If your family is growing, your car might need to as well. Perhaps you’re expecting your third baby and looking for a spacious vehicle to give your family plenty of space. Or, if you’re adding baby number four or more to the mix, you might even be looking at 7 seater cars.
Although there aren’t many seven-seaters to choose from, you should be able to find one that meets all your requirements.
If you need the seven seats, then, of course, the extra row is necessary. And if you don’t, the third row seats can still come in handy, even if there aren’t seven in your immediate family. Having a couple of extra seats in the car is great for taking your children’s friends out for the day.
Things to consider when selecting a seven-seater car
The third row
The best 7-seater family car in the UK for your family will depend on your unique requirements. If all the seats are in constant use, you’ll probably pay more attention to the interior space and comfort offered by the back row of seats. If they’re only for occasional use, you’ll probably not worry so much about the third row space and comfort.
Boot space
If you’re buying a seven seater car, you’re probably interested in the boot space. A large family has a lot of baggage, so a spacious boot is a must. Be sure to pay close attention to the size of the boot. Some seven seater cars have roomy boots until you use the back row of seats, and then you’re left with only a tiny boot when all the rear seats are down.
Driveability
One of the most important questions to ask yourself when buying a new car is ‘How does it drive?’ You want a car that is comfortable to drive, offers a smooth ride and has excellent safety features to keep your family safe.
Make sure you take a test drive before signing a contract. Put the car through its paces and be sure you’ve tested every function before agreeing to purchase.
Isofix points
Not all cars are created equal. Don’t assume all seven seaters can comfortably fit seven adults or hold enough Isofix car seats for your quintuplets. It’s essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions for child seats and Isofix points.
Some seven seater cars aren’t designed to carry baby seats in the middle seat or the third row. If you need flexibility, you might need to choose a seven seat car with more Isofix points.
Comfort
How often you plan to use the car will determine how important comfort is to you. If you have a long school commute twice a day or yours is a family that likes road trips, comfort is likely to come top of your list.
If, however, you use the car less frequently, this might not bother you quite so much. If you’re likely to take long family road trips in the car, consider how much space each child will have. On a long car journey you don’t want to be stuck with arguing kids who can’t get away from each other.
Budget
When it comes to buying a car with seven seats, the biggest deciding factor is likely to be their price points. Whether you’re on a tight budget and looking for a second hand car or planning on a luxury seven seater, you should be able to find a car to suit your needs.
When you’re buying a car in the UK
Buying a car can be overwhelming because it’s probably not something you have much experience in.
Here are some things you should do when buying a car for your growing family:
Take it for a test drive
Don’t skip the test drive, especially if you’re buying a preloved car. Be sure to put the car through its paces so you’ll know it’s in good working order before you commit to the purchase.
Take your car seats with you
The car might look big, but that doesn’t mean all your child seats will fit in. Take the seats with you to try fitting them all into place before you buy. You don’t want to fork out for an expensive car only to find you can’t squeeze your family into it.
Shop around
Ideally, you should leave plenty of time for this decision. You don’t want to rush a big purchase. Look online, visit different dealerships and narrow down your search. Start thinking about the purchase as soon as possible.
Ask current drivers what they think
It’s always worthwhile getting real-world reviews. Ask friends and family what they think of their cars, and don’t be afraid to ask strangers if you see them with a car you’re considering.
Best 7 seater cars in the UK
The following cars are some of the best seven seaters available in the UK today:
7 Seater Cars Review #1. Ford S-Max
The Ford S-Max is a popular car among big families, and it’s not hard to see why. The S-Max boasts a temporary third row of seats you can use when required. When the third row is not in use, the car has a particularly big boot for all your camping gear. The S-Max is a comfortable car with plenty of space to fit three car seats in the middle row. However, it’s important to note that the back row of seats cannot be used with child seats.
Newer models are more fuel efficient and will offer more in terms of mod cons. The parking sensors on the newer models facilitate parking, even in tight spaces. This spacious car is comfortable and has great drivability, so you don’t need to be intimidated by its size. If you’re buying secondhand, you can get a good deal, so it’s worth shopping around.
7 Seater Cars Review #2. Audi Q-7
The Audi Q-7 is a spacious luxury car without compromise on drive. Although it’s one of the more expensive options on the list, it’s worth the price tag. If you like good tech and enjoy luxury, the Q-7 might be the car for you.
The Q7 has six Isofix points, meaning you can safely fit a child seat into any passenger seat. This is fantastic for larger families who need seven seats for their family. However, if you’re using all seven seats for adults, those in the back row would probably struggle on a long journey. Even with all seven seats in place, the Q-7 boasts a spacious boot that will please any large family.
The Audi Q-7 offers an impeccable drive and luxurious comfort. This spacious SUV eats up more fuel than the other cars on this list, so it’ll be more expensive to run, but that’s to be expected from an SUV.
7 Seater Cars Review #3. Volkswagen Touran
The Touran is another popular car for larger families. This spacious car boasts five Isofix points in the middle and back rows, making it one of a limited number of cars able to fit three child seats. Although it’s fantastic for child seats, the Touran doesn’t feel quite so spacious for adults.
The Touran drives beautifully and feels similar to a Golf, despite its size. It’s one of the more affordable options on the list, so you can get a real bargain if you pick one up secondhand. The major downside of the Touran is its limited boot space. The boot is pretty small when the third row of seats is in use.
If you’re daunted by the idea of parking a large vehicle, the Touran’s Park Assist will come in useful. This feature will guide the car into a parking space, taking the stress out of parking.
7 Seater Cars Review #4. Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is a spacious, luxury electric vehicle. This seven-seat SUV offers all the mod cons, plenty of space and a guilt-free drive for the eco-minded. In a seven-seat Model X, you can have up to four Isofix points to accommodate your children’s car seats.
The Model X can travel up to 358 miles between charges, making it a long-range electric SUV that can handle long distances. Even with the third row of seats in place, the Model X still has plenty of boot space; you can also put the seats down for extra space (assuming there are no kids in them, of course).
Tesla Model X is a comfortable car that offers a beautiful drive. There is plenty of space up front and the car boasts lots of fancy tech to improve your experience. The Model X is known for its unusual falcon-wing doors, which open overhead rather than to the side.
7 Seater Cars Review #5. Skoda Kodiaq
If you’re looking for a family-size seven-seat vehicle, the Skoda Kadiaq is a fantastic option. The interior boasts a luxury feel, with plenty of hidden practicalities, such as umbrella holders and under-seat storage. The Kadiaq offers a precise drive, so you won’t notice the sizable dimensions when you’re on the road.
There’s plenty of boot space, so you won’t struggle to pack everything you need for a trip with your larger-than-average family. Although people say the Kadiaq is spacious, it can feel a bit tight if you’re a family of seven. The tighter third row is perhaps more suited to infrequent use. There are two Isofix points on the middle row seats and none on the third row.
Going on a family trip?
Check out our best tips in 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 BellyBelly’s article 7 Car Buying Tips For A Growing Family.
