What are the best 7-seater cars of 2024?

For larger families, a 7-seater car can be pivotal in making the daily commute or family road trip a success. 7-seats offer drivers extra space, practicality and versatility out on the roads. With expandable boot space and great towing capacity, the possibilities for adventure with a 7-seater car are endless.

In this article, we’re offering our picks of the best 7-seater cars on the market in the UK for 2024. To compile this list, we considered important factors such as practicality, fuel type, space and range. We have chosen five of the best second-hand 7-seater cars and another five new 7-seater car examples, so there is something for everyone on the list.

Best used 7-seater cars of 2024

Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer

Our pick quick facts

• Doors: 7
• Fuel type: Diesel
• MPG: 71mpg*
• Price: can start around £18,995**

Anyone who has done a bit of research into 7-seaters will come across the acronym ‘MPV’, which stands for multi-purpose vehicle. This is a general term for any vehicle that has been optimised towards larger groups and are normally quite spacious and comfortable.

However, you might think that in order to accommodate the extra space, you would have to compromise on the vehicle’s style and speed, settling for a boxy, boring affair that gets the job done. However, in 2018, Citroën revealed the Grand C4 SpaceTourer, an updated version of the previous Grand C4 Picasso, and it was very well received by buyers in the market.

French manufacturer Citroën has delivered in the factors you'd expect, such as space and safety, but where the Grand C4 SpaceTourer really excels is with its style, technology and features.

There are two engines: a 1.2-litre PureTech 130 turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel unit. Both powerplants produce 131PS, with a choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed auto gearbox.

Boot space measures 165 litres with all seats in place and 632 litres with the third-row seats folded. It expands again to 793 litres if the second row of seats is slid fully forwards – and up to 2,181 litres if you fold the second row completely. And of course, it's perfect for families. On the middle three seats, ISOFIX anchor points are installed for securing child seats.

Škoda Kodiaq

Our pick quick facts

• Doors: 7
• Fuel type: Diesel
• MPG: 61.4mpg*
• Price: can start around £32,698**

Škoda entered the mid-sized SUV market with the first-generation version of its Kodiaq, a model that was hugely improved in 2021 with a smarter look, both inside and out, and some more efficient engines.

If you're looking at cars that can handle caravans, the Kodiaq can tow up to 2.5 tonnes. It also has one of the largest boots in the class from its period. There's 630 litres of space on offer with the middle row sensibly positioned. If you fold the second-row bench, that extends to 2,005 litres of space.

The Kodiaq's just 8mm longer than the Czech brand's Octavia family hatch yet looks far larger. It might be one of the best-looking 7-seater cars on the market. The Kodiaq’s clean-cut design gives it a premium look and although considered to be quite compact, it looks like a modern full-sized SUV.

For passengers, it's easy to get comfortable in the Kodiaq, with lots of seat and wheel adjustment making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The second-row bench features all the versatility you'd want from this kind of seven-seat SUV; the backrest reclines for greater comfort on long journeys and the base slides back and forth by up to 180mm.

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Our pick quick facts

• Doors: 7
• Fuel type: Diesel
• MPG: 50.4mpg*
• Price: can start around £48,500**

Prior to the launch of the GLB, Mercedes-Benz had never before offered a car in this class that was really practical yet reasonably affordable for a growing family. The GLB is capable of coping with light off road excursions but as expected, it also has a premium feel that other rivals in the same class can't always deliver.

Even entry-level 'AMG Line Executive' variants come as standard with 19-inch five-spoke AMG alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails, LED High Performance headlights, the 'Dynamic Select' driving mode system, rear privacy glass and LED taillights.

Across the range, all variants get a 10.25-inch central touchscreen with a MBUX multimedia system featuring 'Hey Mercedes' voice activation, which will please everyone in the car.

The cabin is upmarket, as expected, and feels luxurious with ARTICO man-made leather upholstery, a wireless phone charging mat, a 180-degree reversing camera, two-zone Thermotronic climate control and heated front seats. It doesn't lack in safety features either, with extras such as Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Speed Limit Assist.

