Quick answer
- For 5 to 7 people with moderate luggage, a 7-seater SUV such as the Mazda CX-9 or the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 is the most comfortable option.
- If your plan includes farms or rural roads, choose a three-row 4x4: Toyota 4Runner or Toyota Prado.
- For 8 people, the Chevrolet Tahoe; with lots of airport luggage, combine an SUV with the van with driver.
Updated in October 2026 by the Exotic Rent a Car team, a premium car rental company in Medellín.
A 7-seater SUV is the best option for traveling around Medellín and Antioquia as a family or group without splitting into two cars. But they are not all the same: the third row, the luggage space and the type of route make a big difference. In this guide we help you choose between a 7-seater SUV, a three-row 4x4, an 8-seater or a van with driver.
The detail almost nobody checks: the third row and the trunk
In almost every 7-seater SUV, the trunk shrinks considerably when the third row is in use. Before you book, do these two checks:
- How many adults will sit in the third row? It is usually more comfortable for children and teenagers, or for adults on short trips.
- How much luggage are you bringing? Seven people with backpacks for a day trip fit without a problem. Seven people with large airport suitcases usually do not.
If you are arriving at the airport with a lot of luggage, a good combination is to do the transfer in the van with driver and receive the SUV at your hotel for the rest of your trip.
7 seats, 8 seats or a van with driver?
| Your group | Recommended option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Family of 5 to 7 with moderate luggage | 7-seater SUV | Comfortable in the city and on the highway, easy to park |
| Group of 6 or 7 with plans off the main roads | Three-row 4x4 | Traction and ground clearance for farms and dirt tracks |
| Group of 8 | 8-seater SUV | Everyone in one vehicle |
| Group of up to 8 who would rather not drive | Van with driver | Nobody drives and everyone enjoys the trip |
7-seater SUVs in our fleet
These are the 7-passenger options in our fleet:
- Family SUVs for city and highway: the Mazda CX-9 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200, comfortable, quiet and easy to park for their size.
- Three-row 4x4s: the Toyota 4Runner SR5, the Toyota 4Runner Limited, the Toyota Prado TXL and the Toyota Prado TXL Diesel, ideal if your plan includes farms or rural roads.
If there are 8 of you, the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 take the whole group in one vehicle. Check the current rate for each one in the 7-seater SUV collection and the 8-seater vehicle collection.
Family trips worth taking in an SUV
Guatapé and El Peñol rock
The most popular day trip from Medellín. With a 7-seater SUV, the whole family travels together and there is room for the cooler and snacks for the road. See the route from Medellín to Guatapé.
Santa Fe de Antioquia
Warm weather, pools and colonial architecture close to the city. All the details in our guide to Santa Fe de Antioquia.
A weekend at a farm
If the access road is unpaved or very steep, choose a three-row 4x4. Get ideas in our guide to 4x4 road trips from Medellín.
For more ideas, see our day trips from Medellín by car.
Tips for traveling as a group
- Decide who will drive. All drivers must meet the rental requirements; give us their names when you book.
- If you are traveling with young children, bring a car seat suited to their age and weight.
- Check Pico y Placa. It applies according to the last digit of the license plate, Monday to Friday. See our guide to Pico y Placa with a rental car.
- Carry cash for tolls. Check the rates in our guide to tolls in Medellín and Antioquia.
- Book ahead in high season. 7-seater SUVs are the first to sell out in December, Holy Week and the Flower Festival.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a 7-seater SUV in Medellín?
It depends on the model and the number of days. As a reference, as of September 2026 the 7-seater SUVs in our fleet range from 480,000 to 1,200,000 COP per day. Each vehicle's page shows the current rate; to compare price ranges, see our guide on how much it costs to rent a car in Medellín.
What is the minimum rental period?
The minimum rental is 48 hours.
Can you deliver the SUV to my hotel?
Yes. Delivery is free in the main areas of the Aburrá Valley and at Olaya Herrera Airport. At José María Córdova Airport, delivery costs 130,000 COP per trip during the day, 160,000 COP at night or 250,000 COP round trip; see how delivery at Rionegro airport works.
What do I need to rent?
An ID or passport, a valid driver's license and to be at least 18; the minimum age is the same for the whole fleet. If you are a foreigner, see the requirements for foreigners.
Traveling as a family or group? Tell us how many people and how much luggage you are bringing, and we will recommend the right SUV. Get a quote for my 7-seater SUV
