Best 7-seat cars 2026 – and the ones to avoid
Need to fit seven people in your car? You might imagine that your only option is a frumpy family MPV – but you'd be wrong. These days, there are plenty of options if your family has swollen to include seven people, and you're more likely to be looking at an SUV than a people carrier.
The job of a good seven-seater, naturally, is to carry you and your passengers in comfort. It should be spacious, practical, and offer enough space to fit all of your luggage alongside your brood. And, of course, you should be able to fit plenty of child car seats inside, too. The best, though, will go on step further, by being good to drive, pleasant inside and, relatively speaking, cheap to buy and run. And the latter point is proven by some of the best seven-seaters being available with plug-in hybrid or electric power.
So how to choose the best seven-seater? Well, our expert road test team have done the hard work for you, driving hundreds of miles in every seven-seater car on the market. The result of their testing is this feature, where we'll reveal the 10 seven-seat cars which we think should be on your shortlist, as well as the one model you should avoid. Plus, we'll show you how you can take advantage of the best PCP and leasing deals. Just follow the links to fnd out more, or you can read more about how we test and rate cars.
Best seven-seater cars to buy now – and how to get the best deal
| Make and model | List price from | Rating | PCP deals | Leasing deals |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | £48,590 | 5 | Best PCP deals | Best leasing deals |
| BMW X7 | £93,160 | 5 | Best PCP deals | Best leasing deals |
| Land Rover Defender 110 | £62,795 | 5 | Best PCP deals | Best leasing deals |
| Audi Q7 | £70,665 | 4 | Best PCP deals | Best leasing deals |
| Volkswagen ID Buzz | £58,925 | 5 | Best PCP deals | Best leasing deals |
The best seven-seater cars for you
The Hyundai Santa Fe is proof that a seven-seater doesn't have to cost a lot, because compared with some of the other seven-seaters here, it's a bit of a bargain. Not only that, but you get plenty of kit thrown in for your money, meaning that the entry-level trim is the one to go for.
Want the last word in luxury? The BMW X7 is the SUV to choose. Not only is it every bit as spacious as you might need – including in its third row – but the quality of materials used and the technology included make you feel as though you're in a first class airplane cabin. It really does make every journey feel special.
If your regular commute takes in a bit of off-roading, then the Land Rover Defender 110 is the seven-seater to choose, because it's near-unstoppable off-road. But, unlike the old Defender, it's also supremely comfortable and capable on regular Tarmac, offering space and pace aplenty.
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Strengths
- Outstanding seven-seat practicality
- Comfortable and quiet at speed
- Long warranty
Weaknesses
- PHEV’s underwhelming electric-only range
- Not the quickest or most agile seven seater
- Some rivals are even cheaper
It might be big, but where the Hyundai Santa Fe impresses most is that it can fit seven people in absolute comfort, meaning there'll be no complaints from anyone relegated to the third row of seats.
Indeed, even the cavernous Skoda Kodiaq or Peugeot 5008 can't match the Santa Fe for third-row space, and getting into the third row is easier than in those rivals too, with wide doors and acres of head and leg room.
Things only get better in the middle row, where passengers have palatial space to stretch out. And even if none of your passengers wants to travel light, the Santa Fe will have room for all of their luggage. Plus, if you're travelling in five-seat mode, there's a colossal 628 litres of space available.
You might imagine that driving something so large would feel rather unwieldy, but the Santa Fe does an excellent job of hiding its bulk on the road. Its high-set driving position and well-weighted, accurate steering make threading it along tight city streets a breeze.
Although you can get four-wheel drive, we reckon the two-wheel drive hybrid version of the Santa Fe will suit most buyers the best, because it mixes performance and frugality in equal measure.
"I can say with confidence that you shouldn't come close to filling the Santa Fe's boot, because not only is it larger than in the old Santa Fe, but it's larger even than that of the rival Kia Sorento" – Darren Moss, Deputy Editor
Read our in-depth Hyundai Santa Fe review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £42,890
RRP from: £49,140
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
1.6 T-GDi 13.8kWh Ultimate SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) (7Seat) (288 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 36 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £376.31 |
| Initial payment | £4,515.72 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 3.0 40i MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Strengths
- Supremely quiet and comfortable
- Incredibly spacious and practical
- Fabulous interior quality
Weaknesses
- There are cheaper alternatives
- Looks won’t be to all tastes
- No plug-in hybrid or electric option
The only thing bigger than the X7’s gigantic front grille is the car itself, so if you’ve got a big budget and a big family, it should definitely be on your shortlist.
