Best 8-Seater Cars for Large Families in 2023
Transporting a large family with up to 8 members necessitates a spacious vehicle with ample seating. Whether driving carpools or hauling your whole household for a vacation, an 8 seat car provides needed flexibility.
This guide will highlight the top-rated 8 passenger vehicles spanning SUVs and minivans perfect for big families. We'll focus on models offering the right mix of space, convenience, comfort, value, and reliability.
Why Choose an 8 Seater Vehicle?
There are several scenarios where 8 seat cars and SUVs make sense for households:
- Families with more than 4-5 kids
- Frequently driving carpools, sports teams or play groups
- Multigenerational families living together
- Needing abundant space for trips to hold luggage and gear
- Owning a single large vehicle instead of multiple cars
8 seaters provide seating capacity traditional 5 passenger SUVs and sedans lack. This spares families from buying an extra vehicle or slow van.
Standout 8 Passenger SUV Options
For many larger broods, a 3-row midsize SUV with 8 passenger seating strikes the best balance of space and maneuverability. Here are top-rated models:
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is the quintessential family SUV with available 8 seats, impressive practicality, and Toyota's reputation for quality:
- Optional captain's chairs in the 2nd row for 7-8 passenger configurations
- Car-like ride with responsive handling for an SUV
- Efficient V6 powertrain returns up to 28 MPG highway
- Numerous family-friendly storage cubbies and cupholders
- Available panoramic moonroof and Qi wireless charging
Hyundai Palisade
The boldly styled Hyundai Palisade exterior hides an ultra-functional 8 seat interior:
- Second row captain's chairs standard for easy 8 passenger access
- Family-focused technology like intercom to rear seats and rear seat entertainment system
- Adult-friendly third row seating with generous legroom
- Excellent value backed by Hyundai's 10-year powertrain warranty
Kia Telluride
Like its corporate cousin, the Kia Telluride brings a refined 8 passenger experience:
- Optional second row captain's chairs allow 8 occupants
- Available dual sunroofs enhance open air environment
- Genuinely upscale interior with quality materials and detailing
- Strong V6 engine for confident acceleration even fully loaded
- High safety scores and standard driver assistance technologies
Leading 8 Passenger Minivans
If you'll frequently use all 8 seats and maximize cargo space, today's modern minivans are hard to beat. Two top family-focused vans include:
Toyota Sienna
The latest Toyota Sienna delivers newfound style, refinement and efficiency:
- Standard second row "super long slide" captain's chairs provide easy 8 seat access
- All-hybrid powertrain now standard for 36 MPG combined fuel economy
- Available all-wheel drive adds traction and confidence
- Dual sunroofs enhance airy, open cabin environment
- Segment-first optional rear seat video entertainment system
Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica pioneered the modern minivan format with innovations like:
- One-touch folding second and third row seats into the floor for flat cargo space
- Integrated vacuum cleaner built into the vehicle
- Available all-wheel drive and hybrid powertrains
- Segment-first USB ports in second and third rows to charge devices
- Uconnect theater with rear seat entertainment and apps
Key Considerations in an 8 Passenger Vehicle
Beyond spacious seating for 8, families should evaluate:
- Total interior room - First and second rows need to accommodate adults comfortably given most kids ride further back.
- Seat adjustment range - Second and third rows should slide and recline for passenger and cargo flexibility.
- Accessibility - Doors and rows must be easy to enter and exit smoothly, especially child seats.
- Visibility - High seating positions and large windows enable kid supervision.
- Storage space - Hidden compartments, underfloor bins, and door pockets add convenience.
- Cargo room - Need ample space behind third row when seats are up.
Prioritizing these factors ensures your 8 seater keeps all generations happy on long drives.
Fuel Efficient 8 Seater Options
Large 8 passenger vehicles often have poor fuel economy. But new hybrid powertrains available in certain models now provide enhanced efficiency:
| Vehicle | MPG City/Highway | Powertrain |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 35/35 | 2.5L I4 Hybrid |
| Toyota Sienna | 36/36 | 2.5L I4 Hybrid |
| Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid | 30/32 | 3.6L V6 Hybrid |
These hybrid SUVs and minivans allow budget-focused families to balance ample seating for 8 with fuel savings. The Toyota Sienna hybrid now comes standard for 2023.
Recommended Used 8 Seater Vehicles
Given large vehicles' high costs, used 8 passenger models just 2-5 years old offer substantial savings:
| Vehicle | Avg Used Price | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Sienna | $25,000 | Proven long-term reliability, great resale value. Look for LE and XLE trim vans under $30k. |
| Honda Odyssey | $22,000 | Comfort, convenience and solid Honda pedigree. Just avoid older pre-2011 vans. |
| Chrysler Pacifica | $21,000 | One of the most affordable ways to get lots of family-focused features on a budget. |
| Kia Sedona | $17,000 | Inexpensive way to gain 8 seat flexibility. Focus on 2015+ model years. |
Well-kept used examples of these vans and SUVs represent an excellent value for growing families needing abundant seating capacity. Prioritize newer vans still under original factory warranty when possible.
Final Tips for Choosing an 8 Passenger Vehicle
To make the most of your family's 8 seat vehicle, also consider:
- Entertainment features - Integrated rear seat media systems with wireless headphones are a big kid pleaser during long drives.
- Convenience options - Look for built-in vacuums, fridge/freezers, multiple charging points and storage bins tailored to busy parents.
- Connectivity - Opt for imbedded Wi-Fi hotspots to keep kids content on road trips when available.
- Safety technology - Vehicle ratings and active driver assistance features should be a top priority with many passengers onboard. Prioritize automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring.
While navigating tight parking lots will be a chore, a quality 8 seat car or SUV allows growing modern families to stick to one highly functional vehicle when comfort, safety, and convenience are key.
FAQs
Are 8 passenger SUVs or minivans better for families?
Minivans are optimized for maximum interior passenger and cargo space. But SUVs offer more ground clearance for inclement weather and the perception of safety from increased mass. Choose based on key priorities.
Is a used or new 8 seater better with a limited budget?
Since large 8 passenger vehicles depreciate quickly, buying a lightly used 2-4 year old model can save families thousands over new. Just ensure major systems have been maintained properly.
What are the most important safety features in an 8 seat vehicle?
Look for models with high crash test scores along with modern driver assistance like automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and lane keeping assistance.
Should you remove seats in an 8 seater to cut costs?
Removing third row seats may seem to save on pricing and operation costs. But this limits functionality when you need to transport more passengers down the road.
How many child seats fit in most 8 passenger vehicles?
Most 8 seater SUVs and vans can accommodate two or three child/booster seats in the second row and one seat in the third row. Check specific models for details.
Are hybrid 8 seaters worth the added cost?
The fuel savings from hybrid models like the Chrysler Pacifica more than justify their higher sticker prices for families logging high annual mileage. Lower lifetime fuel costs help offset purchase prices.
What's better: captain's chairs or a 3-seat bench in the second row?
Captain's chairs are easier to access but limit capacity to 7. A bench allows 8 seats but access to the third row is more difficult. Choose based on your regular passenger numbers.
Should parents opt for an 8-seater over a large truck?
Yes, a truck's open cargo bed does not safely transport children. An enclosed 8 passenger SUV or van is far superior for protecting precious young passengers and family practicality.
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