When searching for the best large vehicle for a family of 7, there are several options to consider. These include the Volvo XC90, Buick Enclave, and Honda Pilot. Each model has its own strengths and weaknesses. The following is a breakdown of the key features and specifications of each vehicle.
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Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a sleek, spacious SUV with sophisticated safety features. It has a five-star NHTSA safety rating, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning and braking. It also features an adaptive cruise control system and knee airbags. It is one of the safest large vehicles for families with children.
The Volvo XC90 comes with many trim levels, each with different standard features. The XC90 has several powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid system. It is available with six or seven seats. It also has various seating layouts, including an optional third row.
The Volvo XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid version is the top of the line of 2023 Volvo XC90 models. It boasts a 48-volt electric motor and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. It can reach 60 mph in five seconds and has 36 miles of electric range. If you want to be more environmentally conscious, you can opt for the lower-priced, middle-level 295-horse powertrain. The Recharge version offers EPA-rated 66 MPGe.
The new Volvo XC90 is bigger, longer, and lower than its predecessor. It’s also the first Volvo model to use the SPA platform, which Volvo says will help reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. It also adds more standard safety features. There’s also a new infotainment system powered by Google, which will include Google Assistant and Google Maps.
The interior is surprisingly spacious for an SUV, even with seven passengers. The slim dashboard and large glass area give the XC90 plenty of room to move around in. The front headroom is generous, while the rear legroom is slightly below average. Overall, the interior is a classy space with good materials and a good fit and finish.
The Volvo XC90 has excellent acceleration. Its electric motor gives you a sense of flight, and the gas-only version is also impressive, with power levels comparable to most SUVs. Its AWD system gives you more control over the speed. This SUV is an excellent choice for families looking for an SUV for seven.
The Volvo XC90 offers the best cargo space of any luxury midsize SUV. It also features a power liftgate, which is a standard on all models. Other standard features include a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Honda Pilot
If you’re looking for a large vehicle for your family of seven, the Honda Pilot is an excellent choice. Not only is the vehicle comfortable for everyone in the vehicle, it also features many family-friendly amenities, including standard driver-assistance technologies. The third-row seats are also easily accessible. It also comes with an available rear-view camera.
The 2009 model year brought a host of improvements to the Pilot. It still has a boxy design, but the edges have been rounded off for a more truck-like appearance. The new Pilot also gets improved fuel efficiency and an engine stop-start feature. It can seat up to eight people, and the second-row seats fold down to make more room in the cargo area.
In terms of safety, the Honda Pilot continues to win JD Power awards and continues to score well in government crash tests. It is also a top pick among SUVs, although it has been battling with stiff competition. The 2011 models have improved safety scores and added voice-activated navigation.
The Honda Pilot has a long list of positive attributes. Its cargo space is among the best in its class, and it can accommodate up to seven passengers and eight children. It also has an optional all-wheel-drive system, which is ideal for families who enjoy taking long road trips.
The Reliability Factor
Another positive attribute of the Honda Pilot is its reliability. Despite its high price tag, the vehicle requires less maintenance than many competing vehicles. Over the life of the vehicle, you can save up to $1500 on maintenance. In addition to that, the Honda Pilot is relatively inexpensive to own and maintain.
The Honda Pilot also has a better overall package than its competitors. It is more powerful, more refined, and better suited for towing. While the Acura is quieter, the Honda is more powerful and more reliable. Its V6 engine is more powerful and can accommodate more passengers.
The 2018 Honda Pilot comes in five trim levels, starting at $30,900. The base LX trim includes leather upholstery, power liftgate, and ambient interior lighting. The EX-L and Touring trims come with features like parking sensors and a rear-seat entertainment system. Those looking to spend more money can upgrade to the Elite or Touring trim, which starts at $45,540. All-wheel-drive versions are available, too.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row SUV with seating for up to eight passengers. It has a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an 8-Speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission and is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.
The Highlander is also available with all-wheel drive. There is also a hybrid version of the Highlander, which is reviewed separately on Edmunds.
The Toyota Highlander is a great vehicle for a family. It has seating for seven or eight passengers, and the second-row passengers get two USB ports and a 120-volt outlet. It also has climate controls. The third-row seats add an additional row of cargo space. The cargo space behind the third row increases from 13.8 cubic feet to 16.1 cubic feet.
The Highlander offers excellent cargo space when the third row is folded. This SUV also offers a hybrid powertrain, an upscale interior, and easy installation of car seats. The Highlander is available with front or all-wheel drive, and has standard features including an 8.0-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM satellite radio, 4G LTE hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
The Tech Lags Behind Thou
While Toyota has lagged behind its rivals when it comes to technology, the new Highlander makes significant strides. It has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with responsive controls and reflections. The second-row accommodations make good use of the vehicle’s length, though the third row is only meant for kids. It also comes with standard rearview cameras and backup cameras.
The Toyota Highlander is an efficient large SUV. It achieves 23 mpg with AWD. It also has the capability to tow 5,000 pounds. There are also a variety of trims to choose from. There’s a value-packed L trim, a comfortable mid-range XLE, and a luxurious Platinum trim.
A Toyota Highlander starts at $35,000 and can go as high as $50,000 for a loaded hybrid model. It’s well-appointed and comes with a V6 engine and tons of standard safety tech. It’s also extremely reliable, with a good safety record and high resale value.
Buick Enclave
If you’re looking for a family SUV with a high level of luxury, look no further than the Buick Enclave. Its base model features a hands-free rear liftgate, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, active noise cancellation, six-speaker audio system, and cruise control.
It also comes with an eight-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, USB ports, and park assist options. The Buick Enclave’s cabin also offers premium materials and finishes and a high level of comfort.
There are four trim levels available for the Buick Enclave. While the Enclave is comparatively expensive, it offers superior utility and comfort for large families. Its third-row seat offers more leg room than some competitors, and it folds completely flat to create a large load floor behind the second row. The Enclave also offers good handling in almost any situation.
Despite its size, the Buick Enclave gets respectable fuel-economy ratings. It is also more spacious than most SUVs and is bigger than a Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon. The Buick Enclave features a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. It is also available with all-wheel drive for better handling in bad weather.
With its large size, the Buick Enclave feels like a smaller vehicle, while still being equipped with many features that make life easier. The driver can access all kinds of information and settings from the driver’s seat without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. The interior accents are luxurious and add to the comfort.
The Buick Enclave offers great fuel economy, generous cargo space, and upscale technology. It is a smooth-riding SUV that handles well on narrow roads. While it falls short of the average for its class, it is still significantly better than many other full-size truck-based SUVs.
The 2012 Buick Enclave received several significant upgrades. The powertrain saw a major boost, and is now centered around a 3.6-liter V6 engine. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and has 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.