The best 7-seater SUVs in the UK for 2025: top family cars compared
Finding the perfect 7-seater SUV for your family requires careful consideration of space, comfort, performance, and value. We’ve analysed the top models available in the UK market to help you make an informed decision.
Top 10 best 7-seater SUVs for UK families
1. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with its blend of practicality and refinement. The latest model offers smooth and powerful engines, with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options available. Notable features include pillowy ride comfort, superb interior quality, and cleverly designed sliding second-row seats for easy third-row access.
2. Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 delivers premium luxury with outstanding practicality. Its sophisticated interior features six Isofix points and an optional panoramic roof. The performance impresses with a 0-62 mph time of 5.6 seconds in the most powerful variant, while adaptive air suspension ensures exceptional ride comfort.
3. BMW X7
BMW’s flagship SUV combines luxury with remarkable driving dynamics. The X7 offers generous space across all three rows and impressive boot capacity – 326 litres with all seats up, expanding to 2,120 litres with both rear rows folded. The optional six-seater configuration with individual middle-row seats adds an extra touch of luxury.
4. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento impresses with its hybrid powertrains and practical design. The regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants deliver efficient performance, while the spacious interior offers more third-row room than many competitors. The comprehensive warranty package adds extra peace of mind.
5. Skoda Kodiaq
Practical and well-equipped, the Skoda Kodiaq offers excellent value for money. With three Isofix points and generous boot space (835 litres standard, expanding to 2,065 litres), it’s a versatile family car. Choose between front-wheel or all-wheel drive options to suit your needs.
6. Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 continues to set high standards for safety and luxury. The interior combines premium materials with practical features, while the range of engines includes efficient hybrid options. Advanced safety features come as standard, making it an excellent choice for safety-conscious families.
7. Land Rover Discovery
The Discovery excels in both on-road comfort and off-road capability. With a boot space of 1,137 litres with five seats and 2,406 litres with two seats, it offers exceptional practicality. The elevated driving position and advanced all-wheel-drive system make it a confident all-terrain performer.
8. SEAT Tarraco
SEAT’s largest SUV provides seven seats as standard and delivers a engaging driving experience. While the third row best suits children, the overall package offers good value with plenty of standard equipment.
9. Peugeot 5008
The Peugeot 5008 combines distinctive styling with practical features. Its well-designed interior includes flexible seating arrangements and good storage solutions, while the range of efficient engines helps keep running costs reasonable.
10. Land Rover Defender 130
The Defender 130 offers a more spacious alternative to the standard Defender, with a genuinely usable third row. It maintains the model’s legendary off-road capability while adding extra practicality for large families.
- All models feature modern safety systems
- Most offer multiple engine choices including hybrid options
- Boot space varies significantly between models with all seats in use
- Third-row comfort and accessibility differ across the range
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Hybrid and electric 7-seater SUV comparison
As environmental consciousness grows and fuel efficiency becomes increasingly important, many manufacturers now offer hybrid and electric variants of their popular 7-seater SUVs. Here’s a detailed comparison of the most notable options available in the UK market.
Hybrid options
The Hyundai Santa Fe leads the pack with its impressive hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offerings. The PHEV variant provides an all-electric range of up to 36 miles, making it ideal for short commutes and school runs. Its quiet operation and smooth transition between electric and petrol power have earned praise from owners and experts alike.
The Kia Sorento hybrid has established itself as a strong contender in this segment. Available in both regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations, it delivers a compelling blend of practicality and efficiency. The hybrid powertrain provides nippy acceleration, managing 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds, while maintaining respectable fuel economy figures.
At the premium end of the spectrum, the Audi Q7 PHEV stands out with its remarkable efficiency, capable of achieving up to 134.5mpg under ideal conditions. This impressive figure, combined with its luxurious interior and refined driving experience, makes it one of the most appealing hybrid options in the luxury segment.
