Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

SUV (2024 - )

Audi

‘Versatility’ is the best way to sum up the Audi Q7 in one word. It can seat up to seven people in lavish comfort and yet has the driving manners of something much smaller and lighter. It can thrill with its straight-line acceleration but it can also travel in smooth silence on electric power alone. It’s a great tow car, too, and can even manage a bit of off-roading.

Indeed, the five-metre-long Audi Q7 has always been one of the very<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-suvs/n17036"> best luxury SUVs</a>, despite it competing against some fine alternatives, including the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38"> BMW X5</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x7/4x4/review/n19102">BMW X7</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery/4x4/review/n17342">Land Rover Discovery</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/defender/4x4/review/n21198">Land Rover Defender</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/review/n99">Volvo XC90</a>.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/audi">Audi</a> has given all of the regular petrol and diesel versions mild-hybrid assistance, allowing the engine to switch itself off when decelerating to save fuel. And an update to the plug-in hybrid version has made its pure electric range much more competitive than before. But is the Q7 still at the top of its class?

<hr />
What’s new?

- April 2024 - The Q7 gains a new look, and 20in alloys, a rear camera, three-zone climate control and adaptive air suspension as standard. Vorsprung versions gain four-wheel steering and new TFSIe plug-in hybrid gains an up-to 52-mile electric range

A brilliant luxury SUV, majoring on comfort and&nbsp;interior quality

Audi Q7

7-seater

SUV (2025 - )

Chinese brand Chery is, perhaps, the biggest car maker&nbsp;you’ve never heard of; although it only arrived in the UK in 2025, it sells more than 2.5 million cars&nbsp;per year globally.

In addition to models sold under its own name (which comes from the English word ‘cheery’) it owns the Omoda and Jaecoo brands. But while Omoda is targeting&nbsp;younger buyers and Jaecoo is designed to be a more premium offering, Chery itself is very much aimed at families.

All four of the Chery models&nbsp;that are either already on sale in the UK or confirmed to be&nbsp;coming here are SUVs.

Chery

Tiggo 8

While no one knows when the adage ‘you get what you pay for’ was first coined, its meaning has rang true ever since ancient times. The new Chery Tiggo 8 plans to challenge its meaning, though, aiming to give you more practicality and equipment than its rivals but for a lot less.&nbsp;

Now, you’d be forgiven for not knowing about the brand Chery, but it’s one of the latest Chinese brands to join the UK market. It isn’t new to making cars, wearing the title of China’s second oldest car maker, and the owner of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/jaecoo">Jaecoo</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/omoda">Omoda</a>, two other brands that recently joined the UK market.

Launched alongside the smaller <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/chery/tiggo-7/estate/review/n28149">Chery Tiggo 7</a>, the Tiggo 8 is a seven-seater that sets its sights on beating the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kgm/rexton/estate/review/n17307">KGM Rexton</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sorento/4x4/review/n18">Kia Sorento</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/4x4/review/n17369">Peugeot 5008</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/kodiaq/estate/review/n17362">Skoda Kodiaq</a>. Not an easy task but, on paper at least, things look pretty promising.&nbsp;

But what about in the real world? Does the Chery Tiggo 8 make a good case against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">best seven-seaters</a>?&nbsp;&nbsp;

<hr />
<h3 dir="ltr">What’s new</h3>

- September 2025: First Tiggo 8 UK deliveries take place 
- August 2025: Chery Tiggo 8 on sale in the UK with seven-year/100,000-mile warranty. Five seats, 145bhp 1.6-litre petrol or plug-in hybrid (with 18.4kWh battery). Aspire or Summit trims 
- July 2025: Chery Tiggo 8 makes UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Estate

CHERY

TIGGO 8

The Chery Tiggo 8 is a low-cost seven-seater but some rivals are better to drive

Chery Tiggo 8

MPV (2022 - )

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

Dacia

Jogger

“Get more for less”, “Live well for less” and “Do more with less” are all taglines from companies promising great value. Some of these slogans you could argue are unfounded, but attach one to the Dacia Jogger? Well, that’d be easily justifiable.&nbsp;

It’s the cheapest new <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven-seater</a> sold in the UK. The next one up is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c3-aircross/hatchback/review/n17381">Citroën C3 Aircross</a>, followed by the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/frontera/estate/review/n27299">Vauxhall Frontera</a>. Some van-based options, like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/berlingo/estate/review/n17319">Citroën Berlingo</a> XL, also keep the price below £30,000.&nbsp;

Unlike those models, which are also available as fully <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>, the Jogger is only offered as a petrol or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-a-hybrid-car-and-should-you-buy-one/n1290">hybrid</a>. In other words, you’ll never have to worry about plugging in and charging up.

