Best 7-Seater Cars in UAE for Families

The retail car market in the United Arab Emirates is currently witnessing a huge demand for SUVs. For decades sedans were the preferred choice for most buyers, which they still are, but SUVs are now the mainstay of the market. The trend is visible in the growing sales year-on-year, and within the SUVs there are several segments: subcompact, compact, mid-size and full-size SUVs. All of them are in demand because buyers find them more practical, highly adaptable, and useful for multiple purposes.

One SUV segment that has a lot of traction of late is the 7-seater one, not just among family buyers who want space but even professionals finding them desirable for their unique advantages. There are many options on the market, and every brand tries to cater to the demand from customers in the UAE. However, finding the right 7-seater car often calls for balancing space, comfort, technology, and budget. For most families in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, having a seven-seater is not just about space but also about versatility. Whether it is school drops, weekend desert trips, or family gatherings, a spacious three-row SUV makes life easier. Here is our top list that covers almost all the seven-seaters available across key segments. Read to know more.

Diverse Choice

Choosing the right seven-seater SUV in the market depends on several factors, as there are options available across budget to premium ones. A Maxus D60 MAX starts as low as AED 75,000, while there are premium, luxurious models like the Land Rover Range Rover, which start at AED 1.2 million. There is everything for everyone in the market right now; it all depends on what you really want and are willing to spend. Here is our list that covers all the key segments with the most suitable options for you to choose from.

Top 7-Seater Cars Comparison

Model	Starting Price	Engine/Power	Best For
Maxus D60 MAX	AED 75,000	1.5L Turbo / 163 hp	Most affordable option
Jetour X70 FL	AED 79,000	1.5L Turbo / 156 hp	Budget Chinese SUV
Nissan X-Trail	AED 101,900	2.5L Turbo / 181 hp	Modern tech & comfort
Geely Okavango	AED 98,000	2.0L Turbo / 218 hp	Value for money
Toyota Fortuner	AED 139,900	2.7L / 164 hp	Desert capability & reliability
EXEED VX	AED 139,999	2.0L Turbo / 245 hp	Premium Chinese brand
Kia Carnival	AED 152,250	3.5L V6 / 290 hp	Maximum space & luxury
Toyota Land Cruiser	AED 238,000	3.5L V6 / 409 hp	Ultimate prestige

Affordable 7-Seaters for Budget-Conscious Families

Maxus D60 MAX: This model is one of the most affordable SUV seats on the market right now. It starts at just AED 75,000, which includes three rows of seats for a total of seven passengers. The powertrain is a 1.5L turbo engine (163 hp), which should be sufficient for city and highway use given the vehicle's size, and the cabin appears quite spacious when all seven seats are used.

Jetour X70 FL: Here is another option if you can stretch your budget a little. The X70 FL of the Chinese SUV maker Jetour is an equally good choice; it typically gets a 1.5L turbo (156 hp) engine in the UAE. What stands out about it is the rather contemporary styling, along with impressive build quality and almost well-equipped safety at a very reasonable price.

The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro vs the Geely Okavango are two other contenders for the Best Affordable 7-Seater SUV.

Mid-Range Family SUVs

Nissan X-Trail: In the mid-range segment, prices increase slightly, but you gain access to well-recognised brands, a variety of features, and numerous additional advantages. The first mid-size option is the X-Trail from the Japanese automaker, starting at around AED 101,900 in the UAE. This is no ordinary SUV but rather one of the UAE's most popular 7-seaters.

There is a 2.5L turbo which offers 181 hp with excellent fuel economy; that is one highlight of its popularity. Then come several features, including wireless Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera, and flexible third-row seating. The car is highly proven and widely used by families. This family SUV has proven reliability and a higher resale value.

Toyota Fortuner: Another popular choice you get is the Fortuner, which is another legend in the market, known for its key strengths and proven performance. However, the Fortuner is slightly expensive, starting at AED 127,900, yet it remains one of the UAE's favourite mid-size SUVs. The 2.7L engine (164 hp) with body-on-frame construction handles desert drives confidently; it is a highly admired SUV for its Japanese reliability and commands a strong resale value.

Geely Okavango: If you are open to considering a Chinese brand, the mid-size Okavango from Geely starts at around AED 98,100 in the UAE market, which is quite impressive value. The powertrain is a 2.0L turbocharged engine (over 200 hp, depending on trim). It is an attractive SUV with a modern, spacious cabin, well-equipped features and technology, and superior-quality materials that make it feel way pricier than what its price suggests.