As a bonus, the interior is as flashy as it is sturdy, and features one of the best infotainment systems you’ll find in any new car. Plus, refinement is so impressive that someone in the third row can have a conversation with those up front without raising their voice.
Engine options range from the powerful to mega-powerful, but our preferred choice is the xDrive40i, which offers punchy performance but which should keep your running costs sensible. If you're covering high mileages, then there's the 347bhp xDrive40d to consider, while the range-topping 4.4-litre V8 petrol in the M60i will have no trouble in rocketing you up to motorway spoeeds. Be aware, though, that it'll also cost you a lot to run.
"The X7's interior is wide, so you won't be rubbing shoulders with the person sitting next to you. Plus, even passengers in the rear-most seats will find they have plenty of space to stretch out." – Steve Huntingford, Editor
Read our in-depth BMW X7 review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £77,490
RRP from: £93,280
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
3.0 40d MHT Excellence SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (352 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 48 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £1,118.30 |
| Initial payment | £13,419.60 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 3.0 D250 MHEV S Auto 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Strengths
- Diesels are smooth and grunty
- Solid and quirky-looking interior
- Comfortable – if you add air suspension
Weaknesses
- Defender 90’s compromised practicality
- There are more agile SUVs
- P300e PHEV’s electric range isn’t great
The Land Rover Defender is an iconic model. However, there’s nothing old-fashioned about the latest version, which is laden with kit and sumptuously appointed inside.
While the Defender can be had with anything from five to eight seats, it’s the mid-range Defender 110 we think makes the most sense. It is long enough for all passengers to be able to stretch their legs on longer drives and can be had with seven seats. Unlike many rival seven-seaters, its two rearmost pews have enough head and leg room for adults and access is good because the second row seats slide forwards.
Opt for our favourite D250 model and you'll get a 3.0-litre, six cylinder diesel engine which provides plenty of power to haul a heavily-loaded vehicle around. The Defender isn’t a rough and ready off-roader, though. It’s just as refined as rival luxury SUVs, and the standard air suspension soaks up uneven surfaces better than a Volvo XC90.
And, when you compare it to alternatives, such as the BMW X7, on price, the Defender also represents good value for money.
"No matter which version of the Defender you go for, space for rear-seat passengers is plentiful. However, I found that access to those seats is far easier in the longer Defender 110." – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor
Read our in-depth Land Rover Defender review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £63,655
RRP from: £62,915
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
3.0 D250 MHEV S SUV 5dr Diesel Auto 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) (250 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 60 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £780.62 |
| Initial payment | £9,367.44 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Strengths
- Smooth and powerful engines
- Pillowy ride in Sport and S line trims
- Superb interior quality
Weaknesses
- Lack of physical buttons for infotainment system
- Third-row space is better in the BMW X7
- Some safety equipment optional
The Audi Q7 is an incredible all-rounder, combining a comfortable ride with spacious seating for seven and exceptional interior quality.
Indeed, no matter which surface your hands touch or your eyes look at, you’ll be impressed both with the quality of materials on offer and how well screwed together it all is.
The Q7’s strongest suit of all, however, is how well it soaks up impacts from speed bumps and other road imperfections with ease, and demolishes long journeys like a luxury SUV should.
The 55 TFSI petrol is our favoured choice among the engine options, and has a punchy V6 engine with 335bhp. There are also two V6 diesel engines on offer if you cover a lot of miles, as well as a V8 petrol in the range-topping Audi SQ7.
"You sit high up in the Audi Q7, giving you a commanding view over the road ahead. I find that the slim windscreen pillars help when you're peeking out at junctions, too." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor
Read our in-depth Audi Q7 review
Our pick: Pro 79kWh Style Auto 5dr (SWB, 6Seat)
Strengths
- Surprisingly good to drive
- Hugely practical
- Strong resale values
Weaknesses
- Fiddly air-con controls and infotainment
- Efficiency could be better
- The LWB version doesn't ride as smoothly as the SWB
When the Volkswagen ID Buzz was launched, we thought it was so good that we named it as our overall Car of the Year. And now it's available with seven seats, it makes even more sense for drivers looking to go green.
Most will find the Buzz's retro looks charming, but this electric car is bang up to date, especially in long-wheelbase form. This gets you an 86kWh battery which is officially good for up to 291 miles between charges – that's more than the rival Mercedes EQV, if not quite as long-legged as the Kia EV9 or Peugeot e-5008.
Supple suspension means that you're jostled around in your seat less than you would be in a Tesla Model Y, and while the bigger battery adds weight, the Buzz still smothers most lumps and bumps well. This long-wheelbase model joins the regular Buzz in having a tight turning circle too, so you shouldn't find it difficult to weave along a tight city street.
