9 Best Vehicles for Extra-Large Families! (SUV, Van, Minivan)
Full-size SUVs and minivans can transport large families of up to eight members. However a passenger van is the ideal people mover for an extra-large family of nine or more.
Depending on the seating configuration of the local model, the additional occupant may be possible.
Best SUVs for a Family of 8
#1 GMC Yukon XL
GMC produced two versions of the truck-based Yukon SUV, the standard-size model and the XL with an elongated wheelbase.
The latter is near-identical in size to the Chevrolet Suburban, the American carmaker’s largest, full-size SUV, so both people haulers are compelling picks for the best large SUV for families.
Newer body-on-frame SUVs like those mentioned have improved markedly in ride comfort, making the GMC Yukon XL, with its roomy interior, the perfect vehicle for a family of eight.
While the standard Yukon can also seat eight, the Yukon XL has an approximately 13 inches longer wheelbase that translates into 16 cubic ft. of extra cargo space behind the last row; folding the seatbacks gives you a similar increase in maximum storage capacity.
If you desire the best interior design that GMC can offer, opt for the range-topping Denali trim with a unique cabin styling, and the Advanced Tech package; this system automatically maintains a driver-selected gap time from the vehicle you’re following.
The fifth-generation Yukon debuted in 2021 and is the better choice for enhanced ride comfort with its fully independent rear suspension design.
#2 Ford Expedition
Large SUVs for families can accommodate seven or eight passengers within their three rows of seats, so most are suitably sized for large households.
But if pulling strength is crucial for your travel trailer, the Ford Expedition’s class-leading above-9,000-lbs tow capacity makes it one of the best large SUVs for an 8-pax family, enough to pull a large trailer.
While the standard trim’s interior room is the middle-of-the-road between a Chevy Tahoe and a Chevy Suburban (or the equivalent from GMC, the Yukon and Yukon XL), the final row is impressively easy to access, even for adults.
Opt for the lengthier MAX trim for a longer body and roomier interior that rival the Suburban and Yukon XL.
Although the ride is on the stiff side, it is composed, comfortable, and very quiet, with road and wind noise almost non-existent.
Fuel economy isn’t a strong suit in this thirsty class, so mid-teens mpg shouldn’t surprise.
Best Minivans for a Family of 8
#3 Toyota Sienna
Minivans are hefty vehicles heavy on fuel consumption, but the Sienna bucks that trend with its superior gas/electric efficiency.
Clocking at over 35 mpg combined, the hybrid powertrain-equipped Toyota Sienna (which debuted in 2021) is the most fuel-efficient minivan and one of the best large family cars for eight occupants.
You should opt for a trim with an all-wheel-drive for extra traction and safety in inclement weather, as an AWD Sienna starts at a few thousand dollars cheaper than rivals – front-wheel-drive is standard.
Like most Toyotas, the Sienna transports its occupants comfortably as the suspension capably absorbs bumps and broken pavement.
And like most minivans, the Sienna is a safe family vehicle; the new-for-2021 fourth-generation garnered the highest accolade:
| IIHS Award | |
| 2023 Toyota Sienna | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2022 Toyota Sienna | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2021 Toyota Sienna | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2020 Toyota Sienna | – |
| 2019 Toyota Sienna | – |
| 2018 Toyota Sienna | – |
| 2017 Toyota Sienna | – |
| 2016 Toyota Sienna | – |
| 2015 Toyota Sienna | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2014 Toyota Sienna | – |
| 2013 Toyota Sienna | Top Safety Pick |
| 2012 Toyota Sienna | Top Safety Pick |
| 2011 Toyota Sienna | Top Safety Pick |
#4 Kia Carnival
Large family vans offer unparalleled comfort, cargo versatility, and ease of use, from low step-in heights and floor space to luxurious features to pamper the entire household, large or small.
Fortunately for budget-minded large families, the Kia Carnival’s introduction in 2022 means an affordable minivan for a sizeable eight-pax family is available for under $35,000 – the seven-seater base model costs less than $33,000.
It offers a relatively polished driving experience, while the fairly roomy third row makes all passenger seats a comfortable place to be in for the long haul.
Climbing in and out for the rear passengers is straightforward given the spacious interior, and the driver enjoys excellent visibility, thanks to the large front, side, and back windows.
A distinction in the Carnival’s favor is its SUV-like styling that turns heads and makes passersby think you own a more expensive vehicle.
