» Best 8-Passenger Vehicles of 2020: More Room, the Merrier

Sometimes, you need a large vehicle to get the job done. That is, carrying a lot of people and cargo from one destination to the next. If you’re in the market for an 8-passenger vehicle, you’ll be happy to know there are many compelling options. Keep reading to find out some of our favorite vehicles with 8 seats.

2020 Chevrolet Traverse – $30,995

This underrated SUV is a joy to drive thanks to its sharp handling, smooth ride, and well-tuned nine-speed automatic transmission. We also like the Traverse’s 3.6-liter V-6 engine making 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Third-row space is a bit tight compared to some other 8-seater vehicles, but the cabin is stylish and well-equipped. This is one of the least expensive 8-passenger vehicles on the market, starting at just $30,995.

2020 Honda Odyssey – $31,785

The Odyssey minivan is a solid alternative to the three-row Pilot crossover if you need more interior functionality. Along with a comfortable ride, second-row power-sliding doors, and lots of cargo space, the minivan gets CabinWatch, which helps parents keep an eye on kids in rear-facing child seats, and CabinTalk, which broadcasts the voices of those in the front over the rear speakers or headphones. The minivan is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 with 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.

2020 Honda Pilot – $32,645

The Honda Pilot rewards occupants with a smooth ride. It also boasts a hearty 3.5-liter V-6 making 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Despite some occasional clunky behavior from the model’s optional nine-speed automatic, this SUV remains one of our favorite three-row SUVs to drive.

2020 Hyundai Palisade – $32,645

This new entry into the three-row crossover space is a successful one. The 2020 Palisade has a long list of features, from standard automatic emergency braking to seven available USB ports that extend all the way to the third row. Buyers can also enjoy a fully digital instrument cluster, dual sunroofs, heated and ventilated seats, a height-adjustable tailgate, and a third row that is spacious enough to fit grown adults. Motivation comes from a 3.8-liter V-6 with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.

2020 Kia Telluride – $32,785

This boxy SUV is as stylish as it is practical. It offers plenty of features like its Palisade cousin, from heated and ventilated seats to dual sunroofs, and it provides easy access to the reasonably spacious third row. The Telluride also packs a 3.8-liter V-6 with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.

2020 Subaru Ascent – $33,005

Need 19 cupholders? The Subaru Ascent has ’em, plus lots of storage cubbies inside the cabin. A long list of standard features includes an intuitive dual-screen infotainment system and EyeSight driver-assist technology. The third row will leave taller passengers wanting more space, but everyone will enjoy a smooth ride. The Ascent features a capable 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.

2020 Chrysler Pacifica – $34,990

Along with a cavernous interior, the Pacifica benefits from smart packaging, from its easy-to-access third row to the Stow ’n Go seats. Unlike some of the body-on-frame offerings on this list, the Pacifica, as well as its lower-priced Voyager companion, features carlike ride and handling. But we have to put a big, fat asterisk on our enthusiasm: Our long-term Pacifica tester has experienced some reliability issues.

2020 Toyota Highlander – $35,720

The popular Highlander was showing its age at the end of its last lifecycle. But for 2020, Toyota completely redesigned the SUV with a more stylish exterior, updated interior technologies, and a new platform that should make it more engaging to drive. The standard model features a 3.5-liter V-6 with 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque, while a hybrid version gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motor for a combined 240 hp.

2020 Chevrolet Tahoe – $50,295

The Chevrolet Tahoe is the undisputed sales leader in its segment. As one of the most popular 8-seater vehicles around, there’s a lot to like about the Tahoe and its even larger sibling, the Suburban (which seats up to nine). For 2021, the Tahoe and Suburban have been redesigned from the ground up, gaining more space and a new independent rear suspension setup. But the outgoing Tahoe and Suburban still have a lot going for them, including generous cargo space. The standard 5.3-liter V-8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque is merely adequate; upgrade to the 6.2-liter V-8 for a more potent 420 hp and 460 lb-ft.

2020 GMC Yukon – $51,895

Like the more mainstream Chevrolet Tahoe, the GMC Yukon boasts a spacious cargo area and plenty of power when equipped with the 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8. The cabin features high-quality materials, especially the Denali trim, which dons open-pore wood and soft leather-appointed seats. Prices start at $51,895 but climb to $68,995 on the Denali. The Yukon XL is available for those who want even more space. With the arrival of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, new versions of the Yukon and Yukon XL should be just around the corner.

2020 Ford Expedition – $54,205

We have a particular fondness for this recently redesigned 8-seater vehicle. The Ford Expedition won our full-size SUV comparison thanks to its balanced ride on and off the road, accurate handling, ultra-spacious second and third rows, and modern technology. One small quibble we have is the sometimes-rough downshifting. An efficient twin-turbo V-6 makes 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque on most models and 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque on Platinum models. A long-wheelbase version is available.

2020 Cadillac Escalade – $76,490

The Cadillac Escalade epitomizes the idea of more is more. One of the flashiest vehicles with 8 seats, this model benefits from generous cargo room, luxurious leather seats, and a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8. A new Escalade is coming soon, which bring some much-needed tech updates like a curved OLED widescreen instrument cluster as well as a more refined ride thanks to underpinnings shared with the new Tahoe.

2020 Lincoln Navigator – $77,120

The Lincoln Navigator might be the most tempting of the 8-passenger vehicles on this list thanks to its extremely supple interior combined with its quiet road manners and excellent powertrain. The Navigator’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 delivers 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, plenty of motivation for this imposing SUV.

2020 Toyota Land Cruiser – $86,640

Toyota’s longest-running nameplate is rugged and reliable. Not only is it extremely capable off-road, but it’s also quiet and comfortable on the highway. A 5.7-liter V-8 makes a robust 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, though fuel economy suffers (13/17 mpg city/highway). Take a look at the Toyota Land Cruiser’s history here.