<h2 dir="ltr">Dacia Jogger video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hq1--BlzFGg" width="560"></iframe>

It all sounds dandy on paper, but they say you get what you pay for, so does the Jogger have a catch? Read on to find out.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.dacia.co.uk/vehicles/jogger.html">Learn more about&nbsp;the&nbsp;Jogger from Dacia</a>

<hr />
What’s new

- March 2026: We drive facelifted Dacia Jogger

- November 2025: Facelift announced with refreshed exterior design, improved infotainment, higher-quality interior trim, Hybrid 155 engine replaces Hybrid 140. Trims now Essential, Expression, Extreme

- March 2023: Extreme replaces Extreme SE, with unique interior trim, green paint with copper highlights

- January 2023: Jogger Hybrid 140 launched with 1.6-litre petrol engine and twin electric motors to give 138bhp

- December 2021: Jogger on sale with 1.0-litre TCe 110 petrol engine. Choice of Essential, Comfort, Extreme SE trims

- September 2021: Dacia Jogger first shown

DACIA

JOGGER

The Jogger is the UK's cheapest new seven-seater, and it's practical and well equipped

Dacia Jogger

For such a common sight on UK roads, Hyundai is a relative newcomer. It launched here in the 1980s, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that it really began to get noticed.

Today it has a huge range of models, ranging from the i10 and Inster small cars, through a range of small and family SUVs to the large Santa Fe.

Its model line-up spans petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, plus it has a wide range of electric models, including the eye-catching Ioniq 5, 6 and 9 models.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas many of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

Hyundai

Santa Fe

Sometimes, when a car maker claims a model has been radically transformed, it’s code for "you’ll hardly notice the difference". But in the case of the Hyundai Santa Fe, "radically transformed" barely does it justice.

Long gone is the inoffensive but generic look of the previous, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/santa-fe/4x4/used-review/n19303">2018-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe</a>, and in its place you’ll find a much more striking and angular design&nbsp;punctuated by various H motifs, including in the pattern of the headlights and taillights.

Dig deeper and you'll find familiar parts, though. You see, the latest Santa Fe's radical look hides the same <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-car-platform-and-chassis/n27195">underpinnings</a> as the previous generation, as well as tweaked versions of the same regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-a-hybrid-car-and-should-you-buy-one/n1290">hybrid</a> (HEV) and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-plug-in-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n1141">plug-in hybrid</a> (PHEV) petrol engines.

<h2>Hyundai Santa Fe video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cBjpwvIkVnI?si=Gs8QQtLYKTBEsCt1" width="560"></iframe>

Now, the old Santa Fe was no turkey, but&nbsp;this version is so similar underneath&nbsp;it begs the question: is it better than the rest to&nbsp;drive?&nbsp;

Well, read&nbsp;on to find out how the latest Hyundai Santa Fe stands up against rival <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven-seat SUVs</a> – including the closely related <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sorento/4x4/review/n18">Kia Sorento</a>, as well the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/cx-80/4x4/review/n27135">Mazda CX-80</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/4x4/review/n17369">Peugeot 5008</a>.

<hr />
What’s new? 
 
- January 2026 - Hyundai Santa Fe retains <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-7-seater-of-the-year/n25366">What Car?'s 7-Seater of the Year</a> award

- January 2025&nbsp;- The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid wins&nbsp;What Car?'s 2025 Best 7-Seat&nbsp;car award

- April 2024 - New Hyundai Santa Fe goes on sale with hybrid and plug-in hybrid power, three trim levels and a more upmarket presence

Korean brand Hyundai is a rival to mainstream car makers such as Skoda, Toyota and Volkswagen. However, it's also increasingly taking on premium alternatives&nbsp;– particularly with its electric cars.

At the extremes of the Hyundai line-up you find the tiny i10 city car and the huge Ioniq 9 electric SUV. Meanwhile, other highlights of its line-up include two recent What Car? Awards winners: the seven-seat Santa fe SUV and the Ioniq 5 N hot hatch.

As a bonus, all Hyundais come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas many&nbsp;rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

SANTA FE

The Santa Fe is a brilliant all-round seven-seat SUV that has a great interior and is available as a PHEV

Hyundai Santa Fe

Formerly known as Ssangyong, KGM has carved out a niche as a maker of SUVs and pick-up trucks. Its range starts with the Tivoli, a small SUV which rivals the Skoda Kamiq, while the rest of its range comprises a number of family SUVs, including the Actyon, Korando, Rexton and Torres.

Like other car makers, KGM is moving with the times, and its Torres EVX is its first electric SUV, while the Musso pick-up is a rival to the Isuzu D-Max.

KGM offers a decent warranty of 5 years/100,000 miles, although electric models see this increased (at least in terms of time) to 7 years/90,000 miles. However, its models are mostly a step behind the competition.

