Best 7 Seater SUVs in UAE 2021-22: Price, Specifications, Mileage, Colors, Images

Folks have been at it when it comes to wanting a reasonable yet relatively interesting 7-seater SUV for a long time. The region in and around the United Arab Emirates has been known and is well-versed to large SUVs all throughout its lifetime. In a world where buyers are trying to shy away from gas guzzling SUVs that weigh more than a small mountain, the UAE maintains its right to showcasing some of the best of the kind. With buyers trying to acquire large 7-seater SUVs (even if they are driving around by themselves), the market has been flooded with some great (and some not-so-great) options.

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Whilst the first breed of SUVs were unreliable and rough around the edges, often breaking down and being uncomfortable, the current crop of 4x4s don’t like to relate themselves to these dinosaurs. Having said that, SUVs have now been tasked with carrying 7 occupants (or more) while also offering a comfortable and luxurious cabin, decent performance, a spacious interior, modern features, and a design that will attract more buyers. And while many of these might be quite hefty on the pocket, Cars24 now has an elaborate collection of certified used cars in Dubai and several more second-hand cars available in Abu Dhabi.

Best 7 Seater SUVs Prices in UAE

Hyundai Santa Fe

Retailed in the UAE by the by Juma Al Majid Group, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the newest and best 7-seater SUVs on this list. The Santa Fe has been roaming the streets since its initial launch in the early-2000s, and this fourth-generation avatar came into being in 2018. With a price tag just north of 90,000 dirhams, the all-new Santa Fe is the least expensive car on this list. Having said that, this is not an SUV that has been built on a tight budget.

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With brand-new features and an all-new styling, this Santa Fe is one of the best SUVs in its class. Parked next to its peers on this list, the new Santa Fe might look comparatively small, but it makes up for this with an amicable personality plus a good quality build and comfort, overall. On a side note, if you want something that costs far less, check out Cars24 for some amazing options when it comes to affordable second-hand cars for sale in Sharjah. Of course, if you are really interested in the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, you ought to take this beauty for a test drive.

Exterior

If you think the exterior design of the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is flashy and sharp by accident, you are wrong. The Korean auto major has purposefully sculpted this SUV to make it seem ultra-modern and technically advanced – achieving both metrics sans any trouble. While it is based on a newer and better N3 platform, some aspects of the all-new Santa Fe’s design may seem a bit too striking to some. The front end now features the Korean brand’s latest “cascading” main grille design, plus T-shaped LED headlamps that are situated right underneath ultra-sleek LED daytime-running lights. At the same time, the reprofiled front bumper also looks mean and sporty with its rakish ‘wings’ and air inlets.

Meanwhile, the side profile of the updated Santa Fe remains mostly unchanged when compared to its pre-facelift avatar. It is still an impressive design that blends sculpted body panels with chiseled wheel arches that can now accommodate even large 20-inch alloy wheels. The sides also get stylish beltline molding and chrome garnish on the bottom of the doors. Moving on to the rear of the all-new Santa Fe, we get to see the all-new LED tail lamps that now integrate a continuous strip of LED connecting the two units, which does look pretty neat. On top of these niceties, the rear also comes with a sculpted power-operated tailgate and a sporty-looking bumper with its own stylistic add-ons.

Like it or not, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe’s exterior design can be polarizing depending on whom you ask. Having said that, sometimes, it is better to be seen (and maybe even judged) than be completely missed on the streets. On this front, the latest iteration of the Santa Fe knocks it out of the park. When it comes to its dimensions, this 7-seater SUV measures in at 4,785mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and stands 1,710mm at the top of its roof. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe’s wheelbase stretches to 2,765mm, which is definitively longer than that of its predecessor. In the UAE, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is available in exciting colors such as Magnetic Forest, Typhoon Silver, Glacier White, Taiga Brown, Phantom Black, and Lava Orange.

Interior

The interior of the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a swathe of new switches, textures and upholstery that feel far more upscale and quality than they ever did in the past. Moreover, the dual-tone interior theme looks chic, though you can also opt for a mono-tone setup. As it is with modern-day but premium Hyundai products, the quality of materials inside the all-new Santa Fe is reasonably top-notch. However, it is not all roses and green grass – there are cheaper stuff to keep the price in check. Then there is a large glasshouse area (including an expansive panoramic sunroof) that surrounds the cabin, which results in an airy and open passenger experience.

