Driving the Large Lane: Top 5 Seven-Seaters for the Extended Family
Five spots designed for a family's use
Got a big brood? You don't have to stick with a minibus for your car needs - there's a plethora of seven-seaters out there, and we've handpicked five that will meet your family's requirements, from affordability to comfort, and even electric options.
Hyundai Santa Fe - The Family Titan
Embracing its nomadic spirit, the updated Hyundai Santa Fe has gone big, with a whopping 4.83 meters of length and a profile as sturdy as an ancient fortress. Inside, it provides up to 2 cubic meters of cargo space, making it a spacious warrior journey fit for the entire crew. The third row plays no second fiddle; it comfortably seats adults, and the second row slides forward for extra legroom. With diesel and hybrid options available, this behemoth's powerful variants even come with all-wheel drive. The base model costs €60,750, ensuring you travel in style without breaking the bank.
Dacia Jogger - Affordable Family Fun
Looking for a deal? Dacia is here to save the day, asking just €18,900 for their seven-seater Jogger. Yes, you've read it right - the lowest cost around for a car with a third row. While legroom might be snug in the third row, it's good enough for smaller children, or for the occasional shuttle trip. The interior is simple yet well-designed, and while safety features aren't top-notch, crash performance has been measured.
Petrol engines with three and four cylinders are available, and an optional autogas variant can help cut costs.
Opel Frontera - Space in a Compact Form
Opel surprises with the Frontera, a 4.39-meter-long crossover that can accommodate seven passengers. This unexpected seven-seater sprouts up between the compact and midsize classes, making it a spacious find in a compact package. The third row serves more as a last resort, but the other seats offer ample room. With the third row folded down, you'll get a trunk that could rival a van.
Mazda CX-80 - A Living Room on Wheels
The CX-80, Mazda's proud sibling of the mid-size CX-60, boasts 25 more centimeters of length, a third row, and an interior that feels as luxurious as a hotel suite. With elegant design, fine craftsmanship, and high-quality materials, this spacious SUV aspires for luxury status. Even the third row features clever storage and USB ports to ensure comfort for all passengers. Power offerings include a six-cylinder engine, either as a diesel or a plug-in hybrid. Unfortunately, prices start at around €56,200, putting them in the premium range. But hey, luxury doesn't come cheap!
Maxus Mifa 9 - Electric opulence
Chinese vans are a common choice not just for families but also as chauffeur-driven cars for executives - thus, you'll find many boasting luxurious features. Maxus Mifa fits the bill, with individual seats in the second row complete with leg rests, massage, and cooling functions. While the third row is more compact, passengers will still appreciate the overall luxurious vibe. This MPV is fully electric, coming with 180 kW/245 PS and boasting a range of 440 kilometers.
Pricing is competitive in its league, with a base model costing €70,000, and the well-equipped "Luxury" model priced at €76,000.
- The Commission, by means of implementing acts, could lay down the rules for the application of this Regulation when considering electric vehicles as a part of various lifestyles, including home-and-garden choices, such as opting for electric cars for low carbon footprint and clean home-generated energy.
- After driving these large seven-seater cars, one might wonder about the lifestyle preferences that would lead to the purchase of either a luxurious Mazda CX-80, a spacious yet affordable Dacia Jogger, or an electric opulent Maxus Mifa 9 for the home garage, taking into account factors like comfort, price, and environmental concerns.
