The Best 7-Seater SUVs for Growing Families in 2025

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why 7-Seater SUVs Are a Smart Choice in 2025

2. What to Look for in a 7-Seater SUV

3. Best 7-Seater SUVs in Australia – 2025 List

   • 2025 Toyota Kluger

   • 2025 Kia Sorento

   • 2025 Hyundai Palisade

   • 2025 Mazda CX-90

   • 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

   • 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

   • 2025 LDV D90

   • 2025 Ford Everest

   • 2025 Isuzu MU-X

   • 2025 Volvo XC90 Recharge

4. Comparison Table – Features at a Glance

5. Verdict – Which SUV is Right for Your Family?

6. Final Thoughts & Buying Tips

1. Introduction: Why 7-Seater SUVs Are a Smart Choice in 2025

In a country like Australia—where family road trips, long drives, and weekend sports runs are common—having a car that can seat the whole crew comfortably is essential. That’s why the demand for 7-seater SUVs continues to rise in 2025. These vehicles offer a blend of space, practicality, modern tech, and rugged appeal that suits both growing families and those who need cargo flexibility.

Whether you're doing the daily school run or heading on an outback holiday, a good 7-seater SUV offers:

• Room for everyone (and their gear),

• Strong safety features,

• Comfortable ride quality, and

• Fuel-efficient engines with hybrid and diesel options.

2. What to Look for in a 7-Seater SUV

Before diving into the best models, it’s important to know what makes a 7-seater SUV worth your money in 2025. Here are the top factors Aussie buyers should consider:

✅ Cabin Space & Flexibility

• Can adults fit in the third row?

• Is it easy to fold down seats for cargo?

• Are there enough USB ports and air vents?

✅ Safety Technology

• Look for AEB, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

• Check ANCAP safety ratings.

✅ Infotainment & Tech

• Touchscreen size, smartphone connectivity, voice control, sat-nav.

• Rear seat entertainment is a bonus for families with young kids.

✅ Boot Space

• With all seats up and with third-row folded.

• A minimum of 250–300L is ideal with seven seats in use.

✅ Engine Options & Efficiency

• Petrol, diesel, hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV)?

• Towing capacity for family caravans or trailers.

3. Best 7-Seater SUVs in Australia – 2025 List

Here’s a detailed look at the top 7-seater SUVs Australian families are loving in 2025:

🔹 2025 Toyota Kluger

Starting Price: From $56,000
Variants: GX, GXL, Grande, Hybrid options
Drivetrain: Petrol V6 or Hybrid AWD

Why it’s great:
The Kluger continues to be a family favourite for a reason. It balances space, Toyota reliability, and now comes with hybrid options that improve fuel economy significantly (around 5.6L/100km).

Highlights:

• Excellent safety suite

• Huge interior space

• 241L boot with 7 seats up

🔹 2025 Kia Sorento

Starting Price: From $53,000
Variants: S, Sport, Sport+, GT-Line
Drivetrain: Petrol, Diesel, and Hybrid options

Why it’s great:
With a premium interior, refined drive, and exceptional technology, the Sorento punches well above its weight.

Highlights:

• One of the few in its class with diesel, hybrid and PHEV choices

• Advanced 12.3” digital cluster

• Tows up to 2,000kg

🔹 2025 Hyundai Palisade

Starting Price: From $66,800
Variants: Elite, Highlander
Drivetrain: Petrol V6 or Diesel AWD

Why it’s great:
Big, bold and comfortable. The Palisade is perfect for large families who value premium feel and space. Adults can sit comfortably in all three rows.

Highlights:

• Luxurious leather interiors

• Third-row USB ports

• 311L boot with all seats up

🔹 2025 Mazda CX-90

Starting Price: From $74,400
Variants: Touring, GT, Azami
Drivetrain: Mild-hybrid petrol inline-6

Why it’s great:
Combining driving dynamics with family practicality, the CX-90 is Mazda’s luxury flagship SUV. It looks sharp, feels premium, and handles like a smaller SUV.