To maximize the comfort of all on-board, Hyundai has optimized the design of the leather-upholstered seats that now feel great to sit on. Then there is the better insulated cabin that not only allows for better NVH levels but also keeps the comfort levels relatively high. Being a 7-seater SUV, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is good at carrying 7 occupants, even though it faces the same issue as most cars in its category – the rear-most seats are only good for children or smaller-sized adults. Even then, the third row isn’t devoid of basic features such as dedicated air-con controls, cupholders and charging sockets. Plus, you also get easily-foldable power-folding rear seats and speakers to keep the occupants at the back satisfied.

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe comes with new-age features such as automatic LED headlamps, keyless entry & go, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-operated front seats with heating & cooling function, a Krell premium sound system, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a wireless smartphone charging pad, rear window shades, selective drive and terrain modes, and a full-leather upholstery. If you want a comfy yet well-built cabin at prices that don’t dare to run away with your wallet, then the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe will suffice most buyers. And with the last row folded, the Santa Fe’s boot can accommodate 782 liters of cargo.

Performance and other features

Obviously, you don’t buy a 7-seater SUV like the Hyundai Santa Fe for its brisk performance. Although, one could say that the tangible performance here is adequate for the audience the car is targeted at. In its most basic format, the Santa Fe in the UAE is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that pushes out 178hp and 232Nm of maximum twisting force. All of this goes through a 6-speed automatic transmission which then turns the front wheels of this 1.7-ton SUV, leading to a 0 to 100 kmph sprint time of a smidge over 10 seconds. Pedal to the metal, the Santa Fe will max out at 195 kmph – not too shabby for a relatively frugal 7-seater SUV.

If you are thinking about its frugality, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is capable of returning an average of 11.1 kmpl or 9 L/100 km. Some of this SUV’s leading safety features include Blind-Spot View Monitor with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Surround View Monitor, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with a GPS-based cruise control system. Then there is a head-up display, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Electronic Stability & Traction Control System, and 6 airbags.

Mitsubishi Pajero

Sold by Al Habtoor Motors in the United Arab Emirates, the Mitsubishi Pajero has been in the region as long as the sands and dunes have existed. Over the decades, the Pajero has cemented its position as being one of the most reliable and well-liked 7-seater SUVs in the United Arab Emirates. With prices starting from around AED 97,000, the Pajero has come to be known as the dependable yet ubiquitous family SUV in this part of the world. In the world of traditional body-on-frame SUVs, Mitsubishi’s Pajero sits pretty much on the top of the 4x4 hierarchy.

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If you think the purchase cost of a brand-new Pajero is a touch too much, then head on to Cars24 as it has an extensive collection of certified used Mitsubishi cars for sale in Dubai. Of course, you can bet your bottom dirham that these second-hand Pajeros are on-demand and are getting picked up as delectable family-friendly SUVs. On a side note, a brand-new Mitsubishi Pajero will give you a manufacture warranty and the promise of being one of the last few examples of the model – the Pajero’s manufacturing has been cancelled across much of the world.

Exterior

Ever since its debut back in 2006, the outgoing model of the Mitsubishi Pajero has been a pretty successful SUV in the UAE. In fact, the Japanese automaker even conducted a few cosmetic updates over the lifespan of its favorite 7-seater SUV. The unfaltering demeanor of the Pajero has kept it alive and kicking in its genre, even though there have been better SUVs that have been released in the past few years. On the style front, the Pajero gets HID projector headlamps, a chrome-garnished main grille, a rectangular fog lamp housing with LED daytime-running lights, and a beefy bumper with a proper scuff plate.

When you look at the sides of the Pajero, there is no getting away from the fact that this is a pretty old SUV. The styling is boxy and conventional enough to fool you into thinking that this is the 1990s, even though your psyche says that you love the boxy, old-school look of this SUV. So, even if the styling cues are outdated and irrelevant in this day & age, your primitive brain would like the overall masculine silhouette of the Pajero – then there are the flared fenders, thick body panels, elevated roof rails and tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

Meanwhile, the rear of the Pajero soldiers on with blocky tail lamps, a raw-feeling tailgate, a large rear windscreen, and an unlikeable fake skid plate garnish. On the size front, the Mitsubishi Pajero draws on with a presence of 4,900mm in length, 1,875mm in width, 1,870mm in height, and an overall wheelbase of 2,780mm. On the other hand, with a minimum luggage capacity of 215 liters, this isn’t the biggest cargo space in the segment. Among the 9 exterior colors available, the Pajero can be had in shades such as Sterling Silver, Deep Bronze, Black Mica, Platinum Beige, and White Solid.

