SUVs and crossovers dominate the market these days and a pretty big share belongs to 7-seaters. Therefore, it’s no wonder that the near future will be pretty interesting in this aspect. We are about to see a plethora of redesigned and brand-new models, which will definitely raise the bar in terms of quality, technology and performance.
Naturally, an important role will be electrification and we presume that most of the models on the list will feature some form of electrification. Also, keep in mind that our list also includes a couple of models that have already arrived. Simply, we believe these models will remain at the top of their classes for a long time. The list includes both mainstream and premium brands and besides modern unibody crossovers, there are also capable BoF off-roaders, such as Toyota 4Runner, which have a more conservative design approach and keep the original nature of SUV models.
It’s time to cut to talk, so we present to you the best 7-Seater SUVs for 2021-2022:
2022/2023 Range Rover
Without any doubt, the upcoming 2022 Range Rover is one of the most anticipated luxury SUVs for the next year. The current generation will be replaced after a decade of production, so it’s no wonder that all kinds of improvements are expected. This doesn’t refer to luxury only, but to many tech features as well. One of the first things that come to mind is a completely new platform, which will be aluminum-rich and compatible with all kinds of electrified powertrains.
It looks like the new model is about to come in two variants. The standard model will carry on with five seats and feature similar dimensions to the current model, which measures around 115 inches in wheelbase. On the other side, the new long-wheelbase version will add several more inches to the wheelbase and will feature three rows as standard. We presume this one will be good for about 122 inches in wheelbase, roughly, which puts it on par with models like X7, GLS etc.
In terms of powertrain, the only this we know for sure is that the current 5.0-liter V8 will be replaced with BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo, with a max power of more than 500 horses. Other than that, details are still to come. Of course, we count on all kinds of powertrain options, including all kinds of electrified variants.
We expect to see the new Range Rover either in the last quarter of 2021 or sometime in 2022, as a 2022 or 2023 model.
2021 VW Touareg R
The VW Touareg R is a new hi-performer on the block which, unfortunately, won’t be available in North America. The rest of the world will be able to enjoy its amazing performances. This model delivers a truly premium driving experience, thanks to the powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain and all kinds of advanced tech and design solutions.
The core of this model is a powerful hybrid system that is based on a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo engine. Additionally, there is a 136-hp electric motor, which comes together with a 14.3-kWh battery. As a result, you get a max output of 456 horsepower, which is enough to move this large SUV from zero to sixty in about 5 seconds. Also, it features a true AWD system, the famous Torsen differential. When it comes to all-electric range, you may count on about 29 miles of autonomy.
The starting price should go around 77.000 GBP in the UK.
2021 Tesla Model Y
The deliveries of the 2021 Tesla Model Y started in March 2020 and we have no doubt that Tesla’s new crossover will remain one of the best electric three-row SUVs on the market for a long time. Simply, Tesla knows how to make a good electric car at a reasonable price. The Model Y may not feature the fanciest interior and the styling isn’t particularly attractive either. However, it is an absolute monster when it comes to performance and range.
Currently, there are two versions in the offer. The standard Long Range model offers 326 miles of range and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The acceleration is also respectable, considering that you will need just 4.5 seconds to hit 60 with this crossover. Also, there is a Performance version, which is one second quicker but offers a slightly shorter range, around 303 miles. We count on a new base version in the future, which will come with RWD only and which should be quite affordable.
The current model starts around 50.000 dollars.
2023 Toyota 4Runner
The current generation of Toyota’s legendary off-roader may be around for too long but it still makes impressive sales results. The main reason lays in the fact that there aren’t many genuine SUVs left in this segment. However, things are changing these days, considering that the new Bronco has joined the game. Despite that the 4Runner is still the only 7-seater in the mid-size BoF segment, it definitely needs improvements.
A great thing to know is that everything will be new in the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. Of course, it all starts with the platform, which will be the same one as in the upcoming Tundra. Of course, the new model will also bring a completely new design, as well as a significantly improved interior. However, we don’t expect bigger changes in size, as a bigger increase would negatively affect 4Runner’s excellent off-road capabilities. Therefore, you may expect a relatively tight third row in the 4Runner again.
One of the most interesting things about the next-generation 4Runner is the powertrain. The current model uses a reliable, but also thirsty and not so refined 4.0-liter V6. In the new model, we will probably see a hybrid powertrain, most likely based on a V6 engine. Some sources suggest we might also see a V8 option for hi-grade performance variants.
The next-gen 4Runner is expected to arrive sometime in 2022. When it comes to the price, the current generation starts around 37.000 dollars.
2022 Lexus LQ
The Japanese manufacturer is working on a new flagship crossover and everyone expects that Lexus will once again set new standards, just like it did more than two decades ago with the RX, which established a whole new segment. The new model will be a super-luxurious full-size crossover, which will compete with models like Mercedes Benz GLS, BMW X7 etc.
However, the new 2022 Lexus LQ will be significantly sleeker, more crossover-ish than SUV-ish. We count on a sportier approach in every aspect, especially in terms of driving characteristics. Of course, you may count on the latest iteration of Lexus’s famous spindle-grille design language, while the top-notch interior is a certain thing as well.
