Best 7-seat cars 2024 – and the ones to avoid (2024)

The Land Rover Defender is an iconic model. However, there’s nothing old-fashioned about the latest version, which is laden with kit and sumptuously appointed inside.

While the Defender can be had with anything from five to eight seats, it’s the mid-range Defender 110 we think makes the most sense. It is long enough for all passengers to be able to stretch their legs on longer drives and can be had with seven seats. Unlike many rival seven-seaters, its two rearmost pews have enough head and leg room for adults and access is good because the second row seats slide forwards.

Opt for our favourite D300 model and its 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine provides plenty of power to haul a heavily-loaded vehicle around. The Defender isn’t a rough and ready off-roader, though. It’s just as refined as rival luxury SUVs, and the standard air suspension soaks up uneven surfaces better than a Volvo XC90.

And, when you compare it to alternatives, such as the BMW X7, on price, the Defender also represents good value for money. All in all, the Land Rover Defender is a superb all-rounder, and that’s why it’s our Seven-Seater of the Year.

Read ourLand Rover Defender review

Like its predecessor, the latest Hyundai Santa Fe provides many of the things a seven-seater buyer is looking for – namely, lots of space, comfort and kit, along with the potential for low running costs.

The Santa Fe also promises outstanding practicality, a plush interior and the reassurance of a five-year/unlimited-mileage warranty.

The latest version retains the two petrol engines from the previous models. They are a 1.6-litre petrolhybrid and aplug-in hybrid(PHEV) that is expectedto have a longer pure electric range than the outgoing model's 36 miles.

Prices for the new Santa Fe haven't been revealed yet. If they're competitive, this could be a future seven-seat champion.

Read ourHyundai Santa Fe review

The only thing bigger than the X7’s gigantic front grille is the car itself, so if you’ve got a big budget and a big family, it should definitely be on your shortlist.

As a bonus, the interior is as flashy as it is sturdy, and features one of the best infotainment systems you’ll find in any new car. Plus, refinement is so impressive that someone in the third row can have a conversation with those up front without raising their voice.

Engine options range from the powerful to mega-powerful, but our preferred choice is the 347bhp xDrive40d.

Read ourBMW X7 review

The Q7 is an incredible all-rounder, combining a comfy ride with spacious seating for seven and exceptional interior quality.Indeed, no matter which surface your hands touch or your eyes look at, you’ll be impressed both with the quality of materials on offer and how well screwed together it all is.

The Q7’s strongest suit of all, however, is comfort. It soaks up impacts from speed bumps and other road imperfections with easeand demolishes long journeys like a luxury SUVshould.

The 55 TFSI petrol is our favoured choice among the engine options, and has a punchy V6 engine with 335bhp.

Read ourAudi Q7 review

The long-wheelbase Range Roveris one of the most luxurious seven-seaters you can buy, and only recently has that been the case. Previously, you could buy the Range Rover Sport with seven seats, but that car is now only available with five seats.

With the latest Range Rover, though, you can have seven seats with the LWB (long wheel-base) version. When specified, the third-row seats are comfortable enough for six-footers, and the middle row splits in a handy 40/20/40 configuration and can fold electrically.

Of course, the Range Rover LWB is wonderful to drive, with a range of punchy petrol, diesel and PHEVengine options. Refinement is also a strong point, with minimal road noise and a ride that is controlled and smooth.

Read ourRange Rover review

The Peugeot 5008 combines MPV-like versatility with chunky SUV looks. It handles tidily, with light steering helping to make manoeuvring easy in the city, plus the ride is comfortable and the interior is seriously plush.

You might think that our recommended 129bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine might struggle to haul around a big and heavy car like this, but that's not the case. In fact, this engine pulls surprisingly well even with seven people on board.

There are diesel-engined alternatives if you’ll be covering enough miles to justify one, but no hybrid or PHEV options.

Read ourPeugeot 5008 review

Just because you're wearing your sensible trousers when buying a new MPV rather than a fashionable SUV, it doesn’t mean you have to slum it.

TheTouran offers the same level of plushness you get in a VW Golf family car, but with far greater practicality.All five of its rear seats feature Isofix child seat mounting points, so it’s useful for growing families, and there’s enough space for adults.

As a bonus, the Touran drives better than the rival Dacia Jogger. And although there’s no hybrid or PHEV option, the sole petrol engine on offer should be reasonablyeconomical.

Read ourVW Touran review

If the cars so far on this list have looked a little too expensive for you, the Kodiaq could be right up your street. Like most Skodas, it represents great value for money, especially if you stick with the lower engines and trims.

Indeed, our favourite 1.5-litre petrol option is among the cheapest in the range yet provides all the pep you could reasonably want – even if you plan on filling every seat.

Speaking of seats, front and second-row passengers get plenty of space, and while third-row passengers will be better off in the rival Peugeot 5008, most people will be fine back there for shorter trips.

Read ourSkoda Kodiaq review

The Discovery is a whopping great seven-seater that's incredibly capable both on and offroad.

And, despite its rugged credentials,theDiscovery remainsa comfortable and luxurious choice.Indeed,most of the areas you touch regularly feel pleasantly plush, while thetouchscreen infotainment system you get as standard issharp and responsive.

The Discovery even undercuts many of its seven-seat rivals on price, and considering how much kit you get for your money, it represents pretty good value. Add in slow depreciation and it’s easy to recommend.

Read ourLand Rover Discovery review

Like all Dacias, the Jogger is very temptingly priced, but don't think that means you have to put up with big compromises.

It's a well-thought-out people mover with genuine seven-seat usability, decent driving dynamics and plenty of standard equipment. Indeed, even entry-level versions come with cruise control, electric front windows and air conditioning.

You can have the Jogger with a 109bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine or a 138bhp 1.6-litre hybrid engine. We think the petrol model ispunchy enough for most situations, although the hybrid does make sense if you live in an urban area.

Read ourDacia Jogger review

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