Interior

Of course, this being a rough and tough SUV from the golden era of the kind, the interior is far from being rich in quality and/or tasteful materials. However, that doesn’t mean that you will never come across decent quality materials – there are soft-touch surfaces on the door pads, armrests, seats, steering wheel, and gear selector. In an SUV that is focused on being a reliable 7-seater family carrier, the Pajero’s cabin does a great job on being a roomy and practical space for everyone. There is enough space up front, in the middle row, and an appreciable amount of room in the last row.

To uplift the ambience of the cabin, Mitsubishi has fitted the interior of the Pajero with faux wood trim and metallic accents. And then there is the open-feeling greenhouse, which includes one of the largest single-frame sunroofs in the industry, plus windows that are really quite huge. As one can understand, the body-on-frame underpinning of the Pajero means that the rear-most passengers face a knees-up seating position, though it is far from being horrendous. To make things easier and more soothing for those in the back, all three rows have their own AC vents.

The Pajero might be relatively old, but it comes with its fair share of features to keep its occupants occupied. Some of the highlights here include items such as keyless entry, power-controlled front seats, automatic climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen head unit with GPS navigation and Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a 12-speaker Rockford premium sound system, cruise control, a 9-inch rear-entertainment system, and a Central Information Display among others. Overall, this interior has the flexibility and durability to cater to the needs of most families in the region, as long as you are not expecting Lexus levels of quality and finish.

Performance and other features

While the Mitsubishi Pajero in the UAE can be had with a 3.0-liter V6 that makes 174hp and 259Nm of torque, the one you really want boast a 3.8-liter six-cylinder that pumps out 240hp and 327Nm of peak torque. The engine comes fitted with an old-school (but effective) a 5-speed torque converter automatic gearbox that drives all four wheels. Pushed hard enough, the Pajero can do 200 kmph and hit 100 kmph in less than 11 seconds. Obviously, the Pajero was never meant to be a speed demon. Its on-road performance is better than what you expect from a 7-seater SUV from the mid-2000s. As for its fuel consumption, the Pajero 3.8 can average around 7.4 kmpl or 13.5 L/100 km.

Even though this SUV is quite old, it comes equipped with safety features such as Mitsubishi’s well-known and rally-inspired independent suspension system, plus the Super-Select 4WD II and All Wheel Control (AWC) systems. This goes along with the SUV’s maximum wading depth of 700mm, along with the Pajero’s ‘shift-on-fly’ low & high range gearbox, and a lockable rear differential. Then there are this SUVs actual safety nets that encompass Active Stability and Traction Control, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, parking sensors with a rear-view camera, and ISOFIX anchor points.

Kia Sorento

Coming to life in the latter half of 2020, the latest version of the Kia Sorento is one of the Korean auto giant’s best and most popular models of this era. Since it is based on the same architecture as the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, this avatar of the Sorento is pretty much the same car underneath its Kia-ish skin. Of course, the Sorento is targeted at those that find the Santa Fe a bit too over-styled and pompous for their taste. That said, this all-new Kia Sorento can divide opinions as well, probably maybe not as much as its Hyundai cousin.

However, with prices starting from just over 100,000 dirhams, this is surely not a cheaper alternative to the Santa Fe. At the same time, this Sorento brings with it multiple new features, a whole-new design, better cabin experience along with improved build quality. Even if you are already impressed by the all-new Kia Sorento, it will be a good idea to check out Cars24 for some excellent deals on certified used cars in Abu Dhabi, among other emirates.

Exterior

To make the all-new Sorento, Kia has taken some of the design traits from its younger models like the Seltos and Sonet crossover SUVs. And while the latest Sorento is visibly larger than its younger siblings, its exterior is well-curated with a blend of swanky stylistic arrangements plus traditional yet modern design elements. The front of the all-new Sorento comes with new LED headlamps with stylish C-shaped three-beam projectors and a sleek LED daytime-running light strip. Meanwhile, a sporty yet upscale appeal is projected thanks to the implementation of an all-new bumper with LED fog lamps, multiple air intakes, and a faux skid plate. Even the new all-black main grille looks neat and sporty, whilst also featuring a thin chrome line at the top.

The rear of the all-new Sorento comes with a dual segmented arrangement for its new LED tail lamps that goes well with the whole reprofiling that Kia has done to this part of the SUV. Then there are the other stylistic elements to be found here that include the fake exhaust tips on the rear bumper, some fake vents on the sides of the bumper, an extended roof spoiler, and a chiseled tailgate with large ‘Sorento’ lettering.  As for the side profile, it now comes with large wheel arches that house cool-looking 19-inch alloy rims, a plastic styling element above the front fender, plus satin silver window surrounds, roof rails and lower body trim.

