A question on the lips of many new car buyers for 2025 is; what is the best 7-seat SUV on sale in Australia? With boatloads of fresh and exciting new metal hitting our shores in 2025, we have the lowdown on the ones to keep an eye out for.
Whether you want the best 7-seater for towing, most economical 7-seat SUV 2025 has to offer, or just the biggest and roomiest 7-seater SUV for lanky teenagers or the best new 7-seater SUV to keep bickering kids distracted with USB-C and USB-A ports, there are plenty of options headed to the Australian market. Here is our top 10.
2025 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – Expected second half 2025
As the new-look 2024 Mitsubishi Triton ute has been treated to a new generation, so to will its 7-seat wagon counterpart, the 2025 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. The platform boasts a stronger frame than before, with reinforced cross members to increase rigidity and to ensure it passes a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
It should benefit from a fresher interior too, with a 10.25 infotainment system incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Larger buttons and superior ergonomics should also feature, with a squarer and more upright dash theme like in the new Triton.
Under the bonnet, a 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel is expected to carry across from the Triton, producing 150kW and 470Nm. With the added power and beefed up chassis, we could see a 3500kg braked towing capacity. One area we hope improves is the rear seat folding mechanism, which is not presently the cleverest. Stay tuned for the official 2025 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport unveiling, expected in the first half of 2025 before it arrives in Australia later in the year.
2025 Toyota Fortuner – some time in 2025
A facelifted Toyota Fortuner has been doing the rounds in South Africa, and it is only a matter of time before a similar update for the HiLux-based wagon finds its way here. The new model employs a sleeker design, which differentiates it further from its HiLux relation. A blackened, floating roof as well as sharper LEDs with four vertical elements contribute to a more aggressive appearance, while the lower portion of the grille employs a more intricate design.
The current Fortuner has a towing capacity of 3100kg. Its 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder mirrors that of the HiLux, except without the 48V mild-hybrid tech currently, but the facelift in South Africa does include it. With the 48V tech the fuel consumption drops from 7.9L/100km to 7.6L/100km in the VX grade in South Africa. We can expect a similar difference for the Australian version. A six-speed auto continues.
Called the Fortuner Legender in Thailand, the facelifted model does not appear radically different internally from today’s model, but may receive nicer materials, a larger screen and improved graphics for the instrument display.
2025 Ssangyong Rexton – early 2025
Known in its home market as the KG Mobility Rexton, the SsangYong Rexton is an affordable alternative to Chinese seven-seater SUVs, standing out with arguably superior interior craftsmanship and a refined driving experience.
With a tow capacity of up to 3500kg, it is perfect for family holidays with a caravan, boat or camper trailer in tow. Its 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder develops 148kW and 441Nm from as low as 1600Nm.
We’re expecting only some very minor updates for 2025 since the current second-generation has only been around since 2017 with a facelift in 2020. And in Australia the current iteration was launched in October, 2023. The first generation lasted from 2001 until 2017.
2025 LDV D90 – confirmed second half 2024
Starting from $34,990 for ABN holders, the current LDV D90 is one of the best-kept secrets on the Australian new car market. Sure there are other seven seaters in the late thirties to early forties, but they are more like 5+2s. The D90 offers three rows of adult-friendly seating with a clever access mechanism as well as five-star ANCAP safety.
The real interest lies with the heavily updated model due later in 2024. As exclusively reported by us, the new model will feature an overhauled design, much more modern safety features and amenities such as Android Auto finally and digital radio, with a 12.3-inch touch-screen.
One of the biggest changes, aside from the design, is the axing of the diesel. The 2025 LDV D90 will come in petrol form only. According to official dealer documents that we have witnessed, the engine is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol producing 184kW and 410Nm (up 24kW/60Nm from the outgoing model), matched to an eight-speed ZF gearbox, replacing the six-speed.
Prices will start from just over $40,000 for ADB holders, or around $43,000 drive-away. The top 4×4 variant will start from approximately $50,000.
