seeking recomendations for a towing vehicle that will seat 7

Surprised folks still recommend the Excursion since the newest one you can buy is a 2005 model, 9 years old. They made 2500 Suburbans up until 2013, but 2006 was the last year for the big 8.1L V8. The new 1500 Suburban is more capable towing than previous years, but as you noted, $$$.

If you want/need 4x4 in a van, Quigley converts new vans and also had a pre-owned inventory.