Rexton

The KGM Rexton is a seven-seater that also offers the off-road capabilities most SUVs miss out on. For example, all versions have&nbsp;four-wheel drive and&nbsp;enough power for a 3,500kg towing capacity.

On top of that, this is a vast car – bigger even than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc/4x4/review/n17345">Mercedes GLC</a> – and all for around the same price as many smaller models.

Indeed, the comparatively luxurious surroundings of the Rexton should have no trouble transporting your family to the supermarket – even if that involves terrain you’d usually need, say, an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ineos/grenadier/4x4/review/n25493">Ineos Grenadier</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/defender/4x4/review/n21198">Land Rover Defender</a> to get across.

It all sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, if you want to know whether the KGM Rexton (previously known as the Ssangyong Rexton) really deserves to&nbsp;be on your <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven-seat SUV</a> shopping list, read on...

REXTON

The Rexton is only worth considering if you need a muscular tow car that seats seven

KGM Rexton

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

Sorento

Natural selection affects SUVs, not just animals, and seven-seaters that drink diesel are starting to look like dinosaurs. So the Kia Sorento – like a species with a strong survival instinct – has evolved.

Instead of simply slinging a petrol engine under the Sorento’s bonnet, Kia has used its expertise in the field of electrification to give the model <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/hybrid-cars/n17013">regular&nbsp;hybrid</a> (HEV) and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a> (PHEV) options. You can still get a diesel version, and every version gets <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">four-wheel drive</a> and an automatic gearbox as standard.

To keep the Sorento evolving and avoid extinction, a mid-life&nbsp;facelift updated its looks, its interior and its pricing. But it’s still up against premium rivals including the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery-sport/4x4/review/n17358"> Land Rover Discovery Sport</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glb/estate/review/n20538">Mercedes GLB</a> as well as mainstream alternatives such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/kodiaq/estate/review/n17362">Skoda Kodiaq</a>&nbsp;and the closely related (and brilliant) <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/santa-fe/4x4/review/n68">Hyundai Santa Fe</a>.

<h2 dir="ltr">New Kia Sorento video</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Z5xyMialec?si=yl1lkfvVGaFOyBCW" width="560"></iframe>

Is the Kia Sorento one of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">best seven-seat SUVs</a>&nbsp;you can get? Read on to find out...

<hr />
What’s New? 
April 2024: Facelift brings refreshed design inside and out; previous engines carried over. Kia reverts to previous 2, 3, 4 trims 
September 2023: Vision special edition sits below Edition. Has opening glass roof, LED headlights, black leather trim, electric front seat adjustment, heated front and outer rear seats, power tailgate 
July 2022: Edition trim replaces 2, 3 and 4 
October 2020: Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) joins range with 1.6 T-GDi engine 
September 2020: Fourth-generation Kia Sorento on sale with 1.6 T-GDi petrol/electric hybrid or 2.2 CRDi diesel engines. Hybrid has six-speed auto, diesel has eight-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox. Choice of 2, 3, 4 trims 
&nbsp;

SORENTO

The Sorento seven-seat SUV is very practical and&nbsp;a great all-rounder but there cheaper options out there

Kia Sorento

SUV (2020 - )

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout which saw service in war zones across the world, and was also famously part of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s personal garage.

Today, that Defender has evolved into a far more comfortable and upmarket model. Indeed, like the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar, the Defender perfectly demonstrates Land Rover’s core values of luxury and off-road prowess.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

Land Rover

Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery is the Swiss Army Knife of the car world. It can do pretty much any job you ask – from ferrying around seven people to pulling a caravan out of a muddy field.

Looking for an upmarket chariot to impress the neighbours? The Discovery can do that&nbsp;too. It'll even take you to places a mountain goat would think twice about visiting.

In Land Rover's SUV line-up, the Discovery – which comes with seven seats as standard – sits above the smaller&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery-sport/4x4/review/n17358">Discovery Sport</a> and the more rugged <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/defender/4x4/review/n21198">Land Rover Defender</a>, but below the more luxurious&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-sport/4x4/review/n74">Range Rover Sport</a>.

<h2>Land Rover Discovery video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nGTW6AZ4nPE?si=dxEFRa7Y9D9gyKmG" width="560"></iframe>

The "Disco" has plenty going for it then,&nbsp;but so do other premium brand <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven-seat SUVs</a>,&nbsp; ranging from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x7/4x4/review/n19102">BMW X7</a> to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/review/n99">Volvo XC90</a>. Read on to find out how we rate the Land Rover Discovery against its key rivals.

<hr />
What’s new?

