For plenty of Canadian families, nothing less than a three-row SUV will do the job when it comes to transportation. Sometimes it’s because a family has three or more kids or multiple generations to move around. In other cases, it’s hockey bags or outdoor equipment. Regardless of the reasoning, seven-seater SUVs have cemented their place in many a driveway across Canada.
The automotive industry’s ongoing supply chain issues mean there can be long waits for new models, so many buyers are turning to the used car market. Second-hand vehicles are chronically in low stock for the same reasons. Nonetheless, if a minivan is off the table for whatever reason, a used SUV is a wise decision. Someone else pays for a vehicle’s up-front depreciation, and you’ll have the experiences of current owners to draw from when researching your models of interest.
Below, you’ll find our top 10 choices for the best 7-seater SUVs you can buy used in 2024. Most of these had four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard when they were new. Be sure to do your research on a given used vehicle before you buy, and never skip on getting a pre-purchase inspection. For more information on how to get the best deal when buying second-hand, check out our tips for buying a used vehicle.
Best Used Seven-seat SUVs in Canada 2024
- Acura MDX
- Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
- Dodge Durango
- Ford Expedition
- Ford Explorer
- Honda Pilot
- Hyundai Santa Fe/Santa Fe XL
- Kia Sorento
- Lexus RX L
- Toyota Highlander
Acura MDX
When you frequently see multiple generations of a car on your local roads, that’s a solid indication that it’s a great choice for buying used. The Acura MDX is a good example of this. Plenty of these have survived the rigours of Canadian winters and can still be seen out on the highways and in school pick-up lines. Plus, its mid-luxury positioning makes it an upscale offering at a relatively reasonable price. At the time of writing, CarGurus had several hundred listings for the MDX across Canada, ranging from early 2010s models for less than $10,000 to multiple low-kilometre 2019 and 2020 models in the $40,000 range. Note that the MDX is only a full 7-seater SUV when the second row is equipped with a bench instead of captain’s chairs, which reduce the seating capacity to six.
Acura MDX Review
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
When seven-seat transport and maximum towing capacity are on the table, nothing less than a full-size SUV will do the job. The Chevrolet Tahoe and its long-wheelbase twin, the Chevrolet Suburban, are both body-on-frame SUVs that are consistently listed on J.D. Power’s dependability studies and are ready to be put to work—or just take a family road trip. Although the most recent generation launched in 2021 improved third-row space and introduced plenty of bells and whistles, there are numerous examples of past generations of Tahoe in CarGurus listings for a variety of needs and budgets. And if you’ve got a little extra to spend on something more premium, the closely related GMC Yukon is worth considering.
Chevrolet Tahoe Review
Dodge Durango
Let’s be honest: if you’re looking for fuel efficiency in your upper mid-size family SUV, the Dodge Durango probably isn’t your best bet. This is especially true if you go for a Hemi with heaps of horsepower. But if durability and reliability are what matter most, then read on. The Durango has been in production in its current form, relatively unchanged, since the 2011 model year. This means its components have stood the test of time, and Dodge has also been steadily climbing the brand reliability ranks. The CarGurus used vehicle listings for the Dodge Durango are littered with great deals, so it’s a good bet if you’re hoping to score a seven-seat SUV at a great price.
Dodge Durango Review
Ford Expedition
As with the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Ford Expedition SUV is the right tool for the job when you have to shift lots of people, gear, or trailers. Most recently redesigned for the 2018 model year, both this generation and the previous third-generation versions have appeared in J.D. Power’s dependability studies. Plus, the long life cycle of these vehicles and their powertrains means there aren’t any particular years you should avoid. CarGurus had plenty of used examples to choose from at the time of writing, including the Ford Expedition MAX long-wheelbase version, so keep an eye out for that one for maximum comfort and interior space.
Ford Expedition Overview
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is one of the best-selling three-row SUVs in North America, so there are heaps of them on the used car market. The most recent generation, which launched in 2020, introduced a sport-tuned ST variant and a hybrid powertrain, so it’s a versatile truck, too. Previous generations had fewer powertrain options but are still known for being similarly solid and truck-like, even though all Explorers produced since 2011 have been unibodies. CarGurus listings are full of late-model year previous generation Explorers. Expect to spend between $25,000 and $30,000 on low-kilometre 2018 and 2019 units, or reach back to 2015 through 2017 to get into the $20,000 to $25,000 range.
