7-seater car: a comparison of the best alternatives from the USA

The typical 7-seater vehicles from Europe are well-known: Citroen Berlingo, Opel Zafira, or VW Multivan are common names in our region. However, there are good alternatives from America. Importing a 7-seater car from the USA can be significantly worthwhile: More features, stronger engines, and often better value for money compared to European models. Thanks to USCar-Trader.com, Europe's largest online marketplace for US vehicles, importing is now easier and safer than ever. The platform handles the complete import process and guarantees smooth processing.

 

While the search for a spacious family vehicle in Germany often begins with the VW Touran, Citroën Berlingo, or Opel Zafira, it's worth looking across the Atlantic. American 7-seaters offer not only more space and comfort but also impress with their comprehensive standard equipment and powerful engines. Particularly interesting: Thanks to the favorable dollar exchange rate and attractive pricing in the USA, imported vehicles can represent an economically sensible alternative despite additional costs.

 

Table of Contents

• Overview of the Most Important US 7-Seaters
• Premium Segment: Cadillac & Lincoln
• Mid-Range: Chevrolet & Ford
• Large SUVs: GMC & Toyota
• Buying Guide: What to Consider When Importing?
• FAQ: Common Questions About US 7-Seaters

 

 

Overview of the Most Important US 7-Seaters

 

Chevrolet Suburban

 

Engine	Specification	Trim Level
5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (L84/NSS)	355HP / 520 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	LS, LT, RST, Z71
6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (L87/NSS)	420HP / 625 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	High Country RST, Z71, Premier
Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel (LM2)	277HP / 625 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	LS, LT, RST, Premier, High Country

 

The Chevrolet Suburban isn't listed first without reason. This SUV enjoys special status and a long-standing tradition in America. The first generation was introduced in 1935 and has since served as an important means of transportation for both police and military. The Chevrolet Suburban is now in its 13th generation and offers up to nine seats, making it highly versatile.
Three engines are available: The smallest gasoline engine, a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 (L84/NSS), delivers up to 355 HP with a maximum torque of 520 Nm. The 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 (L87/NSS) is more powerful with 420 HP and 625 Nm. The Duramax 3.0-liter turbo diesel (LM2) is also popular. The diesel engine with common-rail injection produces 277 HP and 625 Nm of torque, which is completely sufficient for everyday use.
 

 

Chevrolet Tahoe

 

Engine	Specification	Trim Level
5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (L84/NSS)	355HP / 520 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	S, LT, RST, Z71
6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (L87/NSS)	420HP / 625Nm 10-Speed Automatic	High Country, RST, Z71, Premier
Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel (LM2)	277HP / 625 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	LS, LT, RST, Premier, High Country

 

The smaller version of the Suburban is sold in America as the Chevrolet Tahoe. The SUV is slightly shorter than its big brother and therefore only offers space for seven instead of nine people. Nevertheless, the vehicle enjoys great popularity, now in its fifth generation. Both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive are available.
The engine range is identical to the Suburban with two gasoline engines (5.3-liter and 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8) and one diesel (Duramax 3-liter turbo). The comfortable 10-speed automatic transmission is also used. Inside, car owners can enjoy abundant space with high comfort. This makes the Chevrolet Tahoe the perfect family car.
 

 

Premium Segment: Cadillac & Lincoln

 

Cadillac Escalade

 

Engine	Specification	Trim Level
6.2L V8	420HP / 625 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, Sport Platinum
6.2L Supercharged V8 DI	682HP / 885 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	Escalade-V
3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel	277HP / 624Nm 10-Speed Automatic	Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, Sport Platinum

 

The Cadillac Escalade is a typical XXL SUV from the USA. The fifth generation (since 2020) impresses with its enormous dimensions and a length of more than five meters. Even the BMW X5 or Mercedes M-Class can't compete with this. It's no wonder that more than 1,500 vehicles were newly registered in Germany between 2006 and 2021. The Cadillac Escalade is a sought-after 7-seater in this region.
The "Chevy" is available with both gasoline and diesel engines. While the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel produces up to 277 HP and 624 Nm, the gasoline engines are significantly more powerful. The smallest gasoline engine, a 6.2-liter V8, delivers 410 HP and a maximum torque of 625 Nm. It's surpassed by the 6.2-liter Supercharged V8 DI, which has been installed in the sporty Escalade-V since January 2022 and produces 682 HP and 885 Nm.
 

