For families on the go or those who frequently carpool, the need for ample passenger space is paramount. While the SUV market is saturated with options, finding one that comfortably accommodates eight adults can narrow down your choices considerably. If maximizing passenger capacity without sacrificing the versatility and style of an SUV is your priority, exploring the realm of eight-passenger SUVs is a smart move. Fortunately, even with a focus on larger models, the automotive industry still delivers a diverse range of vehicles to meet various needs and budgets. Whether you’re seeking luxury, affordability, or robust performance, there’s an eight-passenger SUV on the market ready to be your ideal family vehicle. Let’s dive into the top contenders for the Best 8 Passenger Suvs available in 2018.
2018 Toyota Highlander
The 2018 Toyota Highlander stands out as a versatile choice, offering eight-passenger configurations across its extensive lineup. Starting at an MSRP of $31,030 for the base LE trim and scaling up to $46,660 for the luxurious Limited Platinum, the Highlander provides six distinct trim levels to cater to different preferences. Buyers can choose between front-wheel or all-wheel drive and select from two engine options. The base engine is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque for enhanced performance. When it comes to cargo, the Highlander provides 13.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 42.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 83.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. For those seeking fuel efficiency, a hybrid version of the Highlander is also available, offering four trim levels priced from $36,670 to $48,280.
2018 Honda Pilot
The 2018 Honda Pilot is another strong contender in the eight-passenger SUV segment, offering a blend of practicality and comfort. The Pilot comes in five trim levels, with prices ranging from $30,900 to $47,470. To secure eight-passenger seating, the Touring trim, starting at $41,970, is the optimal choice as the highest trim level does not offer this configuration. Powering the Pilot is a responsive 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed or a more efficient nine-speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Pilot offers ample cargo capacity. It boasts 15.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.
2018 Toyota Land Cruiser
For those seeking a more premium and rugged eight-passenger SUV, the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser offers a unique blend of luxury and off-road capability. Available in a single, fully-equipped trim level with a starting price of $84,315, the Land Cruiser is powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with full-time four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring confident performance in various conditions. Despite its robust build, the Land Cruiser provides respectable cargo space, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 81.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It also boasts a substantial towing capacity of up to 8,100 pounds. The Land Cruiser’s standard features include luxurious amenities such as four-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled leather front seats, a heated, reclining, and sliding second row, and a split-folding third row, along with a heated leather steering wheel.
2018 Ford Expedition
The 2018 Ford Expedition provides a range of eight-passenger configurations across its three trim levels and wheelbase options. The standard-wheelbase Expedition XLT starts at $51,790, while the extended-wheelbase, ultra-luxurious Expedition Platinum Max begins at $75,720. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive available across the lineup. Power comes from a 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque in most trims, and upgraded to 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque in Platinum models. Cargo capacity is a significant advantage for the Expedition, with standard-wheelbase models offering 20.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 104.6 cubic feet maximum. Long-wheelbase models expand this to 36.0, 73.3, and a class-leading 121.5 cubic feet respectively, making it ideal for large families and cargo needs.
2018 Lincoln Navigator
Sharing its platform with the Expedition, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator elevates the eight-passenger SUV experience with enhanced luxury and refinement. Offered in four trims, starting with the Premiere at $72,055 and reaching $93,705 for the Black Label, every Navigator is powered by a potent 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the Navigator provides luxurious space for passengers and cargo. Standard-wheelbase models offer 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second, and 103.3 cubic feet maximum. Long-wheelbase models increase this to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively, combining luxury with substantial practicality.
2018 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is a compelling option for those seeking an affordable eight-passenger SUV without compromising on space and features. While higher trims of the Traverse are configured for seven passengers, the base L ($30,295), LS ($33,595), and LT Cloth ($36,095) trims offer eight-passenger seating. All eight-passenger Traverse models are equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse excels in cargo space within its class, offering 23.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 58.1 cubic feet behind the second row, and a generous 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. It also offers a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the trailering package, adding to its versatility.
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
For a more traditional SUV experience with eight-passenger capability, the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe is a robust choice. Available in three trim levels and offering both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, the Tahoe LS starts at $48,795, while the top-tier Premier 4WD reaches $66,495. Engine options include a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a more powerful 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Tahoe provides 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 51.7 cubic feet behind the second, and 94.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, balancing passenger space with cargo utility.
2018 Nissan Armada
The 2018 Nissan Armada consistently offers eight-passenger seating across all four of its trim levels, providing a wide range of features and price points. Available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Armada SV starts at $40,060, and the luxurious Platinum Reserve 4WD tops out at $65,090. Powering the Armada is a strong 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Armada balances passenger and cargo needs effectively, with 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second, and 95.4 cubic feet maximum, making it a versatile option for larger groups.
2018 GMC Yukon
The 2018 GMC Yukon, related to the Chevrolet Tahoe, offers eight-passenger seating in all three of its trim levels, with an option to increase capacity to nine with a front bench seat in certain trims. Available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Yukon SLE starts at $50,395, and the Denali 4WD reaches $70,495. Cargo space mirrors the Tahoe, with 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 51.7 cubic feet behind the second, and 94.7 cubic feet maximum. The Yukon also offers a long-wheelbase version, the Yukon XL, which significantly increases maximum cargo capacity to 121.7 cubic feet. The standard Yukon offers a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, which can be increased to 8,500 pounds with the available trailering package, enhancing its practicality.
2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV
For the ultimate in luxury and space in an eight-passenger SUV, the 2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV stands out. While the standard-length Escalade seats seven, the extended-wheelbase Escalade ESV offers eight-passenger seating as an option across all four trim levels. The Escalade ESV starts at $77,695 for the base model, with the Platinum trim reaching $96,795. Power comes from a potent 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Escalade ESV offers a substantial 120.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo space and a towing capacity of up to 8,100 pounds in rear-wheel drive models, combining luxury, space, and capability in a grand package.
