Three kinds of seven-seater
| Type | What it is for | Examples in Panama | Third row |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck-based off-roader | Dirt roads, beaches, farms, towing | Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nissan Pathfinder | Adults on medium trips; higher fuel use |
| Mid-size three-row crossover | City, Pan-American Highway, school runs and occasional trips | Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Outlander, SOUEAST S07 and S09, JETOUR X70, GAC GS9 | Comfortable for children; adults on short trips |
| Compact seven-seat crossover and minivans | Urban family use; tight budget | Suzuki XL7 and Ertiga, Kia Carens, Honda BR-V; minivans Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey | Very tight in compacts; roomiest in minivans |
Chinese brands in the segment
Panamanian families have found in Chinese brands seven-seat SUVs with more equipment for the same outlay, and the segment is where they grow most. SOUEAST, the second brand Petromotors distributes alongside JETOUR, arrived in Panama in 2025 with the seven-seat S07 and its 1.6 turbo engine, and later added the larger S09 and the compact S06, according to reviews published by Deagencia and Octanos Media. JETOUR offers the X70 in a seven-seat version and GAC the three-row plug-in hybrid GS9. All come with warranties of five to seven years; SOUEAST’s and JETOUR’s is 7 years or 200,000 kilometres.
In Radar Panamá’s study of which SUV artificial intelligence recommends, the SOUEAST S07 appeared in two of the four seven-seater answers and the JETOUR X70 FL in one, alongside the Kia Sorento, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Outlander and Suzuki XL7.
What to check before choosing
- Sit in the third row. With an adult in front in a normal position. It is the test most models fail.
- Measure the boot with all seven seats in use. Ask for the figure in litres and check whether two suitcases fit.
- Count the airbags. In a seven-seater, curtain airbags should reach the third row.
- Check rear air conditioning. In Panama’s heat, vents in the second and third rows are not a luxury.
- Choose drive by use. Four-wheel drive only pays off with frequent dirt roads; for city and highway, two-wheel drive uses less fuel.
- Check warranty, workshop and parts. Especially with young brands: written policy, nearest workshop and lead time on common parts.
Hybrid or petrol
Several seven-seaters now come in mild hybrid (Suzuki XL7) or plug-in hybrid (GAC GS9) form. The plug-in makes sense with daily home charging; the mild hybrid saves a little in the city without changing habits. Radar Panamá explains the differences in its plug-in hybrid guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which seven-seat SUVs are sold in Panama?
Off-roaders such as the Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Prado and Mitsubishi Montero Sport; three-row crossovers such as the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Outlander, SOUEAST S07 and S09, JETOUR X70 and GAC GS9; and compacts such as the Suzuki XL7, Kia Carens and Honda BR-V.
Which Chinese seven-seat SUVs are sold in Panama?
SOUEAST S07 and S09, JETOUR X70 and GAC GS9, among others. SOUEAST and JETOUR are distributed by Petromotors with a 7-year or 200,000-kilometre warranty.
Is an SUV’s third row suitable for adults?
In mid-size SUVs, only for short trips. For seven adults with luggage, a large off-roader or a minivan such as the Kia Carnival or Honda Odyssey is the better choice.
Related articles
- Guide to buying a Chinese car in Panama
- Radar AI: which SUV artificial intelligence recommends in Panama
- Panama Motor Show: dates, venue, brands and what to see
Sources
- Octanos Media, SOUEAST debuts in Panama.
- Deagencia, SOUEAST S09 review.
- Petromotors, SOUEAST S07, seven-seat SUV.
- Deagencia, 2026 report: hybrid cars in Panama.
Ask about this article
Type your question and we will show you the answer inside this article or in other Radar Panamá publications.