Volvo XC90

Our pick quick facts

• Doors: 7
• Fuel type: Diesel
• MPG: 32.0mpg*
• Price: can start around £50,495**

If it's safety in a 7-seater, you're looking for, then the Volvo XC90 should always be at the top of your list. The XC90 is the largest in Volvo’s SUV line-up and one of the best in its class. You can rest assured that most other vehicles don’t come safer than the XC90. The Swedish brand is synonymous with safety.

The XC90’s safety gear includes a run off-road protection package which tightens seatbelts and activates energy-absorbing technology in the seats when the car detects challenging terrain ahead. Another system is the auto-braking feature, which cuts in if a driver pulls out in front of oncoming traffic.

The second-generation XC90 arrived in 2015 and this model incorporates the sophisticated and minimalist Swedish design throughout.

The interior still seems boldly styled, with a massive tablet-like touchscreen control console helping to create a cabin that's modern, spacious and uncluttered. Volvo's clearly invested in quality materials and this XC90 gets soft leather and wood with handcrafted details, including an optional gear lever made of crystal glass from Orrefors, the Swedish glassmaker.

Land Rover Defender

Our pick quick facts

• Doors: 7
• Fuel type: Petrol
• MPG: 34mpg*
• Price: can start around £60,740**

Another one of the best second-hand 7-seater cars available on the market right now is the Land Rover Defender. The Defender is one of the most popular models for the British manufacturer. More than 110,000 models sold around the world in 2023.

Although the Defender is designed for long road trips and off-road adventures, it also handles everyday driving wonderfully. If you do need it for off-road driving, it's worth noting that the Defender took a ‘highly commended’ spot in the ‘Adventurer’s Choice’ category of the 2024 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.

The neatly integrated third row of seats are easily accessible by tilting and sliding forward the second row. These two seats are ideal for children and teenagers or for adults on shorter journeys. When not in use, they fold flat, providing more space for luggage.

For those looking to tow other vehicles, caravans or trailers, the Defender is a very good option. Depending on the model you choose, tow capacity can go all the way up to 4,000kg.

At first sight, the Land Rover Defender looks classy – mostly due to its striking design, which includes 22-inch gloss black wheels. It doesn't look as boxy as older models, in fact it's subtly curved, not flat-sided. The Defender has round headlights, a ‘floating’ roof and ‘Alpine Light’ windows above the rear seats to give it a more sophisticated look.

Step into the interior, there's a rugged powder-coating finish for the dashboard to give it that classic look, but that's mixed with modern technology such as the sleek infotainment system.

Best new 7-seater cars of 2024

Peugeot 5008

Our pick quick facts

• Doors: 7
• Fuel type: Electric
• Range: 347 miles*
• Price: are expected to start around £50,000**

Kicking off our 'Best new 7-seater cars of 2024' list is a 7-seater which hasn't currently arrived in the UK – but it's expected to be on sale by the end of 2024, so it's certainly worth mentioning. The Peugeot 5008, specifically its GT trim, is the perfect family SUV, mainly thanks its interior styling and amazing comfort levels.

Of course, it comes with seven seats as standard and has an impressive boot space of up to 740 litres with the rear seats folded. In fact, it's not short of room with multiple storage compartments which are ideal for bags and whatever else the family may need to store.

However, driving the Peugeot 5008, especially on those longer family road trips, will be an enjoyable experience for everyone. The stylish Alcantara seats come as standard on the GT, with the option of a large panoramic sunroof. Plus, you can relax and enjoy the journey with eight-colour ambient interior lighting available.

Don't worry about the kids moaning about their electronics dying on the road and not being entertained; the Peugeot 5008 comes with wireless MirrorScreen, USB-C sockets and wireless charging.

For the driver, the new Peugeot panoramic i-Cockpit is a 21-inch HD curved screen sits above the dashboard and can be seen easily over the compact steering wheel. The screen houses both the digital driver’s display and the car’s infotainment system. Prices are yet to be confirmed, however, the Peugeot 5008 will be available in fully electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains.

Kia Sorento

Our pick quick facts

• Doors: 7
• Fuel type: Diesel
• MPG: 44.0mpg
• Price: can start around £43,995**

The Sorento is Kia's largest SUV and is a more affordable option compared to some of its competitors. Now in its fourth generation, the front of the Sorento has improved with a new interpretation of Kia's hallmark 'tiger nose' grille, displaying a wider shape which organically wraps around the integrated headlamps on each side. The build of the new model is 10mm longer than its predecessor (now 4,810mm), yet it features shorter front and rear overhangs.

