As your family grows, so does your need for a bigger car. One popular option for large families looking for more space is to upgrade to a 7-seater.
Both multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) and sports utility vehicles (SUV) come in 7-seat models. The former – often referred to as people carriers – tend to offer more head and legroom. But both cars have individual strengths to suit the needs of families making regular journeys.
If you’re in the market for a more spacious vehicle, here are some of the best 7-seater cars available.
SEAT Tarraco
SEAT’s large SUV, the Tarraco, got its name after a public vote. It’s also notable for being a very safe vehicle, achieving a five-star crash-test rating from experts Euro NCAP. In particular, it scored highly for child, adult and pedestrian safety.
It’s also a favourite with motoring magazine Auto Express, which placed the Tarraco in the top slot of its ‘Best 7-seater cars on sale 2020’ list. Praising its looks, value and driveability, Auto Express adds: “This is... a large family car – one that’s perhaps best suited to those who need five seats and a big boot most of the time, with occasional seven-seat capability.”
Peugeot 5008
While MPVs sometimes have a reputation for having a block-like appearance, the Peugeot 5008 is striking and distinctive. Its looks are complemented by peace-of-mind safety tech in the Allure trim version. Starting from the low £28,000s if bought new, it’s among the cheaper cars on this list.
Car valuation and advice website Parkers ranks the Peugeot 5008 among its best 7-seaters. It says: “There's function with the form, too. Those individual seats in the middle row ensure that you can fit three bulky Isofix child-seats side-by-side, while the third row is designed for older children.”
SKODA Kodiaq
The Kodiaq is SKODA’s first seven seat car, which scores highly on value, fuel economy, and has a huge 2,005 litres of boot space with the back seats down.
Like the SEAT Tarraco, the SKODA Kodiaq is very comfy for five, with the option to put the extra two seats down for the school run or a longer journey.
According to Auto Express: “Much like its SEAT Tarraco relative, the Kodiaq is a large family SUV that majors on practicality, space and value... It’s a good choice if you favour comfort over outright poise.”
Land Rover Discovery
The upmarket Land Rover Discovery is stylish, but also rugged, with impressive off-road capabilities.
Even if you’re not intending to scramble across difficult terrain, this SUV is worth considering for being exceptionally roomy. Auto Express notes: “The Discovery is the best car in its class for seating seven adults in comfort; even those in the very back shouldn’t find much to complain about.”
And for such a large car, it’s very smooth to drive. It’s also a vehicle which retains its value well.
Volvo XC90
As you’d expect with a Volvo, the XC90 is an incredibly safe machine. The designers of this SUV clearly had family safety at the forefront of their minds, and it gets a decisive thumbs-up from Euro NCAP. But it’s not just about safety – it’s also a lovely looking car with a great infotainment system.
The XC90 is one of the pricier models in this list, but holds its value well. You also get what you pay for in terms of space, safety and style. According to What Car?: “If you pick the right engine and trim combination, you’ll be getting one of the best luxury SUVs on sale today. And if you fancy going for the plug-in hybrid T8 model, you can cruise around on electric power and still have space for seven.”
Audi Q7
Of all the cars on this list, the Audi Q7 is notable for having six roomy passenger seats, each with Isofix child-seat points. Not only is there plenty of room for a growing family inside, but there’s also a massive boot for everyone’s stuff.
The Audi Q7 bagged the trophy in What Car?’s ‘Best 7-seat cars’ chart in 2020. According to the expert review site: “What really sets the Q7 apart is its stunning interior, sensational refinement and pillowy ride.”
If you’re looking for more space for your family journeys, one of these 7-seaters may be the right car for you.
