Family Car Guide

If you are in the market for a new or used family car then you are no doubt confused by the sheer level of choice available. In the UK there are 48 different models available that have seating space for seven passengers, believe it or not! Our list of 7 seater cars below gives you a brief overview of the various cars available, their on-the-road price (as of 2013), their fuel economy (MPG), and a summary of the pro’s and con’s of the different vehicles.

When you look at the MPG and price figures, please do take these as rough guides. For each make and model of car we have listed, there may be up to half a dozen different variants of the same car, each with different engines. Consequently the fuel economy figures and the new purchase prices varies dependent on which variant you choose. So you have a basis for comparison we have tried to itemise the price and MPG figures for the most basic and typically most fuel efficient variants of each seven seater.

Feel free to sort the list however you like using the little up and down arrow signs – for example you could sort alphabetically by car name, by on-the-road price, or by MPG.

Car	Price (£)	MPG	Positives	Negatives
Mazda CX9 - 2013 UK	NA	NA	Overall a large seven seat car with plenty of space Great styling	Large wheels result in a firmer drive Not yet available in the UK
Toyota Prius Plus	26195	68.9	Excellent value for money Plenty of room for middle-row seats	Interior quality a bit lacking Rearmost seats somewhat cramped
Ford Grand C-Max	19795	57	Excellent, economical engines High quality interior	Third-row of seats not very spacious Styling a bit conservative
Mazda 5	21295	54	Lots of equipment included Nice to drive and looks stylish	Space reasonable but not the best More expensive than similar 7 seaters
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso	15000	53	Great mpg with diesel option Range of options to suit budgets Good styling and large MPV	Hardly any negatives!
Ford Kuga Crossover	20895	53	Good value vehicle and good MPG for size Lots of seating room	Lacks the driving fun-factor Automatic gearboxes not the best
Citroen Berlingo Multispace	12300	51	Cheap seven seater Great mpg Low road tax	More of a van than a 7 seat car Van-like styling Sluggish engine performance
Mitsubishi Outlander	26399	50.4	Extremely practical family car Reasonable costs and reliable	Growly diesel engine Handling a bit loose
Ford S-Max	23600	49	Overall a very practical vehicle Modern stylish looks	Relatively high ongoing costs 6th and 7th seats somewhat restricted
Kia Sorento	26495	48	Plenty of space and lots of features Permanent all-wheel drive	Interior could be more luxurious for the price
Renault Grand Scenic	19735	47.1	A high quality and affordable seven seat car Decent amount of equipment	Not as refined or luxurious interior as others Seats don't fold flat to the floor
Chevrolet Orlando	16395	47	Great mpg for diesel model Sensibly priced Modern look and styling	Styling not to everyones taste
Hyundai Sante Fe	25000	47	Great value for money for a 4x4 7 seater Loads of space and comfortable drive	Rear seats not easy to access
Mercedes Benz E-Class	34315	45	Huge interior seating area Great levels of safety and equipment	Noisy engine and on the pricey side
Dodge Journey	17000	45	Great diesel engine and low running costs Chunky Dodge styling	Alleged poor build quality Road noise quite loud
Kia Carens	15000	45	Nice styling and looks A practical 7 seater at a low price	Rearmost seats not suitable for long journeys A compact family car
Mercedes Benz M-Class	43870	44.8	Lots of space, very comfortable Good performance from strong engines	Standard of interior not the best
Volkswagen Caddy	17283	44.8	Plenty of seating space for seven Priced low and nice to drive	Has the looks of a van Lacking in safety equipment for a family car
Volkswagen Touran	19015	44.1	Spacious and comfortable to drive Decent levels of equipment	Interior not very plush A bit of a fiddle to rearrange seats
Peugeot 308 SW	17100	44.1	Large boot and decent levels of safety equipment Low running costs	Quite a small seven seater The drive could be better
Peugeot Expert Tepee	19057	43.5	Actually has seats for 9 passengers Sliding doors give easy access	Boxy functional van styling
Nissan Qashqai + 2	17895	42.8	Well built and nice level of refinement Priced sensibly for a family MPV	6th and 7th seats very small Quite high running costs
Toyota Verso	17495	42.8	High performing economical engine Low cost and looks modern	7 seats only for occasional use Not the most flexible car
Vauxhall Zafira Tourer	20135	42.8	High quality interior Ongoing running costs are quite low	Not the roomiest rear seats The drive and ride could be smoother
Peugeot Partner Tepee	12960	42.2	Lots of interior seating space Enjoyable to drive and low cost	Van-like feel to this MPV Not many safety / security features
Citroen Dispatch Combo (6 to 9 seats)	17000	42	Good mpg for its size Seating easily rearranged in 2nd / 3rd rows	Boxy van feel rather than 7 seat car Space limited for luggage when all seats in use
Peugeot 5008	18350	40.9	A highly practical and spacious 7 seater MPV Offers good performance and style	Exterior styling a bit low-key Basic models are quite basic
SEAT Alhambra	23770	39.2	Vast interior cabin space Sliding doors make for easy access	Hard to park as on the larger side of family MPVs
Volkswagen Sharan	24300	39.2	Very practical family car with 7 seats High quality interior	Some engines may feel lacking Not much equipment in basic model
Fiat Doblo Family Edition	13420	39	Great fuel efficiency Very practical seating	Very square-looking Alleged build quality issues
Ford Galaxy	25155	39	Nice handling and responsive to drive Luxury interior and very practical	Somewhat firm Ford-like ride
Mercedes Benz Viano	35745	38.7	Solid and reliable vehicle Comfortable to drive	Should be more comfortable for the price Space not amazing
Chevrolet Captiva	19000	38	Cheaper purchase price Reasonable insurance category 4x4 / 4WD capability	Space limited when 7 seats used
Audi Q7 4wd	42000	38	High performance Luxurious looks Lots of interior space	Rear bench seat Expensive but luxury Very high insurance category
Mercedes Benz R Class	44620	37.2	Long wheel base gives tons of space Excellent interior quality	Costly to purchase and run Short wheel base model cramped
Fiat Scudo Combi (5-9 seater)	24000	37	Great for transporting large groups Van-like structure offers large luggage space	Very large van-size, not really a family car
Volkswagen Caravelle	34605	36.7	A massive people carrier with plenty of space Easy access and flexible seating	Has van-like styling Very expensive for a family MPV
Mercedes Benz GL Class	59485	35.3	Again massive interior space in the Merc Superb performance and luxury	Price tag of a high-end luxury car Not great off-road
Volvo XC90 4x4	36045	34.4	Good levels of space for a 7 seater car High levels of safety equipment	Not the best MPG Interior trim and cabin a touch dated
Chrysler Grand Voyager	25000	34	Sliding doors Comfy 7 seats with a utility table!	High CO2 emissions = high car tax Poor mpg
BMW X5 4wd	41000	34	Good looks BMW engineering Stylish interior	High car tax 3rd row seats are added extra
Nissan Pathfinder 4x4	32445	33.2	Reasonable amount of equipment included Capable off-road	Too utilitarian and unrefined Rearmost seats quite tight
Hyundai i800 (8 seater)	22285	33	Eight seats and van-like style means loads of room Comes with a five year Hyundai warranty	Typical box-like style of a van Seating not very flexible (can't fold middle seats)
Ssangyong Rodius	14995	32.1	Masses of space for all seven passengers Priced very low	Not the most aesthetic Seriously lacking in safety equipment
Land Rover Discovery 4 4x4	38825	32	Great luxury styling and interior Lots of room and comfortable seats	Quite expensive, not amazing MPG Hard to park and noticeable wind noise
Toyota Land Cruiser V8 4x4	65195	29.7	Sturdy, solid and fully capable off-road Loads of seating space	Expensive ongoing costs The ride isn't the best on-road
Land Rover Defender 110 SW 4x4	24795	26	A seven seat Land Rover! Virtually nowhere is too off-road	Still a rough and ready interior Rolls around corners, boxy styling
Mercedes Benz G Class	82970	25.2	Amazing performance, high bhp engines	Chunky, low refinement compared to Range Rover Not priced as a 'family car'

