When we get together with my brother’s family, we need eight seats to fit everyone in one car. While that doesn’t happen often, finding an 8-passenger car or van is harder than it looks. Most vehicles, like the Toyota Highlander and most minivans max out at 7 passengers. Getting everyone in the same car, while trying to find parking in the city or heading out for a weekend trip requires some careful searching for an appropriate ride. A conversion van would do the trick, but those aren’t comfortable and managing 4 car seats in a massive van is no picnic. Instead, I tracked down a handful of acceptable choices with 8-seat options. Breaking them down by category, here are some 8-passenger options to consider.
8-Passenger Minivans
The Toyota Sienna CE minivan is one of the best 8-passenger options, with great gas mileage for the size and reliable performance. For a slightly cheaper alternative, consider the Honda Odyssey EX. Or if you prefer American-made, look to the Chevrolet Express.
8-Passenger SUVs
Several of the massive SUV options come in 8-seat options. The Honda Pilot is probably one of the smaller choices. Familiar names in the SUV category with 8-seats include the Ford Expedition and Dodge Durango.
8-Passenger Crossovers
Not a minivan, not an SUV, more like a jacked-up station wagon, the crossover gives you an option that’s neither.
GM seems to be the best of breed in the 8-seat crossover category with their Chevrolet Traverse and Saturn Outlook.
