What Are the Recommended Vehicles for 7 Passengers?

Some people may have the need a seven-passenger vehicle, whether it is to cover for an expanding family or to provide cargo space for friends. Vehicles with enough room for seven passengers are available at varying prices and in different styles (from sports utility vehicles --SUVs -- to vans). There are around two dozen such types of vehicles on the market, guaranteeing that consumers will find an automobile that will suit their needs.

Buick Enclave

Buick introduced the Enclave, a crossover SUV, for the 2008 model year. The Buick Enclave is known for its smooth drive, luxury and style. The 2011 model features a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine that delivers 288 horsepower at 6,300 rpm. The Enclave provides an estimated 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. Safety features are prominent on the Enclave: Anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control and multiple airbags all come standard. The 2011 Enclave starts at $35,615 (MSRP, as of March 2011).

Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is a crossover SUV with seating for seven passengers.

Slightly smaller than the Enclave, but still with room for seven passengers, is the Acura MDX. The MDX is another crossover SUV, offering the seating of a larger SUV with the handling of a sportier car. The 2011 Acura MDX's 3.7-liter engine produces 300 horsepower at 6,300 rpm. The MDX delivers an estimated 16 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway. Luxury features are numerous on the MDX, including standard leather seats, sunroof and CD player. The 2011 MDX begins at $42,580 (MSRP, as of March 2011).

Infiniti QX56

If you prefer a full-size SUV as opposed to the crossovers Enclave and MDX, the Infiniti QX56 is a recommended SUV capable of handling seven passengers, with a third row of seating. The QX56 first hit stock rooms for the 2004 model year. The 2011 model offers a powerful, 5.6-liter, V-8 engine that provides 400 horsepower at 5,800 rpm. The gas mileage is 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway. The 2011 QX56 starts at $57,850 (MSRP, as of March 2011).

Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey has been on the market since 1995.

If you want to steer clear of SUVs, a minivan can be a very useful vehicle for transporting a large family. The Odyssey, Honda's foray into the minivan market, was first produced for the 1995 model year. The engine does not provide the same power as that of the SUVs, but the 2011 Odyssey beats the aforementioned vehicles in gas mileage with 18 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. The 2011 Odyssey, which starts at $27,800 (MSRP, as of March 2011), features removable second and third row seats for extra cargo space.