There’s no disputing that long trips definitely make for great family ‘together’ time, I mean who doesn’t enjoy a good game of eye-spy (honest!)? To maximise your time together while cruising along on the motorway, your vehicle should employ a healthy mix of aesthetics, comfort, and fuel economy. With this idea in mind, the average-sized family will find a superb package in the 7-seat multi-purpose vehicle or SUV, these are cars designed for the express purpose of moving people from A to B on a regular basis whilst still having enough room for the kitchen sink. 7 seater cars are great options for the busy parent who has the need to transport kids to and from schools, or take the brood out on weekends to getaways near and far. With their roomy interiors there will be no love lost over jostling about who gets the best seat on those day trips to the beach or the local theme park.

The upsurge in the popularity of people-carriers as a mainstay in family garages has led to several manufacturers offering their own versions of the well-loved MPVs and SUVs for the UK market; car shoppers nowadays would be faced with up to 50 different 7 seat cars to choose from. These vary according to price, size, drive configuration and form factor. To help you along, you might want to take a peek at our ideas of the best 7-seater cars in the UK and certain ones (especially the SUV’s) in the US:

1. Vauxhall Zafira Tourer – The current-release Zafira encompasses a lot of pleasant upgrades from its predecessor, most notable of these is the sexy lighting configuration at the front. Its best selling point, however, comes in the form of the patent Flex7 seats that fold away easily to allow for more storage room.

2. Ford Galaxy – Size matters, especially with large families that regularly go on trips together. The Galaxy comes with a cavernous interior that complements its imposing appearance on the road. Its pleasantly stylish exterior, though, downplays this to a respectable compromise between power and beauty. Sometimes passed over for the less-expensive (albeit smaller) S-Max, the Galaxy nevertheless has its charms.