When it comes to the powertrain, the Japanese manufacturer will offer both pure gasoline and hybrid models. Base versions will probably use the LS’s familiar V6 with around 416 horsepower. Hybrid models will probably use a familiar system, also based on a V6 engine, but we count on a notable power increase. Finally, there is a big chance to see a hi-performance version, which would use
a new twin-turbo V8 with more than 600 horsepower.
We expect to see it in the second half of 2021. The base price will probably go around 80.000 dollars, roughly.
2022 GMC Hummer
The famous nameplate is coming back, this time not as a brand but rather under the GMC badge. Also, instead of being one of the biggest gas guzzlers around, the new model will come in a completely different manner, as an EV SUV. Just like the original models, it will be offered in several body styles. A pickup truck is about to come first, but the 2022 GMC Hummer SUV should arrive soon after.
At this point, we know what to expect from the new SUV. Of course, you may count on Hummer’s well-known boxy lines, this time packed in a more modern and sophisticated package. The SUV will come in both two and three-row variants, with various seating configurations, including a seven-seater. The interior will be a mix of nice and durable materials, while the dashboard will be highlighted by a massive 13.4-inch touchscreen, as well as by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Of course, the powertrain is one of the most intriguing parts of the new SUV. Just like in the pickup version, the initial model will come with a three-electric motor setup, which delivers a total output of 1.000 horsepower. The company claims 11.500 pound-feet of torque, but the real-life number will probably be around 1.100 lb-ft. The max range should go around 350 miles, reports say. Soon after, we should see other versions, with less power and more affordable price.
Speaking about the price, this most powerful version will probably go around 110.000 dollars. The base version, which is about to come later, will probably cost around 75.000 dollars.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The most anticipated model from the FCA Group for the next year is definitely the next-generation Grand Cherokee. The legendary SUV is about to come completely redesigned after almost a decade. One of the biggest novelties is that the new model will be longer and that 7seats will be standard. Of course, that won’t be the only major change.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is about to get a completely new design, starting from a new platform. We are talking about Stelvio’s Giorgio architecture, which will be stretched for this occasion, but which will bring significant improvements in terms of handling, dynamics, efficiency and overall performance. In terms of the styling, we count on an evolutionary approach, while the interior design should bring notable improvements in terms of aesthetics, styling and technology.
When it comes to the powertrain offer, base models should come with a turbo-four engine. Familiar 3.6- and 5.7-liter engines should carry on in the same way, though these two will probably only be available in a combination with a mild-hybrid system. Of course, a large 6.4- and supercharged 6.2-liter will sit at the top of the offer, while a diesel version is expected too. Furthermore, we may see a new turbo-six in the future too.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee should arrive in the second half of the year, with the starting price around 35.000 dollars.
2022 Acura MDX
The MDX is known as one of the first 7-seat crossovers ever and a completely new model will hit the market in the next few weeks. The new generation brings improvements in every aspect. So, we have no doubt it will once again be one of the best mid-size luxury crossovers around.
The new model is about 2.8 inches longer in wheelbase than before, which promises more space on the inside. Speaking of the inside, the new model will come with nicer materials and higher overall quality, which one probably the weakest point of the outgoing generation. You may count on a full pack of tech and safety features, available already in the base version. Styling-wise, the new 2022 Acura MDX will be an evolution of Acura’s well-known, super-sharp design language.
Once again, you may count on Honda’s excellent mechanics. Base models will carry on with a well-known 3.5-liter V6, which puts out around 290 horsepower and comes in pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Those who are looking for something quicker may count on the Type S version, which will use a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine, with a max output of 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
Base models will go around 48.000 dollars.
2022 Infiniti QX60
Infiniti desperately needs a strong-saler and the new 2022 Infiniti QX60 may be the answer. The current generation has been around for too long and it seems outdated in almost every aspect. Therefore, expectations from the next generation are pretty big.
At this point, we know for sure that aesthetics will one of the strongest points of the new model. Of course, we count on a Monograph-inspired styling and the latest reports suggest that the production version won’t be much different. Also, the interior will look far more luxurious compared to the current one, which doesn’t look premium at all. We saw the new one on rendering photos and it looks very clean and upscale.
Still, the biggest changes will actually come under the skin. Instead of a re-packed Pathfinder, the new model will be a true premium crossover, equipped with two turbocharged engines. Base models will feature Nissan’s 2.0-liter turbo-four with variable compression, while range-topping versions will use a 3.0-liter turbo-six with around 400 horsepower. Also, we count on an automatic transmission instead of the current CVT, while all-wheel-drive should be standard.
The new model should arrive sometime in the second half of the year, with the base price around 45.000 dollars.
2023 Volvo XC90
The next generation of Swedish flagship crossover is about to arrive in 2022 and we are about to see a lot of significant novelties, especially when it comes to the latest technologies. It will ride on the second generation of the SPA platform, which will improve ride quality, performance and efficiency. Also, it will open a whole new spectrum of possibilities, when it comes to advanced technologies.
The first thing that comes to mind is autonomous driving. The initial models will come with the all necessary hardware and once the software development is done, you will be able to download it and enjoy a fully autonomous ride, probably only on highways.
When it comes to powertrain options, the new model will be all about electrifications. Plug-in hybrid models will be the first to come, but we count on the all-electric version in the near future as well. In terms of styling, we count on an evolutionary approach, so the new look shouldn’t be radically different from the current generation.
We expect to see the new model sometime in the second half of 2022.