EXEED VX: Starting at AED 139,999, Chery's premium brand comes with a 2.0L turbo (245 hp), the most powerful in this range. You get a highly exclusive and premium interior and advanced tech at competitive pricing. The cabin is spacious, and for the most part, the SUV looks massive and appealing.

Premium & Luxury 7-Seaters

Kia Carnival: Starting at around AED 152,250, this is one of the best options if you want maximum interior space, with a 3.5L V6 (290 hp) engine. The cabin is undoubtedly luxurious, with captain's chairs (on higher trims) and sliding rear doors. It is excellent for long family trips and group travel for corporate use. The Korean brand offers you great service and also a highly reliable ownership experience.

Toyota Land Cruiser: This luxury vehicle is a legend in the UAE; for decades, it has been one of the most popular SUVs and has actually achieved iconic status. Perfect for desert driving, off-roading, and everyday city use, the Land Cruiser does everything rather perfectly; its reliability is what makes it popular. This Toyota SUV starts at around AED 238,000, with several variants on sale. This legendary SUV gets the proven and reliable 3.5L V6 twin-turbo (409 hp) in petrol guise. This model is your premium luxury SUV, great for legendary off-road capability, and among the most in-demand models on the resale market, with very high retained value, with the latest in the line marking the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 (Prado) by the brand with a refreshed design.

Nissan Patrol: Another desert king and UAE legend is the Patrol, from another Japanese brand, Nissan. It has been around for decades and has proven its credentials with performance, reliability, comfort, safety, and the latest technology. You can get it at a starting price of around AED 249,000 (for the 4.0L V6), and there are many variants to choose from. Nissan has given the Patrol a much-needed upgrade in 2024, making it even more appealing to wider buyers, with all-new powerful V6 engines (3.8L and 3.5L turbo options). The Patrol has an exceptionally spacious cabin that is well built for the UAE's weather conditions and aligns with comfort, safety, and great tech, making it ready for desert trips, which makes it popular across the region.

GMC Yukon: This model is an American SUV that is equally exciting for UAE driving conditions. Starting at around AED 279,000, the Yukon is bold, aggressive, and quite strong. For driving fun, you get a powerful 5.3L V8, with a 6.2L V8 (420 hp) available on higher trims. There is massive space, with comfortable seating for 7–8, and great features too, making it a strong choice for large families and long-distance cruising.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Budget & Running Costs: You must look beyond the purchase price and the total lifetime running cost. This includes mileage for the Best Fuel-Efficient 7-Seater SUVs or others, insurance, and maintenance. In all these aspects, Japanese brands (Toyota, Nissan) score high; they have lower maintenance expenses and better resale value. Chinese brands are the opposite; they are cheaper to buy, but resale values may not be the best.

Seating Configuration: Even if a brand claims to offer a three-row configuration, it is essential to test the third row with actual passengers. This helps determine the exact side and whether it is good for adults or just children. Also, do check if the second row slides forward for easier third-row access.

Desert Capability: Another key element is if you are a regular for desert trips; the focus is on SUVs with higher ground clearance, 4x4 capability, and their durability during challenging terrain. Here, the natural choice is the Fortuner; the Patrol and Land Cruiser are the top choices for desert capability.

Technology & Safety: The top modern and latest-gen 7-seaters have been offered with top features such as 360-degree cameras, which are necessary for the UAE, given our tight parking lots, then blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and wireless smartphone connectivity. You should check them with each variant before choosing the right one.

Conclusion

The best 7-seater SUV segment has many choices in the Emirati automotive market right now. The right selections actually depend on your priorities, your budget, and what you need in your SUV. What makes the segment popular among SUV buyers is the space and practicality that they offer, along with superior driving dynamics, a higher ground clearance, and excellent build quality. They meet the need to transport more people or cargo without any issues.

All the listed SUVs are well-known, promising a lot of value, regardless of which segment you decide to buy. Remember to test drive with your entire family; try it out, especially the third row. Check boot space with all seats up and also all the features listed. Always keep in mind the long-term ownership costs, not just the upfront price you’re paying. The UAE's diverse driving conditions mean your 7-seater should suit your actual lifestyle, not just look appealing in the showroom.