Full electric options
The Kia EV9 represents the cutting edge of electric 7-seater SUVs. With a maximum WLTP range of 349 miles and available in both single-motor and twin-motor configurations, it offers practical electric mobility for larger families. The EV9 particularly impresses with its technological features, including USB-C ports and cup holders for all passengers.
The Mercedes EQV, while technically an MPV rather than an SUV, deserves mention as a capable electric 7-seater. Equipped with a 90kWh battery, it delivers a WLTP range of 222 miles. Perhaps more importantly, it can charge from 0 to 80% in just 45 minutes when using its 110kW DC rapid charging capability.
Efficiency and performance comparison
The Volvo XC90 PHEV matches the Audi Q7’s impressive 134.5mpg potential, though real-world figures typically vary based on driving conditions and charging habits. The Volkswagen Multivan eHybrid offers a more modest but still practical electric range of around 30 miles from its 19.7kWh battery, combined with a 1.5-litre petrol engine for a total output of 241bhp.
Environmental impact
While all hybrid and electric options offer reduced emissions compared to their conventional counterparts, full electric vehicles like the Kia EV9 and Mercedes EQV lead the way with zero tailpipe emissions. The plug-in hybrid models occupy a middle ground, offering significant emission reductions for shorter journeys while maintaining the flexibility of conventional fuel for longer trips.
For those considering environmental impact alongside practicality, the latest generation of hybrid and electric 7-seater SUVs demonstrates that families no longer need to choose between space and sustainability. These vehicles offer compelling combinations of efficiency, performance, and functionality, with options to suit various budgets and requirements.
Safety features and ratings of family SUVs
When it comes to family transportation, safety is paramount. Let’s examine how the leading 7-seater SUVs perform in terms of safety features and crash test ratings, helping you make an informed decision for your family’s protection.
Top safety performers
The Volvo XC90 continues to lead the pack in safety innovation, maintaining its reputation as one of the safest family SUVs on the market. With a prestigious 5-star Euro NCAP rating, it comes equipped with comprehensive safety features including run-off road protection, pilot assist for semi-autonomous driving, and an advanced 360-degree camera system. The XC90’s City Safety system provides low-speed automatic emergency braking, while the Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) offers additional protection for occupants.
Following closely is the Kia Sorento, which also boasts a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The Sorento impresses with its comprehensive suite of safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. A standout feature is its Driver Attention Warning system, which monitors driver alertness and provides timely warnings when needed.
Advanced driver assistance systems
The BMW X7 showcases cutting-edge safety technology with its comprehensive Active Driving Assistant Professional package. This includes sophisticated features such as Active Blind Spot Detection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, and Lane Departure Warning. The X7’s Highway Assistant with Active Lane Change capability allows for hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph under certain conditions.
The Audi Q7 matches its luxury status with advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and emergency braking systems. The Q7 particularly excels in its parking assistance capabilities, featuring a comprehensive surround-view camera system that makes maneuvering this large SUV significantly easier. Learn more about the Q7’s safety features.
Safety innovations and special features
The Hyundai Santa Fe incorporates several innovative safety features, though recent models have faced some scrutiny in safety testing. The vehicle includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning systems. Recent Euro NCAP testing has highlighted areas for improvement in certain aspects of occupant protection.
Toyota’s Grand Highlander Hybrid comes equipped with the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense suite, featuring advanced systems such as:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
The Land Rover Discovery maintains its position as a safety-conscious choice with a robust set of features including emergency brake assist, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist. Its advanced terrain response system adds an extra layer of safety for off-road adventures.
Budget-conscious safety options
The Dacia Jogger, while positioned as a budget-friendly option, still provides essential safety features including multiple airbags and electronic stability control. It achieved a 4-star Euro NCAP rating, which, while not class-leading, demonstrates acceptable safety standards for its price point.
Price range and value comparison of 7-seater SUVs
When considering the best value among 7-seater SUVs in the UK market, it’s essential to examine not just the initial purchase price but also the overall cost of ownership. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of the market’s offerings across different price segments.