 

Lincoln Navigator

 

Engine	Specification	Trim Level
3.5L V6 Ecoboost	455HP / 691 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	Standard, Reserve, Reserve L, Black Label, Black Label L

 

The Lincoln Navigator was introduced in August 1997 and is now sold in its fourth generation (since 2017). The model is based on the Ford Expedition but impresses with a higher standard. This makes the Lincoln Navigator, which competes with Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon, one of the luxurious full-size SUVs from America. With a length of nearly 5.70 meters, the model offers space for up to seven people.
For this, the 2.8-ton heavyweight needs powerful propulsion. In the fourth generation, only one gasoline engine is available with the 3.5 V6 Ecoboost, producing 455 HP and 691 Nm. With all-wheel drive and 10-speed automatic transmission, this allows the Lincoln Navigator to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in around 8.2 seconds.
 

Mid-Range: Chevrolet & Ford

 

Ford Expedition

 

Engine	Specification	Trim Level
3.5L V6 EcoBoost	380HP / 637 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	XL STX, XLT, XLT MAX
3.5L V6 EcoBoost	400HP / 651 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	Limited, Limited MAX, King Ranch, King Ranch MAX, Platinum, Platinum MAX
3.5L V6 EcoBoost High-Output	440HP / 694 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	Timberline, Stealth Performance Edition

 

The Ford Expedition is not sold in Germany, but importing is still worthwhile. Ford's largest SUV model not only offers abundant space for seven people but also the latest technology in terms of assistance systems and infotainment. The large displays bring a cinema feeling for the whole family, and thanks to the "Blue-Cruise-System," the driver can also relax - at least on American highways.
The Ford Expedition is exclusively available with a 3.5 V6 Ecoboost and 10-speed automatic transmission, but in three power levels. The base model delivers 380 HP and 637 Nm of torque, while the middle model always provides 400 HP and 651 Nm. As the top model (High-Output), the V6 gasoline engine produces up to 440 HP and a maximum torque of 694 Nm. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
 

 

GMC Yukon

 

Engine	Specification	Trim Level
5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (L84/NSS)	355HP / 520 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	SLE, SLT, AT4
6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (L87/NSS)	420HP / 625 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	Denali, AT4
Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel (LM2)	277HP / 625 Nm 10-Speed Automatic	SLE, SLT

 

The GMC Yukon is a classic in the States, having been built since 1992 - now in its fifth generation. As a five-door, the Yukon is available in short or long versions with seven seats. The technology is identical to the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, as all models are based on General Motors' GMT-900 platform, with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Passengers don't have to sacrifice luxury in this 7-seater.
In the current generation (since 2017), the GMC Yukon is available with a diesel engine for the first time. A Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel (LM2) produces 277 HP and a maximum torque of 625 Nm. The diesel engine is complemented by two gasoline engines with dynamic cylinder deactivation. A 5.3-liter V8 gasoline engine powers the GMC Yukon with up to 360 HP and a maximum torque of 519 Nm. The top model uses a 6.2-liter V8 with 426 HP and 624 Nm. All engines work with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
 

 

Cadillac XT6

 

Engine	Specification	Trim Level
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder	237HP / 350 Nm 9-Speed Automatic	Luxury
3.6L V6	310HP / 370 Nm 9-Speed Automatic	Premium Luxury, Sport

 

The Cadillac XT6 has been sold since 2019 and fills the gap between the smaller XT5, which doesn't qualify as a 7-seater, and the Cadillac Escalade. The XT6 is also more than five meters long, allowing space for a third row of seats with electrically folding seats. Drivers don't have to sacrifice luxury, as this US SUV offers all assistance systems, from 360-degree surround view system to adaptive cruise control and parking assist with brake function.
However, the Cadillac XT6 is only available with gasoline engines. The base model (Luxury) is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 237 HP and 350 Nm. The larger models (Premium Luxury and Sport) are equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 HP and 370 Nm. A 9-speed automatic transmission is responsible for power transmission. All models come standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
 

 

Large SUVs: GMC & Toyota

 

GMC Acadia

 

Engine	Specification	Trim Level
2.0L 4-Cylinder Turbo	228HP / 350 Nm 9-Speed Automatic	SLE, SLT
3.6L V6	310HP / 368 Nm 9-Speed Automatic	AT4, Denali

 

The GMC Acadia has been built since 2006 and is now in its second generation, which is slightly smaller than its predecessor. Nevertheless, the model offers space for up to seven people in three rows of seats. This makes the GMC Acadia a perfect alternative to the Yukon, especially on German roads. A compact turning circle, numerous equipment options, and modern design make the Acadia a competitor for all German SUV models.
Only gasoline engines with a 9-speed automatic transmission are available for propulsion. The small two-liter four-cylinder with turbocharger produces up to 228 HP and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The larger 3.6-liter V6 powers the GMC Acadia with around 310 HP and a torque of 368 Nm. While this makes the SUV not a typical powerhouse, it's a good alternative among 7-seaters.
 