#5 Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is an impressive all-rounder among minivans.
It offers a segment-topping interior space and maximum storage capacity with the seats folded for cargo-carrying versatility.
Plus, it provides an enjoyable driving experience despite its length and heft, thanks to precise and nimble handling.
The Honda Odyssey is the best minivan for seven-member families, expertly balancing engine power, fuel efficiency, creature comforts, and supreme cabin quietness.
External noise intrusion is the lowest among minivans, and it offers ample room and in-cabin features for all occupants to travel long distances in quiet relaxation.
The Honda Odyssey is an impeccably safe minivan with an extensive list of awards by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
| IIHS Award | |
| 2023 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2022 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2021 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2020 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick |
| 2019 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick |
| 2018 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick |
| 2017 Honda Odyssey | – |
| 2016 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick |
| 2015 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick |
| 2014 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2013 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick |
| 2012 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick |
| 2011 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick |
| 2010 Honda Odyssey | – |
| 2009 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick |
| 2008 Honda Odyssey | Top Safety Pick |
Best Vehicle for a Family of 9
#6 Chevrolet Suburban
Like the near-identical GMC Yukon, the Chevy Suburban is one of the rare large SUVs that provides buyers the option of front-row bench seats.
While two single-occupant bucket seats up front are the norm, the optional three-across bench adds to the benches in the second and third row, bringing the total occupancy to nine.
Crucially, the front and second rows offer plenty of head and legroom, while final row passengers still have sufficient space to travel in relative comfort, making it the best vehicle for a family of nine.
The Suburban’s V8, mated to smooth-shifting 10-speed auto transmission, has abundant power to haul seven, eight, or nine passengers, depending on the trim and seating configuration, and plenty of oomph for highway merging.
If you want to travel as comfortably as a Suburban could, opt for a 2021 or newer model, plus Magnetic Ride Control and adaptive air suspension, as they combine to better insulate the cabin from the road.
As occupying all nine seats leaving inadequate room to spare can be a squeeze on the occasional road trip, you may find one of the passenger vans below a better fit for your family of nine.
Best Vehicles for a Family of 10, 11, or 12
Four or five-row passenger vans are your only solution when you have an extra-large family comprising upwards of ten members.
Thankfully, you have a few from which to choose, and they are the ideal people hauler.
#7 Ford Transit Passenger Van
If you have ten or more members in the family, with plenty more cargo to haul, a passenger van is your only option.
While it’s one of the most expensive models in the segment, the Ford Transit Passenger Van stands as the best vehicle for a family of ten, twelve, or fifteen, transporting the occupants reasonably comfortably.
It is worth the price, considering most passenger vans ride poorly.
The Ford Transit’s other pluses include:
- High roof for abundant headroom and maximum cargo.
- Powerful turbocharged V6 engine for rapid acceleration and highway merging.
- Wide-opening front and side doors for easy access.
- Excellent payload capacity of over 4,200 pounds.
#8 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van
The German automaker has over a century of history in the van business, and the Sprinter Passenger Van is a common passenger and cargo hauler in the travel and logistics industries.
Available in short and long wheelbase configurations, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can seat twelve and fifteen passengers, respectively.
The utilitarian van is common in commercial uses, so the ride quality is expectedly mediocre and relatively stiff. Still, a full load of occupants and cargo will likely dampen the ride to make it more agreeable.
The high seating capacity and tall roof mean interior space and storage room are excellent.
#9 Chevrolet Express / GMC Savana Passenger Van
The Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana are essentially identical vehicles with different badges.
The basic-design Chevrolet Express will suit if you’re after the least expensive passenger van for your extra-large family of up to twelve.
While it has a high tow rating of over 9,000 lbs, the truck-like body-on-frame construction means the Express doesn’t ride as comfortably as the previous two passenger vans on this list.
Its dated design makes rivals like the Ford Transit more appealing as a comfortable family hauler; it’s a worthy upgrade if you can afford the price difference.
Final Words
Large SUVs and Minivans are the best vehicles for large families because, while the size fits and they ride comfortably, their heft and wheelbase stand at the extreme end of what constitutes car-like dynamics.
However, passenger vans are a useful option if you want spare room for the entire family’s luggage on road trips and the occasional extra passengers.
References:
https://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars-for-sale