Style is the mid-range trim level, and gets you powered side doors and an electric tailgate, as well as 20in alloy wheels.
"Don't imagine that just because the ID Buzz is a big car that it can't be hustled along a country road. I had good fun weaving it from corner to corner, where it responded more quickly to my steering inputs than some SUV rivals." – Stuart Milne, Digital Editor
Read our in-depth Volkswagen ID Buzz review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £49,491
RRP from: £59,405
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Pro 79kWh Life MPV 5dr Electric Auto (SWB, 5Seat) (286 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 48 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £576.73 |
| Initial payment | £6,920.76 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 2.0 B5 MHEV Core Auto 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Strengths
- Classy interior
- Seven seats come as standard
- Cheaper to buy than some rivals
Weaknesses
- The Audi Q7 has a smoother ride
- A Land Rover Defender has roomier third-row seating
- Expired Euro NCAP safety rating
For many people, the Volvo XC90 exemplifies the premium seven-seat SUV, and the latest version picks up exactly where the previous model left off. Available with petrol or plug-in hybrid power, it's the latter version – badged as the T8 – which we think will suit most drivers best. Its 44-mile electric-only range isn't up there with the best in the class, but should still be enough to manage most of your daily commute on electric power. This will also be the cheapest version to run if you're a company car driver.
While taller adults will find it a bit of a squeeze to sit in the XC90's third-row seats, a couple of smaller adults will find that they have plenty of room to get comfortable. And if you're in the second row, you'll find that three adults can sit side-by-side with no trouble. And even if you've got all seven seats in use, there's still enough space in the XC90's boot for a couple of large bags.
We'd recommend opting for at least mid-range Plus trim in the XC90, because this brings air suspension, which does a better job of ironing out uneven stretches of road. Though, it must be said, the XC90 remains comfortable on any road, no matter which version you choose.
"I appreciate a good seat, and in the XC90 I can not only them trimmed in fine Nappa leather, but also enjoy a massage as I drive along. That really helps to take the stress out of longer journeys." – John Howell, Deputy Reviews Editor
Read our in-depth Volvo XC90 review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £67,165
RRP from: £66,270
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
2.0 B5 MHEV Plus SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) (250 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 36 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £554.68 |
| Initial payment | £6,656.16 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Strengths
- Great seven-seat usability
- Stylish, modern-feeling interior
- Long warranty available
Weaknesses
- Some petrol seven-seaters cost less
- Ride comfort isn’t as polished as in pricier rivals
Only one fully electric SUV was good enough to make our list of the best seven-seaters, and that car is the Peugeot e-5008. And that's because where other electric models sacrifice passenger and boot space in order to store their large batteries, the e-5008 remains usable for seven people despite also being electric.
Like petrol versions of the regular Peugeot 5008, the e-5008 handles tidily, with light steering helping to make manoeuvring easy in the city, plus the ride is comfortable and the interior is seriously plush.
We reckon you're best off sticking with the entry-level car, which gets a 73kWh battery which officially gives the car a range of 311 miles – which is more than some rivals can manage and enough, we think, for the needs of most buyers. You only get a single motor to drive the front wheels, but the e-5008 still feels fast, with the 0-62mph sprint taking just 9.7sec.
Head and leg room for middle-row passengers is perfectly fine by the standards of the class – although it's worth noting that the Kia EV9 is even more spacious – and while the rearmost seats are only meant to be used occasionally, adults could stomach them for short trips.
"Peugeot's i-Cockpit setup has you looking over a small steering wheel at the dials, rather than through it. And unlike in some other Peugeot models, I think it works well in the e-5008." – George Hill, Used Cars Writer
Read our in-depth Peugeot e-5008 review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £36,495
RRP from: £40,595
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
73kWh Allure SUV 5dr Electric Auto (210 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 60 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £499.91 |
| Initial payment | £5,998.92 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 1.5 TSI e-TEC MHEV SE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr (7 Seat)
Strengths
- Comfortable ride and good to drive
- Spacious interior with a huge boot
- Good value if you stick to the cheaper trims
Weaknesses
- PHEVs not available in seven seat configuration
- Engines are a little coarse when revved
- Frustrating automatic gearbox
If the cars so far on this list have looked a little too expensive for you, the Kodiaq could be right up your street. Like most Skodas, it represents great value for money, especially if you stick with the lower engines and trims.
Indeed, our favourite 1.5-litre petrol option is among the cheapest in the range yet provides all the pep you could reasonably want – even if you plan on filling every seat.
