for the class. However, one glaring drawback is this SUV’s sheer size, which makes maneuvering in tight spots a real pain.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer gives its classmates a run for their money. Its first-rate cabin and excellent ride quality make it comparable to Land Rover SUVs. Adult-friendly seating in all three rows, ample cargo space and a long list of tech and safety features are just a few of the Grand Wagoneer’s perks. The extended-wheelbase Grand Wagoneer L is your best bet if you want the most cargo room.

The Grand Wagoneer’s acceleration is quick off the line and capable on the highway. Off-road ruggedness and a 9,870-pound maximum towing capacity prepare the Grand Wagoneer for adventure. That said, this Jeep has one of the highest prices in the luxury large SUV class and is terrible on gas compared to its rivals.

The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse costs less than every other SUV in this slideshow but doesn’t skimp on technology. The standard features list is long and includes many driver aids and a user-friendly infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That said, many rivals have higher-end cabin materials and roomier third rows.

The Traverse accelerates quickly, both from a stop and at highway speeds, and it strikes a nice balance between handling agility and ride quality. Fuel economy is decent for a midsize SUV, but many SUVs in this slideshow exceed this Chevy’s 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity.

The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer is one of the most well-rounded large SUVs. A capable engine lineup helps the Wagoneer accelerate quickly and tow up to 10,000 pounds, which is the highest tow rating in the class. And since it’s a Jeep, there’s no question about its off-road prowess. However, this big Jeep can be tricky to maneuver through tight spaces.

The Wagoneer touts premium cabin materials, high-tech features, roomy seating in all three rows and tons of cargo space. Like quite a few SUVs in this slideshow, it’s available in a long-wheelbase variant (Wagoneer L) with more cargo room. It’s pricey compared to its peers, but the Wagoneer delivers ample refinement for the money.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasts a high-end interior with three spacious rows of seats and a cavernous cargo area. Unlike other large GM SUVs, the Escalade does not offer nine-passenger seating. If you need the most cargo capacity, the long-wheelbase Escalade ESV variant has more cargo space than the standard model.

When equipped with its V8 engines, the Escalade is worse on gas than many rivals. The available turbodiesel powertrain remedies this fuel economy problem, but the price increases with this option. This Cadillac can tow up to 8,200 pounds, which is about average for the segment.

For 2023, the Escalade-V debuts. This model has a 682-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, four-wheel drive, performance upgrades and more.

As a cousin to the Telluride, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade shares many of the Kia’s strengths, including a long warranty, refined powertrain, a smooth ride and composed handling. The Palisade has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The Palisade has more than enough standard features to entertain the whole clan, including an easy-to-use infotainment system. There’s plenty of room in the first two rows of this Hyundai’s upmarket cabin, and the third row is fine for adults on short trips. Cargo space is about average for the class.

We named the Palisade our 2023 Best 3-Row SUV for the Money because it has the best combination of quality and value of any three-row SUV.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator may be one of the most expensive SUVs in this slideshow, but it’s an excellent choice in its class. This Lincoln has one of the roomiest and most luxurious cabins available, and it comes well-equipped with cutting-edge infotainment tech and safety features. Extended-wheelbase Navigator L models raise the already high cargo-capacity figures even higher.

The Navigator offers the rare combination of strong acceleration, impressive fuel economy and an above-average tow limit (8,700 pounds). It has poised handling and delivers a comfortable ride. That said, its steering is a bit too numb for some folks.

The 2023 Kia Telluride is one of the most popular three-row SUVs on the market – and for good reason. Its comfortable, upscale cabin showcases a wide assortment of standard tech and safety amenities. Cargo space is good for a midsize SUV, and the third-row seats are suitable for adults on short trips.

Kia refreshes the Telluride for 2023 with updated styling, a standard 12.3-inch touch screen and two new off-road trims. The Telluride delivers a smooth ride and handles curves with composure. Acceleration is quick, but other SUVs in this slideshow outmatch this Kia’s fuel economy and 5,500-pound maximum towing capacity. However, many of those rivals don’t offer a 10-year powertrain warranty like the Telluride.

We covered the top 14 eight-passenger SUVs on the market, but you may also wonder which three-row SUVs have the most cargo space. Here are the eight-passenger SUVs that have the most cargo space behind the third-row seats:

• 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L: 44.2 cubic feet
• 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L: 42.1 cubic feet
• 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV: 41.5 cubic feet
• 2023 Chevrolet Suburban: 41.5 cubic feet
• 2023 GMC Yukon XL: 41.5 cubic feet
• 2023 Ford Expedition Max: 36 cubic feet
• 2023 Lincoln Navigator L: 36 cubic feet
• 2023 Chevrolet Traverse: 23 cubic feet
• 2023 Toyota Sequoia: 22.3 cubic feet
• 2023 Kia Telluride: 21 cubic feet

The 2023 Kia Telluride is the best eight-passenger SUV. It earns a higher U.S. News overall score than every other SUV with eight seats.

The Lincoln Navigator is the best choice among luxury eight-seater SUVs. It boasts ample passenger and cargo space, user-friendly tech features, quick acceleration, above-average fuel economy and strong tow ratings.

The 2023 Subaru Ascent is the cheapest eight-passenger SUV. It starts at $33,895 and comes standard with all-wheel drive, a long list of safety features and easy-to-use infotainment tech. For 2023, the Ascent receives a styling refresh, a large 11.6-inch touch screen and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

At the time of writing, most 2023 eight-passenger SUVs don’t have U.S. News safety scores. That’s because neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crash-tested those models. Many of them do not get tested at all. Among models that have been through crash testing, the Chevrolet Traverse, Subaru Ascent and Nissan Pathfinder were among the highest-scoring candidates.

We can help you save money on your next SUV. Our best car deals page and our best lease deals page can help you find the best deals near you. Use the U.S. News Best Price Program when you lease or purchase your next SUV to save even more money; we help you find a local dealer and secure the lowest price. On average, shoppers who use the program to buy or lease a new vehicle save more than $3,000 off MSRP.

• 2023 Nissan Pathfinder – $35,320 | Max Seating: 8 | Overall Score: 7.9
• 2023 Toyota Highlander- $36,620 | Max Seating: 8 | Overall Score: 7.9
• 2023 GMC Yukon – $57,400 | Max Seating: 9 | Overall Score: 8.1
• 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid – $40,620 | Max Seating: 8 | Overall Score: 8.1
• 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe – $54,200 | Max Seating: 9 | Overall Score: 8.2
• 2023 Ford Expedition – $55,725 | Max Seating: 8 | Overall Score: 8.2
• 2023 Chevrolet Suburban – $57,200 | Max Seating: 9 | Overall Score: 8.2
• 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer – $88,640 | Max Seating: 8 | Overall Score: 8.2
• 2023 Chevrolet Traverse – $34,520 | Max Seating: 8 | Overall Score: 8.3
• 2023 Jeep Wagoneer – $61,595 | Max Seating: 8 | Overall Score: 8.5
• 2023 Cadillac Escalade – $80,795 | Max Seating: 8 | Overall Score: 8.5
• 2023 Hyundai Palisade – $35,900 | Max Seating: 8 | Overall Score: 8.7
• 2023 Lincoln Navigator – $79,725 | Max Seating: 8 | Overall Score: 8.8
• 2023 Kia Telluride – $35,890 | Max Seating: 8 | Overall Score: 8.8