The Kia Sorento has come a long way from its rather boring roots, especially when it comes to its styling. Today, this 7-seater SUV looks pretty upscale and urbane in its overall appearance and design. When it comes to its color options in the UAE market, the all-new Kia Sorento is offered in shades that include Steel Gray, Silky Silver, Essence Brown, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Blue, and Snow White Pearl. Meanwhile, the Sorento is now a bigger car than its predecessor – measuring in at 4,810mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,700mm in overall height. As for the distance between its front and rear axles, that figure surmounts to 2,815mm, while the Sorento’s boot space comes in at 357 liters behind the third row of seats.

Interior

If you are wondering whether the interior of the all-new Sorento will live up to its fancy exterior, you will be glad to know that it does. Just like Hyundai, Kia has worked on updating the quality of its cabins over the past few years, and the latest Sorento sure does benefit from that move. As advertised by Kia, there is a genuine sense of luxury and class in this cabin, while there are also several squidgy surfaces and well-finished touchpoints too. There are some hard bits of trim that don’t exactly shout quality, but nothing in here really feels like it is from the stone age.

Considering its price and the segment it sits in, the interior of the all-new Sorento makes for a pretty comfortable and relaxing place to be in. At no point does this cabin become too noisy or uncomfortable, something that applies even for the relatively-tight third row. Moreover, getting into the third row isn’t that difficult, as the second-row seats get out of the way quite easily. Then when you add the combination of the Sorento’s 64-color LED ambient lighting with its 3D textured trim, soft leather upholstery and comfy seats, doing long distances in this SUV becomes far from a chore.

This being a Kia, you can be guaranteed to find many modern features and conveniences as well. Some of the things on offer in the all-new Sorento include a gesture-activated tailgate, keyless entry with push-button ignition, a panoramic sunroof, automatic windshield wipers and headlamps, a wireless charging pad, paddle shifters, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated & cooled front seats, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display along with a 10.25-inch touch-infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, and a 12-speaker premium sound system by Bose.

Performance and other features

The all-new Kia Sorento comes packed with plenty of safety equipment, obviously. Some of the most important features come in the form of Smart Cruise Control with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, selectable drive modes with Multi-Terrain Control, and an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold function. Of course, the new Sorento also brings with it 6 airbags, Hill-start Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Management with Electronic Stability Control, and front & rear parking sensors as well.

In the UAE, the all-new Kia Sorento can be had with a no-nonsense 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with either front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD). Mated as standard to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, this motor produces 178hp and 232Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Sorento is also available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that pushes out 268hp and 331Nm of peak twisting force. Unlike the smaller four-pot unit, this six-cylinder model is only offered with AWD and comes with a more modern 8-speed automatic transmission. Understandably, the six-cylinder variant of the Sorento is faster, managing a 0 to 100 kmph dash in 8.7 seconds and hitting a top speed of 210 kmph. Meanwhile, its fuel consumption is rated at 9.6 kmpl or 10.4 L/100 km.

Toyota Fortuner

On sale since the mid-2000s, the Toyota Fortuner has been a massively successful model for the Japanese auto giant. It is impossible to be in the UAE and not spot one of these SUVs on the road. Introduced back in 2015, the second generation of the Fortuner is the latest model, though Toyota gave it a further new facelift in 2020 to keep it looking up-to-date in the market. Like every other Toyota SUV that has come before it, the Fortuner too is known for being one of the most reliable workhorses of an SUV in the country.

In the UAE, the price of a brand-new Toyota Fortuner kicks off from AED 120,000. While this only gets you the base model, it still holds a favorable position in most buyers’ hearts. At the same time, there are more and more used Toyota cars being listed for sale in Sharjah on Cars24. As expected, you could get one of these for a price much lower than that of a brand-new Fortuner. So go ahead and check them out right away.

Exterior

Compared to its predecessor, the outgoing avatar of the Toyota Fortuner not only looks more modern and chiseled, but it also builds on the strong desirability factor of the old model. Of course, the changes themselves might not be earth-shattering for some, most buyers will be quite pleased with the way Toyota has gone about with its exterior tweaks. The front fascia of the Fortuner now wears a pair of new full LED headlamps that look sleeker than ever, whilst the main grille is now of a new design, and it sure makes this front-end look bolder and more muscular. Toyota has also redesigned the front and rear bumpers of the Fortuner, making them more chiseled in the process.