- May 2025: Luxurious Tempest and Gemini special editions released, with names that hark back to codenames given to prototype models of previous-generation Discoveries 
- July 2024: Discovery ‘35th Edition’ launched with new engine 
- November 2020: facelift brings tweaked looks, updated infotainment and mild-hybrid engines 
- June 2018: Discovery gets new twin-turbo diesel engines and extra driver assistance tech 
- February 2017: All-new Land Rover Discovery appears in dealerships 
&nbsp;

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

DISCOVERY

The Discovery has seven seats as standard and is capable both on and off road

Land Rover Discovery

SUV (2026 -)

One of the most famous names on British roads, MG is a Chinese owned firm these days, and has built a reputation for offering great value SUVs and electric cars.

The HS PHEV family SUV is a particularly strong option, having been named Plug-in Hybrid of the Year at the 2025 and 2026 What Car? Car of the Year Awards. Meanwhile, the MG4 electric hatchback is another car that's very easy to recommend, and the Cyberster electric sports car&nbsp;adds some sparkle at the top of the range.

More&nbsp;recently, MG has introduced the&nbsp;IM5 and IM6 electric cars, which are convincing alternatives to&nbsp;the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y respectively.

MGS9

Two years ago, MG’s range was only six cars strong but, since then, it has doubled. Despite that rapid growth, and coverage of almost every niche, the all-new MG S9 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is a debut in the seven-seat class from the brand.&nbsp;

First things first, the S9 is positively massive. In fact, at almost five metres long, it’s actually longer than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/santa-fe/4x4/review/n68">Hyundai Santa Fe</a> and with a height over 1.7m, it’s almost as tall. That bodes well when it comes to interior practicality.&nbsp;

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AFLML3sPbOE?si=xRpJrHXHZsi3z0z3" width="560"></iframe>

The S9 isn’t just a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven-seater</a>, though, it’s also a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">PHEV</a> that uses the same engine and hybrid setup as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/hs/hatchback/review/n20298">MG HS</a> PHEV – a car we’ve named <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-plug-in-hybrid-of-the-year/n25361">Plug-in Hybrid of the Year</a> two years in a row at our What Car? Awards.&nbsp;

But does the S9 have what it takes to come out on top against the affordable <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/chery/tiggo-8/estate/review/n28158">Chery Tiggo 8</a> or more premium rivals including the Hyundai Santa Fe, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sorento/4x4/review/n18">Kia Sorento</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/4x4/review/n17369">Peugeot 5008</a>? That’s what we’ll be finding out in this review.&nbsp;

<hr />
What's new

- March 2026: MG launches its first-ever seven-seater, the S9 PHEV

MG MOTOR UK

The MG S9 is a seven-seater plug-in hybrid (PHEV) family SUV that's affordable and well-equipped

MG S9

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit – far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car and the CX-5 which is a very good family SUV to drive.

Mazda

CX-80

What was Mazda thinking? At a time when manufacturers are falling over themselves to launch electric seven-seaters, the Japanese brand decided that its three-row SUV flagship – this Mazda CX-80 –&nbsp;should have a great big six-cylinder diesel engine.

Still, as we’ve seen, Mazda has a long history of flying in the face of convention, and anyway there’s a plug-in hybrid&nbsp;CX-80 to give&nbsp;you the option of some electric-only driving. The diesel, too, is slightly electrified (with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild-hybrid tech</a>)&nbsp;but can’t officially go any distance on electric power alone.

<h2 dir="ltr">Mazda CX-80 vs Hyundai Santa Fe video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L3Akp_6IFgE?si=WmdtjgWSQz47wK7y" width="560"></iframe>

The CX-80 is Mazda’s biggest, poshest model –&nbsp;it’s about the same length as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery/4x4/review/n17342">Land Rover Discovery</a> but a lot cheaper. Seven-seat rivals at a similar price include the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/santa-fe/4x4/review/n68">Hyundai Santa Fe</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sorento/4x4/review/n18">Kia Sorento</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glb/estate/review/n20538">Mercedes GLB</a>. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/estate/review/n17369">Peugeot 5008</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/kodiaq/estate/review/n17362">Skoda Kodiaq</a> can carry seven people and cost less, but they're less spacious.

So is the Mazda CX-80 worthy of a place among the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">best seven-seat SUVs</a> or are you better off looking elsewhere? Read on to find out...

<hr />
What’s new?

- November 2025: Mazda announces that CX-80 will be facelifted in 2026, with revised cars going on sale in the summer 
- January 2025: Euro NCAP awards CX-80 five stars, and says it’s the best car in its class for safety 
- April 2024: new seven-seat CX-80 announced, and heralded as Mazda’s most spacious SUV ever 
&nbsp;

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

The CX-80&nbsp;is smart inside and available with&nbsp;up to seven seats&nbsp;but there are more practical rivals

Mazda CX-80

SUV (2019 - 2023)

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Tesla and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is the most comfortable for a long motorway journey. 
&nbsp;

Mercedes-Benz

When it comes to SUVs, we’re spoilt for choice. There are small ones, big ones, rugged ones, fast ones, hybrids and even fully electric ones. So, where does that leave the Mercedes GLB?

