As of 2025, crossover SUVs are gaining popularity worldwide. In particular, many manufacturers have lineups of three-row, six- or seven-seater models.
Nowadays, each company offers a wide range of SUV models in their lineup, from compact models to large cross-country models, so many people may find it difficult to choose.
As families grow and families begin to consider what kind of car to get, cars remain an essential part of raising children. At this time, when families are using their cars more frequently for family trips, shopping, and everyday outings, we’ll introduce some recommended features of “SUVs with three rows of seats” for those considering replacing their car or buying a family car.
5 Recommended 3-Row SUVs with 6/7 Passenger Capacity for 2025
Nissan X-Trail
Nissan’s X-Trail will undergo a full model change and be released in Japan on July 25, 2022. The exterior design and front and rear bumper designs have been revised. The new model features a large double “V-motion grille” with split headlights and LED daytime running lights mounted on top .
The body size has been made more compact, 30mm shorter and 20mm lower, with a total length of 4660mm, width of 1840mm and height of 1720mm. The spacious interior remains the same, but the total length has been made more compact, and the minimum turning radius has been reduced by 0.2m to 5.4m. It uses Renault-Nissan’s new platform, CMF (Common Module Family) . The exterior design has been changed, as have the front and rear bumper designs. It is characterised by a large double “V-motion grille” with split headlights and LED daytime running lights mounted above.
X-TRAIL
The interior features a new steering wheel, a digital LCD meter with a 7-inch display, and a 12.3-inch full LCD digital meter . A 10.8-inch color head-up display is also included. A large, state-of-the-art infotainment system is also included. Soft padding has been used on the top surface of the instrument panel to enhance the sense of luxury. The NissanConnect infotainment system uses an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen display that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The center console features a small shifter knob for terrain settings, a rotary selector, and an electric parking brake and hold. The lineup includes a 2-row, 5-seater model and a 3-row, 7-seater model.
Comparing the engine lineup, the new X-Trail is equipped with the second-generation e-POWER, which has evolved to be more powerful, smooth, and quiet thanks to a newly developed motor and an updated inverter. The engine that generates electricity is the VC-Turbo engine, a variable compression ratio engine that Nissan was the first in the world to successfully mass-produce, which can freely change the compression ratio from 8 to 14. The adoption of a VC-Turbo engine tuned for e-POWER has significantly improved output, and by reducing engine revolutions, it also contributes to fuel efficiency.
The 360° Safety Assist system, which offers more advanced functionality than the previous model, is comprised of seven advanced driving assistance systems: Intelligent Emergency Braking, Pedal Misapplication Prevention Assist, Adaptive High Beam Assist/High Beam Assist, Reverse Traffic Alert (RCTA), Intelligent Lane Departure Warning (LI/LDW), RCTA Reverse Traffic Alert, and Traffic Sign Detection.
The exterior features a new generation design and a new Nissan emblem .
The interior has been completely redesigned with a 12.3-inch full-screen digital LCD meter and a 9-inch touchscreen display .
It will adopt Renault-Nissan’s new platform, CMF (Common Module Family) .
It is equipped with the next-generation “e-POWER” and a ” 1.5L 3-cylinder gasoline engine turbo (VC) ” and the 4WD model uses the latest electric technology “e-4ORCE.”
It employs the driving assistance system “ProPilot.”
| Specifications | New X-Trail e-POWER + e-4ORCE |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,660mm |
| Overall width | 1,840mm |
| Overall height | 1,725mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,705mm |
| engine | Inline 3-cylinder DOHC 1.5 L VC Turbo + Motor Model: EM57 Model: MM48 |
| Front motor maximum output |
150kW/4,501-7,422rpm |
| Front motor maximum torque |
330Nm/0-3505rpm |
| Rear motor maximum output |
100kW/4,897-9,504rpm |
| Rear motor maximum torque |
195Nm/0-4,897rpm |
| Maximum power | 106kW/ 4,400-5,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 250Nm/ 2,400-4,000rpm |
| Drive system | 2WD/4WD |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people 7 people |
| WLCT mode fuel economy | 18.3km/L to 18.4km/L |
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Mitsubishi Motors has completely redesigned its crossover SUV, the Outlander, and will launch it in Japan on December 16, 2021. While based on Nissan’s Rogue platform, the new Outlander offers its own unique platform. Developed under the “Majestic” product concept, the new Outlander expresses a powerful presence from within. Its proportions have been significantly revised, elevating it to a vehicle that symbolizes the next generation of Mitsubishi Motors. The exterior design, including the powerful and imposing front fascia based on the next-generation “DYNAMIC SHIELD” front design concept, incorporates various elements that symbolize Mitsubishi’s future design, embodying the new design direction Mitsubishi Motors is aiming for. The car features large 20-inch wheels and muscular fender flares. The rear, with a hexagonal tailgate that appears carved from a solid block and horizontal taillights that extend to both ends of the body, creates a wide, stable styling.