Highlights:

• 254kW turbo engine

• Gorgeous cabin design

• 2,500kg towing capacity

🔹 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

Starting Price: From $56,000
Variants: ST, ST-L, Ti, Ti-L
Drivetrain: 3.5L V6, 4WD option

Why it’s great:
The 2025 Pathfinder gets a major tech overhaul. It finally ditches the CVT and brings a more refined 9-speed automatic with more off-road capability.

Highlights:

• 8-seat option available

• Tri-zone climate control

• Upgraded ProPILOT assist system

🔹 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

Starting Price: From $41,000
Variants: ES, LS, Aspire, Exceed, PHEV
Drivetrain: Petrol or Plug-in Hybrid

Why it’s great:
Arguably the most budget-friendly 7-seater SUV with plug-in hybrid capabilities. The Outlander is great for city families wanting low running costs.

Highlights:

• EV-only range of 84km (PHEV)

• 12.3” digital driver display

• Smooth ride in urban settings

🔹 2025 LDV D90

Starting Price: From $42,000
Variants: Executive, Luxe
Drivetrain: Turbo petrol or diesel

Why it’s great:
It’s the value king in this list. While the LDV badge is still earning trust in Australia, the D90 packs a lot of metal for your money—especially if you need a large SUV on a budget.

Highlights:

• 2.0L turbo engine with diesel option

• Apple CarPlay and 12” touchscreen

• Ladder frame chassis

🔹 2025 Ford Everest

Starting Price: From $54,000
Variants: Ambiente, Trend, Sport, Platinum
Drivetrain: 2.0L Bi-Turbo or 3.0L V6 Diesel

Why it’s great:
Built for adventure but refined for the city, the Everest is a true 4x4 SUV that fits family life just as well as it does bush tracks.

Highlights:

• 3,500kg towing capacity

• Dual recovery points

• Great off-road tech + 360-degree camera

🔹 2025 Isuzu MU-X

Starting Price: From $52,600
Variants: LS-M, LS-U, LS-T
Drivetrain: 3.0L turbo diesel, 4x4 options

Why it’s great:
Tough, reliable, and with lower running costs thanks to diesel efficiency, the MU-X is a tradie family favourite.

Highlights:

• 3,000kg towing

• Large boot: 311L with 7 seats

• Rugged but comfortable inside

🔹 2025 Volvo XC90 Recharge

Starting Price: From $124,000
Variants: Ultimate Bright, Plug-In Hybrid
Drivetrain: Plug-in hybrid AWD

Why it’s great:
If you want luxury, safety, and efficiency all in one, the XC90 Recharge is a premium pick. It’s quiet, ultra-safe, and oozes Scandinavian class.

Highlights:

• EV-only range of 77km

• Pilot Assist semi-autonomous tech

• 1,800L cargo with seats folded

4. Comparison Table – Features at a Glance

5. Verdict – Which SUV is Right for Your Family?

• Best Budget Option: Mitsubishi Outlander (especially PHEV)

• Best for Luxury: Volvo XC90 Recharge

• Best for Towing & Off-Road: Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X

• Best for Tech & Comfort: Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-90

• Best Value All-Rounder: Toyota Kluger Hybrid

6. Final Thoughts & Buying Tips

When choosing the best 7-seater SUV for your growing family in 2025, think about more than just price. Ask yourself:

• How often will the third row be used?

• Is fuel economy more important than towing capacity?

• Do you want petrol, diesel, or hybrid?

Tips:

• Test drive at least 2–3 models.

• Bring the kids and install child seats to test space.

• Ask about capped-price servicing and warranty terms.

• Consider resale value and insurance costs.

If you’re ready to make a move in 2025, the 7-seater SUV market in Australia is rich with options that cater to every budget, need, and lifestyle.

Let your next adventure start with the right family SUV.