Well, it’s actually one of few <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven-seaters</a> that you can buy with a premium badge – at least one that isn't the size of an aircraft carrier.

Underneath, it’s closely related to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/b-class/hatchback/review/n18344">Mercedes B-Class</a> MPV. However, don’t let the ‘B’ in its name make you think that it’s small, because like its chief rival –&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery-sport/4x4/review/n17358">Land Rover Discovery Sport</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;it’s aimed at those who regularly carry lots of people or luggage.

We say "chief rival"&nbsp;because you could also be looking at the similarly priced <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n41">Audi Q5</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x3/4x4/review/n42">BMW X3</a>&nbsp;(although those are five-seaters only). If you can live without the premium badge but absolutely must have seven seats, there are other alternatives, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/santa-fe/4x4/review/n68">Hyundai Santa Fe</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/estate/review/n17369">Peugeot 5008</a>.

So, should the Mercedes GLB be at the top of your wish list, and how does it stack up against its key rivals? Read on to find out...

<hr />
What’s new? 
- March 2023: Family SUV given a comprehensive update, with fresh looks and LED headlights, artificial leather seats, leather steering wheel and a new touchscreen setup standard on all models 
- August 2019: Mercedes reveals prices and specs for new GLB seven-seat SUV, available in four trims and with three engines

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

The GLB is a more practical seven-seater than premium-badged rivals

Mercedes GLB

SUV (2023 - )

There are big cars, very big cars – and&nbsp;the Mercedes GLS. This 5.2-metre long, 2.0-metre wide behemoth is designed to seat seven people in comfort and is Mercedes' flagship SUV. Think of it as an S-Class that's expanded upwards rather dramatically.&nbsp;

There should be a version of the GLS to suit anyone (well, anyone with a six-figure sum to spend). Core models are offered alongside a performance-focused Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 and the extravagantly luxurious Mercedes-Maybach GLS, which has its sights set squarely on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/bentayga/4x4/review/n17228">Bentley Bentayga</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/rolls-royce/cullinan/4x4/review/n18282">Rolls-Royce Cullinan</a>.

You can even specify your GLS with an off-road package to allow you to venture out on to tricky terrain – although, let’s face it, cars of this type are rarely asked to tackle anything more challenging than a stately home car park on a rainy day.

As far as rivals are concerned, the GLS is closest in concept to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x7/4x4/review/n19102">BMW X7</a> and the long-wheelbase version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a>. However, as a prospective buyer, you might also want to consider (slightly) smaller <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven-seaters</a> such as the Audi Q7, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery/4x4/review/n17342">Land Rover Discovery</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/review/n99">Volvo XC90</a>.&nbsp;

So, is the latest Mercedes GLS good enough to rank among the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">best seven-seat SUVs</a> available? Read on to find out...

<hr />
What’s new? 
- April 2023: Mercedes updates GLS with highlights including new paint, new multifunction steering wheel, Mercedes latest MBUX infotainment and air-con with a filtering function 
- April 2019: second-generation GLS unveiled, which is more spacious, comfortable and luxurious than before 
&nbsp;

The 2024 GLS is luxurious and well equipped&nbsp;but the best rivals are comfier and more practical

New Mercedes GLS

SUV (2022 - )

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, joined by its fellow British-built relatives in the Juke small SUV and Leaf electric car.

Indeed, the original Leaf was the world’s best-selling EV, so Nissan knows a thing or two about electric cars.

The trio is joined by two more SUVs: the all-electric Ariya and the seven-seat X-Trail. But it’s not all about SUVs, though, because there’s also the Micra – a small electric car based on the brilliant Renault 5.

Nissan

X-Trail

SUV means "sports utility vehicle", and while many would argue that most&nbsp;new SUVs have forgotten that, the Nissan X-Trail certainly hasn’t. It combines&nbsp;sports with utility to make it fit for a lifestyle featuring beaches, surfboards and mountain bikes.

Adding to the X-Trail's appeal as practical family transport, it's&nbsp;available&nbsp;with up to seven seats, making it an attractive alternative to an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/mpvs-and-people-carriers/n17001">MPV</a>. It&nbsp;comes as the VC-Turbo&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild-hybrid</a>&nbsp;or as a full hybrid&nbsp;called the e-Power, which is an interesting option because it&nbsp;drives like an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car</a>.