The Outlander is 185.4 inches (468 cm) long, 73.3 inches (186 cm) wide, and 68.8 inches (174.7 cm) tall. With the second and third row seats folded, the cargo area length has increased from 66.4 inches (168.7 cm) in the previous model to a maximum of 80.3 inches (204 cm). This is 2.0 inches (5.08 cm) more than the previous model. The wheelbase has also been extended from 105.1 inches (266.9 cm) to 106.5 inches (270.5 cm), giving front seat passengers 1.0 inch (2.54 cm) more legroom and 1.1 inches (2.79 cm) more legroom in the second row.
The horizontally-oriented instrument panel makes it easy to grasp the changes in the vehicle’s posture while driving, and expresses a sense of power and openness. The floor console is wide and has a presence, giving it a luxurious design. The door trim is extensively covered with soft padding that is pleasant to the touch and has a high-quality feel.
The 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 9-inch center screen feature Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, plus dedicated buttons for HVAC controls. The 2022 Outlander comes standard with 11 airbags and multiple USB-A and USB-C charging ports. Other features available (but vary depending on specification) include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, navigation, a full-color head-up display (HUD), and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The selector, dials, and switches are designed with a sense of quality that appeals to both the visual and tactile senses. The 5+2 seating flexibility ensures there’s always plenty of space for busy weeks or even longer weekends. All seats recline for added comfort, and the adjustable 40:20:40 split second row and 50:50 split rear third row fold completely forward for a variety of passenger and cargo configurations. All rear seats can be folded flat to create a spacious load area and cargo space of up to 1717 litres for the 5+2 seat model.
| Specifications | New Outlander | New Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,710mm | 4,710mm |
| Overall width | 1,862mm | 1,862mm |
| Overall height | 1,748mm | 1,748mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,706mm | 2,706mm |
| engine | 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine |
2.4L 4-cylinder DOHC engine + 2 motors front and rear |
| Maximum power | 184ps/ 6,000rpm |
98kW/5,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 245Nm/ 3,600rpm |
195Nm/4,300rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
– | Front/rear: 85kW/100kW |
| Motor Max Torque |
– | Front/Rear: 255Nm/195Nm |
transmission |
CVT | – |
| battery | – | Lithium-ion battery 20kWh |
| Drive system | 2WD/4WD | 4WD |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people/7 people | 5 people/7 people |
| Hybrid WLTC mode fuel economy |
– | 16.2-16.6km/L |
WLTC mode EV driving distance when using charging power |
– | 85-87km |
| EV maximum speed |
– | -km/h |
Toyota Land Cruiser 250
Toyota will release the Japanese model of the new Land Cruiser 250 on April 18, 2024 .
Land Cruiser 250
The vehicle uses a ladder frame based on the newly developed GA-F platform known as TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) , making it possible to achieve a spacious interior. The adoption of the newly developed platform has resulted in a low center of gravity and increased body rigidity, achieving high aerodynamic performance and achieving significant improvements. Compared to the previous model, the frame rigidity has been significantly strengthened by 50%, and the overall vehicle rigidity has been improved by 30%. The SDM (Stabilizer with Disconnection Mechanism) is being used for the first time in the Toyota brand, and by allowing the front stabilizer state to be changed with the flip of a switch, it combines off-road rough terrain performance and ride comfort with on-road handling stability. For on-road driving performance, each part has been made more rigid and EPS has been adopted.
- ” TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) ” – Based on the newly developed “GA-F platform,” it uses a ladder frame.
- The exterior incorporates the latest design elements while still retaining the look of a traditional, authentic off-road vehicle .
- It uses a 12.3-inch TFT display full LCD digital meter .
- “SDM (Stabilizer with Disconnection Mechanism)” is being adopted for the first time in the Toyota brand .