Meanwhile, the sides of the new Toyota Fortuner have barely seen any major changes even after the recent facelift. Still, the profile looks like an old-school (yet modern) SUV – even the styling details are there exactly to highlight the strong lines and ‘muscles’ of the Fortuner. And while the flared fenders provide the intended muscularity that people love so much in an SUV, the small 17-inch alloy wheels do look mighty small. On the other hand, the chunky rubber that is wrapped around these wheels do prove their point well – i.e., this SUV really can go off-road. Finally, at the back of the new Fortuner is a large tailgate that incorporates a chrome bar and a roof-mounted spoiler, while the rear lights are of a sleek design and get some LEDs on the inside and even manage to look good.

On the size front, the new Toyota Fortuner measures in at 4,795mm in length, 1,855mm in width, 1,835mm in height, and has an overall wheelbase of 2,750mm. And in terms of practicality, the Fortuner’s boot capacity, which is just shy of 350 liters, isn’t the biggest in the segment. However, you could always fold down the third row to make even more space if need be. In the UAE, the Fortuner can be had in exterior colors such as White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black Metallic, Gray Metallic, and Attitude Black Mica. While it is far from flashy, the design of the Toyota Fortuner stays true to its functional 4x4 roots.

Interior

The interior of the new Toyota Fortuner isn’t necessarily that new, especially when compared to the 2015 model. Having said that, it is all pretty functional and easy to understand (even if most of the design is quite tame and boring). Obviously, this is not a luxury SUV, so be ready to be welcomed by cheap plastics – at least this new model sports some soft-touch materials in key and well-frequented areas. Just like in the previous Fortuner, customers can rest assured knowing that Toyota’s tough and dependable build quality is here to stay.

When it comes to passenger comfort, the cabin of the Fortuner is not the best in its segment. After a certain speed, there is an appreciable uptick in wind noise, while the rugged body-on-frame construction means that the Fortuner does roll in the corners and doesn’t ride as well as some of its ‘softer’ rivals. Fortunately, the seats provide enough support and are reasonably comfortable, though the last row is not exactly meant to carry two adults. And if you do want to carry 7 people in the Fortuner, cargo space will be limited.

Depending on the trim level, the Toyota Fortuner will come with a set of new 18-inch alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, auto-leveling LED headlamps, keyless entry with push-button start, leather upholstery, paddle shifters, a cooled glovebox, cruise control, automatic dual-zone climate control with rear blowers, a 6-speaker audio system, power operated and ventilated front seats, a Optitron Meter in the gauge cluster, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Performance and other features

The Toyota Fortuner in the UAE market comes with two petrol engine choices. There is the entry-level 2.7-liter four-cylinder unit that puts out 164hp and 244Nm of torque, and it comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the 4.0-liter V6 engine is also available, which makes a beefier 235hp and 375Nm of peak twisting force. Both models come with Toyota’s part-time four-wheel-drive system, which ensures good traction in almost all weather and surface conditions. However, if you go off-roading, frequent the highways and/or carry a full load, then the V6 model is the one to go for. Moreover, with a top speed of 185 kmph and a naught to 100 kmph time of 9.5 seconds, this one won’t embarrass you out on the open road.

When it comes to its fuel economy, the Fortuner 2.7 can average around 10.4 kmpl or 9.6 L/100 km, while the V6 variant manages around 9.6 kmpl or 10.4 L/100 km. The Toyota Fortuner is not loaded with a ton of safety features. That being said, it does come with usable nannies such as 7 airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control, Tire Pressure Warning System, front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX anchor points, and a rearview parking camera.

Mazda CX-9

Arriving on scene back in late-2006, the CX-9 is presently the Japanese automaker’s largest model. Mazda might not be as insanely popular as Toyota or Nissan, but its cars are some of the most well-liked and personable in the various mass-market segments. The CX-9 is a more practical and rounded sibling of the company’s rare CX-8 – the former could even be seen as the CX-8’s spiritual successor. Being the flagship model in Mazda’s line-up, the CX-9 caters to a wide range of buyers that want a reliable, well-made, tastefully-designed and feature-packed 7-seater family SUV.

Sold by Galadari Automobiles in Dubai, the Mazda CX-9 starts from around AED 125,000, which makes it a fetching (if a slightly costly) option in the segment. Meanwhile, you can find far more affordable alternatives on Cars24, which is home to tons of second-hand cars in Fujairah and well-priced certified used cars in Ajman. Irrespective, the Mazda CX-9 is equivocally considered as one of the best SUVs in its class, despite the outgoing model being quite old now.

Exterior

As mentioned before, Mazda hasn’t made any major alterations to the actual design of the CX-9 since its last facelift back in 2016. Also as mentioned earlier, the design of the CX-9 remains impressive and contemporary to this day. The vast size of this SUV is straight away noticeable (even at first glance), so is Mazda’s signature “tiger nose” front fascia that also encompasses a chrome-garnished main grille and is flanked by slim LED projector headlamps. Meanwhile, the large front bumper of the CX-9 is home to small yet effective LED fog lamps, and the whole unit looks pretty good.

