One of the things to consider when deciding to have a third baby is whether you’ll need a bigger car. Although most cars are five-seaters, they don’t have space for three child seats. Many families consider the cost of upgrading their car when they discuss having a third child. If you’re currently expecting your third baby (or more), you might be deciding which cars will be best for your growing family.
Although a spacious five-seater will have enough seats, you might want to consider a 7 seater family car option. Seven-seater vehicles offer lots of flexibility for your family. You’ll have room for another baby or for friends and family members. Seven-seater cars also have more flexibility when it comes to cargo space.
If there are more than five in your immediate family then, of course, a seven seat car is a must. There are only a few models to choose from but bigger cars are growing in popularity, so you will probably find one that meets your requirements.
Things to consider when picking a seven-seater car
The third row
One of the first things to do before buying is to think about how you will use the car and, specifically, the third row. Will it be used constantly, or just for occasional trips? The answer will determine how important that third set of seats is to your family. If it will get lots of use, you’ll want it to be spacious and comfortable. If it’s for only occasional use, you might be less concerned about that and pay more attention to the cargo space offered by the extra row.
Cargo space
Big families come with a lot of baggage. If you’re heading away on holiday, you’ll have lots of luggage to fit into the car, so a spacious boot is a must. Cars might look big from the outside but they’re not always as roomy inside as you might expect. Pay close attention to the cargo space when looking at cars. Don’t be afraid to take a tape measure so you can make comparisons between different models.
Many seven-seat cars have a foldable third row, creating a spacious cargo area. If you’re planning on using the all the seats, you might find the remaining cargo space too small to be useful to a large family.
Driveability
With a bigger car, driveability is even more important. A large car can be intimidating to drive, especially in tight spaces. You want a car that offers a smooth ride, premium comfort, and stress-free driving. The only way to figure out whether you like driving a car is to drive it, so get those test drives booked in.
Isofix points
It’s worth considering ISOFIX points when making a purchase. Your car might have seven seats, but that doesn’t mean it has seven ISOFIX points. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out where you can safely locate child seats in the car. Some seven-seater vehicles don’t have ISOFIX points in the middle seat or in the back row, which could be problematic if you have a gaggle of very young children to squeeze into the car. The more ISOFIX points you have, the more flexibility you have.
Comfort
Comfort is an important consideration, especially if you have a large family. If you plan on taking long road trips, you’ll want to make sure each child has plenty of space, to reduce fighting and keep everybody happy. The more frequently you plan to use your car, and the longer your journeys are likely to be, the more vital comfort will be in your considerations when choosing a vehicle for your family.
Budget
One of the most significant considerations when buying a new car is likely to be price. Before you start looking, decide what you can afford and set a realistic budget for your purchase. Shopping second-hand can save you money, so check secondhand dealers and online sites to see if you can grab a bargain.
How to buy a car in Australia
If you’ve never bought a car before, you can be forgiven for finding the whole experience overwhelming. Here are some tips to take some of the stress out of finding a new car for your growing family:
- Take it for a test drive
This is the most important thing to do when buying a car. Test drive, test drive, test drive – especially if you’re buying second-hand. Don’t hand over a penny until you’re certain the car is in good working order.
- Check your car seats fit
Seven-seaters look spacious, but that doesn’t mean all your child seats are guaranteed to fit. Many people have parted with their cash only to find out they can’t squeeze their car seats into the new vehicle. The only way to guarantee the cars seats will fit is to take them with you and try to fit them into the car.
- Give yourself time
Don’t rush car buying. You would hope such a big, expensive purchase will last you for years. Give yourself time to research cars, visit dealerships and look for good deals. Ideally, you should start researching as soon as you find out you need a bigger car.
- Ask current owners what they think
If you know people with seven-seater cars, ask them what they think. Don’t be afraid to ask strangers if you see them with a car you’re considering buying. Real-world owners can tell you the good, the bad and the ugly; their opinions are invaluable.
Best 7 seater family cars in Australia
Here are BellyBelly’s 6 top picks for seven-seaters available in Australia:
#1. Toyota Kluger
The Toyota Kluger SUV is a luxury SUV that offers practicality and beautiful design. The sophisticated design features make this an ideal family car; you don’t have to compromise on quality to fit all your family in the car. The days of minivans for big families are over; this gorgeous seven-seater SUV is big and powerful and has a hybrid electric system so you can reduce your family’s carbon footprint. Thanks to the hybrid engine, fuel consumption will probably be lower, too.