Speaking of seats, front and second-row passengers get plenty of space, and while third-row passengers will be better off in the rival Peugeot 5008, most people will be fine back there for shorter trips.
Bear in mind that a new version of the Kodiaq will go on sale in the Spring, bringing plug-in hybrid power for the first time – but that version won't be available with seven seats, because of the space needed to store the battery.
"No matter which version of the Kodiaq you choose, you'll get a seven-speed automatic gearbox which provides swift changes as you drive along, but I've found that it can be jerky at lower speeds." – Claire Evans, Consumer Editor
Read our in-depth Skoda Kodiaq review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £33,890
RRP from: £39,045
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
2.0 TSI vRS SUV 5dr Petrol DSG 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) (7 Seat) (265 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 24 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £336.17 |
| Initial payment | £4,034.04 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Strengths
- One of the more spacious seven seaters at this price
- A massive boot
- Well equipped
Weaknesses
- Priced above mainstream rivals
- Hybrid engine isn't as fuel efficient as a Honda CR-V's
- Interior quality not as good as similarly priced premium rivals
The latest Sorento is as good an all-rounder as you'll find anywhere in the SUV class, but it makes especially good sense if you need seven seats. For one thing, you get seven seats as standard, even if you go for the plug-in hybrid model, and your rearmost passengers will find that they have more room to stretch out than they would in either the Land Rover Discovery Sport or Skoda Kodiaq.
It's the regular hybrid version of the Sorento which we think makes the most sense for most buyers, with this offering nippy acceleration – the 0-62mph sprint takes a peppy 9.7sec – but also decent fuel economy, with the hybrid model officially able to return up to 42.2mpg.
Rivals offer a plusher ride, and the BMW X5 feels keener to turn into corners, but the Sorento is a comfortable travel companion, if not an especially engaging one. Inside, the quality of materials used is about on par with the Kodiaq, but neither will stand up to more luxurious rivals.
"I'm pretty tall, so while my head brushed the Sorento's roof lining when sitting in the third row of seats, I think most people of average height will be perfectly fine." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor
Read our in-depth Kia Sorento review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £46,550
RRP from: £43,725
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
1.6 h T-GDi Pure SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) (235 bhp)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 60 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £482.09 |
| Initial payment | £5,785.08 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 1.0 TCe Expression Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Strengths
- Extremely well priced
- Genuine seven-seat usability
- Easy to drive
Weaknesses
- Very poor safety rating
- Prominent wind, road and engine noise
- Build quality isn’t super solid
Like all Dacias, the Jogger is very temptingly priced, but don't think that means you have to put up with big compromises.
It's a well-thought-out people mover with genuine seven-seat usability, decent driving dynamics and plenty of standard equipment. Indeed, even entry-level versions come with cruise control, electric front windows and air conditioning.
You can have the Jogger with a 109bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine or a 138bhp 1.6-litre hybrid engine. We think the petrol model is punchy enough for most situations, although the hybrid does make sense if you live in an urban area.
"Despite its bargain price, the Jogger features some nice touches inside. I found that the fabric dashboard inserts and an attractive air vent design, for example, helped to lift the otherwise functional interior" – Darren Moss, Deputy Editor
Read our in-depth Dacia Jogger review
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
1.0 TCe Essential MPV 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 48 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £245.57 |
| Initial payment | £2,946.84 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
And the 7-seat car to avoid...
How to choose the best 7-seater
If you need space in your everyday vehicle for seven passengers, you might think that going down the people-carrier route is the way to go. But nowadays many of the best seven-seaters are actually SUVs.
But is a seven-seater right for you? Here we explain what to look for if you’re thinking of buying one.
How much interior space do you need?
Seven-seaters do very much what they say on the tin – fit up to seven people. But to do that, they need plenty of space inside to comfortably accommodate an additional row of seats instead of the usual five.
The best seven-seaters have enough head and leg room even for taller passengers to make themselves at home in each row – not just children. That third row of seats in the back can sometimes be cramped, especially if you opt for an SUV. If you’re regularly carrying around a party of six-footers, it’s crucial to test out just how comfortable those two extra seats are.
That third row should also be easily accessible, so it’s important to look for a seven-seater with features like wide doors and a sliding second row of seats. If you’re carrying lots of children, you’ll need to ensure the car you’re considering has enough Isofix child seat mounting points. It’s a very good idea to take the family – plus those child seats – along for your test drive to make sure they all fit, and can all sit comfortably.
Do you need a big boot?
Of course, most seven-seater owners won’t be using their third row of seats all the time, so boot space is also an important aspect to consider when shopping for a family vehicle.
