Choosing the Best 7 Seater Family Cars: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The UK market offers many 7 seater family cars, each designed for different family needs. These vehicles may look similar, but their suitability can vary a lot depending on family size, daily routines, and personal likes. This guide will help you compare different 7-seater options and understand what’s important when choosing, so you can pick the best car for your family’s needs.

Key Takeaways

• Consider seating configuration and interior layout for comfort and flexibility
• Evaluate practicality and storage options, including boot space with all seats in use
• Prioritize safety features and check Euro NCAP ratings
• Compare fuel economy and environmental impact across different powertrains
• Assess technology and comfort features for enhanced family travel experience
• Balance upfront costs with long-term value and potential resale considerations

Seating Configuration and Interior Layout

Second and Third Row Usability

When looking at 7 seater family cars, it’s important to check how comfortable and easy to access all the seats are. Look at legroom in the second and third rows, how easy it is to get to the back seats, and if the seats can recline. For example, the Peugeot 5008 has flexible seating that can be arranged in different ways, giving plenty of space for everyone. Some cars have sliding second-row seats, which can help share legroom between the middle and back rows. A few models even have special chairs in the second row, making it feel fancier and easier to get to the back.

Child Seat Compatibility

If you have young kids, how well the car works with child seats is really important. Look for cars with lots of ISOFIX points, check how easy it is to put car seats in and take them out, and see if you can use car seats in all rows. The Peugeot 5008, for instance, has special anchor points for child seats, which is great for families. Also, think about how wide the second-row seats are, as this affects how many child seats you can fit side by side. Some cars have three separate seats in the second row, which is really useful if you have three young children.

Flexibility and Folding Options

Being able to change the seating layout can make your family car much more useful. Check how easy it is to fold the seats, look for seats that can fold in different parts in both the second and third rows, and think about cars where the seats fold flat to give you the most space for carrying stuff. Many new 7 seater family cars have clever ways to arrange the seats to fit different family needs. Some cars let you take seats out completely, while others have smart ways to store seats when you’re not using them. Being able to quickly change how the inside of the car is set up can be really helpful for families whose needs change often or who regularly need to carry big items.

Practicality and Storage

Boot Space with All Seats in Use

One of the most important things to think about when comparing 7 seater family cars is how much space is left in the boot when all the seats are being used. Look for cars that still have usable luggage space even with seven people in the car, think about cars with extra storage under the floor, and check if the shape of the boot makes it easy to load big things. Boot space can be very different between different cars, from about 200 liters to over 400 liters with all seats up. Some cars have clever ideas like adjustable boot floors or removable parcel shelves to help you make the most of the space.

Interior Storage Solutions

Practical storage solutions can make a big difference in everyday family life. Count the number and size of cupholders throughout the car, look for clever storage spots in the dashboard, centre console, and door panels, and think about cars with extras for the back seats like fold-down tables or built-in storage spaces. Some 7 seater family cars have cool features like cooled gloveboxes to keep drinks and snacks fresh, or hidden spaces under the floor to store valuable things out of sight. Also, check where the USB ports and power outlets are, as these are important for keeping devices charged on long trips.

Roof Rails and Tow Capacity

For families who like outdoor activities or need to carry big items, think about the extra features of 7 seater family cars. Check if roof rails come with the car or can be added, compare how much different cars can tow, and think about how these features fit with what your family likes to do. Some cars, like the Škoda Kodiaq, offer four-wheel drive options and different engine choices, making them good for families who need a versatile car. When looking at towing capacity, think about not just the maximum weight, but also features like trailer stability assist and reversing cameras that can see the trailer, which can make towing safer and easier. For roof rails, look into whether you can get things like roof boxes or bike racks that are made to fit your chosen car.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Standard Safety Equipment

When it comes to family cars, safety is really important. Look for cars that have lots of airbags, including curtain airbags for all three rows, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and ISOFIX points for child seats. Many new 7 seater family cars come with advanced safety features as standard. It’s also good to think about how strong the car is built, including things like a reinforced area for passengers and parts of the car designed to crumple in a crash to absorb energy. Some car makers offer extra safety features like bonnets that pop up to protect pedestrians or special headrests that help prevent whiplash injuries.

Advanced Safety Features

Modern 7 seater family cars often have advanced systems to help the driver. These might include adaptive cruise control to make motorway driving easier, warnings if you start to drift out of your lane and help to stay in it, automatic emergency braking to help avoid crashes, and systems that warn you about cars in your blind spots. For example, the Peugeot 5008 has advanced safety features including lane assist, which makes the car safer overall. Some cars also have features that can recognize traffic signs, alert you if you seem tired, and cameras that give you a 360-degree view around the car. Think about how these advanced systems could work with your driving style and give extra safety for your family.

Euro NCAP Ratings

When comparing how safe different cars are, it’s important to check their Euro NCAP ratings. Pay attention to the scores for how well the car protects adults, children, and pedestrians. Look for cars with the newest safety assist technologies, as these can really help make the car safer overall. Remember that Euro NCAP tests are updated regularly to include new safety checks, so a 5-star rating from a few years ago might not be the same as a recent 5-star rating. Look at the detailed breakdown of scores and pay special attention to how well the car protects child passengers, as this is really important for family cars.