Ford Explorer Review
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is the upper-midsize SUV of choice for families who prioritize roomy interiors and flexibility over flashy features and finishes. There’s even plenty of space for the occupants in the front seats. A redesigned version arrived for the 2023 model year, but that means any Pilot from 2016 to 2022 model years will have similar powertrains and trim levels. Plus, there are still second- and first-generation Pilots to be found on Canadian roads, which is a testament to Honda’s endurance. A scan of the CarGurus used vehicle listings reveals examples of Pilots that will meet most budgets, from high-kilometre cars for less than $10,000, to well-equipped late models for $35,000 to $40,000 on average.
Honda Pilot Review
Hyundai Santa Fe/Santa Fe XL
The Hyundai Santa Fe is currently, and has been in the past, a five-seat midsize SUV. But there was a period between 2013 and 2020 when it was sold in North America with a third row, making it a 7-passenger SUV. Be careful that you’re looking at the right vehicle; from 2013 to 2018, the Santa Fe was the three-row version and the Santa Fe Sport the five-seater, but in 2019 the larger version continued for an additional model year and was called the Santa Fe XL. In either case, the Santa Fe was a little tight on third-row space but there’s enough legroom for kids, and it offers exceptional features and power for the price. However, the V6 engine’s fuel use is higher on average than similarly aged competitors. You’ll need to filter the CarGurus listings to find the exact range of vehicles you’re looking for, but the reward is you’re likely to find a solid, family-friendly vehicle for $20,000 to $25,000. If space is all that matters and your budget stretches to a newer vehicle, the larger Hyundai Palisade offers modern features, better fuel economy, and spacious seating for up to eight passengers.
Hyundai Santa Fe Overview
Kia Sorento
Take your preconceptions about Korean brands and throw them out the window. These aren’t your parents’ Hyundais and Kias. These days, both brands have considerably improved their build quality and now sit near or at the top of dependability studies. The Kia Sorento is a particular standout. A new generation launched for the 2021 model year, but the J.D. Power dependability studies for 2021 and 2022, which were based on the third-generation Sorento, both placed it at the top of its segment. The manufacturer also has a five-year, 100,000-kilometre warranty, so previous-generation used examples may well still be covered. It’s worth noting that the Sorento has less cargo space and tighter third-row seats than most other vehicles on this list, but the trade-off is smaller exterior proportions and improved drivability. A two-row configuration was available from 2015 until 2018, so be sure you’re buying a seven-seat version if that’s what you need, for which you can expect to pay $15,000 to $25,000 for a third-generation model. As with sister brand Hyundai, the Kia Telluride is an even larger and newer, if pricier, alternative.
Kia Sorento Review
Lexus RX L
The Lexus RX mid-size luxury SUV was available with a third row for the 2018 to 2022 model years. In this configuration, it was distinguished from the two-row version by the nameplate RX L. Now that the next-generation RX has launched for the 2023 model year as a confirmed two-row and the new TX is taking up the seven-seat space, 2022 is likely to be the last year for the RX as a three-row. This longer-wheelbase version of the quintessential made-in-Canada Lexus crossover comes with the brand’s reputation for quality and longevity, which is backed up by its frequent appearance in dependability studies. There are also hybrid versions available that deliver good fuel economy. These hold their value well, so you can expect to pay in the $40,000 to $45,000 range, but you’ll benefit from that same value retention down the road when you come to sell. Find a modern example, and you’ll get standard features such as a smart touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you’re shopping at this premium end of the market and have a healthy budget, then the Audi Q7, the Volvo XC90, and the BMW X5 may also be worth a look.
Lexus RX Review
Toyota Highlander
Much as the Lexus brand signals quality and retained value, a Toyota Highlander will last for many years, tackle just about anything you can throw at it, and return high resale values. The third-generation Highlanders from model years 2014 to 2019 and the fourth generation sold since 2020 are those you’re most likely to find used, but there are some deals to be found among older models if you can live without more modern amenities like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, or similar driver assistance or safety features. Hybrids have been part of the Highlander offering for many years, so consider narrowing down your search if fuel efficiency is a significant factor. The one downside is that you’ll get lower-than-average cargo volume and rear seat space. Most CarGurus listings are in the $30,000 to $40,000 range, but there are Highlanders available at a wide range of ages, odometer readings, and prices.
Toyota Highlander Review