The second and third rows of seats can be folded to create a flexible and spacious cargo space to suit your needs. The Kluger seven seat SUV uses intelligent safe technology to support safe driving. The vehicle is built to absorb impacts and has seven airbags. The Kluger has only two ISOFIX points on the second row and none in the third, however, which is essential to know when figuring out whether you can fit all your car seats into the vehicle. This car will keep your family safe and comfortable while allowing you to enjoy the latest mod-cons.
#2. Ford S-Max
The Ford S-Max is a very popular choice for big families. This spacious seven-seater vehicle has a temporary third row of seats that can be used when necessary. When not in use, the third row folds flat to create a roomy cargo area that will hold all your camping equipment. The car’s width means it’s easy to fit three car seats along the middle row of seats. Please bear in mind, though, that it’s not safe to fit child seats in the third row of seats.
The newer the model, the more fuel-efficient your S-MAX will be. The newer models also have a more impressive range of mod-cons and safe driving capabilities. The parking sensors help you park like a pro, even in a tight space. This popular car is comfortable for drivers and passengers alike. Your kids won’t be arguing over space in this roomy vehicle. Despite its impressive size, the car has excellent driveability and handles beautifully. If you’re buying secondhand, it’s possible to pick up a bargain, so give yourself plenty of time to shop around.
#3. Audi Q-7
If you want luxury, the Audi Q-7 is the perfect car. This family friendly SUV offers luxury interiors and an enjoyable drive. Although it’s not cheap, plenty of Audi fans will tell you why this car is worth spending money on. If you like good technology and a luxury finish, take the Q-7 for a test drive.
It’s ideal for young families, thanks to the six ISOFIX points. You can safely fit a child seat into any passenger seat, making it one of the more flexible cars on the market. The third row of seats has plenty of space for kids but might be a little tight for adults on longer journeys. The Audi Q-7 has a spacious boot – even with the third row of seats in use – so you won’t need to leave a child behind to fit your tent in.
It might not be competitive on affordability or fuel consumption but, if you’re looking for elegance and an impeccable drive, this premium SUV might be your choice.
#4. Tesla Model X
If you want the luxury of a high-end car and the driveability of a well-made car but want an environmentally friendly vehicle, meet Tesla. The Tesla Model X is one of the best seven seat SUVs available. This seven-seat SUV has plenty of space, advanced technology, luxury touches and excellent driveability. It offers everything you could want from a spacious, luxury electric vehicle. The seven seat Model X has up to four Isofix points to accommodate your child’s car seats. If you’re buying a new car, you can tailor it to your needs, but you’ll need to pay close attention to seats and ISOFIX points if you’re purchasing secondhand.
The Model X can travel up to 576 kilometres on a single charge, making it a long-range electric SUV capable of long distances. Thanks to the compact battery size, the Model X has plenty of storage room. Even with the third row seats, the Model X still has an impressive cargo space; folding the third row gives you even more space.
This iconic eco car offers the very best in comfort and driveability. The latest technology and ongoing updates mean you can enjoy Tesla’s clever use of technology. This model is known for its iconic falcon-wing doors, which open overhead. It’s a car that gets you noticed.
#5. Škoda Kadiaq
The Škoda Kadiaq is a fantastic family car. This seven-seat vehicle has a luxury interior, a precise drive and seven spacious seats for your family. The Škoda Kadiaq also offers hidden practical touches to make family life easier, such as hidden umbrella holders and under-seat storage. These little touches are perfect for families who spend a lot of time in their cars. When you’re out adventuring, you want everything you need to fit easily into your vehicle.
The spacious boot is perfect for large families, so you won’t need to leave anything behind. This car is perhaps more suited to a family of five because the restricted size of the third row seating means it’s better suited to infrequent use. The middle row has two ISOFIX points, but there are none in the third row.
#6. Kia Carnival & Grand Carnival
The Kia Carnival is a popular choice for big families. The SUV-inspired styling and handling offer unmatched dependability and practicality, making it perfect for big family adventures.
The spacious interior and advanced safety tech mean you can trust this car to keep your family safe and comfortable. With room for up to eight people, this car has plenty in the way of space. The huge cargo space is perfect for large families, and you’ll be able to fit everything you need into this roomy vehicle.
The spacious interior means you can easily fasten seatbelts when everyone is in the car; you don’t need to stand on the pavement in the rain while getting everyone settled in. This affordable people-mover has plenty of practical touches, such as cup holders for every passenger. It makes life with a big family easier than ever.
The sliding doors are perfect for young families and make fitting car seats a simple task. The parking sensors take the stress out of parking a bigger car. If you’re looking for an affordable car for your family, this is a fantastic option.
Going on a family trip? Check out our best tips in BellyBelly’s 7 Things You Need For A Fun Family Road Trip.
Want to read more about how to select the best car for your growing family? Read our article 7 Car Buying Tips For A Growing Family.
