Best 7 seater cars UK: Top family vehicles for 2024
In this guide:
- Best 7 seater SUVs for families
- Top-rated hybrid and electric 7 seaters
- Most reliable 7 seater cars
- Best value 7 seater cars under £40,000
- Luxury 7 seater cars comparison
Best 7 seater SUVs for families
When it comes to finding the perfect family vehicle, 7 seater SUVs offer an unbeatable combination of space, practicality, and comfort. Leading the pack in 2024 is the Hyundai Santa Fe, starting from £46,800, which has earned widespread acclaim for its outstanding seven-seat practicality and plush interior.
The Santa Fe’s 1.6 TGDi Hybrid engine delivers a balanced performance with 41.5 mpg fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice for family journeys. With 628 litres of boot space, it easily accommodates both passengers and luggage, while Hyundai’s renowned reliability record provides peace of mind for long-term ownership.
Another standout option is the Skoda Kodiaq, available from £37,500 new or £17,000 used. The Kodiaq has established itself as a family favourite thanks to its exceptional practicality and versatile interior. With up to 835 litres of standard boot space, expandable to 2,065 litres with the rear seats down, it offers class-leading cargo capacity. According to Auto Express, the Kodiaq’s three ISOFIX points for child seats make it particularly appealing to growing families.
For families seeking premium features without the premium price tag, the Peugeot 5008 presents an attractive proposition at £37,400. The 5008 combines stylish design with practical features, including a spacious 640-litre boot that expands to 2,150 litres with the seats folded. What Car? reports that the 5008’s comfortable interior and range of efficient engines make it a compelling choice for family buyers.
The Kia Sorento, priced from £42,000, rounds out the top family SUV options with its blend of space, comfort, and modern technology. Notable features include:
- Generous 821-litre boot capacity
- Available hybrid powertrains for improved efficiency
- High-quality interior materials
- Comprehensive safety features
For families prioritising value and practicality, the Dacia Jogger stands out as the most affordable option in the segment, with prices starting from just £18,300. While it may lack some of the premium features found in more expensive models, reviews highlight its impressive space efficiency and comfortable ride quality, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious families.
Top-rated hybrid and electric 7 seaters
As the automotive industry shifts towards more sustainable options, several manufacturers now offer impressive hybrid and electric 7-seater vehicles that combine spaciousness with eco-friendly performance. Here’s a detailed look at the best options available in the UK market.
Top hybrid 7-seater options
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid leads the pack with its impressive 41.5 mpg fuel efficiency and comfortable interior. Starting from £46,800, it offers an excellent balance between performance and practicality, featuring a 1.6 TGDi hybrid engine that delivers smooth acceleration and reliable performance.
Another standout option is the Kia Sorento hybrid, which combines a spacious interior with efficient hybrid technology. The vehicle offers various driving modes and can accommodate seven adults comfortably while maintaining good fuel economy.
Electric 7-seater vehicles
The Citroen e-Berlingo represents an excellent all-electric option for families seeking zero-emission transport. Starting from £32,000, it provides practical space solutions and pure electric motoring, though range anxiety might be a concern for some users.
For those seeking a premium electric experience, the upcoming Volvo EX90 promises to deliver exceptional range and performance, building on the success of the XC90’s platform while offering zero-emission capability.
Fuel efficiency and performance
Modern hybrid 7-seaters have made significant strides in fuel efficiency. The Audi Q7 plug-in hybrid can achieve up to 134.5 mpg under optimal conditions, making it one of the most economical options in its class. However, real-world efficiency will vary depending on driving conditions and charging habits.
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: 41.5 mpg combined
- Kia Sorento Hybrid: Variable efficiency based on driving mode
- Citroen e-Berlingo: Pure electric range (specific figures vary by model)
- Audi Q7 PHEV: Up to 134.5 mpg potential efficiency
Environmental impact
Hybrid and electric 7-seaters significantly reduce environmental impact compared to traditional petrol or diesel alternatives. The Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid, for example, produces around 155g/km of CO2, while fully electric options like the e-Berlingo produce zero direct emissions.
In addition to lower emissions, these vehicles often qualify for various government incentives and lower road tax rates, making them increasingly attractive options for environmentally conscious families.
Long-term cost considerations
While hybrid and electric 7-seaters often command higher initial purchase prices, they can offer significant savings in running costs. Factors to consider include:
- Lower fuel costs, especially for plug-in hybrids when regularly charged
- Reduced road tax due to lower emissions
- Potential savings on maintenance due to simpler powertrains (particularly in full electric vehicles)
- Better resale values as the market shifts towards electrified vehicles
Best 7 seater cars UK: Top family vehicles for 2024
Most reliable 7 seater cars
When it comes to reliability and long-term ownership value in the UK market, several 7 seater cars stand out for their proven track record and dependable performance. Here’s an in-depth look at the most reliable options available in 2024.
Kia Sorento – Top for reliability and warranty
The Kia Sorento leads the pack in reliability, backed by Kia’s industry-leading 7-year warranty. Starting from £42,000, this versatile SUV offers exceptional build quality and proven mechanical reliability. The Kia Sorento consistently ranks highly for owner satisfaction, with minimal reported issues across its model range.
Hyundai Santa Fe – Proven dependability
The Hyundai Santa Fe, priced from £46,800, demonstrates outstanding reliability credentials. Its hybrid powertrain delivers consistent performance with fuel efficiency of 41.5 mpg, while the robust build quality ensures longevity. The Santa Fe’s reliability is further enhanced by Hyundai’s comprehensive 5-year warranty package.