If you’re regularly travelling with a sizeable tribe, it’s likely that you’ll need plenty of storage for luggage, the weekly shop and other everyday items. Plenty of seven-seaters come with huge amounts of cargo space once the rear row of seats are folded down, but it’s worth noting that you lose most of that space when seats six and seven are in use.
Often, to offset the space lost by the rearmost row of seats, seven-seat models will provide plenty of storage cubbies elsewhere in the car – for example, under the central armrest, in the dashboard or in the door pockets. Think about what you and your passengers take on most trips, and whether it can all be stored away safely.
Make sure you buy a safe seven-seater
Because they’re often used as family transporters, safety is one of the key aspects to consider when you’re choosing a seven-seater.
As part of our in-depth reviews of each model, we take into account the Euro NCAP ratings they achieved when undergoing standardised crash and safety testing. These tests include assessments of how well each model can detect and avoid collisions with motorcyclists and vulnerable road users, alongside front and side impact crash tests.
Unfortunately, you do sometimes have to fork out extra for additional driving aids – but most cars nowadays come with the most important assistance features as standard for maximised safety.
How does a seven-seater drive?
Most people look towards seven-seaters for their practicality and family-friendly features, as such few are what you could describe as fun to drive.
You’ll want to ensure your passengers can get comfy and have a good view out, particularly if they’re prone to travel sickness, so bring them along. And because many of these cars spend time on crowded streets on the school run or parked in cramped multi-storeys, make sure you’re able to park them easily – features such as parking sensors or cameras, or even a self-parking system can really help with larger models.
Again, make sure you trial these situations on the test drive to give you the best chance of gelling with your car over the long-term.
Should I choose a seven-seat MPV or SUV?
Seven seaters broadly fall into two camps: MPVs (often called people carriers) or SUVs. But which one you should pick depends on your individual needs.
MPVs have been somewhat usurped by SUVs in the seven-seat market, but that doesn’t mean one might not be right for you. Their boxy shapes make them extremely practical, with plenty of interior space, as well as wide doors for easy accessibility and flexible seating.
If you’re looking for something a bit more trendy, there are now a whole host of seven-seat SUV models you can choose from, from a wide range of brands and with a wide range of power options. Indeed, you can specify your seven-seater with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and even pure electric power for a greener conscience, or you can still stick with more traditional combustion fuels. And if you need more grip on muddy, wet or icy surfaces, you’re more likely to find a four-wheel drive SUV than you are an MPV.
That said, SUVs don’t always offer the same levels of practicality that MPVs do, especially in the third row of seats. Six-footers might be more comfortable in a people carrier.
Should I buy a seven-seater?
Buy one if:
- You regularly carry around more than five passengers
- You need lots of flexible cargo space
- Safety for passengers is a top priority
Don’t buy one if:
- You want to keep your running costs low
- You don’t travel often with more than five passengers – if it’s only on rare occasions, you might be better off using two cars
- Driving fun is a priority
How we choose the best 7-seaters
We assess every 7-seater available by putting it through a rigorous series of tests and comparing it with its peers. This, coupled with continual assessment, makes this the definitive guide to the best cars and SUVs with seven seats.
Our rankings are informed by our annual reader survey, through which more than 20,000 drivers provide us with unique insights into what’s really important to them when they choose a new 7-seater. And while we consider every aspect of 7-seaters during our testing, we place particular emphasis on the following factors:
Interior space – an important factor for 72% of 7-seat car and SUV buyers
With seven rather than the usual five seats to fit in, these models need plenty of space inside. We assess how passengers in the front, the middle row and the (sometimes tiny) third-row seats are treated in terms of head and leg room. We also check how many storage areas there are for your belongings, and whether a panoramic roof affects head room.
Boot space – an important factor for 72% of 7-seat car and SUV buyers
As well as comparing models’ official storage volume figures, we put cars through our carry-on suitcase test so we can assess car boots on their real-world usability. We check whether the back seats fold down easily, and whether or not that leaves an awkward step in the floor of the extended load bay. And in the case of 7-seaters, we’ll let you know how much luggage a car will take in five-seat and seven-seat mode.
Comfortable driving position – an important factor for 70% of 7-seat car and SUV buyers
Here, we ensure the steering wheel, seat and pedals align comfortably, and there’s a wide range of adjustment. Seat support is considered, and for 7-seat SUVs, we use laser technology to measure the height of the seat from the road. We also rate the ergonomics of the dashboard, including major controls for functions such as the infotainment and air-con.
Our comprehensive testing regime doesn’t end there. Our how we test cars feature outlines the dozens of tests, measurements and assessments which every car goes through before being given a What Car? rating.
