Top 10 Seven-Seater SUVs Perfect for Families in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia : Most of the readers of this story know how Saudi Arabia's market share shifted over the last five years in favour of SUVs. Before 2020, a predominantly sedan market, with over 55-60% share in the total volumes, has since then dropped to less than 40%; this share has been taken over by SUVs, which now command over 55% of the total annual sales, and this is going to grow as years roll by. 

You can go anywhere in Saudi Arabia, cities or towns, and SUVs are dominating the roads. And there are several reasons for such a rapid shift in the market. Today, families prefer space, comfort, and durability. We often have harsh weather conditions, the distances are long, and big cars with strong air-conditioning and tough suspension simply make life easier. Add to that the social status you get from owning an SUV, especially a full-size one, and it’s clear why sales keep climbing. On a practicality aspect, SUVs often have higher ground clearance, which means navigating rougher roads, potholes, speed bumps or waterlogged roads easily. SUVs are fun to drive, too, with a high seating position and powerful engines. 

When Saudi families are out to get their new SUV, among the several choices, the seven-seater, also known as three rows, is the most suitable, catering to a wide range of needs. For starters, they are obviously spacious, so family members, including kids and grandparents, are well taken care of. Then comes the flexibility for luggage, and the ability to handle both city commutes and long highway drives with ease, one car and multiple uses. Most importantly, SUVs strike a great balance between practicality and comfort. Parents can focus on daily errands while still having a car capable of cross-country road trips.

In short, the seven-seater is more than just transport; it’s a family solution.

Why a Seven-Seater SUV Make Sense for Families

Think of school runs, shopping, weekend outings, or trips to Makkah and Madinah. Families often need to carry six or seven people in comfort. A sedan simply isn’t really made to fulfil such needs. Minivans exist, they are’ the most ideal and there is hardly any choice in the market. On the other hand, SUVs offer a tougher look, higher ground clearance, and better performance on uneven roads.

Not just outside, but they’re equally practical and convenient inside. A seven-seater with three rows means you can use the second row for folding or sliding, so kids can climb into the back. Many models also let you drop the third row flat, which means huge, huge boot space when you don’t need extra seats. Today, most of the SUVs are also loaded with tech, rear AC vents for all rows, multiple USB ports, and safety features like blind-spot monitoring or lane-keep assist. For a family, these little details matter as much as the horsepower and ease of driving. 

The Top 10 Seven-Seater SUVs for Families in Saudi Arabia

If you’re in the market looking for your next seven-seater SUV, we make that easy. Here’s our pick of the ten best models you can buy right now in the Kingdom. Each one is unique in its own way, with inherent strength and has proven itself with buyers and offers something unique.

Model	Price (SAR)
Toyota Land Cruiser	252,770 - 428,720
Nissan Patrol	261,000 - 422,999
Ford Explorer	186,400 - 220,700
Hyundai Palisade	1,72,500
Kia Sorento	142,137 - 190,264
Chevrolet Captiva	76,300 - 92,100
Toyota Highlander	151,455 - 207,460
Lexus LX	552,000 - 583,510
Honda Pilot	199,985 - 252,885
MG RX9	111,700 - 137,425

Toyota Land Cruiser

It's not hard to find that the Land Cruiser tops the list, as this Japanese SUV is more or less a part of Saudi culture. For decades now, it has been the SUV of choice for those who want space, power, and reliability. Families love it because it feels strong, rugged, bulletproof, ready for any trip, road trip, highway drive or an off-road adventure. It is always ready, with a proven track record.

The latest 2025 model not just looks great but gets some incredible luxury touches, soft leather seats, a large touchscreen, and advanced driver assistance, without losing its tough DNA. And, on the practicality aspect, you’ll notice that the third row isn’t just for kids; adults can fit comfortably, too. Being a Toyota, the running costs are higher than those of smaller SUVs, but the resale value and brand trust more than make up for it. For many families, this is the dream SUV, serving well for countless families, hard to beat, and so tops the list.

Nissan Patrol

If the Land Cruiser is the king, the Patrol is its challenger, quite a comparison for this legendary SUV from Nissan, another Japanese automaker that has been around in KSA for decades. The Patrol is a mix of size, durability, and prestige. Many families choose it for its comfort as the ride is smoother, the cabin quieter, and the interior features a modern layout with dual infotainment screens.

What matters the most to families is space, and there is plenty of it for passengers and cargo. The second row can seat three adults comfortably, and the third row works well for kids or shorter journeys. The Patrol’s V8 engine has been highly regarded for its mighty pulling power, making long trips stress-free. It’s also slightly easier to find deals on Patrols than Land Cruisers, which is another reason families consider it seriously.

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a very different take on the seven-seater. It’s more urban, designed for families who live in cities but take the SUVs for their occasional adventure. Unlike the Japanese one, where practicality is at focus, the cabin of design reveals a lot about its American origin, what buyers prefer in that country, large, practical and also sporty.