- A special edition “First Edition” will be released, limited to 8,000 units.
| Specifications | Land Cruiser 250 |
Land Cruiser 250 |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,925mm | 4,925mm |
| Overall width | 1,980mm | 1,980mm |
| Overall height | 1,925mm to 1,935mm |
1,925mm to 1,935mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850mm | 2,850mm |
| Approach angle | 31 degrees | 31 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 23 degrees | 23 degrees |
| Ramp breakover angle |
23 degrees | 23 degrees |
| engine | 2.7L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (2TR-FE) |
2.8L inline 4 clean diesel engine (1GD-FTV) |
| Maximum power | 120kW (163ps) / 5,200rpm |
150kW (204ps) / 3,400rpm |
| Maximum torque | 246Nm ( 25.1kgm ) / 3,800rpm |
500Nm (51.0kgm) / 1,600-2,800rpm |
transmission |
6AT (6 Super ECT) |
8-speed AT (Direct Shift-8AT) |
| Drive system | 4WD | 4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 7.5km/L | 11.0km/L |
| Passenger capacity | 5-7 people | 5-7 people |
Toyota Land Cruiser 300
The Land Cruiser combines off-road capability with a spacious interior and cargo area, making it undoubtedly a recommended vehicle for camping. The current Land Cruiser model underwent a full model change on August 2, 2021, and was released as the LC300 series. Based on the newly developed “GA-F platform” known as ” TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) ,” the adoption of a ladder frame allows for a larger interior space than the previous model. The newly developed platform achieves high aerodynamic performance, resulting in a lower center of gravity and increased body rigidity, a significant improvement over the previous model. The weight has been reduced by 200 kg . The lower center of gravity was achieved by moving the engine 20 mm lower and 70 mm further rearward, and the shorter length of the newly developed V6 twin-turbo engine, replacing the previous V8, also enabled a lower center of gravity. The weight distribution is now 53.5:46.5, improving the front-heavy behavior of the 200 series.
Newly equipped with a 3.5L V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine and a 3.3L V6 diesel engine.
The newly developed ladder frame-based TNGA platform “GA-F” has reduced the vehicle weight by 200 kg.
A new grade, “GR SPORT,” has been added with enhanced off-road performance.
Adopts a 12.3-inch infotainment display
A 3D multi-terrain monitor has been adopted, and the “Multi-Terrain Select” now has a new high-range “H4” setting and an “Auto” setting that allows automatic mode changes.
The push-button engine starter is equipped with a fingerprint authentication sensor as an anti-theft device.
Equipped with electric parking brake and auto brake hold function.
The third-row seat storage method has been changed from a flip-up type to one that is stored inside the floor.
The latest safety system, Toyota Safety Sense, is standard equipment on all vehicles. It also features a new function to detect oncoming vehicles going straight at intersections and pedestrians crossing the road from the front when turning right or left, as well as an emergency steering assist function.
| Specifications | Land Cruiser Gasoline Engine |
Land Cruiser Diesel Engine |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,990mm | 4,990mm |
| Overall width | 1,980mm | 1,980mm |
| Overall height | 1,880mm | 1,880mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850mm | 2,850mm |
| engine | 3.5L V6 gasoline engine |
3.3L V6 diesel engine |
| Maximum power | 305kW (415ps) / 5,200rpm |
227kW (309ps) / 4,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 650Nm/ 2,000-3,600rpm |
700Nm/ 1,600-2,600rpm |
transmission |
Direct Shift-10AT | Direct Shift-10AT |
| Drive system | 4WD | 4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 9.7km/L | 7.9 to 8.0km/L |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people/7 people | 5 people/7 people |
Mazda CX-80
Mazda will make its global debut of the new CX-80, a flagship SUV expected to succeed the CX-8, on April 18, 2024, with the Japanese model scheduled for release around October 2024. The CX-80 features a cutting-edge exterior design and an unprecedented interior design , and is built on a new FR platform . This makes it a more premium three-row SUV than the current CX-8. In addition to the latest i-ACTIVSENSE safety system, it will also feature the MAZDA CO-PILOT 1.0 . The engine is also expected to be a SKYACTIV-X 3.0L inline-6 engine with a 48V M Hybrid .
MAZDA CX-80
The CX-80 features three rows of seats, making it ideal for traveling with large families or groups. All seats are made of high-quality materials, so you can expect a satisfying riding experience no matter where you sit. However, the CX-90 is available overseas, and the smaller CX-80 may have a slightly cramped third row, so you may need to be a little careful. If you don’t want to drive a minivan but still want to carry lots of family and friends, the CX-80 is recommended.
6-seater captain seats with center console
The CX-80 offers two flat-folding third-row seats and three different configurations for the second row, including captain’s chairs with a choice of center console or access pass-through, and two separate, high-comfort seats with seat ventilation.
6-seater captain seats without center console
You can also choose a six-seater with no center console and an aisle to the third row.
