Best 6-seater SUVs | 2026 Ratings | CarBuzz

For larger groups, traditional sedans just don’t cut the mustard, and such shoppers will likely consider an SUV with 6 seats, if not something more sizable still. Most of these have a 2-2-2 seating configuration, but that alone doesn’t mean they’re suited to your needs; some have a cramped third row that is only really useful for children, while others sacrifice trunk space, instead. Our in-depth reviews examine the best 6-seater SUVs in the USA, providing you with information on seating comfort and versatility to help you make the best choice.

A good mainstream or luxury crossover is about more than passenger room, though, so our rankings also take into account performance, mileage, build quality, and return on investment. Everything you need to know is delivered in an easily digestible format, eliminating the need to spend hours researching and visiting dealerships.

Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.

1 Mazda CX-90

The best 6-seater SUV on our list, with a BuzzScore of 8.8 out of 10, is the Mazda CX-90. This premium family SUV technically has a maximum seating capacity of eight, but choosing the correct trim and option reduces the number of seats for a more executive experience. Firstly, the CX-90 starts at $38,800 for an upscale three-row SUV with reasonable comfort features. The cheapest way to get a six-seat configuration is with the 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim, which starts at $50,270, then choose the no-cost option for second-row captain's chairs. Those in the third row will have 30.4 inches of legroom and 36.9 inches of headroom.

"Whether it’s a day’s adventure during the summer or a week-long excursion, the ride in the CX-90 is smooth and quiet. Rough pavement is largely muted both in terms of sound and vibration. If the kids doze off, they’re not going to be jostled awake the first time you’re in a construction zone."

- Nicole Wakelin, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz

2 Tesla Model X Plaid

The quickest 6 seater SUV we'll talk about is a bit excessive as far as family cars go, but that might be just what you're looking for. The Tesla Model X Plaid looks nearly the same as the base model, except for some subtle cosmetic differences that can be hard to spot. However, it packs a tri-motor setup that pushes 1,020 horsepower to all four wheels for a 2.5-second 0-60 sprint. It costs a pretty penny at $114,990 before destination and options. This variant of Tesla's family SUV only comes in a six-seat setup, with those in the back getting 32.3 inches of legroom and 37.3 inches of headroom.

3 Lincoln Aviator

The true best 6 passenger SUV may vary depending on your needs, but if you need a luxurious midsize three-row family car, the Lincoln Aviator has your back. It's built on the same platform as the Ford Explorer, but skips over the Explorer's smaller engine to get power via a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. On the inside, though, the Aviator is packed with plenty of features — as it should be, with a starting cost of $56,910. While a second-row bench seat is optional in the Reserve mid-tier trim level, captain's chairs are standard for a 6-seat configuration. Those in the third row will have 29.2 inches of legroom and 36.9 inches of headroom, making it somewhat cramped for adults.

4 BMW Alpina XB7

If you have more budget than you know what to do with, and you want to stand out from the regular traffic everywhere you go, then the BMW Alpina XB7 is the right car for the job. It might just be the best six-seater SUV, if not one of the best cars Alpina has ever made. The XB7 mixes classic BMW luxury with Alpina performance. It has some cosmetic upgrades, but the start of the show is a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 under the hood that makes 631 horsepower. It's not even remotely affordable, with a starting price of $156,000. The standard layout includes room for seven occupants, but buyers can choose second-row captain's chairs for another $850. The third row has 33.3 inches of legroom and 36.6 inches of headroom.

5 Genesis GV80

Hyundai's luxury brand, Genesis, has made itself quite the competitor in today's market. An SUV 6 seater that might fit the bill for prospective buyers is the GV80, which lands near the top of the brand's lineup. It's available as either a traditional SUV, or with a coupe body style that features a sloped roof in the back; if you plan on using the third row for people, then go for the traditional SUV. Depending on which trim you choose, the GV80 can have five, six, or seven seats. Genesis explains how a six-seat configuration is optional by choosing second-row independent seats, rather than the three-person bench that comes standard on some trims. Those in the third row have 30.3 inches of legroom and 34.3 inches of headroom.

