2020 Infiniti QX80
Price With 7 Seats: $66,750 | USN Overall Score: 6.8/10
The full-size Infiniti QX80 is the luxury automaker’s largest vehicle. Related to the Nissan Armada, it comes standard with seating for seven and packs a potent 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine. It rides nicely over most road surfaces, and treats its occupants to a roomy cabin with ample cargo space.
On the down side, it feels dated compared to the best full-size luxury SUVs, and gets poor gas mileage even in a segment that’s not known for fuel economy. It also gets below-average ratings for predicted reliability.
For 2020 the QX80 gets a new dual-screen infotainment system that gives the dashboard a fresher look, and it now comes with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity interfaces.
2020 Cadillac Escalade
Price With 7 Seats: $75,195 | USN Overall Score: 7.0/10
Long regarded as the king of bling, the chrome trimmed seven-passenger Cadillac Escalade comes in standard- and extended-length ESV models. The ESV models have added rear-seat room and cargo space behind the third-row. The Escalade is related to General Motors’ other full-size SUVs, including the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.
It comes powered by a punchy 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine that’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 8,300 pounds, which is above average among big and burly SUVs. Unfortunately it doesn’t handle as well as some of its rivals, and is saddled with a complicated infotainment system. Third-row legroom in the standard-length Escalade is tight.
2020 Toyota Land Cruiser
Price with 7 seats: $85,415 | USN Overall Score: 7.0/10
The Toyota Land Cruiser is the automaker’s lowest-volume model, saddled with a sky-high sticker price without luxury brand cachet. It’s related to the Lexus LX. The Land Cruiser seats up to eight people across three rows, with a second-row bench that slides and reclines for added comfort. The rearmost row is difficult to enter, however, and is cramped quarters once you get there.
It features a muscular, though gas guzzling, 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, and includes a self-adjusting suspension to help maintain a smooth ride, and several advanced traction-enhancing systems for tenacious off-road abilities.
A Heritage Edition trim is added for 2020 to celebrate the Land Cruiser’s 60th anniversary. It comes with distinctive interior and exterior styling touches, and a Yakima roof rack, but only with five-passenger seating.
2020 Volvo XC90
Price With 7 Seats: $48,350 | USN Overall Score: 7.6/10
The Volvo XC90 is a three-row car-based crossover SUV; while it doesn’t have the off-road or towing capabilities of the preceding truck-based models, it rides and handles more like a passenger car and gets better fuel economy. The interior is sufficiently spacious and is richly trimmed, with many safety and tech features offered.
While the base 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is just sufficient, the available 316-horsepower turbo- and supercharged engine puts more pep to the pavement. The hybrid version is even quicker with 400 horses. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel-drive available.
For 2020 the XC90 gets modestly updated exterior styling, and a newly available six-seat configuration. The Excellence four-passenger trim is discontinued for 2020.
2020 Acura MDX Hybrid
Price With 7 Seats: $53,000 | USN Overall Score: 7.7/10
The Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is a gas/electric-powered three-row crossover SUV. It augments a 3.0-liter V6 engine with three electric motors (and a self-charging battery pack) to channel the equivalent of 321 horsepower through all four-wheels. At that it gets a decent 26 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg in highway driving. It delivers pleasingly playful handling with selectable driving modes for a more or less sporty feel.
On the downside, the MDX Hybrid’s interior isn’t as well finished as it could be and the third row is best left for the kids. The MDX Hybrid also receives a poor predicted reliability rating.
The MDX Sport Hybrid comes standard with a full suite of the latest accident-avoiding driver assistance features and otherwise comes very well equipped. It sees no major changes for 2020.
2020 Infiniti QX60
Price With 7 Seats: $44,350 | USN Overall Score: 7.8/10
The Infiniti QX60 is a three-row midsize luxury crossover SUV that’s a bit more affordable than the norm. Its 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine is sufficiently powerful, and comes mated to a gearless continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT); unlike some CVTs, it operates smoothly and without undue harshness under heavy throttle. Leg- and headroom in the front row are generous, though each becomes progressively pinched in the rearmost two rows.
The QX60 is not as sporty feeling as some midsize crossovers, however, and it could stand to receive some upgraded interior materials. It largely carries over for 2020.
2020 Audi Q7
Price With 7 Seats: $54,800 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10
The midsize Audi Q7 crossover SUV is ranked highly for its well-balanced ride and handling abilities, a nicely designed and well-finished interior (albeit with a tight-fitting third-row seat), and a bevy of high-tech amenities. The latter includes the automaker’s novel 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit electronic instrumentation display. There’s a choice of a 248-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 335-horsepower “mild hybrid” V6, or the SQ7’s lustier 500-horsepower 4.0-liter V8. The automaker’s “quattro” all-wheel-drive system is standard for added traction over wet or snowy roads.
The 2020 Audi Q7 receives a mid-cycle refresh that features updated exterior and interior treatments. A dual-screen infotainment system is now included, while the V6 engine receives mild-hybrid technology. The higher-performance SQ7 trim is added to the line for 2020.
2020 Lincoln Aviator
Price With 7 Seats: $51,100 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10
New for 2020, the stylish midsize three-row Lincoln Aviator features a roomy and serene cabin with an intuitive-to-operate infotainment system, and generous cargo space. The base twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine puts a healthy 400 horsepower to the pavement, while the Grand Touring models add an electric motor to the powertrain that ups the output to a brisk 494 horses. To accentuate its luxury-oriented nature, the Aviator rides smoothly over most surfaces, though it’s not as nimble as some competitors.
Seven-passenger seating comes standard, while the available second-row captain’s chairs bring that capacity down to six. Front-and second-row seats afford ample head- and legroom, but are cast on the narrow side, which may not suit some passengers. As with most midsize SUVs, the third row is not particularly accommodating for adults.