You can have the X-Trail e-Power&nbsp;with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">four-wheel drive</a>&nbsp;– slightly confusingly called "e-4orce" by Nissan – and the 4x4 version was a winner in its weight category at our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/tow-car-awards">Tow Car Awards</a>. Don't worry: we'll explain all these "e-" terms in more detail later in this review.

<h2 dir="ltr">Nissan X-Trail video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1oCfZf8GVJM" width="560"></iframe>

Sounds promising, doesn’t it?&nbsp;Even so, the Nissan X-Trail has plenty of rival&nbsp;SUVs and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven-seaters</a> to contend with – ranging from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/santa-fe/4x4/review/n68">Hyundai Santa Fe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sorento/4x4/review/n18">Kia Sorento</a>&nbsp;to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/cx-60/estate/review/n24505">Mazda CX-60</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/estate/review/n17369">Peugeot 5008</a>. Read on to find out how it compares...

<hr />
What’s new? 
- November 2022: new X-Trail earns five-star Euro NCAP safety rating 
- September 2022: fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail revealed, offering five- or seven-seat configurations, and Nissan’s e-Power tech, in which the petrol engine charges the battery, while an electric motor drives the wheels 
&nbsp;

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

X-TRAIL

The X-Trail hybrid SUV offers plenty of space and is available with seven seats and four-wheel drive

Nissan X-Trail

Peugeot has a large line-up, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Models range from the 208 small family car, through the 2008 small SUV to the 308 and 3008 — a&nbsp;family car and family SUV respectively. There’s also the sleek 408 fastback and 5008 seven-seat SUV, plus the van-derived Rifter and Traveller MPVs.

Peugeot even offers an electric version of each of these, denoted by an ‘E’ ahead of the model number. Other highlights include a warranty that extends by 12 months/15,000 each time the car is serviced by Peugeot, up to eight years/100,000 miles.

Peugeot

5008

The story of the Peugeot 5008 is rather like that of the ugly duckling. Once upon a time, the popularity of this family-friendly seven-seater was undermined by awkward looks, but then it morphed into something more desirable – in this case, from an MPV to an SUV.

Now in its third generation, the 5008 is arguably more striking than ever, but it's not just its appearance that’s changed. The conventional petrol and diesel engines it was previously sold with have now been binned in favour of two <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrid</a> options and an electric version that you can read about in our separate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/estate/review/n26918">Peugeot e-5008 review</a>.

While the e-5008 has few direct rivals, there are a lot of alternatives if you’re considering one of the hybrid 5008s. They include two models that are closely related to each other – the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/santa-fe/4x4/review/n68">Hyundai Santa Fe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sorento/4x4/review/n18">Kia Sorento</a>&nbsp;– plus the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/kodiaq/estate/review/n17362">Skoda Kodiaq</a>.

In this review, then, we’ll look at how the Peugeot 5008&nbsp;compares with those cars in all the key areas – everything from&nbsp;comfort and&nbsp;quality to practicality and&nbsp;costs – to see if it's now the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">best seven-seater</a>&nbsp;you can buy.

<hr />
&nbsp;

What’s new?

- September 2024 - Improved plug-in hybrid version announced, providing an electric-only range of up to 52-miles 
- July 2024 - New 5008 announced with stylish new interior and mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines

<a href="https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90474827/d77b5cae5b94&amp;rdt=4" target="_blank">The 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey is live, tell us about your car now</a>

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

The Peugeot 5008 is a practical&nbsp;seven-seat SUV available with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines

Peugeot 5008

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a small family car to a large executive model, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, plus plug-in hybrid and electric models, all of which are competitive for the class.

Skoda

Kodiaq

Mahatma Gandhi talked a lot of sense, and one thing he said was: "If you're going to be a bear, be a grizzly.” It’s a principle the Skoda Kodiaq follows too.

You see, it takes its name from the Kodiak bear – a relative of the grizzly bear, and one of the largest species of brown bears –&nbsp;which is apt, because the Kodiaq is a jolly <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/large-suvs/n17006">large SUV</a>. It's also available with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven seats</a>.

But is it the very best seven-seat SUV choice? Well, skoda has certainly sold plenty of them (850,000 units of the first-generation, to be precise). With more space, efficiency and luxury, this second-generation model is pursuing the same sort of success.

<h2 dir="ltr">Skoda Kodiaq video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q7f0v5ejJRs?si=G6WouKvcTJxKelTp" width="560"></iframe>

There are lots of big SUVs to choose from though, including models with premium badges such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery-sport/4x4/review/n17358">Land Rover Discover Sport</a>. But with Skoda’s aggressive pricing strategy, the Kodiaq’s starting cost is a lot less grizzly than those cars. In fact, it’s about the same as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/estate/review/n17369">Peugeot 5008</a> and manages to undercut the closely-related <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/tayron/estate/review/n27491">Volkswagen Tayron</a>.