The interior is arguably the highest standard that the Kia has ever produced, with its premium-quality materials and cutting-edge infotainment. The dash is based around twin digital displays, a 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster twinned with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system (in 8- or 10.25-inch sizes) at the centre of the fascia.

The premium feel doesn't stop there though; additions such as mood lighting, embossed satin-effect surfaces and a high-end BOSE surround audio system take the luxurious atmosphere to the next level.

In the new model, there's also more leg and knee room in the second row. It's still an area of the car primarily meant for kids, but now adults can be more comfortably accommodated on shorter trips. Boot space is improved as well (by 32% with all three rows in place) and there's up to 821 litres with both rear rows folded.

Dacia Jogger

Our pick quick facts

• Doors: 7
• Fuel type: Diesel
• MPG: 48.7mpg
• Price: can start around £18,705**

If you want seven seats in a family car these days – even in a converted van – you'll be forgiven if you think you need well over £20,000 for a reasonable option. But when you see the Dacia Jogger's starting price, you'll be shocked. In terms of affordable 7-seater cars, the Dacia Jogger, an estate, is one of the best options on the market.

Dacia's brand refresh in 2022 brought about a facelift for the Jogger. It received a sharper front end, higher roofline and stretched wheelbase. It comes with three rows of seating. Remove the third row or fold it down for added practicality and versatility. The Jogger makes for a fantastic family car and was named the Auto Express 'Family Car of the Year' in both 2022 and 2023.

Don't expect this to deliver particularly engaging handling dynamics; this car isn't intended for that kind of driving. But it'll be easy to use in town thanks to a light, electrically powered steering system that requires little effort to turn at low speeds. There's more camera safety kit than there used to be on Dacia models, including an Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS).

Kia EV9

Our pick quick facts

• Doors: 7
• Fuel type: Electric
• Range: 349 miles*
• Price: can start around £63,995**

It's a double listing for Kia, it's worth highlighting the Korean manufacturer's premium electric option, the EV9. In terms of large 7-seater cars with an electric powertrain, the EV9 is one of the largest, and it's among the market leaders for battery range, offering up to 349 miles and has rapid charging capacity.

The EV9 offers a unique external design and, at 5.015 metres in length, 1.98 metres in width, and an impressive 1.78 metres in height, it doesn’t go unnoticed on any road. There's also a panoramic sunroof, but the EV9's space and storage solutions are what make it appealing to drivers, especially to those with large families.

There’s a generous front trunk, or frunk, space to store small to medium bags, and the boot’s 571-litre capacity can easily increase to an incredible 2,320 litres when the back seats are folded.

Inside, the triple panoramic display features a 12.3-inch driver display screen, 5-inch climate control screen, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with voice control.

BMW X7

Our pick quick facts

• Doors: 7
• Fuel type: Diesel
• MPG: 36.0mpg
• Price: can start around £83,000**

It's no surprise that BMW's offering on this list is perhaps the most luxurious 7-seater car on the market. The BMW X7, originally launched in 2018, is an enormous luxury seven-seat SUV, mainly aimed at customers in America, the Middle East, China and various Asian markets. But for drivers in the UK, the BMW X7 prices start at around £83,000 for the base xDrive40d diesel variant with 340hp.

Inside, the BMW X7 feels more upmarket than its rivals, like an Audi Q7 or a Volvo XC90. The biggest change in the X7 is the inclusion 'Curved Display', which is made up of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a central 14.9-inch infotainment monitor. The two screens merge into one fully digital and high-resolution display unit behind a single glass surface. Also new is a smart crystalline ambient lighting bar below the trim strip ahead of the front passenger.

As in previous models, you sit high, the rear window seems a long way off and there's a huge part-opening glass roof to flood the cabin with light. In terms of looks, there are updated matrix LED headlights that flank a new 'Iconic Glow' kidney grille, which features cascade lighting for the two grille elements. The standard boot capacity is 326 litres. Drop the two rear seating rows and 2,120 litres of carriage space is freed up.