A three-seat bench seat is used in the second row
The seven-seater version features a three-seat bench seat in the second row, which can be easily folded down with the push of a button. With the second and third rows fully folded, trunk volume is 1,971 litres.
| Specifications | CX-80 | CX-80 |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,995mm | 4,995mm |
| Overall width | 1,890mm | 1,890mm |
| Overall height | 1,710mm | 1,710mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,120mm | 3,120mm |
| engine | Inline 6-cylinder DOHC 3.3L Diesel Turbo 48V Mild Hybrid (M HYBRID BOOST) |
Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2.5L direct injection engine + motor |
| Maximum power | 186kW (254ps) / 3,750rpm |
140kW (191ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 550Nm (56.1kgm) / 1,500rpm~2,400rpm |
261Nm (26.6kgm) |
| Motor maximum output |
17ps | 175ps |
| Motor Max Torque |
15.6kgm | 27.5kgm |
| System maximum output |
– | 241kW (323ps) |
Maximum system torque |
– | 500Nm (51.0kgm) |
transmission |
SKYACTIV-DRIVE 8-speed AT (8-speed automatic transmission) |
SKYACTIV-DRIVE 8-speed AT (8-speed automatic transmission) |
| Drive system | 2WD(FF)/4WD | 2WD(FF)/4WD |
| Passenger capacity | 6 people/7 people | 6 people/7 people |
SUV annual sales ranking
We calculated the cumulative sales figures based on the number of passenger car sales by model for fiscal year 2024 from January to December 2024. The most popular model is the Yaris Cross*. The second most popular is the Harrier, which is also a crossover SUV and is slightly larger and more expensive than the Yaris Cross, but it is selling well.
| Ranking | Car model | Number of units |
|---|---|---|
| 1st place | Yaris Cross | Approximately 79,600 units* |
| 2nd place | Vezel | 75,424 units |
| 3rd place | Corolla Cross | Approximately 74,030 units* |
| 4th place | Harrier | 64,181 units |
| 5th place | Land Cruiser | 51,288 units |
| 6th place | Rise | 51,225 units |
| 7th place | ZR-V | 41,513 units |
| 8th place | X-Trail | 31,776 units |
| 9th place | RAV4 | 30,599 units |
| 10th place | WR-V | 30,339 units |
| 11th place | Jimny | 25,848 units |
| 12th place | Forester | 22,977 units |
| 13th place | LBX | 21,221 units |
| 14th place | CX-5 | 19,418 units |
| 15th place | NX350h | 17,460 units |
| 16th place | Kicks | 14,346 units |
| 17th place | CX-30 | 13,717 units |
| 18th place | Crosby | 12,592 units |
| 19th place | Rocky | 10,127 units |
| 20th place | Outlander | 8,126 units |
[2024] Top 20 Best-Selling SUVs of the Year
*Based on the latest automobile information
Japanese SUV size comparison
| Manufacturer | Car model name | full length | Overall width | Overall height | Wheelbase |
Passenger capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA | Rise | 3,995mm | 1,695mm | 1,620mm | 2,525mm | 5 people |
| TOYOTA | Yaris Cross | 4,180mm | 1,765mm | 1,590mm | 2,650mm | 5 people |
| TOYOTA | C-HR | 4,385mm | 1,795mm | 1,550mm | 2,640mm | 5 people |
| TOYOTA | C-HR 4WD |
4,385mm | 1,795mm | 1,565mm | 2,640mm | 5 people |
| TOYOTA | Corolla Cross | 4,490mm | 1,825mm | 1,620mm | 2,640mm | 5 people |
| TOYOTA | RAV4 | 4,600mm | 1,855mm | 1,685mm | 2,690mm | 5 people |
| TOYOTA | RAV4 Adventure |
4,610mm | 1,865mm | 1,690mm | 2,690mm | 5 people |
| TOYOTA | Harrier | 4,740mm | 1,855mm | 1,660mm | 2,690mm | 5 people |
| TOYOTA | bZ4X | 4,690mm | 1,860mm | 1,650mm | 2,850mm | 5 people |
| TOYOTA | Land Cruiser 300 |
4,990mm | 1,980mm | 1,880mm | 2,850mm | 5-7 people |
