Whether you’re upgrading because you need, or want, more space, there are many seven-seater cars to choose from. If you’re a family of five, a traditional five-seater vehicle might not be big enough. Many five-seaters can’t fit three child seats across the back, rendering them useless to many families of five.
Families often upgrade their cars when they are expecting a third baby (or more). The more children you have, the more space you’ll need. Upgrades can be triggered by other life events, such as promotions or changes in circumstances.
Even if your family fits into a five seat car, you might prefer the flexibility and spacious interior of 7 seater family cars. A seven-seater means you can extend your family further without worrying about switching cars again. Having space for seven passengers means you can offer lifts to friends or family members without having to leave a child behind. As you can imagine, 7-seater SUVs usually have plenty of trunk space, making them ideal for families who travel with a lot of baggage.
Bigger cars are becoming increasingly popular, so new seven-seater vehicles are always being released. There are plenty of models to choose from, so shop around to find a car that fits your requirements.
Things to consider when choosing a seven-seater car
Buying a new car is a big decision, so you’ll want to do plenty of research before diving in. Here are some things to consider when looking at 7 seater cars in USA:
The third row
Seven-seater vehicles offer three rows of seats. In some cars they are all permanent; others offer an optional third row. If there are six or seven people in your family, obviously you’ll need a permanent third row seat. If you need the full seven seats and they will be in regular use, the comfort and design of the third row will probably matter more to you. On the other hand, if it’s only for occasional use, you’ll be less concerned about the space and third row legroom for your passengers.
Trunk space
When deciding which car to purchase, it’s vital to consider exactly how you’ll use it. If you’re planning family road trips, for example, you’ll need a vehicle with a roomy trunk that can hold enough luggage for your vacation. Don’t assume that a big car means a big trunk; some trunks are surprisingly small when you look closely. Take a tape measure and measure the trunk space to compare different models.
If you need three rows of seats only occasionally, then pick a car with folding third row seating, to give you extra large cargo space. If you camp regularly, you’ll need a big trunk to hold the family tent and other camping accessories.
Driveability
The most important thing is to choose a car that will keep your family safe. Driveability is crucial for safety, especially with a big car. You want a vehicle that’s comfortable to drive, offers a smooth drive, and has driver assistance features that take the stress out of driving a large car. No two cars drive the same, so you must take the car for a test drive before committing to purchase. This is even more important when choosing a secondhand car, so make sure you test it thoroughly on the road.
Driver assistance technology, such as forward collision avoidance, active lane assist, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking will improve safety and make driving easier. Make sure you ask about all the safety features and assistive technologies, so you can compare like for like.
Isofix points
If you have young children, Isofix points are worth considering. They make it easier and safer to fit a child’s car seat securely. Don’t assume that a seven-seater car will have enough Isofix points. Some seven-seater cars might have only three, severely limiting where you can safely locate a child seat in the car. As your children grow, this will matter less, but it will be a deciding factor if you have a number of young children in your new car. More Isofix points means more flexibility when deciding who sits where.
Comfort
Comfort matters when it comes to long car journeys. If you’re taking a family road trip, you don’t want the kids arguing over space because they’re cramped and uncomfortable in their seats. The larger the car, the less likely your children will will fight over personal space.
The third row of seats is likely to be the least comfortable. If you intend to use them regularly, choose a car that offers comfort even for your back row passengers. Consider your comfort, too, especially on long rides. Look for premium comfort seating with mod cons, such as heated seats, adaptable headrests and plenty of elbow room.
Budget
Before you start looking at cars, you need to set a realistic budget for what you can afford to spend. Don’t be tempted to overspend; stick to your budget. Life with a new baby in tow can be expensive, so try to keep costs to a minimum. Buying a secondhand car can save you money, or you might prefer to lease a vehicle for a fixed monthly cost. It’s worth shopping around for a bargain, but don’t leave it to the last minute.
Many cars have a basic price for standard features and additional costs for upgrades. Don’t get swept away and order fancy extras you don’t really need (or, more importantly, can’t afford), such as ventilated second row seats, tri zone climate control and premium interior add-ons.
How to buy a car in the USA
If you haven’t bought a car before, you might worry about whether you’ll be able to pick a good one. Cars are expensive, and it can be daunting to part with a large sum of money. The following tips might help you to find the right vehicle:
- Stick to a budget
It’s always tempting to look at cars that are more expensive than you can afford, but you must stick to your budget. Affordability is important; you don’t want to be stuck with a car you can’t really afford. Future-proof yourself by staying with your means.
- Take it for a test drive
The test drive is a step you can’t skip. This is true whether you’re buying new or opting for secondhand. You need to drive the car to make sure you like how it drives and to check it’s in good working order. If you’re nervous about purchasing a secondhand car, take a trusted car-loving friend or mechanic with you for an expert opinion.
- Check your car seats fit
Seven might sound like enough seats, but that doesn’t mean all your car seats will fit into the car. Even large vehicles could struggle to fit three toddler seats in the second row. If the rear seats don’t have Isofix points, you might be limited as to where you can secure your infant seats. The best way to check that a car is suitable is to take some car seats along and try out different configurations.
