Pin It

4 of the Most Popular 7 Passenger Vehicles

dimm | Nov 9, 2011 |

0 Comments | Rating: 0

There is no shortage of options for anyone looking for a solid seven-passenger vehicle. The choices available generally fall into one of four categories: minivan, SUV, crossover SUV, and hybrid SUV. Let's take a look at one of the most popular vehicles in each segment.

Minivan: Kia Sedona

The Kia Sedona has long enjoyed a well-earned reputation for value, comfort, and safety. As with previous years, the 2012 model automatically includes features that would cost additional thousands on competing minivans. However, the Sedona has not yet undergone the redesign that other Kia vehicles have received over the last couple years. As a result, the overall package is an outdated but functional, intuitive design combined with excellent value, safety, and ride quality.

Two trim levels are offered: the LX and EX. Both use a 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Fuel economy is 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway.

The basic LX model comes standard with such notable features as roof rails, rear parking sensors, a folding table between the first and second row seats, Bluetooth, and CD/MP3 sound system with satellite radio. A DVD entertainment system is optional. Other features that are optional on the LX but standard on the high-end EX include heated side mirrors, power tailgate and rear quarter windows, dual power-sliding rear doors, power front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rearview camera. Optional on the EX: sunroof, leather seats, heated front seats, driver's seat position memory, power-adjustable pedals, tri-zone automatic climate control, navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and premium Infinity audio system with in-dash six-CD changer.

SUV: Toyota Sequoia

The 2012 Toyota Sequoia, one of the automotive press' top picks among 7 passenger vehicles in the large traditional SUVs category, boasts of a spacious interior, thoughtful design, refined ride quality, powerful engine, and impressive towing capability. The Sequoia is one of the few SUVs that feels at home both on the pavement and off-road. However, the truck chassis comes with a price: large crossover SUVs on the market offer competitive space with better handling and high fuel economy. For those who truly need a hefty machine though, the Sequoia is hard to beat.

Three trim levels are available: SR5, Limited, and Platinum. The SR5 comes with a 4.6-liter V8 engine; the Limited and Platinum use a 5.7-liter V8 engine. All models offer an optional 5.7-liter V8 flex-fuel engine and optional four-wheel drive. Fuel economy is roughly 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway.

Depending on the trim level selected, notable features (both standard and optional) include roof rack, sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with controls, satellite radio, six-CD changer, power liftgate, back-up camera, and power-reclining and power-folding third row bench seat. Some of the additional features of the top of the line Platinum include a touchscreen navigation system, adaptive shock absorbers, heated/cooled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs.

Crossover SUV: Chevrolet Traverse

The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse draws attention for its style, spacious interior, carlike handling, and good fuel economy. As a large crossover SUV, it's more agile than truck-based SUVs but lacks the raw towing power of the old-school SUVs. Even the most basic trim level comes with previously high-end luxury items.

The Traverse comes in three trim levels: LS, LT, and LTS; all come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine plus six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Fuel economy is about 17 mpg city/24 highway.

The various models include such significant features as: tilt/telescoping steering wheel, CD/MP3 player with satellite radio, rear audio system controls, power liftgate, and rearview camera. The top-of-the-line LTZ can even sport optional dual sunroofs!

Adults will appreciate the roomy third-row seat in which adults can ride comfortably, unlike other SUVs with their cramped seats.

Hybrid SUV: GMC Yukon Hybrid

The 2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid offers good fuel efficiency and strong towing capacity, but it might be a bit overkill for most consumers. Plus, the third-row seats must be removed manually, rather than folding down into the floor like in other vehicles.

Both trim levels, Base and Denali, come with a 6.0-liter V8 hybrid engine with an electrically variable transmission. The hybrid engine works by capturing excess energy normally lost during braking; this newfound energy gets stored in the vehicle's rechargeable batteries.

Significant feature differences include standard sunroof, rear park assist with rearview camera, power side mirrors, heated tri-zone automatic climate control, trip computer, remote engine start, OnStar, and an optional navigation system.

The Yukon Hybrid's attempt at "going green" seems a bit far-fetched; drivers who are truly concerned with the environment may be better served by a large crossover SUV with a lighter frame, better fuel economy, and a smoother ride. However, drivers who prize power (especially for towing) and space will especially enjoy the 2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid.

There you have it, four of the most popular 7-passenger vehicles. As always when car shopping, take the cars for a test drive. Which vehicle feels most intuitive to you? Everyone is different, so at some point you'll have to weigh the relative importance of features such as ecologically friendliness, power, or handling. Any of these four vehicles would make strong contenders for your next purchase, but don't just take our word for it.