@Briggett I looked at the Kia Palisade and found it to be a good choice, except if you go purely electric. That's when things change a bit in terms of trim levels.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the newest 7 passenger SUV offered that's fully electric and offers a higher trim level than the Kia, but slightly more pricy.
@Hatt94 The fold-down captains chairs I think are more functional because they allow the driver and front seat passenger to use that empty space in the middle of the 2nd row to put stuff on the floor within easy reach FROM the front seat positions.
Conversely, an otherwise fold-down 60/40 bench arrangement of that 2nd row would lack that open center floor space, yet would also block that same center floor area directly behind the center console making that empty space inaccessible from the front seat positions, thereby turning a 7 passenger bus into a 2 passenger pickup truck WITHOUT a crew cab.
I rented a 25’ Chrysler Pacifica S Limited over Christmas and it was absolutely awesome. Quite quick as it has a sport package tuning. Blacked out trim. Wheels, grill, window frame trim. Great sound system It’s UConnect infotainment system worked fluidly If I were to ever own a multi passenger vehicle, it would be that.
Nearly every car fits 5 except sports cars. We won't buy US made stuff anymore. Look at an EV if you want something future proof (and super fun/cheap to drive).