Speaking of which, the side profile of the CX-9 embodies grace and sportiness all wrapped in one package. While the silhouette itself has nothing to write home about, the contoured lines here melt with the CX-9’s large wheel arches, while the machine-finished 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome window surrounds add a sense of style to the whole design. The back of the CX-9 gets a rear spoiler, a strip of chrome on the tailgate, and dual exhaust pipes that are finished in shiny chrome. At the end of the day, few would deny the attractiveness of the Mazda CX-9.

In terms of its exterior dimensions, the Mazda CX-9 stretches 5,075mm in overall length, 1,969mm in width, 1,716mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,930mm, making it one of the best-in-class. When compared to the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and even the all-new Kia Sorento, the CX-9’s boot capacity (behind the last row) of 407 liters is pretty decent. CX-9 customers in the UAE can go for colors such as Machine Grey, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Sonic Silver, Titanium Flash, Deep Crystal Blue, and Jet Black. If you do buy this SUV, you should also be ready to accept the stares (the good kind) that you would get by some folks.

Interior

The interior of the Mazda CX-9 is made up of good quality materials and designs that not only look upscale but also strike a good balance between everyday usability and chic styling. While there are some scratchy bits of trim in this cabin, you wouldn’t mind their presence that much. The CX-9’s cabin is spacious enough, especially when you consider its long wheelbase, though the third row is still best left for kids or smaller adults. Also, where body-on-frame SUVs like the Fortuner give you that lofty seating position, in the CX-9, you sit quite a bit lower (still higher than in a sedan or hatchback, of course).

Despite all the metal that is the big body of the CX-9, there is enough glass coverage all around. However, they are not all that big in size, which might result in some folks feeling a bit too cocooned in this cabin. The only place where this SUV feels lacking on the interior, especially when concerning the feeling of space, is the lack of a full-length panoramic glass roof. Instead, you will have to make do with a small and old-school single sunroof. In other news, the Nappa leather seats are generous in terms of the comfort they offer, whilst NVH is well-controlled. Overall, the CX-9’s interior scores well on several fronts.

Mazda has equipped the CX-9 pretty well, so you won’t feel like you are missing too much here. Among its long list of features, there are adaptive LED headlights, a power-operated tailgate, powered & auto-folding door mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, powered front seats with ventilation and memory function, a 9-inch touch-infotainment head unit with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, ambient lighting, and an electronic parking brake, among others.

Performance and other features

Powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, the Mazda CX-9 offers 227hp and 420Nm of torque. Brought together by a 6-speed automatic gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system, the CX-9 can hit a top whack of 210 kmph and reach 100 kmph in a relatively brisk (for a 7-seater SUV) 8.5 seconds. And while it is not this car’s best feature, a combined fuel economy of around 11.6 kmpl or 8.6 L/100 km isn’t half as bad. Being a small-capacity turbo-petrol engine, such as this 2.5-liter unit, fuel consumption is usually on the higher side.

Despite its age, the Mazda CX-9 is actually very well-equipped with several modern safety features. There is Driver Attention Alert, Distance Recognition Support System, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, along with Smart Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection and Collision Mitigation. These are then backed up by Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and Offroad Traction Assist, along with adaptive cruise control, Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control with Roll Stability Control, a head-up display, plus front and rear parking sensors with surround-view cameras. So this is where most of the money goes.

Nissan Patrol

If you are from the Middle East, or have even heard about this part of the world, you will be well aware that the Nissan Patrol is extremely popular here. No matter which part of the UAE you go to, you will, without a shadow of doubt, find this massive SUV there. While the very first Patrols made their debut way back in the early-1950s, the UAE still sells the previous-gen Y61 Patrol even to this day. As for the outgoing (and latest) Y62 model, it hit the market in 2010. Since then, this 7-seater SUV has reeled in customers from all walks of life.

In its latest avatar, the Nissan Patrol comes in at AED 199,900 for the base variant. Of course, that is a pretty steep price tag for an old-school family SUV, but the Patrol comfortably commands that sticker price and still finds more and more buyers each year. Inversely, if you don’t want to spend close to 200,000 dirhams on a new Patrol, then head over to Cars24 where you will find lots of reasonably-priced used Nissan cars in Dubai for sale that cost much less. On the other hand, there is no taking away the glory of the Patrol – even if its costs as much as a small house.