2020 Acura MDX
Price With 7 Seats: $44,500 | USN Overall Score: 8.2/10
The non-hybrid version of the three-row midsize Acura MDX crossover SUV is highly rated for its smooth and powerful 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine that comes mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available. While not as quick as the Sport Hybrid version, the standard MDX’s fuel economy remains at a decent 20f mpg in the city and /27 mpg on the highway. The MDX rides and handles well, overall.
As with the hybrid, the standard MDX is sufficiently roomy up front, with heated leather seats included. The optional second-row captain’s chairs reduce its seating capacity to six passengers. It’s a bit short on cargo space, however, and the cabin could use some higher quality materials. The MDX remains largely unchanged for 2020.
2020 Tesla Model X
Price With 7 Seats: $84,990 | USN Overall Score 8.3/10
The only fully-electric seven-passenger SUV among our top picks, the Tesla Model X may be costly, but it features amazing performance and an outstanding design that’s capped with “gull-wing” vertical-opening rear doors. U.S. News ranks it in first place in the luxury hybrid and electric SUV segment.
The Model X accelerates with authority (from zero to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds with the appropriately named Performance version), and it handles better than one might expect from a large SUV. The vehicle is loaded with technology and has a futuristic cabin that’s dominated by a massive touchscreen. It features a generously large cargo hold. As with many seven-passenger models, the third row is best suited for children.
Coming with dual-motor all-wheel-drive, the Model X’s operating range is duly impressive. For 2020 it’s up to 328 miles on a charge with the Long Range model. Also new this year is a standard adaptive suspension that helps keep the ride smooth over bumps.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Price with 7 Seats: $56,700 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is U.S. News’ top-rated model among luxury midsize SUVs. Redesigned for 2020, it strikes all the proper notes, with energetic engines, a smooth ride with capable handling, a roomy, comfortable, and elegantly designed cabin, and a wealth of advanced infotainment and safety features. It comes standard with seating for five, and a smallish third-row is optional. The GLE’s only sour note is the infotainment array, which can be distracting to operate while driving.
The GLE 350 comes powered by a capable 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder that should suit most buyers. The GLE 450 packs a quicker 362-horsepower turbo six-cylinder, and the GLE 580 leaps off the line with a 483-horsepower twin-turbo V8. Both the GLE 450 and GLE 580 feature 48-volt “mild hybrid” technology for added power. Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is optional on the otherwise rear-drive GLE 350, and is standard elsewhere in the line.
2020 Lincoln Navigator
Price With 7 Seats: $76,185 | USN Overall Score: 8.8/10
The Lincoln Navigator is our top choice among luxury large SUVs for 2020, and with good reason. Available in standard and extended-wheelbase versions, the truck-based Navigator is handsomely cast on the outside and features an exquisitely crafted interior that’s especially roomy and comfortable. Its 450-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine is stronger than many V8s, with a towing capacity that maxes out at 8,700 pounds. It also rides smoothly and gets reasonably good fuel economy.
There’s a simplified trim lineup for 2020, and the Navigator now comes with additional safety features. These include a pre-collision warning and braking system with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and lane keep assist.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Serious new-vehicle shoppers need helpful information, and that’s where U.S. News Autos can be a handy resource. You can see how these luxury SUVs stack up against both luxury and mainstream-branded models by checking our extensive rankings and reviews. Take note that our extensive reviews are based on the aggregated opinions of several of the most-respected automotive journalists in the U.S., and include both current safety ratings and projected reliability estimates.
Since everyone loves a bargain, be sure to consult our best car deals page for information on current cash rebates, cut-rate financing programs, and leasing promotions. And if you want to make sure you can obtain the model of your choice at the lowest possible cost, you’ll definitely want to click onto our Best Price Program, which helps save the average buyer save in excess of $3,000.
12 Best 7-Passenger Luxury Vehicles You Can Buy in 2020
- 2020 Infiniti QX80
- 2020 Cadillac Escalade
- 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser
- 2020 Volvo XC90
- 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid
- 2020 Infiniti QX60
- 2020 Audi Q7
- 2020 Lincoln Aviator
- 2020 Acura MDX
- 2020 Tesla Model X
- 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
- 2020 Lincoln Navigator
Recommended Articles
-
The 17 Best 7-Passenger Vehicles You Can Buy in 2021
-
The Roomiest Luxury Midsize SUVs for 2020
-
Cheapest 7-Passenger SUVs for 2020
-
2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs. 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport: Worth the Upgrade?
-
Future Cars: The Best New Cars Arriving by 2022
-
12 Best Cars for Dogs in 2021
-
16 Small SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage for 2021
-
2021 Best Cars for the Money
-
Best Cars for Families
These Luxury Vehicles Have Seats for Seven
Sport utility vehicles usurped minivans as the go-to family vehicles in America’s driveways back in the 1990s, with plush luxury models taking over the upper end of the market beginning with the U.S. debut of the Land Rover Range Rover in 1987. Today virtually every luxury automaker offers top-shelf SUVs for adventurous – not to mention wealthy – families. Even exotic nameplates like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Lamborghini are making large and in-charge SUVs to satisfy buyers' demands.
The best of the bunch can seat seven passengers in limousine-like comfort, and are powerful enough to tow a boat or trailer to the lake or campsite. You’ll find them richly trimmed in leather and wood, and including a full menu of the latest comfort, convenience, and driver assistance features. The most rugged four-wheel-drive models can venture far off-road, provided one is prepared to risk scuffing up a stratospherically costly vehicle out on the trails.
We’re presenting the 12 best seven-passenger luxury SUVs in our rankings that are on the market for the 2020 model year. Be aware, however, that our scores can change over time as we receive updated information, so the ratings may be different here than those elsewhere on our site.