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Best 7 Seater Cars for Families

Before you choose the right 7-seater for your needs, it's best to determine some priorities, such as affordability, luxury, and practicality. You could say the pros and cons of owning a seven seater car!

We put together this guide of the most comfortable and economical seven-seat SUVs available for families and large groups in the United Kingdom.

Choosing a Car or SUV for a Family of 7

Many years ago, an MPV was one of the easiest ways to haul groups of adults and kids around the country. But nowadays, moving people and things in a seven seat SUV has made it a lot simpler - and cheaper.

But...

What's the main difference between an MPV and a seven seater SUV? It's fair to point out that the general design and capabilities are some of the most notable differences between MPVs and SUVs.

For example, Sports Utility Vehicles tend to be more sturdy and they have a taller design (e.g. cars with highest ground clearance).

Put another way:

They are most suitable for handling challenging road conditions or for off-roading through rough terrains or mud.

Whereas, the majority of Multi Purpose Vehicles tend to have a lower design. So, the focus moves towards large passenger capacity and comfort.

Pro Tip: By and large, a 7-seater car is a practical and versatile choice for families who need extra space. Still, some of the vehicles listed below have a third row and spacious boot compartments. Others may sacrifice some luggage capacity to carry a septet of adults. We also found some that manage to meet all of the criteria.

Audi Q7

The dimensions of the 2025 Audi Q7 prove it's one of the smallest 7 seaters. Even so, the back row space puts up a worthy challenge to most large MPVs.

As with most Audi 4x4 models, the generous wheelbase and roofline results in lots of leg and head room.

More often than not, the likely occupants of the third row are going to be small children. Even though they may not notice, their view is somewhat restricted by the height of the seats in front of them.

Here's the thing:

The use of electric motors and hydraulics means it's easy to raise the third row from the boot floor. Yet, it's not quite so easy for small kids to move the three individual seats on the second row out of the way.

You'll have some room for a few shopping bags when the seats are up. But, you'll have 770 litres of space after flattening them. Better still, lower them all and you get a capacious loading bay of 1955 litres.

Plus Points

Ample room for the front occupants
Top-notch ambiance and refinement inside the cabin
Typical Audi quality for interior trim and design
More roomy than a lot of 7-seat SUVs

Minus Points

General handling lacks finesse at times
Heavy power steering (difficult to turn)
Poor residual values (compared to the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer the Audi Q7 is not the best used 7-seater car in the United Kingdom)

BMW X7

The X7 is one of the largest cars that BMW makes. It's a full-size SUV and the 7-seat version gives you the option to turn it into a comfortable family leisure vehicle.

You also get to choose between the six or eight-cylinder engine - teamed up with variable four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Over and above that, the X7 is not short on capacity. It seats 7 people in comfort, and a six-seat layout is an optional feature. The split-folding design of the tailgate is controlled electronically.

Plus Points

An enjoyable combination of everyday ride quality and road handling
Awesome performance and quick - though not too frightening
Good all-round visibility and a calming atmosphere inside the cabin

Minus Points

A lack of pampering for the occupants fails to match the serenity of its rivals
Even though some may see it as an advantage, the BMW X7 7 seater is not the most sporting SUV in the dealer's showrooms

Dacia Jogger

After reviewing a comprehensive range of people movers, it's difficult not to consider the Dacia Jogger as being the best vehicle with seating for seven.

Why?

It's only a little over 4.5 metres long. But, as with most Dacia cars, the usable passenger accommodation is a standout feature.

Dacia Jogger 7 Seater SUV Plus, it is one of the cheapest cars in our list (e.g. RRP less than £20,000).

You might also see it as one that "straddles" the lines between estate cars, MPVs, and SUVs.

Even though there is plenty of room for seven modest-size adults. You may find the 3rd row better suited for children - especially on long journeys.

Lower the rear seats (or completely remove them) and you can make use of 2094 litres of carrying capacity.

As our review of the 2025 Dacia Jogger 7 Seater points out, you get a mixed bag of good and bad. Even so, the turbocharged 1.0-liter, three-cylinder petrol engine (or 1.6-liter in the hybrid version) produces a smooth ride for all the family.

Plus Points

Great value for the money
Oozes with practicality and versatility
Economic hybrid models
Pleasant and functional interior

Minus Points

The third row is a little shy on space
Powertrains can be lazy (lacking energy)
We experienced some rolling in sharp corners

Pro Tip: Because there are few obvious signs of "cheapness" we see the Dacia Jogger as the best 7-seater car in the United Kingdom (with the Kia EV9 running a close second place). Of course, the survey is open to discussion. But, the C-segment MPV Jogger is versatile, practical, and it delivers outstanding value for the price.