<hr />
What’s new?

- April 2024: Second-generation Kodiaq announced with improved interior space and greater use of sustainable materials. New tech includes digital instrument display and AI-based voice control. Five-strong engine range spans petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid, with two trims – SE and SE L – available

&nbsp;

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

KODIAQ

The Kodiaq is a very good&nbsp;seven-seat SUV –&nbsp;as well as one of the most affordable

Skoda Kodiaq

Toyota has a rather Jekyll and Hyde approach to its very best cars. On the one hand, the superb Corolla family car and estate are eminently sensible, combining plenty of practicality with rock-bottom running costs. On the other hand, its GR Yaris is among the finest – and most fun – hot hatchbacks money can buy.

The rest of its range errs towards the rational side, with a wide range of small, family-sized and large SUVs – many of which are hybrid-powered, and some are fully-electric.&nbsp;

The Yaris Cross stands out for exceptional fuel economy – we achieved more than 100mpg around town – and the Prius remains the world’s most famous hybrid car.

Toyota’s enviable reputation for reliability is backed by a warranty which can stretch to 10 years/100,000 miles as long as the car is serviced by a Toyota dealer.

Toyota

Land Cruiser

Do you need an SUV that can cross a mountain range or a desert? If so, the Toyota Land Cruiser will almost certainly end up on your shortlist.

For more than 70 years, the Land Cruiser&nbsp;has built a reputation for itself as an unstoppable&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">off-roader</a>,&nbsp;often found providing transport in the most challenging environments in the world.

This new fifth-generation Land Cruiser aims to carry on that tradition, but with the promise of more focus on its on-road comfort and refinement. While previous Land Cruisers have been untouchable off the beaten track, they’ve felt pretty agricultural and uncomfortable on a school run compared to the best SUVs for the same money.

Toyota Land Cruiser video review

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z4ezrOHzx6w" width="560"></iframe>

This new model – which is a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven-seater</a> as standard – faces competition from the similarly off-road-focused <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ineos/grenadier/4x4/review/n25493">Ineos Grenadier</a>&nbsp;as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/defender/4x4/review/n21198">Land Rover Defender</a>, which is tough off-road but still luxurious on it.

Other markets will get the option of a bigger Toyota Land Cruiser 300 with a broad choice of engines, but in the UK we only get this Land Cruiser 250 with one diesel engine, lots of off-road tech and some big expectations. Is it just an off-road workhorse or can it mix it with the best all-round SUVs?&nbsp;

<hr />
What’s new?

- March 2026: We publish our full video review of the Land Cruiser (above)

- June 2025: New mild-hybrid announced, with this set to become the default engine option by late-2025

- April 2024:&nbsp;New Land Cruiser goes on sale in Invincible and&nbsp;limited-run First Edition trims

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

LAND CRUISER

The Land Cruiser is great off road&nbsp;but also expensive – and you can only have a diesel engine in the UK

Toyota Land Cruiser

Volkswagen is, as its name implies, at the very heart of the Volkswagen Group – an entity which also includes Audi, Cupra, Seat and Skoda. And that means it faces fierce competition from within its own family as well as from a raft of unrelated rivals.

It counters this with a very wide range of petrol, diesel, electric and hybrid models which cover pretty much every part of the market. And most of these we regard to be either good, or very good indeed.

It blends familiar nameplates such as the Polo, Golf and Passat (in ascending order of size) with newcomers in the shape of its electric car range, which are prefaced by ID. The rest of its range focuses around SUVs and MPVs, with highlights including the brilliant T-Roc small SUV, seven-seat Tayron SUV, plus the Caddy and Multivan MPVs and the California family of campervans.

Volkswagen

Tayron

It has a fresh new name but the Volkswagen Tayron is a car many buyers will be familiar with – once they look beyond the badge on the back, that is.

You see the Tayron (pronounced "Tie-ron") replaces the Tiguan Allspace, and like that car, it's available as a seven-seat SUV to rival the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/santa-fe/4x4/review/n68">Hyundai Santa Fe</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sorento/4x4/review/n18">Kia Sorento</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/estate/review/n17369">Peugeot 5008</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/kodiaq/estate/review/n17362">Skoda Kodiaq</a>.

The Tayron shares its basic <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-car-platform-and-chassis/n27195">underpinnings</a> with the latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/tiguan/estate/review/n17357">Volkswagen Tiguan</a> and comes with the same interior and tech found in its SUV stablemate, as well as a choice of petrol, diesel and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a> (PHEV) engines.

<h2 dir="ltr">VW Tayron video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_M590S0d4dw" width="560"></iframe>

It's worth noting at this point that if you choose to have your Tayron as a PHEV, it'll come with five seats rather than seven. That might well suit you if you fancy what is effectively a Tiguan with a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791">bigger boot</a>.

