Any 7 passenger SUV owners out there..

[ducatiz]

How big do you want/need?

We looked at the larger SUVs and then looked at the Kia Sorento with the 3rd row.  We have two kids in baby seats and the third row works well for small/medium sized passengers.  The 3rd row takes up most of the cargo space (when open), but if you're going around with 7 passengers, and want to carry cargo, then you need a trailer, imho, as the vehicle is going to be packed solid.  When the 3rd row is down, the cargo area is cavernous.  Huge. 

The Sorento with V6 and a trailer hitch is all you need with the 3rd row.  Excellent vehicle, we have had it a year now and would buy it again (2011 model).

[r_ciao]

Honda Pilot.  I had the previous model and loved it.  The new ones are even better.  I don't have an SUV now b/c I have a company car, but if I had to do it again, that would be at the top of my list.

Ciao!

[cokey]

Also remember, anything in infinity has a much cheaper counter part in Nissan.  We've been looking for one too, 7 seater,  when money allows it..  was looking at the QX56 but notice the armada, same thing, was about 10-20 grand cheaper..  armada is huge, pathfinder has a 7 seater and is smaller, less cargo...  we also liked the new darango and journey...  I wanted a trailblazer ss but no 3rd with those mdels..   

Edit: yes the pilot  is another good option..

[pennyrobber]

That four door Wrangler sure would be nice. You just have to show up with it and pretend not to know any better.

"But the dealer told me it could seat seven..."

[il d00d]

Not much experience with all the models listed, but I was recently in the market - I looked at the models you listed plus: Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Veracruz, MB R350, Ford Flex.  The Pathfinder was attractive for features:price, but I would have taken a good deal on a Pilot or a Highlander Hybrid.  I like the MB, but it was a bit mini vanish, which defeated the purpose of shopping for a seven-seater SUV.  The diesel motor is available (but rare on the used market) if that is your preference.  The XC was the early favorite, but they don't have the best mechanical record of the group, and they are relatively gutless unless you get the V8.  

In the end, I caved and bought an FX35.  I bought it because I love driving it, and I counted up the amount of times I have needed seven seats for seven asses, and decided renting a seven-seater once a year was a small price to pay for driving something I like.  FWIW we have two kids and a dog, and we packed for a weekend trip without needing a trailer or roof storage.

[Statler]

We have a 2003 explorer we bought new and have put about 140,000 miles on it.   The v8 is overkill unless you tow as we get about 16 mpg overall, but we use it to tow the sailboat (and it doesn't even know the bike trailer is behind it when we use it for that).    It's shorter and got a better turning radius than my ranger, but we have often gone to dinner with 6 or seven people.  Rear seats fold to floor and with middle seats down it's pretty comfy to sleep in at things like DIMBY.  We found it an ok compromise for our towing and city driving needs.  (we've done 6 people and the kidseat pretty easity too btw)

Big change from Ford this year as Explorer is now v6 only and not body on frame.  But if I had to replace it today I'd get another one.

[mitt]

Big change from Ford this year as Explorer is now v6 only and not body on frame.  But if I had to replace it today I'd get another one.

I like the new one too, but the reviews on edmunds are pretty rough on the electronics side - lots of bugs on the My Touch system.

mitt

[IZ]

Mitt..I started off looking at the Xterra.  I like it since it pa comparable to my old Montero Sport. That had plenty of room for the us and the Mastiff and Pug way in back and two adults as passengers in middle.

Cokey, that new Pilot doesn't offer much for looks but it has a lot of room and extras. We checked them out a few weeks ago.

[IZ]

Stat, we're from GM/Chevy land in MidMichigan. Never even looked at Fords before my friend mentioned the redesign for the Explorer.  I'd like to see one in person. thanks for heads up on electrical glitches with them though Mitt. I'm sure they'll be worked out for the new arrivals in the next several months.

[IZ]

which ones in this class have captain seats in the middle other than the Tahoe Mitt?

[Raux]

I can't recommend a seven seat SUV, but I can tell you don't go Honda/Acura
Had a Acura MDX with 2 transmission rebuilds and finally dead, in less than 130k

[IZ]

That's no good. I didn't really start looking at the MDX until this past weekend. What I don't like about them is that they had a cool design when they first came out but they never really change. Maybe good cars..in your experience NO..but I don't care for them much.

[dropstharockalot]

The wife is after me for the same thing... everyone in our neighborhood either has a Chevy Traverse or a Honda Pilot.  I've borrowed both a couple times... the Traverse is great for typical suburban duty, and claims towing ability.  It didn't feel too peppy loaded with people and soccer gear, so I dunno about that claim.  The Honda pulled a utility trailer with a riding mower with no complaints, but rides like a truck the rest of the time.

I think mitt nailed it when he suggested you figure out how you'll be using it first.

[mitt]

which ones in this class have captain seats in the middle other than the Tahoe Mitt?

The only "small" ones that I have found are:

GM - traverse, acadia, enclave - it is an option & Toyota highlander - it is a removable tiny middle seat. Of course most minivans do to.

Full size suvs typically have it as an option like the tahoe, expedition, armada, sequoia.

[djrashonal]

I'm supprised nobody has mentioned the Mazda CX-7 (or CX-9) or the lexus RX. The wife wants the RX for pretty much the same reasons as IZ but the CX has many of the same options but 20k less.

Mazda CX-7 - http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-mazda-cx-7.htm
Mazda CX-9 - http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-mazda-cx-9.htm
Lexus RX - http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-lexus-rx.htm
Hyundai Tucson - http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-hyundai-tucson.htm
Hyundai Santa Fe - http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-hyundai-santa-fe.htm