Ford S-Max

It's not uncommon for some UK drivers to prefer owning an MPV over an SUV. If you're one of them, you could do worse than the Ford S-Max.

The car-like driving experience is still intact. Plus, it offers above average fuel efficiency with enough leg and head room for seven passengers.

Plus Points

Major improvements in refinement
Always easy and fun to drive
Appropriately roomy and spacious

Minus Points

Produces an irritable ride at times
Road handling could be better
Unimpressive fuel economy data

Kia EV9

As more electric cars force their way into the UK market for seven seaters, the styling and impact of the Kia EV9 is one that stands out.

Yes it's big! In fact, it's about the same size as a Range Rover Sport. The consequence of that means you can choose between a six or seven seat layout in the rear of the cabin.

Plus Points

Imposing styling and bold appearance
Versatile and practical interior
Impressive electric range with rapid-charging speeds

Minus Points

Bigger than many of its rivals (less options for parking)
Quality of material conflicts with the price tag (£65,000)
Driving with electric power not yet adopted by all drivers

Kia Sorento

The styling and practicality of the Kia Sorento SUV translates into a reliable choice for extended families and it delivers excellent value for money.

It has a range of efficient engines, high-quality interior, and the manufacturers offer a generous seven year warranty. In addition, the plug-in hybrid model is likely to appeal to drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Plus Points

Spacious, well-equipped interior trim and design
Affordable 4WD diesel model offers 2500kg of towing capacity
Sharp appearance and quite easy to drive

Minus Points

Hybrid powertrain lacks performance in some areas
In general, ride and handling lack a sophisticated finish
Lack of good ground clearance is a disadvantage on some UK highways and it rules out any heavy off-roading activities

Land Rover Discovery

A list of robust and luxurious 7-seaters has to include the Land Rover Discovery. The Land Rover brand is a marque renowned for delivering a comfortable ride and superior off-road capabilities.

The second row seats split 60/40 - with each portion sliding back and forth (or folding). The space of each middle-row seat beats an Audi Q7. But Land Rover Discovery 7 seater fails to outstrip the Volvo XC90 for overall leg room.

Plus Points

Unmistakable off-road prowess
Laid-back driveability and genuine usability of all 7 seats

Minus Points

Lacks the efficiency of some of its main competitors
Rear styling not yet established itself for some drivers

Peugeot 5008

The release of Peugeot's first 7-seater with electric powertrain is certainly one that catches the eye. Inside the boot, the Peugeot 5008 offers 916 litres of capacity - after folding the third row of seats flat.

Even though it drops to 348 litres when all the seats are in the normal position, it's still notably more room than that of the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Skoda Kodiaq. It's becoming a popular choice among seven seat car buyers in the United Kingdom.

Plus Points

Great value for the price tag (RRP £40,000*)
ICE and electric power options
Pleasing design with ergonomic styling

Minus Points

Some "tightness" in the third row sitting room
Somewhat "languid" powertrains with some rolling in sharp corners

Volkswagen Touran

Many will assert that the Volkswagen Touran is another superb MPV option for families with children. It is a compact and spacious 7-seater with an acknowledged reputation for efficiency and reliability of VW 4x4 models.

There's no shortage of interior space and a high level of safety devices and features is impressive. Motorists should find the compact dimensions well-suited for city and urban driving.

Plus Points

Refined driving experience
Extensive range of engines
Increased spaciousness for passengers

Minus Points

Base model Satellite navigation is costly
Somewhat "mundane" appearance (subjective)
Some Volkswagen Touran 7-seater alternatives are less expensive (e.g. Ford Tourneo Custom, Peugeot Rifter, Citroen Berlingo, 2025 Volkswagen Multivan)

Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is a top-rated SUV that has been able to combine Scandinavian luxury with practicality. A spacious interior - paired with high safety standards and a range of efficient powertrains (especially plug-in hybrid options) - rank among the noteworthy features.

So, what makes the updated XC90 a great all-rounder for large families? One reason is being able to use the third-row seats for adults on short journeys.

Plus Points

Roomy, serene interior with a premium feel to it
Impressively practical, easy-to-use interior, and low running costs

Minus Points

Lacks some driver "sharpness" in some situations
Some higher specification levels are more expensive than some of its rivals (e.g. Mercedes-Benz GLE)

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Editor's Bio: We're self-confessed car fanatics who enjoy writing car blogs about the automotive industry - especially here in the United Kingdom.