Exterior

The Patrol was recently facelifted to bring it in line with the rest of the brand’s new models. Therefore, it now wears an even more prominent and larger Nissan’s ‘V-motion’ grille at the front. This huge main grille is accompanied by all-new and angular LED headlamps that boast a unique split LED DRL setup, while the sculpted bumper gets a skid plate as well. The front styling of the Patrol is pretty intense and dominating – not many will mess with you out on the road. And while there are some character lines and curves to be found, the side profile of the Patrol is almost flat (and quite enormous, too).

Higher variants of the Patrol come with large 20-inch alloy wheels and a generous dose of chrome. Meanwhile, the square-ish door mirrors are large (as expected) and the fixed running boards come in handy while you are trying to haul yourself into the cabin. The rear of the Patrol gets new LED tail lamps, while the huge tailgate features chrome highlights and a top-mounted spoiler. If you like big and old-school SUVs, then you will most likely love the Nissan patrol’s overall look and design.

The Nissan Patrol is one large SUV for sure. It drives in at 5,315mm in length, 1,995mm in width, 1,940mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,075mm – respectable numbers, indeed. And even with its third row in place, the Patrol’s boot can still carry up to 468 liters worth of items. In the UAE, some of the color options for the Nissan Patrol includes Gold Beige, Nuance Beige, Hermosa Blue, Metallic Slate, White Pearl, and Black.

Interior

The interior of the Nissan Patrol is understandably vast, considering the actual size of this SUV. And unlike some of its rivals in the segment, the Patrol’s cabin boasts some of the highest quality of materials – making it seem almost like a luxury SUV. The leather inside the Nissan Patrol looks and even feels great, while the faux wood trim looks just as upmarket. The seats are huge and are more than comfortable, even if you are on the larger side. Nissan has also ensured that the quality of build plus the fit-and-finish do not feel cheap – and they don’t, for the most part.

Apart from the rumble of the V8 engine, this cabin stays fairly quiet. Furthermore, that high seating position really does give you an excellent view of the road. Where many automakers have switched to touch-sensitive interfaces for almost everything in their vehicles, Nissan has thankfully kept many physical buttons in the new Patrol. This makes operating and using many of the functions and features easy while you are on the move or off-roading. One of the most prominent features in the Patrol’s cabin comes in the form of a new and large central head unit that really works quite well. It utilizes a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which now comes with voice recognition, plus wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Meanwhile, the Patrol’s HVAC system is still controlled using a traditional panel, which looks old but is extremely easy to use. To heighten the sense of luxury in the cabin, Nissan has used a new burgundy theme for the interior while also integrating diamond stitching for the seat upholstery. In terms of its interior space, all three rows offer respectable amounts of room – even the third row is quite good. The Patrol’s features list includes automatic LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a powered tailgate, an electric sunroof, 10-1-inch rear entertainment screens, a 13-speaker Bose premium sound system, a built-in cooler box, electrically folding rear seats, power adjustable & climate-controlled front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control with rear blower control.

Performance and other features

With a curb weight of over 2.8 tons, the Nissan Patrol needs a big engine to power it along. This is where its large 5.6-liter V8 motor comes to play – belting out 400hp and 560Nm of torque. Driving all four wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission, the Patrol is capable of going from 0 to 100 kmph in just over 6.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the top speed of this enormous SUV is 200 kmph, at which point you are basically head-butting oncoming air molecules and small creatures. On the flip side, you will be lucky if you can get around 6.9 kmpl or 14.4 L/100 km out of this engine, though the massive 140-liter fuel tank does help in extending the range.

The new Patrol comes equipped with Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility safety suite, which encompasses adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning, and Pedestrian Detection with Auto-Emergency Braking. The list then goes on to include other safety nannies such as a limited-slip differential with a rear differential lock, 7 airbags, ABS with EBD & Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Lane-Keep Intervention, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Back-Up Intervention, an Intelligent Rearview Mirror, and an Around-View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.

Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser is yet another no-nonsense body-on-frame SUV that has achieved a tremendous level of love and appreciation in the Middle East. Its legacy is rich and steeped in folklore like no other of its kind. Currently available in its all-new 300-Series form, which debuted in 2021, the Land Cruiser is an SUV that really doesn’t need any in-depth introduction. Having said that, the latest model is a major upgrade – in terms of its design, technology, features, powertrain, performance, and safety.

Over its long history, the Toyota Land Cruiser has come to symbolize amazing capabilities, incredible reliability and outstanding durability. Of course, the Land Cruiser has never really been a cheap purchase, at least not in the UAE. For instance, the all-new model starts from AED 229,900, which is nothing short of steep. Then again, Toyota has never faced any problem in selling truck loads of its favorite SUV in this region. However, if you are interested in cheaper options, check out Cars24 for some of the best deals on used Toyota cars in Ras Al Khaimah.

