Best 8 Passenger SUV
Choosing the best 8 passenger SUV will enable you to get the most space for your family and friends. The thing to be careful of is that while many car manufacturers claim they offer third row seating for up to eight passengers, that does not mean it is a realistic feature. Many 8 passenger SUVs have gotten bashed in reviews by consumers and experts because of the cramped third row seats.
The major complaints have been that the third row seating is often only appropriate for child size passengers, if that. In addition, the materials used for this optional seating are too often inferior and flimsy, making it uncomfortable for riders. Use this as a guide to help determine which SUV for eight or more passengers may best fit your needs.
Chevrolet Tahoe
What you get with the Tahoe is a serious driving machine that comes with a 5.3 liter, V8 engine that produces 320 horsepower. It also comes with a six speed automatic transmission. This is the type of vehicle designed with function in mind. It was also built to be a family friendly vehicle. You get a full size, four door SUV that seats eight and with room to spare.
The 2011 model had an EPA estimated mileage ranking of 15 city miles per gallon and 21 for the highway, which is one of the better fuel efficiencies of this class. Drivers also raved about the smooth ride and superior handling. If you also need the best 8 passenger SUV that has exceptional towing capabilities, this may be your best option. The one con of this is that consumers complain the third seat can be bulky making it difficult to remove.
Nissan Armada
When it comes to hauling around eight passengers in addition to whatever else you need, the Armada should have the capabilities you need. Under the hood is a 5.6 liter, V8 engine that produces 317 horsepower. The transmission is a five speed automatic with overdrive. You have the option to get this Nissan SUV in either rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. All this offers consumers some of the best towing capabilities in this division.
The fuel efficiency leaves room for improvement as it gets only 13 miles per gallon for urban streets and 19 for highway miles. You do get ample power and good handling for such a large SUV. On the other hand, many consumers complained that the height made it challenging to get in and out of. For a Sports Utility Vehicle with third row seating, however. One rave is that this Nissan Armada still remains roomy and spacious.
GMC Yukon
A powerhouse when it comes to design and function, the Yukon has a 5.3 liter, V-8 powering it and generating 320 horsepower. It also has a six speed automatic transmission with overdrive and can be yours in two wheel or all wheel drive. The mileage is better than the Nissan, but only slightly. The Yukon has a fuel economy rating of 15 miles per gallon in the city and 21 for highway. As far as large sports utility vehicles go, the GMC Yukon is one of the more affordable ones.
Reviews praise the Yukon for having good performance and a comfortable interior. On the down side, however, drivers pointed out that much of the competition in this class have better towing capabilities. Also noted was that the third row may comfortably accommodate passengers, but when not in use the seats do not fold flat into the floor.
Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is another option for those who want a full size SUV that has room for at least eight passengers. The engine in this Toyota is a 4.6 liter V8 paired with a six speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This is a popular option because of the features that come standard or are available for upgraded trim packages. These include things such as a voice activated navigation system and a key fob for remote keyless entry.
Again, the fuel economy could be better, but it is difficult to find an SUV this size that gets good miles per gallon. For city driving, you get 14 miles per gallon and 20 for the open road of the highway. The feedback from drivers is that the Sequoia drives and handles like a much smaller vehicle than it actually is. In addition, the braking and acceleration is surprisingly good especially for a vehicle of this size. The rants from consumers included that the miles per gallon could be better and that some of the controls were difficult to reach, especially while trying to drive. Otherwise, the Toyota and other vehicles mentioned here could all be the best 8 passenger SUV available today.
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