Euro NCAP Safety Ratings

• 5 stars: Excellent overall protection
• 4 stars: Good protection in most areas
• 3 stars: Average to good protection
• 2 stars: Nominal protection in some areas
• 1 star: Marginal crash protection

Fuel Economy and Environmental Impact

Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, and Plug-in Hybrid Options

The type of engine you choose can really affect how much it costs to run your car and how it impacts the environment. Compare how fuel-efficient different engine types are and think about the good and bad points of petrol, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options for how you drive. For example, the Peugeot 5008 has a 1.2L PureTech petrol engine with an automatic gearbox, which tries to balance performance and efficiency. When looking at hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, think about things like how far they can go on just electricity, how long they take to charge, and if there are enough charging points where you live and drive. Also, think about how your choice might be affected in the future, like if there might be new rules about diesel cars in cities.

Real-world MPG vs Manufacturer Claims

To get a better idea of how much fuel a car really uses, look for information from people who own the car and independent tests. Compare these with what the car maker says and think about how your usual driving might affect fuel use. The Peugeot 5008, for example, says it can do 55 miles per gallon, but real-world performance might be different. Things like how you drive, traffic, and weather can all affect how much fuel a car uses. Some car makers now give more realistic fuel economy figures based on a new test called WLTP, which tries to show more accurately how cars perform in real driving conditions.

ULEZ Compliance and Road Tax

Think about extra costs and rules related to emissions. Check which cars meet Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) standards, compare road tax rates based on CO2 emissions, and think about the potential savings of choosing a more environmentally friendly car. The Peugeot 5008, with CO2 emissions of 117 g/km, might have advantages for road tax and ULEZ compliance. Also consider how future changes to emissions rules might affect the long-term costs of owning your chosen car. Some local councils offer benefits for low-emission vehicles, like cheaper parking or being allowed to use special lanes, which could be extra bonuses depending on where you live.

Technology and Comfort Features

Infotainment Systems

Modern 7 seater family cars come with advanced entertainment systems. Compare the size of touchscreens and how well they respond, look for easy connection with smartphones (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and check how good and easy to use the built-in navigation systems are. Many cars now have large, user-friendly touchscreens that are easy to use. Think about features like voice control, which can be really useful for safely using the entertainment system while driving. Some cars also have digital displays behind the steering wheel that can show navigation information right in front of the driver, which is safer and more convenient.

Rear Entertainment and Connectivity

To keep passengers entertained on long trips, check for USB ports and power outlets in the back seats, look for cars with built-in screens for the back seats, and see if the car can create its own Wi-Fi hotspot. These features can make traveling much more enjoyable for families, especially on longer journeys. Some cars have holders for tablets built into the back of the front seats, which is a handy way for people in the back to watch things on their own devices. Think about where the USB ports are in the car and how many there are, as well as whether there are wireless charging pads for phones that can use them.

Multi-zone Climate Control and Heated Seats

Comfort features can make driving much nicer. Compare cars that offer climate control for different areas of the car, look for heated seats, especially for passengers in the middle row, and think about extra comfort features like seats that can cool you down or heated steering wheels. Some cars, like the Škoda Kodiaq, offer optional extras such as a big sunroof and leather seats for added comfort. Advanced climate control systems might include sensors that check air quality and filters that remove pollen, which can be really good for families with people who have allergies. Some cars also let you start the heating or cooling before you get in, using an app on your smartphone.

Budget, Value, and Resale

Upfront Cost vs Long-term Value

When thinking about the money side of 7 seater family cars, compare the initial prices of different models and trim levels. Think about the total cost of owning the car, including fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Look at what the warranty covers and potential repair costs. For example, the Peugeot 5008 starts at £31,000, but prices can change depending on the exact version and extras you choose. It’s important to look beyond just the price tag and think about things like how fuel-efficient the car is, what insurance group it’s in, and how much regular servicing costs. Some car makers offer service plans that let you spread the cost of maintenance, which might help with budgeting.

Approved Used vs New

Think about the benefits of buying a new car compared to getting an approved used one. Compare the features and warranties you get with new models, look at how much you might save by choosing a nearly-new or approved used car, and think about how quickly different models lose value and how this might affect your decision. Approved used cars often come with warranties backed by the manufacturer and have been checked thoroughly, which can give you peace of mind similar to buying new. However, new cars might have the latest safety and technology features, and you can choose exactly what you want. Think about how long you plan to keep the car and whether having the newest features is important for your family.

Resale and Popularity in the Used Market

Think about how well the car might keep its value over time. Research which models tend to be worth more when you sell them, look at how popular different models are in the used car market, and think about how things like mileage, condition, and service history affect resale value. Some models, like the Škoda Kodiaq, might keep their value well because they’re popular and known for being reliable. Things like the car maker’s reputation, how reliable the car is known to be, and how easy it is to get spare parts can all affect how desirable a car is in the used market. It’s also worth thinking about how changes in rules or what people want might affect the future value of different types of engines, like diesel or hybrid systems.

Conclusion

Picking the right 7 seater family cars means carefully thinking about lots of things, including how the seats are arranged, how practical the car is, safety features, fuel economy, technology, and long-term value. Remember, there’s no perfect car that suits every family. Focus on the features that matter most to your family’s size, lifestyle, and future plans. Think about how your needs might change over the years you plan to own the car, like children growing up or changes in your daily drive or travel habits.

We suggest test-driving several models and looking at what other owners say before making your final choice. Consider cars like the Peugeot 5008, Škoda Kodiaq, and other popular 7 seater family cars. Pay attention to how each car feels to drive, how easy it is for everyone to get in and out, and how well it fits your family’s specific needs. By carefully looking at your options, you’ll be well-prepared to choose a 7-seater family car that meets all your needs and provides years of comfortable, safe, and enjoyable family travel. Remember that the best choice is one that balances what you need now with what will be practical and valuable in the long run.

Popular 7 Seater Family Cars – Market Share

Peugeot 5008

Skoda Kodiaq

Ford S-Max

Kia Sorento

Others