Ranging from the family minivan to the full SUV (sports utility vehicle) class, a wide selection of 8 passenger vehicles from various brands will surely fit a particular preference for budget, performance, and other features. Vehicles belonging to this class require engines with engine displacements of at least 3.5L enough to provide power for their size.
Toyota Sienna
One of the smaller and more affordable 8 passenger vehicles is the Toyota Sienna, which started production as early as 1997. The series is still in production nowadays and is on its third generation of dependable family minivans. The latest in the line is the 6-speed automatic 4-door minivan available in 2.7L 1AR-FE I4 or 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 engines. Built for safety, latest models come with safety backup cameras capable of 180-degree panoramic view and pre-collision system (PCS) option.
Honda Pilot
Raise the budget a little and what one gets is the Honda Pilot manufactured since 2002. Still on its second generation, the latest version is powered by the new 3.5L V6 VTEC engine that delivers up to 250 horsepower. Although this line of 8 passenger vehicles sport a V6 engine, the fuel economy rating evaluated by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is 17 miles per gallon (7.2 kilometers per liter) on city driving and 23 miles per gallon (9.8 kilometers per liter) on highway.
Buick Enclave
Manufactured by the Buick division of General Motors, the Buick Enclave is a crossover SUV slightly larger than the Honda Pilot. It is a relatively new competitor in this class with the first generation introduced in 2007. As a luxury SUV with vast cargo space, its price sits in the higher end of the spectrum. It is powered by a 3.6L LY7 V6 engine for 275 horsepower or a 3.6L LLT V6 engine for 286 horsepower.
Toyota Sequoia
While the Toyota Sienna is the car manufacturer’s entry into the family minivan class, the Toyota Sequoia is their entry into the full-size SUV class introduced in 2000. It sports a more powerful 4.6L 1UR-FE V8 engine capable of 310 horsepower. For greater power, the 5.7L 3UR-FE V8 engine at 381 horsepower is also available for the second generation. The Sequoia comes complete with all the latest standard safety features such as vehicle stability control, traction control, and many more.
Of all the 8 passenger vehicles mentioned, the Toyota Sienna is the cheapest retailing at $26,000. The latter is followed by the Honda Pilot at a slightly higher price of $28,000. The luxurious Buick Enclave and Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, are priced at about $38,000 and $40,000, respectively.