Budget-friendly options
At the more affordable end of the spectrum, the Dacia Jogger stands out with a starting price of £22,995, making it one of the most accessible 7-seater options in the UK. While it may lack some premium features, it offers excellent value for families seeking practicality on a budget.
Mid-range contenders
The mid-range segment features several compelling options. The Peugeot 5008 starts at £37,800, while the Kia Sorento begins at £43,000, offering a good balance of features and quality. The Hyundai Santa Fe, priced from £46,800, provides premium features and comfort at a competitive price point according to Auto Express.
Premium segment
In the luxury category, the Volvo XC90 commands a starting price of £64,000, while the Ford Tourneo Custom begins at £57,300. These vehicles offer advanced features, superior build quality, and enhanced comfort levels. The BMW X7 and various Land Rover models typically position themselves at the higher end of the price spectrum, offering maximum luxury and capability.
Running costs and depreciation
Beyond the initial purchase price, it’s crucial to consider ongoing costs. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento generally offer lower running costs and good fuel economy, contributing to slower depreciation rates as noted by Wilson’s depreciation analysis.
- Insurance costs tend to be higher for premium models like the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover range
- Maintenance costs vary significantly, with Asian manufacturers typically offering more competitive servicing prices
- Fuel efficiency in hybrid variants can lead to substantial long-term savings
- Warranty coverage ranges from 3 years (premium brands) to 7 years (Kia)
Value propositions by segment
For value-conscious buyers, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento represent excellent propositions, offering premium features at middle-market prices as highlighted by Cinch’s market analysis. These models combine strong build quality, comprehensive warranty coverage, and competitive running costs.
Premium models like the Volvo XC90 and BMW X7 justify their higher prices through superior technology, build quality, and brand prestige. While their initial cost is higher, they often maintain stronger residual values, particularly in the UK market.
Customer reviews and reliability ratings
Understanding real-world experiences from owners provides valuable insights for potential buyers of 7-seater SUVs. Here’s what UK drivers are saying about the top models based on comprehensive user reviews and reliability data.
Hyundai Santa Fe: Outstanding reliability
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with an exceptional 98.9% reliability rating according to What Car?’s Reliability Survey. Owners particularly praise its:
- Comfortable ride quality and spacious interior
- Smooth and powerful engine performance
- Easy access to third-row seating
- Premium interior materials and build quality
- Minimal reported faults with zero average repair costs
The main criticism from users centers around the touchscreen infotainment system, which some find less intuitive than competitors.
BMW X7: Luxury and performance
The BMW X7 receives high marks for its luxury features and driving dynamics. Owner feedback highlights:
- Exceptional interior space and comfort
- Powerful engine options, particularly the xDrive40d diesel variant
- Premium build quality and materials
- Advanced technology features
However, some owners note challenges with urban maneuverability due to its size and find the infotainment system’s learning curve steep.
Audi Q7: Refined comfort
The Audi Q7 continues to impress owners with its blend of luxury and practicality. According to Auto Express user reviews, standout features include:
- Superior ride comfort and road noise isolation
- High-quality interior materials and finish
- Strong performance from both petrol and diesel engines
- Excellent build quality and reliability
The main drawback mentioned by owners is that third-row space isn’t as generous as some competitors like the BMW X7.
Kia Sorento: Value and practicality
The Kia Sorento earns praise for its practical features and value proposition. Owner feedback consistently mentions:
- Spacious third-row seating arrangement
- Efficient hybrid powertrain performance
- Comprehensive standard equipment
- Strong build quality for the price point
Some users note that while comfortable, the ride quality doesn’t quite match the premium feel of more expensive rivals.
Volvo XC90: Long-term satisfaction
The Volvo XC90 maintains strong owner satisfaction ratings, with reviews on Parkers highlighting:
- Outstanding safety features and crash protection
- Practical interior layout and storage solutions
- Refined driving experience
- Impressive plug-in hybrid performance
While the model is showing its age compared to newer competitors, owners appreciate its proven reliability and continued appeal.