 

Toyota Sequoia

 

Engine	Specification	Trim Level
3.4L i-FORCE MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid	437HP / 793Nm 10-Speed Automatic	SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, Capstone

 

The current generation of the Toyota Sequoia (since 2022) leaves nothing to be desired. The powerhouse stands out with a typical American SUV design and a length of more than five meters. The generously designed interior offers either seven or eight seats depending on the configuration. Moreover, the Toyota Sequoia scores with a long list of features that provide the highest comfort.
It is powered by an innovative hybrid system, called i-Force Max Hybrid Powertrain, with a 3.4-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine at its heart. This results in a system output of 437 HP and 793 Nm. The Toyota Sequoia comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Alternatively, the American is also available with all-wheel drive and switchable off-road reduction.
 

 

VW Atlas

 

Engine	Specification	Trim Level
2.0L SE Turbo	235HP / 350Nm 8-Speed Automatic	SE, SE with Technology, SEL
3.6L V6	276HP / 360Nm 8-Speed Automatic	SEL Premium R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, SEL

 

The VW Atlas was specifically developed for the American market, as it is larger than the Tiguan but less expensive than the Touareg. The SUV model is based on Volkswagen's MQB platform, which offers the advantage that many spare parts are also available here and VW dealers are familiar with the technology. The vehicle is available in two lengths, but always with four doors and seven seats.
Car buyers have a choice between two engines, both paired with an 8-speed automatic. A two-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with turbocharger produces up to 235 HP and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The larger 3.6-liter V6 powers the VW Atlas with 280 HP and 360 Nm. Both models come standard with front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is available as an option for the top model.
 

Buying Guide: What to Consider When Importing?

We provide comprehensive information about all questions related to importing a used vehicle here on our website.

Check out the documentation of VOX car magazine about importing cars.

Learn more about our services here and how we support you with the import.

 

 

FAQ: Common Questions About US 7-Seaters

Which 7-seater SUV is the best?

Depending on requirements, we recommend:

• For maximum luxury: Cadillac Escalade (best equipment, most modern technology)
• For families: Ford Expedition (good value for money, plenty of space)
• For high-mileage drivers: Chevrolet Suburban with diesel (economical, long range)
• For city & daily use: GMC Acadia (more compact dimensions, good visibility)

 

Which 7-seaters are available from the USA in 2024?

The most important models by segment:

• Premium: Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator
• Premium Mid-Range: Cadillac XT6
• Fullsize SUVs: Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon
• Mid-Range: GMC Acadia, VW Atlas

 

What does a 7-seater from the USA cost?

Price examples including import and conversion:

• Mid-Range (GMC Acadia, VW Atlas): from approx. €45,000
• Fullsize SUVs (Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition): from approx. €65,000
• Premium (Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator): from approx. €90,000

Current offers can be found on our website.

 

How high are the operating costs?

The main cost factors:

• Fuel: 10-15l/100km (gasoline), 8-10l/100km (diesel)
• Insurance: typically classes 20-25
• Maintenance: about 20% higher than European models
• Spare parts: Good availability also in Europe

 

Which driving license class do I need?

• Class B license is sufficient for all 7-seaters presented here
• Also for models with 9 seats like the Suburban (under 3.5t)
• No additional qualifications needed

 

Is importing a US 7-seater worth it?

Advantages:

• More equipment than in European models
• Often better value for money
• More spacious interior

Disadvantages:

• Higher consumption with gasoline engines
• Larger exterior dimensions
• Import effort (minimized through USCar-Trader.com)

 

Can I drive a US 7-seater in parking garages?

Heights of the most popular models:

• GMC Acadia: 1.78m - fits in almost all garages
• Ford Expedition: 1.95m - can be critical
• Cadillac Escalade: 1.95m - also borderline

Tip: Check frequently used garages beforehand.

 

How much cargo space remains with full seating?

Cargo volume with 7 seats:

• Compact (GMC Acadia): about 230 liters
• Fullsize (Ford Expedition): about 550 liters
• Extra Long (Suburban): over 1,000 liters

 

What needs to be considered during import?

Most important points:

1. Technical Adjustments
   • Lighting system
   • Other adjustments depending on the vehicle
2. Documentation for Registration
   • Original Title (USA) / Registration (Canada)
   • Customs clearance proof
   • Invoice / Bill of Sale
   • §21 Full approval
3. Plan for Costs
   • Transportation
   • Customs (10%)
   • Import VAT (19%)
   • Conversion

When handled through USCar-Trader.com, all these points are professionally managed.