Skoda Kodiaq – European reliability
Starting from £37,500, the Skoda Kodiaq represents excellent value for money with proven reliability. What Car? rates the Kodiaq highly for its dependable performance and low maintenance requirements. The spacious interior and practical design are matched by robust mechanical components that stand the test of time.
Dacia Jogger – Budget-friendly reliability
The Dacia Jogger, while being the most affordable option at £18,300, doesn’t compromise on reliability. It features simple, proven mechanics that require minimal maintenance. The straightforward design approach contributes to fewer potential issues, making it a dependable choice for budget-conscious families.
Regular maintenance costs and considerations
When evaluating long-term reliability, consider these key maintenance aspects:
- Annual service costs range from £300 for mainstream brands to £800 for luxury models
- Hybrid variants typically require specialized maintenance but often offer lower running costs
- Regular maintenance intervals vary between 12,000-20,000 miles depending on the manufacturer
- Parts availability and costs differ significantly between brands
Common reliability indicators
- Manufacturer warranty length and coverage
- Historical reliability ratings from owner surveys
- Frequency of reported mechanical issues
- Cost and availability of replacement parts
- Service interval requirements
Many of these reliable models are available through certified pre-owned programs, offering additional peace of mind for buyers considering used vehicles. When selecting a reliable 7 seater car, consider both the initial purchase price and the total cost of ownership, including maintenance, fuel efficiency, and potential repair costs.
Best value 7 seater cars under £40,000
Finding an affordable yet reliable 7 seater car doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Several manufacturers offer excellent family vehicles packed with features while staying under the £40,000 mark. Here are some of the best value options available in the UK market for 2024.
Dacia Jogger
Starting at just £18,300, the Dacia Jogger stands out as the most affordable 7 seater car in the UK market. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, it offers impressive features including:
- Spacious interior with versatile seating configuration
- Efficient 1.6-litre hybrid engine
- 209-775 litres of boot space
- Comfortable ride quality for daily family use
While the interior materials might not match premium alternatives, the Jogger delivers exceptional value for money and practical family transportation. According to Auto Express, it’s one of the most practical and cost-effective 7 seaters available today.
Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq, priced from £37,500, offers premium features at a competitive price point. Key highlights include:
- Massive 835-litre boot capacity
- Excellent build quality and refinement
- Choice of efficient petrol and diesel engines
- Three ISOFIX points for child seats
The Kodiaq consistently receives praise for its practicality and ease of use, making it a smart choice for growing families seeking value without compromising on quality.
Peugeot 5008
Starting at £37,400, the Peugeot 5008 combines style with practicality. According to What Car?, it stands out for:
- Distinctive exterior design
- Premium-feeling interior
- 640-litre boot capacity
- Strong fuel efficiency across the engine range
Citroen Berlingo
The Citroen Berlingo, priced from £32,000, offers exceptional space and versatility. Notable features include:
- Class-leading 1,050-litre boot space in XL variant
- Available in electric e-Berlingo version
- Practical sliding rear doors
- Excellent visibility and comfortable seating
Reviews from Carplus highlight its impressive practicality and value proposition, particularly for larger families needing maximum space within a reasonable budget.
While these vehicles may lack some luxury features found in more expensive alternatives, they all offer reliable family transportation with good safety features, practical interiors, and reasonable running costs. Their lower purchase prices also mean reduced depreciation costs over time, making them smart long-term investments for budget-conscious families.
Luxury 7 seater cars comparison
When it comes to luxury 7 seater cars in the UK market, several prestigious manufacturers offer exceptional models that combine opulence with practicality. Here’s a detailed comparison of the top luxury 7 seater vehicles available in 2024.
BMW X7
Starting at £88,900, the BMW X7 stands as one of the most prestigious 7 seater options available. Its powerful 537bhp V8-powered M60i variant can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest large SUVs on the market. The X7 offers exceptional interior space with 326 litres of boot space in standard configuration, expanding to an impressive 2,120 litres with seats folded.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90, available from £28,500 for used models, combines Scandinavian luxury with practical family transport. Notable features include one of the most comfortable third rows in its class and advanced safety features through the City Safety system. The plug-in hybrid version offers remarkable fuel efficiency, with combined consumption reaching up to 113 mpg in ideal conditions. According to Auto Express, the XC90 remains one of the most well-rounded luxury SUVs available.
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 represents German engineering at its finest, with prices ranging from £50,000 to £70,000. Its standout feature is the flexible second row of seats that slides back and forth for optimal legroom distribution. The plug-in hybrid variant can achieve up to 134.5 mpg, making it one of the most economical luxury 7 seaters available. As reported by Cinch, the Q7’s combination of luxury and efficiency makes it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious families.
Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender offers a unique proposition in the luxury 7 seater segment, combining premium comfort with unmatched off-road capability. According to CarPlus, its practical interior and comfortable ride make it an excellent choice for families who require both luxury and versatility. While pricing varies based on specification, the Defender provides exceptional build quality and a commanding road presence.
Key considerations when choosing a luxury 7 seater
- Interior space and comfort across all three rows
- Advanced safety features and driver assistance systems
- Fuel efficiency and environmental impact
- Build quality and materials
- Maintenance costs and warranty coverage
- Resale value potential
These luxury 7 seaters offer distinct advantages depending on specific needs. The BMW X7 excels in performance and technology, the Volvo XC90 leads in safety and efficiency, the Audi Q7 provides the best balance of luxury and practicality, while the Land Rover Defender offers unmatched versatility and prestige.