3. Mazda 5 – If you’re looking for a compact people-carrier that is also practical, look no further than the Mazda 5. Its highlights include generous headroom and legroom alike, a powerful and fuel-efficient 1.6 litre engine, classy body contours that make it easy on the eyes, and nifty middle seats that fold up to reveal an aisle space which allows entry to the room out back. The sliding doors of the Mazda 5 are really handy for accessing the rearmost row of seats in the car. This is quite a good value car that looks reasonably nice, but does have a ‘people carrier’ type of feel about it. Fuel consumption is great and it scores highly on the safety-front.

4. Peugeot 5008 – The award-winning Peugeot 5008 people carrier is fast becoming a favourite among buyers who want a few extras to go along with a roomy interior and a sporty appearance. In addition to its great safety features, the 3008′s bigger brother employs a robust, yet silent, engine to make long trips a smooth and pleasurable experience.

5. Ford S-Max – A list of the top 10 7-seaters would not be complete without one of the pioneers. Introduced in 2006, Ford had taken great strides over the years to keep its take on a fun and economical people-carrier ahead of the competition. Revisions included style upgrades and great extras, but the incredible mileage and ease of driving remained.

6. Seat Alhambra – on long trips for holidays and vacations you will appreciate the Alhambra‘s nimble handling and practical features. It’s a great option with its sliding doors, enabling it to fit into tight parking spaces; passengers in the back will be able to get on and off with ease.

7. Land Rover Discovery – If you love the challenges of driving off-road to remote yet scenic places, the best family 4X4 to carry you to those locations would be the Discovery. This Land Rover’s ruggedly handsome features, powerful 3-litre diesel engine, as well as ample passenger and luggage space, hit the spot.

8. Chevrolet Captiva – Another fine contender for the hearts of outdoors lovers everywhere. The Captiva is rather quite unique in the style department, incorporating beautiful styling reminiscent of SUVs. The masculine bonnet and grille further lends a hint of power to this diminutive, yet robust, 7-seater car.

9. Renault Grand Scenic – If your first priority is safety, you might want to take a look at the Grand Scenic, with its perfect NCAP rating of 5/5.

10. BMW X5 – The pricey 7 seat X5 has astounding form factor both in and out, and most would agree that it has a fair number of great features to make driving it a pleasure. It falls a bit flat in terms of space, though: the rear seats are a tight fit for adult-sized passengers. All in all the X5 is a car of beauty and young families might overlook the space consideration, in exchange for driving around the countryside in BMW style.

11. Nissan Pathfinder – The Nissan Pathfinder combines the practicality of a large family car with that of a four wheel drive vehicle. It’s a powerful car that will get you out of sticky situations, but it’s not necessarily the best when travelling at higher speeds.

12. Mitsubishi Outlander – The Outlander is another 4×4 car that has a lot of capabilities. It’s defined as a ‘crossover SUV’ meaning that it is in essence an SUV that has been built in a similar structural design to a regular car. It’s a modern car with lots of features and safety enhancements to make this a great family car.

13. Toyota Prius Plus – Everyone knows that the Prius is famous for its ‘hybrid‘ engine, utilising a combination of electric and regular fuel to maximise fuel efficiency and minimise harmful environmental emissions. The ‘Plus’ variation of this car features seven comfy seats and is basically a stretched version of the original Toyota Prius.

14. Chrysler Grand Voyager – This car offers plenty of space inside for all occupants, and even includes a stowable table and rotating seats for the ultimate in versatility. This truly is a family vehicle, and is ideal for comfortable long journeys. Thanks to its flexible interior it is also popular with luxury car hire / chauffeur services and can be trimmed in high quality black executive leather.

15. Infinity JX35 – The Infinity JX35 is a massive SUV available in the US that offers luxurious seating and plenty of space and power in the engine. It’s massive amount of horsepower will provide a nice engine noise, however the fuel economy suffers as a result.

16. Volvo XC90 – Volvo’s are renowned for their level of safety and practicality and the XC90 is no exception. This model has been designed with vast amounts of technological gizmos that propel this car well and truly into the 21st Century. Features such as the ‘cornering headlights, gyroscopic sensors, comprehensive air bag installation and in-built satellite navigation make this a robust family vehicle.

17. Ford Grand C-MAX – This is a good looking and great value family car from Ford with seats for seven people. As with the XC90 described above, the Grand C-MAX also has lots of technology and innovative features that ensure it is a leading model of its type. It has a starting price of around £20,000 brand new although you would definitely be able to find a used one much cheaper if required. Its EcoBoost engine performs well to deliver an average of 57MPG on the diesel variant.

18. Volkswagen Sharan - The sliding doors are especially useful for family purposes and allow you easy access in and out of the vehicle. It’s got a really large interior cabin space, however the exterior styling does seem quite people-carrier like. The car features a variety of strong VW engines and has a fold out table for the passengers in the rear – great for long journeys with kids! Read the full review here.

19. Mercedes ‘M’ Class – If it’s luxury combined with 4 wheel drive capability that you’re after then the ‘M’ class might be the vehicle for you. The latest version is the ‘third generation’ and has seven seats and a very comfortable and plush interior. Some of the innovative features included with this vehicle are it’s self-parking system and night vision system! The starting price is around £43,000 so it’s obviously not one of the cheapest.