So how does the VW Tayron compare with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">best family SUVs</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven-seaters</a>? Read on as we rate it for performance, comfort, practicality and running costs...

<hr />
What’s new? 
May 2025: Tayron awarded full five-star rating by road safety supremo Euro NCAP 
January 2025: Tayron goes on sale in the UK, offering four trim levels and a range of engines, including pure petrol and diesel, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options 
October 2024: VW releases details of forthcoming SUV, which offers seating for up to seven and sits between the Tiguan and Touareg in the maker’s range. It will come with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid, the latter of which has a battery-electric range of 62 miles

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

TAYRON

The Tayron is Volkswagen's new replacement for the Tiguan Allspace seven-seat SUV

Volkswagen Tayron

MPV (2015 - )

Touran

While the popularity of SUVs continues to grow, the Volkswagen Touran sits quietly in the background offering maximum family practicality in a relatively small footprint.

Where the Touran really shines is in how it doesn’t feel that different to drive to the previous-generation <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">VW Golf</a> it’s based on. It also has more compact dimensions than bulkier seven-seat SUVs (such as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/kodiaq/estate/review/n17362">Skoda Kodiaq</a>) – which is something you’ll appreciate when you're trying to squeeze it into a tight parking space.

And crucially&nbsp;for such a relatively small MPV, it's a genuine seven-seater. This is not a van with windows – it’s more like a spacious and incredibly flexible hatchback, with handy sixth and seventh seats that pop out of the boot floor when you need them.

So where does the VW Touran rank against <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">best seven-seaters</a>&nbsp;you might be considering as your next family car? Read on to find out...

<hr />
What’s new? 
January 2022: Touran remains What Car?’s Best MPV at the same time as being the brand’s Best Used MPV 
January 2017 and 2018: Touran repeats What Car? Awards success 
January 2016: Touran awarded best in class rating by Euro NCAP 
March 2015: VW reveals all-new second-generation Touran, a mid-size MPV with practicality at its heart. It is 130mm longer than its predecessor, offering more space for the seven occupants, and more tech, including automatic lights and wipers, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and parking sensors at both ends 
&nbsp;

TOURAN

The VW Touran seven-seat MPV is roomy, practical, well built and good to drive

Volkswagen Touran

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase. Its cars typically feature beautifully finished interiors, laden with technology.

It was long famed for its estate cars, but like many of its rivals, it is now looking to SUVs. But that’s no problem, because it is very good at building them – the XC40, XC60, XC90 and electric EX40 have won a raft of What Car? Awards over the years.

Volvo retains its relentless focus on safety as it moves into the electric age – indeed it envisions that no one will be killed or seriously injured in one of its cars.

Volvo

XC90

Planning for every scenario family life throws at you is impossible. Life’s too full of curveballs. For example, you pick up your child from football practice and their five friends want a lift home, too; or you’re packing for a family holiday staring at a pile of luggage that’s taller than you are. Sound familiar? Then take a look at the Volvo XC90.

The XC90 is the largest and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">most practical SUV</a> in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volvo">Volvo line-up</a>, and it comes with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven seats</a> as standard. The current-generation XC90 has been around for a while now, but an update in 2025 included revised front-end styling and a more modern, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android-based</a> infotainment system.

<h2 dir="ltr">Volvo XC90 vs Range Rover Sport video group test</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ivIgmCqjLwc?si=_LF9Z1DIytKuJ7Ex" width="560"></iframe>

So are the changes enough to keep the Volvo XC90 competitive with its key rivals – namely the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5</a>, and seven-seat versions of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/defender/4x4/review/n21198">Land Rover Defender</a>? Is it plush enough inside to rival even pricier alternatives, such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x7/4x4/review/n19102">BMW X7</a>?&nbsp;

Read on to find out. Or, if you're interested in the all-electric equivalent of the XC90, see our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/ex90/estate/review/n27061">Volvo EX90</a> review.

<hr />
<h3>What’s new?</h3>

- October 2025 - Black Edition introduced with four exterior paint&nbsp;options and an all-black interior, available with Plus, Plus Pro and Ultra trims

- April 2025 - Plus Pro trim introduced with 21in diamond-cut wheels and ventilated Nappa leather seats

- October 2024 - Revised XC90 revealed with new styling, a new 11.2in touchscreen and new paint and upholstery options

- August 2024 - Plus Edition and Ultra Edition replace Plus and Ultra trims, bringing larger wheels and more no-cost paint colour options

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

The Volvo XC90 is a classy seven-seater&nbsp;with improved&nbsp;refinement and a newly updated infotainment system for 2025

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