2025 Nissan Patrol Y63 – reveal by Q1, 2025
Already previewed in the form of the 2025 Infiniti QX80 (pictured) available overseas, the replacement to today’s V8-powered Y62 Patrol will be propelled by a circa-336kW/698Nm VR35DETT twin-turbo V6, backed by a nine-speed automatic. Although today’s Patrol represents good value for money for the amount of ‘car’ and engine you get, the interior of right-hand drive models has often been touted as having room for improvement.
The Y63 is sure to address this, as well as featuring more avantgarde styling, in line with Nissan’s latest design language. It’s safe to say it will have no problem accomodating seven large adults or towing 3500kg, but a diesel version is not said to be in the works, nor a hybrid at this point in time. A full debut is said to be on track before the end of the first quarter, 2025.
2025 Toyota Kluger – expected by Q1, 2025
Expected to receive a mild update for the new year, the Toyota Kluger is one of the best-selling SUVs on the Australian market, hamstrung by occasional availability woes. Offering true, car-like refinement on its TNGA platform, it is in hot demand.
The Kluger’s interior is designed with families in mind, offering a spacious cabin that comfortably seats seven passengers. The rear seat room is ample, and the third-row seats can be easily folded down to create additional cargo space. This flexibility is ideal for families who need to switch between carrying passengers and transporting larger items.
In terms of towing capacity, the 2025 Kluger is expected to tow up to 2000 kg, which, while not the highest in its class, is sufficient for most family needs. With advanced safety features, a user-friendly infotainment system, and Toyota’s renowned reliability, the Kluger will undoubtedly be one of the best 7-seat SUVs on sale in Australia in 2025.
Toyota is expected to apply some light technology updates inside, with hopes for a Kluger GR Sport further down the line. Toyota recently axed the 2.4 turbo to focus on a strict hybrid-only lineup. There might be some colour and trim updates as well. We expect some kind of announcement later this year.
2025 Hyundai Palisade – First half 2025
The outgoing 2024 Palisade is a very elegant-looking SUV, but come 2025 Hyundai will adopt a more daring design language, similar to what is seen with the 2025 Hyunai Santa Fe. Will the Palisade follow its smaller brothers in offering hybrid power? Yes, that is definitely a possibility. There’s also talk of the 3.5-litre turbo V6 petrol coming in, from Genesis models. However, this may be restricted to certain market only.
Like the current Palisade, the new model is expected to offer awesome practicality inside, with more cup holders and USB ports than passengers, and with a bit more of an adventurous theme with shelves and storage for all. A full debut is expected late in 2024.
2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado / 2025 Lexus GX – Second half 2024
The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado and its luxury counterpart, the 2025 Lexus GX, will offer a disruptive force in the off-road focused 7-seater market in 2025. While the Prado will receive a 150kW mild-hybrid version of Toyota’s trusty 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four, as seen in the HiLux 48V, the Lexus will elevate things with a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol producing 260kW/650Nm, hooked up to a 10-speed auto.
When it comes to towing, the Prado offers a 3500kg capacity, while the GX offers 3130kg in Sports Luxury trim or 3500kg in Overtrail form. With their combination of luxury, performance, and versatility, the 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Lexus GX will no doubt be very popular new 7-seat SUVs to look out for.
Hyundai IONIQ 7/IONIQ 9 – early 2025
While the Kia EV9 has been on for a bit now, Hyundai is yet to introduce its version, called the IONIQ 7 or IONIQ 9. Prototypes have been spotted in recent times undergoing testing on public roads, as posted on Autospy, which means it is getting near. The new model will be inspired by the Hyundai Seven concept.
The name of the new model was going to be the IONIQ 7, but recent rumours and reports suggest it will get a name change to IONIQ 9. A trademark is currently registered in Australia under Hyundai for both names. Whatever it ends up being called, it is expected to carry over a similar range of fully electric powertrains as seen in the Kia EV9.
At this stage the EV9 tops out with the GT-Line, equipped with a 99.8kWh battery and two electric motors, delivering 283kW combined. A flagship EV9 GT has also been spotted, potentially featuring the 430kW setup from the EV6 GT. Hyundai could do the same with an N Line variant or some kind of flagship.
According to a Carsales report, the IONIQ 9 has been delayed but will arrive in Australia early next year.