"Adding a third row gives you two more seats, but looking at the interior room overall, they’re not going to be spacious. This would be a third row in a pinch and not for anything more than short drives, especially for adults. If you really think you need that extra seating, and you love the GV80, then go for it - but just know it’s not someplace any adult is going to want to sit for terribly long."

- Nicole Wakelin, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz

6 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63

Another 6-seat SUV option for the utmost luxury is the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. Buyers could choose the more opulent GLS-Class — its standard trim is stuffed full of every comfort feature one could ever ask for at that price point, but the AMG variant takes performance up a notch. On one hand, it's still a family SUV with room for up to seven occupants, but on the other hand, it's a 603-horsepower sports SUV with a 4.1-second 0-60 mph sprint. A six-seat configuration is available free of charge when building your optimal spec; those in the third row have 34.6 inches of legroom.

7 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe is the most affordable option on this list. There are five trims to choose from, with the SE starting off at $35,050 before destination and options, and the Calligraphy topping the lineup at $47,600. Every trim is powered by the same 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4-cylinder that makes 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. On the inside, the Santa Fe can usually hold up to seven occupants; the only way to secure a six-seat configuration is in the Calligraphy trim. No matter which trim you choose, though, the rear seat will always have 30 inches of legroom and 37.7 inches of headroom.

"Unlike the exterior, there's no denying the Santa Fe's design elegance inside, particularly on the higher trim levels. The materials are nice and interesting, the layout is ergonomically thought through, and there's plenty of shoulder room up front and in the second row."

- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz

8 BMW X7

We may have talked about the performance-oriented Alpina variant, but the standard BMW X7 is a respectable family option for those who don't need all the extra horsepower. This model still isn't cheap, though, since the xDrive40i (the only regular X7 trim) starts at $87,500 before options and destination. It's powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that makes an adequate 375 horsepower. The X7's standard configuration includes seven seats, but choosing second-row captain's chairs brings the seating capacity down to 6 for an extra $850. Those in the third row have 33.3 inches of legroom and 36.6 inches of headroom.

"BMW still makes a strong case for the X7 with a truly nimble handling experience that isn't matched anywhere in this class, though. The technology is cutting edge, but there are few luxury features (like a ventilated second row) that should be available at this price point."

- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz

9 Ford Explorer

We love the Ford Explorer enough that we actually named it the Family Car of the Year in 2025. It's practical, versatile, some trims are surprisingly powerful, and the 2026 model year also includes an off-road-capable version with rugged styling and all-terrain tires. Depending on the trim, your Explorer could have a 2.3-liter Turbo Inline-4, or a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 400 horsepower. The Explorer can typically hold up to seven occupants, but the Tremor off-road trim has a max seating capacity of six, which starts at $48,465. Third-row passengers have 32.2 inches of legroom and 38.9 inches of headroom.

"It delivers luxury amenities like massage seats and hands-free driving, which make it a more compelling road trip vehicle than the majority of more expensive luxury SUVs. With the EcoBoost V6, it even goes like a luxury car, making naturally aspirated engines from premium brands seem outdated. If you want a luxury experience without the high price tag, the 2025 Ford Explorer is a stellar option."

- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz

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: You can buy a six-seater SUV for under $40k or spend three times that amount, so finding a model that offers the best blend of value for your budget is crucial. The starting price doesn't tell the full story, either, as some models may need to be optioned up with extras to bring them into line with rivals.

Which vehicles are able to seat six?

There are more six-seaters out there than you might think. And, of course, those that can accommodate seven or eight, too. From this list, a couple of stand-out mentions include the Ford Explorer and the Kia Sorento Hybrid, in addition to those mentioned higher up.

Sources: Lincoln, Mazda, Tesla, BMW, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Ford