5 of the best seven-seat cars to buy in 2025
The ultimate family chariots
Big families need big cars, and big cars usually come with lots of space. Sometimes, they also come with lots of seats, and seven-seat vehicles are now relatively common on the roads of the UK.
There was a time when seven-seaters were almost always “people carriers” – the big, boxy family buses that showed the world you thought life was no longer a dream – but now the seven-seater market has grown up in every sense, with SUVs dominating.
But while SUVs may have taken the lead role among seven-seaters, there’s a fight underway for motive dominance, with a choice of diesel, petrol, hybrid and electric options. Happily, car makers are currently catering for all four options, which means there’s plenty of choice for anyone wandering into a showroom.
And if you’re still wondering exactly which showrooms you should be visiting in your hunt for a new seven-seater, then fear not: we’re here to help.
1. Peugeot 5008
From £38,360
The previous-generation 5008 rewrote the rulebook for Peugeot’s seven-seaters, shifting the 5008 nameplate from a dull MPV to a stylish SUV that was for the first time, dare we say it, desirable.
Unsurprisingly, the new model has continued in the same vein. The design is even more futuristic than before, with lots of sharp lines, Peugeot’s claw mark light signature and a grille that blends into the bumper. It’s a far cry from the bulbous 5008s of old, and the transformation is even more dramatic inside.
A fabric-wrapped dashboard is packed with screens and wild angles, giving the cabin a spaceship feel, and that modernity continues under the bonnet, where the 5008 is offered with a choice of hybrid and electric powertrains. The electric E-5008 is particularly remarkable, with its choice of two battery sizes and an official range of up to 414 miles.
Whichever you choose, the 5008 comes with seven seats, and though the third row isn’t that easy for adults to access, space back there is commendable. It doesn’t have the airiness of the Kia EV9, but you can take two adults occasionally, as long as they aren’t abnormally tall.
2. Hyundai Santa Fe
From £46,775
Another seven-seat SUV that has completely been reinvented, the Santa Fe has gone from being a luxurious but drab family bus to an ultra-modern SUV with more than a hint of American attitude about it. The boxy shape screams Stateside style, and that’s backed up by the H logos in the lights and the sheer size of the vehicle.
It’s thoroughly modern inside, too, with a pair of massive screens dominating the dashboard and a clean style that wouldn’t be out of place at Tony Stark’s clifftop mansion. It’s all very Silicon Valley. And the huge amount of space in there means you can seat seven quite comfortably, while four adults and all their luggage will be swallowed with consummate ease.
The one thing that doesn’t feel very American about the Santa Fe, however, is the choice of engines available. Unlike the Kia Sorento, with which the Hyundai shares quite a lot, the Santa Fe is not offered with a diesel engine, so you’re left facing a straight choice between hybrid and plug-in hybrid power. Which you’ll prefer depends on your situation and how you intend to use the car, but both can be strikingly efficient in the right circumstances, and they’re both quite refined, too.
3. Skoda Kodiaq
From £37,860
A perennial favourite among buyers of seven-seat SUVs, the Kodiaq is one of the best family cars on the market, and the latest model provides more of the same appealing recipe. Smart styling, ample space and classy build quality all stand it in great stead alongside its rivals.
In fairness, the styling isn’t all that different from what went before, but that’s a good thing because the Kodiaq has always been a handsome thing. Now, though, it gets a smarter and cleaner cabin with a massive touchscreen, but useful switchgear has not been abandoned entirely. Nor has quality, with some great materials bolted together beautifully.
And though things have changed slightly under the bonnet – Skoda has worked to make the Kodiaq that bit more efficient – the basic ingredients of efficient, powerful engines remain. And you can still choose between petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power, with front- and all-wheel-drive versions available.
Customers can also choose whether they go for five- or seven-seat examples, with the former offering an enormous boot and the latter getting adequate space for adults in the back, provided they aren’t too tall. Access isn’t bad, but using the third row of seats will limit boot volume considerably.
4. Volvo XC90
From £63,790
The king of family 4x4s has been revamped for 2025 with minor changes to the cabin and exterior design and some upgraded interior technology. But small changes are all that’s needed for an SUV that feels much newer than it is.
The current-generation XC90 was effectively launched in 2015, but a timeless bodywork design and some updates to details such as the lights, grille and alloy wheels ensure it looks brand new. And though the dashboard hasn’t changed that much, the inclusion of a sharp new touchscreen and digital instrument display have kept it feeling fresh.
But while the style has always been a key draw of the XC90, it’s far from the only reason for sticking with the big Volvo. A roomy cabin, a usable third row of seats and impressive quality will all stand in its favour, while Volvo’s classy image and reputation for safety will all appeal to families. What’s more, Volvo is offering the XC90 with a choice of hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains for maximum efficiency.
Ford Tourneo Custom
From £56,562
Based on the latest-generation Transit Custom – otherwise known as Britain’s best-selling van – the Tourneo Custom is nothing if not spacious. With a choice of two lengths so you can tailor the vehicle to your needs, it’s offered with up to nine seats, but masses of luggage and passenger space is a given, regardless of your choice.
But the Ford offers more than just space, providing buyers with a choice of efficient 2-litre diesel engines, along with a plug-in hybrid option and a fully electric powertrain. The latter isn’t that great for long distances – that’s what the diesels are for – but for local journeys with lots of passengers, it’ll be a great choice.
The other big advantage of the Tourneo Custom is that because it’s essentially a Ford Transit Custom with windows and seats, it drives like a Ford Transit Custom. And for those who have never driven a Transit, that’s far more of a compliment than you think, because the Transit is almost car-like in its road manners, and it’s surprisingly enjoyable to use. Nothing else in this class can match it.
Related articles
- If you liked our article on the best seven-seat cars to buy in 2025, you might also be interested to read Will Dron’s review of the Kia EV9
- You might also like to see our guide to the car makers’ electric vehicle plans
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