The exterior is quite contemporary with an aggressive front and solid side profile; the interior is premium and luxurious too.  The third row is sufficient for kids, and when folded down, the boot becomes large enough for big luggage. To attract new-age buyers, Ford has also packed the Explorer with advanced tech comprising multiple drive modes, a large central screen, and strong safety features, something you don’t want to miss out on in a big family SUV. However, this isn’t your typical desert driver like Patrol or Land Cruiser, but it is a genuine family mover. You get an easy-to-drive, comfortable, and less daunting car in city traffic.

Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade is another compelling choice in the seven-seat category in KSA right now. One of Hyundai's top SUVs, it is also known for its family-friendly characteristics. You certainly get to feel the elegance and luxury experience at a reasonably priced price point. The design of the Palisade is bold, the cabin roomy, and it comes with three rows of plush seating, something the Korean brand is well-known for. 

What families love most is the attention to detail, and Hyundai seems to have done a rather great job. There is a lot of convenience and comfort, for example, every row has charging ports, and rear passengers get sunshades. There’s a quiet mode that lowers speaker volume in the back when kids are asleep, something unique and innovative as well.  The third row is qutie practical and you can actually use it for adults on shorter trips. Safety is a focus area with top-end features like blind-spot view camera and smart cruise control. For families who value comfort and tech, the Palisade makes perfect sense.

Lexus LX

If your family is looking for a premium and truly luxurious SUV, then the Lexus LX is the ultimate pick. An extravagant full-size capability, this Toyota brand underpinned with the iconic Land Cruiser but is much more opulent with grandeur and lavishness. The cabin, as expected, is extremely comfortable and quiet, the quality of material is of great quality and affluence, all of this comes with equally sophisticated safety tech, ensuring your family is on the roads. 

Like a typical big SUV, Families get roomy three-row seating, highly advanced climate control, and a great ride even on harsh roads. The LX by no means is a cheap SUV; it is for the high-end buyers, who don’t mind paying the extra premium because it offers you some key benefits like unmatched comfort, prestige, and off-road capability in one package, ideal for families looking for the best of everything.

Chevrolet Captiva

The Captiva is another affordable SUV that serves families well and has gained quite a following in the Saudi market, as it offers some core values. Undoubtedly, a quite reasonable seven-seater in the market that young families can consider, who wish to move up from a sedan or hatchback.

Despite the lower price, the Cativa doesn’t feel stripped down or lack key features. There’s a decent infotainment system, big enough cabin space for kids, and a flexible seating arrangement. The third row is smaller, but serves the usual purpose for families. If you’re looking for a family SUV experience without spending a lot, the Captiva is a solid choice.

Toyota Highlander

Another Toyota in the list, the Highlander, is known for its more mature and refined persona in the seven-seater category. Not considering the strongest or most rugged like the Land Cruiser, what it does score well in is the ease of driving and smooth rides, greater mileage, if you choose the hybrid one, and quality interior that promises superior comfort. If your family isn’t into off-roading, but rather a primarily city or highway use, this is a great choice. The interior design is modern, with a large infotainment screen and high-quality materials, and it feels luxurious. The safety is strong, with Toyota’s Safety Sense package offered as standard. For parents who want Toyota reliability in a more polished, efficient package, the Highlander is most suitable.

Honda Pilot

The Pilot is the most underrated pick of the list, doesn’t always get as much attention as Japanese rivals, but it’s one of the most practical family SUVs around. The cabin is big, with space for three adults in the second row. The third row is a lot easier to access thanks to a one-touch slide function. Honda has improved the SUV by offering small but incremental smart features like multiple cup holders, rear entertainment screens, and strong climate control across all rows. Like Toyota, Honda is also known for its reliability, and families who want space without a bulky full-size SUV will find the Pilot is for them.

MG RX9

MG is another Chinese brand emerging strongly in Saudi Arabia with affordable cars that come with great exterior design and are fully loaded with modern features. The RX9 is their flagship SUV, and it shows how far the brand has come. It offers three rows, a stylish design, and a cabin filled with modern tech. A lot more affordable than most of its rivals from top brands, it is a good option for families looking for maximum value for money.

Kia Sorento

The Sorento is another SUV in the segment that promises a balance between size and usability. While smaller than the Palisade, it’s easier to drive across our busy city roads and much simpler to park. Inside, the Sorento is equipped with premium materials and clever seat layouts. The third row is not for adults but is good for kids. The Sorento is a combination of affordability, quality, and practicality, all of which are suited to family use, without shelling out a lot of money.

Conclusion

Seven-seater SUVs are no longer niche; they’re mainstream. In Saudi Arabia, they’ve become the natural choice for families who want space, safety, and comfort in one car. The right choice depends on your family’s lifestyle. At the end of the day, all ten of these SUVs can handle the demands of family life in Saudi Arabia. The differences lie in how much comfort, prestige, or off-road muscle you want to add to your daily drive.