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Four women unloading a picnic basket from a 7 passenger SUV in a field at dusk
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL

1. Volkswagen Tiguan

CarMax owner rating

Price range
$12,998—$36,998
Estimated combined MPG
24 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
3.5 out of 5
2021 Ford Explorer Platinum

2. Ford Explorer

CarMax owner rating

Price range
$14,998—$54,998
Estimated combined MPG
19 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
3.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Wide range of engine choices

  • Maximum tow rating of 5,600 pounds

  • Cargo space

Cons

  • Key rivals have roomier third-row seats

  • Higher trims are very pricey

  • Some humdrum cabin trim

2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum

3. Toyota Highlander

CarMax owner rating

Price range
$15,998—$54,998
Estimated combined MPG
24 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5

Pros

  • Good visibility throughout

  • Pleasing fuel figures for a three-row SUV

  • Hushed ride experience

Cons

  • Third row not suited to adults

  • Cargo cubes are lacking

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX

4. Kia Sorento

CarMax owner rating

Price range
$12,599—$42,998
Estimated combined MPG
23 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5

Pros

  • Easy-to-use infotainment system

  • Quiet cabin

  • Ample standard and optional features

Cons

  • Optional audio system lacks performance

  • AWD not available on base trim level

  • Raised third-row seats impact cargo space

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL R-Line 4MOTION

5. Volkswagen Atlas

CarMax owner rating

Price range
$16,998—$47,998
Estimated combined MPG
20 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL 2.5 2WD 001 make pages

6. Mitsubishi Outlander

CarMax owner rating

Price range
$13,599—$33,998
Estimated combined MPG
28 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5
2020 GMC Acadia AT4

7. GMC Acadia

CarMax owner rating

Price range
$16,998—$48,998
Estimated combined MPG
21 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
3.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Impressively spacious cabin

  • Plenty of room for cargo

  • Easy-to-use infotainment system

Cons

  • Distracting touchscreen controls

  • No option for hybrid powertrain

  • Tight third-row seating

2018 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

8. Mazda CX-9

CarMax owner rating

Price range
$15,998—$30,998
Estimated combined MPG
23 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
3.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Upscale interior

  • Strong acceleration and sporty handling

  • Comfortable and quiet on the highway

Cons

  • Middling cargo capacity

  • Third-row seats are best for kids

2022 Dodge Durango SXT Plus

9. Dodge Durango

CarMax owner rating

Price range
$23,998—$62,998
Estimated combined MPG
13 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
3.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Powerful engine options provide rapid acceleration

  • Strong pulling power

  • Very intuitive touchscreen interface

Cons

  • Heavy, cumbersome handling

  • Some notable convenience features not included as standard

  • Powerful engines are also very thirsty

2022 Volvo XC90 T5 AWD Momentum

10. Volvo XC90

CarMax owner rating

Price range
$19,998—$55,998
Estimated combined MPG
23 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
3.5 out of 5

Ready to find your next 7-passenger SUV?

How we ranked this list

To create our "Best Of" lists, our analysts looked at CarMax vehicle and sales data over a recent 6-month period, from December 2025 through May 2026. Looking back over a 6-month period allows for the highest sample size possible while also providing up-to-date pricing information. Some articles may include data points with lower sample sizes.

Price excludes government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge.. Price assumes that final purchase will be made in the State of CA, unless vehicle is non-transferable. Vehicle subject to prior sale. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions. Limited warranty is 30 days. See store for details. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.