Sports utility vehicles remain very popular in the automotive market. Despite rising gasoline prices SUVs offer drivers an alternative to cars and vans that is economical and safe.
Many sport utility vehicles offer seating for seven passengers, making them perfect family vehicles and an alternative to minivans. SUVs are the true replacement to the family station wagons that were manufactured during the sixties and seventies.
Many manufacturers offer seven seat configurations for sport utility vehicles. A 7 seater SUV comparison of the leading models can help to differentiate the offerings on today’s market.
Mazda CX9
Mazda offers the CX-9 crossover vehicle to families who need greater seating capacities. The seven seat CX-9 is a larger crossover vehicle that sis based on the Ford Edge platform. The uni-body vehicle offers seating for up to seven passengers over three rows of seating. Access to the rearmost seating is through the rear doors of the vehicle. The second row seating can be folded forward for access.
The CX-9 comes equipped with a standard six cylinder engine and an entire range of safety and comfort features. All wheel drive is an available option. Other options include three zone heating and cooling, blue tooth connectivity, DVD players for the rear passengers and fold flat seating to expand the cargo areas. Prices begin at $29,000.00 for a seven passenger CX-9.
Subaru Tribeca
Although Subaru was late to the SUV market its Tribeca is a true SUV crossover vehicle with seating for 7 passengers. The Tribeca features a flat boxer style six cylinder engine and the patented symmetrical all wheel drive system that Subaru is famous for. The Tribeca is fully equipped and offers such options as heated leather seats, rear seat climate control, navigation and entertainment packages and a full power package with door locks, windows, mirrors, and seats all power operated. Subaru’s Tribeca provides good fuel economy of 16 to 21 miles per gallon on premium fuel. Prices start under $30,000.00 for a seven passenger Tribeca.
Hyundai Veracruz
With a ten year 100,000 mile warranty the Veracruz offers peace of mind to its purchasers. The largest sports utility vehicle manufactured by Hyundai performs well in a 7 seater SUV comparison. Powered by a six cylinder engine with variable valve timing the Veracruz offers all wheel drive and seating for seven passengers in a modern body style. Additional features include a full entertainment package, three zone climate control and heated leather seating for the driver and passenger. Prices begin at $28,000.00 with an estimated fuel economy between 17 and 24 miles to the gallon.
Other offerings in the seven passenger segment include the Ford Flex, GMC Arcadia and Chevrolet Traverse. In a 7 seater SUV comparison all vehicles available have starting prices between $27,000.00 and $32,000.00 and fuel economy between 14 and 24 miles per gallon.