We looked at ALL the 7/8 seaters about 12 months ago (there used to be a thread) and finally decided on a Nissan Pathfinder. Its 7 seater, but as we only have 3 kids we have in with a large boot instead of the extra 2 seats up. It really depends on whether you have to carry a few kids in child restraints as they are only available in the middle row of the Pathy, so this limits the access to the rear row for the bigger kids.

It works brilliantly for us though as I can still fit my P&T pram with 2nd seat, and nappy bag in the boot if I have to change it from 5 to 7 seats whilst out. No other car would do this.

We've got the diesel which is great, but around town it's not so economical - around 13L/100km.

Good luck for your search