| TOYOTA | Land Cruiser Prado |
4,760mm | 1,885mm | 1,835mm | 2,790mm | 5-7 people |
| TOYOTA | Land Cruiser 250 |
4,925mm | 1,980mm | 1,870mm | 2,850mm | 5-7 people |
| TOYOTA | Land Cruiser 70 |
4,890mm | 1,870mm | 1,920mm | 2,730mm | 5 people |
| LEXUS | LX600 | 5,100mm | 1,990mm | 1,885mm | 2,850mm | 5-7 people |
| LEXUS | GX550 | 4,970mm | 1,980mm | 1,925mm | 2,850mm | 5 people |
| LEXUS | RX450h / RX300 | 4,890mm | 1,895mm | 1,710mm | 2,790mm | 5 people |
| LEXUS | RX450h L | 5,000mm | 1,895mm | 1,725mm | 2,790mm | 5-7 people |
| LEXUS | RZ450e | 4,805mm | 1,895mm | 1,635mm | 2,850mm | 5 people |
| LEXUS | NX300h / NX300 | 4,640mm | 1,845mm | 1,645mm | 2,660mm | 5 people |
| LEXUS | NX | 4,660mm | 1,865mm | 1,640mm | 2,690mm | 5 people |
| LEXUS | UX200 / UX250h | 4,495mm | 1,840mm | 1,520mm | 2,640mm | 5 people |
| HONDA | ZR-V | 4,580mm | 1,800mm | 1,630mm | 2,735mm | 5 people |
| HONDA | Vezel | 4,330mm | 1,770mm | 1,605mm | 2,610mm | 5 people |
| HONDA | CR-V | 4,605mm | 1,855mm | 1,680mm | 2,660mm | 5 people |
| MAZDA | CX-3 | 4,275mm | 1,765mm | 1,550mm | 2,570mm | 5 people |
| MAZDA | CX-30 | 4,395mm | 1,795mm | 1,540mm | 2,655mm | 5 people |
| MAZDA | CX-5 | 4,545mm | 1,840mm | 1,690mm | 2,700mm | 5 people |
| MAZDA | CX-60 | 4,740mm | 1,890mm | 1,685mm | 2,870mm | 5 people |
| MAZDA | CX-8 | 4,900mm | 1,840mm | 1,730mm | 2,930mm | 5-7 people |
| MAZDA | CX-80 | 4,995mm | 1,890mm | 1,710mm | 3,120mm | 5-7 people |
| NISSAN | Aria | 4,595mm | 1,850mm | 1,655mm | 2,775mm | 5 people |
| NISSAN | X-Trail | 4,640mm | 1,820mm | 1,730mm | 2,705mm | 5-7 people |
| NISSAN | Kicks | 4,295mm | 1,760mm | 1,590mm | 2,620mm | 5 people |
| NISSAN | Juke | 4,135mm | 1,765mm | 1,565mm | 2,530mm | 5 people |
| SUBARU | Outback | 4,815mm | 1,840mm | 1,605mm | 2,745mm | 5 people |
| SUBARU | Solterra | 4,690mm | 1,860mm | 1,650mm | 2,850mm | 5 people |
| SUBARU | Forester | 4,625mm | 1,815mm | 1,715mm | 2,670mm | 5 people |
| SUBARU | Crosstrek | 4,480mm | 1,800mm | 1,580mm | 2,670mm | 5 people |
| SUZUKI | Crosby | 3,760mm | 1,670mm | 1,705mm | 2,435mm | 5 people |
| SUZUKI | Escudo | 4,175mm | 1,775mm | 1,610mm | 2,500mm | 5 people |
| SUZUKI | SX4 S-CROSS | 4,300mm | 1,785mm | 1,595mm | 2,600mm | 5 people |
| SUZUKI | Jimny Sierra | 3,550mm | 1,645mm | 1,730mm | 2,250mm | 5 people |
| SUZUKI | Jimny | 3,395mm | 1,475mm | 1,715mm | 2,250mm | 5 people |
| SUZUKI | Hustler | 3,395mm | 1,475mm | 1,665mm | 2,460mm | 5 people |
| MITSUBISHI | Pajero | 4,900mm | 1,875mm | 1,900mm | 2,780mm | 5 people |
| MITSUBISHI | Outlander | 4,695mm | 1,810mm | 1,710mm | 2,670mm | 5 people |
| MITSUBISHI | RVR | 4,365mm | 1,770mm | 1,630mm | 2,670mm | 5 people |
| MITSUBISHI | Eclipse Cross | 4,405mm | 1,805mm | 1,685mm | 2,670mm | 5 people |
summary
Nowadays, SUVs range from compact models to large cross-country models, making it extremely difficult to choose one. You’ll need to consider your driving needs and choose a car that suits your lifestyle, such as whether you primarily drive around town or travel long distances outdoors or on trips. Currently, purchasing a new car in Japan is becoming more difficult due to the impact of semiconductors, and the used car market is also becoming more active. Considering resale value is one option when considering a car purchase. We’ve selected popular three-row SUVs that are likely to fetch particularly high prices. We hope this information will be helpful when making your purchase.
