Large families and those who frequently transport groups need practical vehicles. The seven-seater car market has expanded, offering both SUVs and MPVs to suit various needs. This guide ranks the top 10 best seven-seater cars available in the UK today, based on extensive real-world testing.
Choosing the right vehicle depends on how often you’ll use the third row and who will occupy it. If you regularly carry six or seven passengers, space is crucial. However, if the third row is only used occasionally, a more compact model might suffice. Boot space is also a key consideration, as many three-row cars sacrifice luggage capacity when fully occupied. Beyond space, safety, running costs, and practical features are essential for family buyers.
The Top 10 Seven-Seater Cars: Ranked and Reviewed
Here’s a breakdown of the best seven-seater cars currently on the market, with detailed assessments of each model.
1. Dacia Jogger: The Budget Champion (£18,970+)
The Dacia Jogger is the most affordable seven-seater on the market, by a significant margin. It’s won multiple tests against more expensive rivals, offering unbeatable value. The interior is durable and well-equipped, with an eight-inch touchscreen, rear-view camera, and comfortable seating. Even with all seven seats in use, it offers 220 liters of cargo space.
The Jogger comes with efficient engines, including a 1.0-liter turbo and a 1.6-liter hybrid, delivering nearly 50mpg or 60mpg respectively. Performance is adequate, and the ride is surprisingly comfortable.
Verdict: The Jogger is the perfect choice for budget-conscious families who need a practical and reliable seven-seater.
2. Skoda Kodiaq: The Versatile Plug-In Hybrid (£39,000+)
The Skoda Kodiaq stands out for its solid build quality, comfortable ride, and excellent practicality. It offers generous space, with a spacious third row and a massive 845-liter boot when the rear seats are folded.
The Kodiaq is available with efficient engines, including a mild hybrid, diesel options, and a plug-in hybrid with up to 75 miles of electric range. Fuel economy is excellent, and the Kodiaq is easy to drive, with predictable handling and a comfortable ride.
Verdict: The Kodiaq is a well-rounded seven-seater that excels in versatility and practicality.
3. Hyundai Santa Fe: The Spacious Family Hauler (£47,890+)
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a distinctive design and an enormous amount of cabin space, making it ideal for large families. It features a comfortable interior, with ample legroom in all three rows.
The Santa Fe comes with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, offering excellent fuel economy. The plug-in hybrid can drive up to 38 miles on electric power. The Santa Fe is easy to drive, with a comfortable ride and predictable handling.
Verdict: The Santa Fe is a spacious and comfortable seven-seater that excels in practicality and comfort.
4. Peugeot 5008: The Stylish Choice (£38,590+)
The Peugeot 5008 is a stylish and modern seven-seater with a distinctive design. It features a high-tech interior with a 21-inch panoramic display and comfortable seating.
The 5008 is available with efficient engines, including a hybrid and a fully electric version with up to 415 miles of range. The electric version is quick and fun to drive, with a comfortable ride and predictable handling.
Verdict: The Peugeot 5008 is a stylish and modern seven-seater that excels in comfort and technology.
5. Kia EV9: The Electric Innovator (£65,035+)
The Kia EV9 is a fully electric seven-seater with a distinctive design and a spacious interior. It features a high-tech interior with a large touchscreen display and comfortable seating.
The EV9 offers a long range of up to 349 miles on a single charge and a powerful electric motor with quick acceleration. The EV9 is fun to drive, with a comfortable ride and predictable handling.
Verdict: The Kia EV9 is a stylish and innovative electric seven-seater that excels in technology and performance.
6. Citroen Berlingo: The Pragmatic Choice (£24,150+)
The Citroen Berlingo is a practical and affordable seven-seater based on a van platform. It offers a spacious interior with sliding doors and a large cargo area.
The Berlingo is available with efficient engines, including a diesel and a fully electric version with up to 168 miles of range. The electric version is quiet and smooth to drive, with a comfortable ride and predictable handling.
Verdict: The Citroen Berlingo is a pragmatic and affordable seven-seater that excels in practicality and value.
7. Volkswagen ID. Buzz: The Retro-Inspired Electric Choice (£59,645+)
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a retro-inspired electric seven-seater with a distinctive design and a spacious interior. It features a high-tech interior with a large touchscreen display and comfortable seating.
The ID. Buzz offers a long range of up to 239 miles on a single charge and a powerful electric motor with quick acceleration. The ID. Buzz is fun to drive, with a comfortable ride and predictable handling.
Verdict: The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a stylish and innovative electric seven-seater that excels in design and technology.
8. Ford Tourneo Connect: The Practical and Affordable Choice (£28,000+)
The Ford Tourneo Connect is a practical and affordable seven-seater based on a van platform. It offers a spacious interior with sliding doors and a large cargo area.
The Tourneo Connect is available with efficient engines, including a diesel and a fully electric version with up to 180 miles of range. The electric version is quiet and smooth to drive, with a comfortable ride and predictable handling.
Verdict: The Ford Tourneo Connect is a pragmatic and affordable seven-seater that excels in practicality and value.
9. Nissan X-Trail: The Reliable and Versatile Choice (£36,225+)
The Nissan X-Trail is a reliable and versatile seven-seater with a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. It offers a range of efficient engines, including a hybrid option.
The X-Trail is well-equipped with safety features and offers a comfortable driving experience. It’s a practical choice for families who need a reliable and versatile vehicle.
Verdict: The Nissan X-Trail is a practical and reliable seven-seater that excels in versatility and comfort.
10. Land Rover Defender: The Rugged and Capable Choice (£65,755+)
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged and capable seven-seater with a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. It offers a range of powerful engines and advanced off-road capabilities.
The Defender is well-equipped with luxury features and offers a premium driving experience. It’s a great choice for families who need a capable and luxurious vehicle.
Verdict: The Land Rover Defender is a capable and luxurious seven-seater that excels in off-road performance and comfort.
Conclusion
Choosing the right seven-seater depends on your budget, needs, and preferences. The Dacia Jogger offers unbeatable value, while the Kia EV9 leads the way in electric innovation. Whether you prioritize practicality, luxury, or off-road capability, there’s a seven-seater to suit every family