- Get user opinions
It’s all very well reading expert opinions, but it’s always worthwhile speaking to real-world, long-time users of each car on your shortlist. See what they think. By doing this, you’ll find out what their grievances are, which cars are always in the garage, and which cars really work for big families. If you don’t know people with the cars you’re considering, don’t be afraid to ask strangers. It might feel a bit awkward, but they’ll probably be happy to share their honest opinions with you.
- Give yourself time
You don’t want to dash into a car dealership and buy the first car you see. Car buying takes time. Consider all your options, draw up shortlists, and then try out each car. To do this effectively, you need time. Make sure you start researching cars as soon as possible.
Best 7 seater family cars in the USA
Here are BellyBelly’s top 5 picks for seven-seaters available in the USA:
#1. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is an eight-seat SUV with plenty of space, all the mod cons and buckets of cargo space. Despite its large size, the car gets up to speed quickly. The Telluride offers smooth driveability and a quiet engine, so you can sit back and enjoy the drive.
The interior offers quality aesthetics, spacious seating for up to eight people and high quality materials. Despite the affordable price tag, the Kia Telluride feels luxurious to drive and travel in. The advanced off-road capabilities and tow capabilities, make this the perfect car for families who love adventure. The decent luggage space will hold enough baggage for your family vacations, while ensuring each passenger has enough space for a comfortable ride.
The luxury interior at a reasonable price makes this car stand out from the crowd. The large touchscreen and cutting edge infotainment and technology make this a great choice for families who spend a lot of time in the car.
#2. Hyundai Palisade
The attractive styling and the cool aesthetics of the Hyundai Palisade mean this car is punching above its weight. The price tag is the only thing ‘non-luxury’ about this three-row SUV. Boasting strong acceleration, a quiet engine and a smooth drive, it’s not hard to see why owners rave about the Hyundai Palisade.
Unlike its competitors, this car has not only heated second row seats but also a heated third row, so the whole family can enjoy a comfortable ride. There will be no fighting over which kid sits where when passengers in both the second and third rows get to have warm bottoms. Don’t be jealous, though, because you’ll be riding in comfort up front; the driver’s seat has massaging technology, to fight fatigue during long journeys.
To keep your family safe, the Hyundai Palisade has an impressive number of safety features, including rear cross traffic alert and braking, reserves distance warning, lane-keeping, safe exit assist and driver attention warning. When it comes to safety, this is a family car you can rely on.
As a big car, the Hyundai Palisade has a large fuel consumption. Unlike its competitors, Hyundai doesn’t have a hybrid version of this vehicle on the market just yet. Fuel consumption, however, is about what you’d expect for a car of this size, and the Palisade matches many of its competitors when it comes to fuel economy.
#3. Tesla Model X
Tesla makes high-end tech-savvy electric cars that are good for the planet without being bad for your street cred. The Tesla Model X has fantastic drivability, premium comfort and plenty of luxury touches. With seven passenger seating, there is plenty of space for your family in this spacious seven-seater SUV. Unlike traditional SUVs, which take their toll on the planet, the Tesla Model X relies on electricity.
If you opt for the seven seat Model X, you’ll have four Isofix points located in the car. When ordering new, you can decide on the seating arrangements. If purchasing secondhand, you’ll need to check the car has the right number of seats and Isofix points for your family.
Able to travel up to 358 miles on a single charge, the Model X is considered a long-range SUV. Tesla supercharging makes charging your car a breeze. Unlike a petrol or diesel car, which requires a hefty engine, the compact battery of the Model X means extra storage space for your family. If that’s not enough, the folding third row seats provide extra trunk space when necessary. If you love good tech, you’ll love the Model X.
#4. Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse offers excellent drivability and premium comfort with a price tag that’s affordable. Beating most of the other cars on this list, the Chevrolet Traverse can carry up to eight passengers. If eight sounds too many, you can switch to second row captain’s chairs to give your middle row passengers more space.
If you’re looking for storage space, the Chevrolet Traverse is a great option for your family. With all seats in place, this spacious vehicle still has plenty of room for baggage. Fold the seats down and you can carry large furniture without difficulty.
The quiet cabin makes family drives enjoyable, and you won’t struggle to hear over the engine noise. The steering is accurate and easy, making parking and staying in lane simple. The Traverse is competitive on fuel consumption, and is an affordable car to run even when you’re clocking up the miles.
#5. Audi Q-7
If you’re looking for a luxury car, the Audi Q-7 is a terrific choice. This family SUV boasts luxury interiors, premium comfort and a smooth ride. As you might expect, it’s on the higher end when it comes to price, but it offers all the luxury you could wish for. If you want a luxury finish, the latest technology, and a drive you can’t beat, take the Audi Q-7 for a spin.
The six Isofix points make this the perfect family car, with flexibility for growing families. Each passenger seat features an Isofix point, making it one of the most flexible cars for larger families. Although the third row has plenty of space for children, it might be a tight squeeze for adult passengers. Even with the third row of seats up, the Q-7 boasts a decent cargo space. With the third row down, you’ll have even more space for your luggage.
The Audi Q-7 is not the most affordable nor has the most impressive fuel economy, but it is certainly one of the best luxury seven-seater cars on the market. If you’re looking for a premium SUV that can transport your family in style, this might be the car for you.