Exterior

Compared to the previous 200-Series model, the all-new 300-Series Land Cruiser comes with a squared-off front fascia that hosts a massive front grille along with an additional intake that surrounds it. Meanwhile, the large but sculpted hood adds to the SUV’s strong personality, with the modern LED headlamps and a hefty lower apron rounding up the main styling traits up front. The sides of this new Land Cruiser play sport to 20-inch alloy wheels, extended wheel arches, functional roof rails, loads of chrome, and redesigned wing mirrors. Of course, the front and rear overhangs are quite substantial.

The almost-flat rear fascia of the new Land Cruiser gets a split-folding & powered tailgate, new and large LED tail lamps, a large rear spoiler, and a restyled bumper as well. Depending on the trim level you choose, this SUV can either look purposeful and capable or jazzy and extra-urbane. While some may not like the radical stylistic choices made by Toyota, the all-new Land Cruiser still looks like a formidable machine.

As for its size, the Land Cruiser measures 5,140mm in length, 1,990mm in width, 1,890mm in height, and gets a 2,850mm-long wheelbase. Meanwhile, the overall boot volume behind the third row is 456 liters, which is just slightly less than that of the Nissan Patrol. Buyers in the UAE can opt for colors like Attitude Black Mica, Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic, Dark Blue Mica, Grey Metallic, Silver Metallic, or White Pearl Crystal Shine on the all-new Land Cruiser. No doubt, this is the most modern-looking Land Cruiser that Toyota has ever built.

Interior

Undoubtedly, the interior of the all-new Land Cruiser is way ahead of its predecessor – both in terms of its design and overall quality. Moreover, the dual-tone theme really makes this cabin seem airier and more open, helped more by the large windows all around. Given its size, it is not a surprise that the Land Cruiser offers plenty of space for all of its occupants – even those sat in the third row. There are also many storage areas dotted all over the cabin, which makes this a very practical place to be in. Toyota has fitted shiny bits of plastic and some fake wood trim in various places, which does make this interior a bit more interesting.

On a side note, while the all-new Land Cruiser’s cabin does feel more posh and better-built than before, the Patrol’s interior still feels a touch more well done. However, Toyota has improved the insulation for the cabin, which should result in an overall calmer and more on-road-friendly behavior by the big LC. Obviously, the seats in the Land Cruiser are easily large and comfortable enough for most people, whilst providing good support for your lower back. And just like in the Nissan patrol, the all-new Land Cruiser offers an elevated seating position for all of its occupants. This also means that those seated in the front get an excellent view of things all around.

The all-new Land Cruiser is loaded to the gills with features, which is great news for those wanting to buy one of these large SUVs. Some of the highlights when it comes to the equipment list of the new Cruiser include Toyota’s Adaptive Variable Suspension, adaptive LED headlamps with sequential LED turn indicators, radar-guided cruise control, an electric sunroof, ventilated front & second-row seats, four-zone automatic climate control, 11-inch rear entertainment screens, a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system, wireless charging, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with both Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. Of course, there is plenty more options that are available with this new Land Cruiser.

Performance and other features

While the Toyota Land Cruiser is available with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, it is the all-new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 motor that is more interesting. It produces a healthy 409hp and 650Nm of torque – far more than what the Patrol’s N/A engine provides. This new powerplant is paired with an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission and a permanent four-wheel-drive system. Even though the Land Cruiser weighs nearly 2.5 tons, it still claims a 0 to 100 kmph sprint time of 6.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 205 kmph.  Of course, fuel economy isn’t this SUV’s forte, though it does manage around 9.3 kmpl or 10.7 L/100 km.

The all-new Land Cruiser is full of the brand’s latest tech. To begin with, there is a rear locking differential and a front locking differential, plus what Toyota calls a “Turn Assist Function”. Then there is the latest generation of the nameplate’s well-praised Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), along with Multi Terrain Select and Multi Terrain Monitor, and Crawl Control. Finally, you are also protected by 10 airbags, all-around parking sensors with surround-view cameras, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Trace Assist, Hill Assist Control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and Lane Departure Alert.

Conclusion

The UAE is a hotbed for 7-seater SUVs, with more options to choose from than you’d know what to do with. Whether your budget is under 100,000 dirhams or nearly three times that, there is a good to very good 7-seater SUV for you in this market. Of course, some of these are objectively better than others in one way or another, all the options enlisted here are well above average in their respective segments. Having said that, do not buy any of them without taking them all out for a test drive.