Some time ago I was thinking of getting a 7-seater SUV. Debated between Pilot, Pathfinder and 4Runner quite a bit. Even had a fairly long discussion here on GS too. Didn’t really liked any of those and decided not to get a car that I didn’t feel good about. Ultimately got a Mazda CX-7. By far the coolest looking car-based SUV we had seen. My wife drives it and she absolutely loves it. But its a 5-seater.
So that meant, we are still without a 7-seater SUV, and need to get one before my parents are here for the summer. So this means, my 7-series will get the chop this time.
I really like the new X5, but with all the options I want, its price tops $63k. I don’t think its worth it.
So I started looking at the new GMC Acadia. Its pretty cool. But I started checking out auto-sites, I realized that Buick is coming out with their Enclave. Looking at the pics, this is the first time I am seriously contemplating getting an American car. The price ranges are definitely mouth-watering too.
If I don’t go American, then my choice is kinda limited to XC-90, perhaps. May not go for MDX after all. And Merc’s GL series is also way too pricey plus its kinda boxy which I didn’t quite like.
I'm going to the Toronto Autoshow on Saturday inshallah - I'll try and remember to look into 7-seater SUVs for you.
The only other luxury-ish ones that comes to mind are the Cadillac SRX, which can be had with extra seats in the back to make up 7, and the Audi Q7
Technically, there is also the Ford Freestyle, but I think it may feel kind of cheap.
In terms of Imports, there are the Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Rav 4, both of which seat 7 in their latest models, but they are more like 5+2 seaters ... the third row seats in them are pretty small and only suited for little kids.
faisal, we had the same decision and went for an mdx. I really liked the infiniti qx56 and the nissam armada but their reliability ratings were pretty bad.
btw what about the seqouia or the landcruiser?
enclave is supposed to be pretty good, i have been hearing a lot of good buzz on it
I want a car based SUV. I am not fooling anyone that I am an off-roader, so spending bucks on Land Cruiser are a waste. Not to mention its too pricey as well. Sequoia, Armada (QX 56), Navigator and most other GM trucks are out because they are just too big. I want something with decent gas milage, comfotable car-like ride and just enough space for 7-8 people to sit.
Tribeca is another option but I don't care for its exterior styling. Mits Outlander is also a viable candidate, but I checked it out at SJ Autoshow and it has a bit low quality interior finish. Audi's SUV is out as again, its too pricey, and not worth it IMO.
Don't sell the 7...you will regret it. But if you are not an E38 fanatic like me, then it won't matter to you.
If you are open to buying a used SUV, then you can get a lot more for your money. A used LX470 or Range Rover will run you under 45k and they are very comfortable for long trips. RR have higher cost of ownership, plus they are more expensive so LX470 would be my choice. It has a softer suspension than LC, so the ride won't be stiff or bumpy. Infact it is very comfortable.
If you are only looking at new, then Pilot will be a good choice in its class. If you are not crazy about looks or reliability, then go with Acadia or Enclave.
I am hoping that by the time it is actually released, they will take out all these concepty gizmos and make it a more practical 7-8 seater, like its cousins from GMC and Saturn have done.
Most 7-seater cars are little big. If you have little kids you can go for porsche cayenne or Infiniti Fx/Nissan Murano(cheaper version of fx). Both are really comfortable and speedy.
If you are ready to purchase little big car then I think Trailblazer, GMC Envoy or Cadillac Escalade ( very big but really fun to drive ) will do the work.
rite rite. now that's his problem. :D I also suggested 7-seater but most them are big. He also wants small 7-seater. It's very hard to find small 7-seater good and luxury vehicle.
me too fan of fx, fantactic acceleration but leg room and cargo capacity is bit tight.
Escalade will stay on due to its bling bling appeal amongst the urban crowd (YKWIM), but hopefully Trailblazer and Envoy will be shown the door, once GM’s car-based SUVs (Acadia, Outlook and Enclave) settle in. Older SUVs like Trailblazer and Envoy are ugly to look at, quite uncomfortable to ride and have horrible horrible gas mileage to boot.
5-seater SUV’s, regardless of how comfortable they are for kids in the back doesn’t work for me. I need something which can seat 4 adults and 3 kids (4+3=7). Unless you are proposing we put the kids in the trunk(?)
ahaan, trailblazer is very spacious plus its a smooth ride(2004 model, i don’t know about new one). Envoy is also comfortable. Both are also fine in shape. Most big cars are designed like that. Fuel is also problem for you guys. Here fuel is cheap, i didn’t think of that.
lol no stick to 7-seater!
i don’t know about motorcycles. No motorcycles here!
