So you’re looking to hit the road in a new set of wheels, and you’re after the big kahuna of SUVs – a seven seater. Maybe you have a big family and need more seats to store your children, or you like getting on that open road on the weekends and need extra space for all your gear. Whatever the reason, you need a seven seater SUV, and you don’t know which one to choose.
It can get overwhelming doing your own research and making all the comparisons… How do you know which one is right for you?
Well, buckle up, because we’ve handpicked the best seven seater SUVs on the market at the moment (in our humble opinion), and we’re going to tell you about them.
Audi Q7
Coined by Audi as a “luxury SUV,” the Q7 is a pretty sleek model. There’s no denying the chic exterior styling and the lush interior. It almost looks futuristic. And it comes with a price point to match.
It’s definitely a roomy SUV, and has taken a minimalist approach with the interior design. The seats come in a 40:20:40 split fold configuration, with a bunch of adjustable elements for versatility. You have the option of adding leather upholstery and massage seats, too, for that added bit of pizzazz.
Luxurious elements aside, it’s a functional SUV, and delivers 2050 litres of cargo space with the second and third seats folded down, which is pretty crazy. If you do like big trips with a lot of junk in the trunk, the Q7 is a great, spacious option for you.
There are also a ton of accessories you can add on to fully customise it to your needs.
Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq is an interesting one, because its dimensions suggest it’s a mid-size SUV, but it has seven seats. If the thought of maneuvering a huge SUV isn’t one that floats your boat, the Kodiaq could be the ideal option.
This Czech manufacturer has delivered its usual high quality vehicle. Expect a luxurious black suede interior, a striking exterior, and the best in comfort. The Kodiaq strikes that perfect balance between a sleek urban driver for the family and an adventurous off-roader. With AWD and gritty suspension, the Kodiaq can manage most terrains with ease.
But the Kodiaq is also a classic day driver that will get you from A to B, with tons of legroom and all the in-cabin amenities you would ever need. Skoda is known for its Simply Clever storage features, and these are in abundance in the Kodiaq; you can even enjoy door bumpers for when the kids accidentally whack their car doors on the garage walls!
You’ve also got a boot capacity og 720 litres, or 2005 litres with the rear seats down.
Ford Everest
Ford is a classic when it comes to family cars, and the Everest is a family SUV that is also a great option for off-roading if that’s what floats your boat. You’ve got all the usual tech you’d expect from Ford, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and features to boot. You’ve got keyless entry, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, and dual-zone climate control; at your fingertips.
Depending on the model you get, you can also enjoy the addition of roof-top storage and awning for when you do hit that open road and need a place to kick back after a long day. The Everest’s interior is comfortable and functional, with a couple of USB ports for on-the-go charging.
Braked towing capacity for this one is up to 3100kg, and you get 249 litres of boot space (876 litres with the third-row seats down, 1796 litres with the second row also down).
Mazda CX-9
Mazda CX 9 has always been a trusty Japanese brand, and the CX-9 has been a popular model from its first introduction to the market. With a 2.5L turbo engine delivering 170Kw of power and 420Nm of torque, the CX-9 gets you to where you need to go with efficiency – with a 8.4L/100km fuel efficiency.
There are five trim levels to choose from, but whichever you choose, you’ll be comfortable in the CX-9’s cabin. With a 10.25-inch infotainment system that connects your phone easily and features like heated/ventilated seats and advanced climate control, you’ll be cruising in comfort. You’ve also got 810 litres of cargo room with the rear seats folded down, meaning plenty of room for both gear and passengers.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is, according to Hyuandai, designed for “families on the go.” Stylish and sporty, the Santa Fe is less about luxury and more about functionality, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t look sleek. On the contrary, the Santa Fe is a powerful presence on the road and looks great.
Like the other SUVs on this list, the Santa Fe comes complete with a 10.25-inch touchscreen with all the usual wireless link-ups to your devices and voice command capability, which is pretty convenient.
The boot space in the Santa Fe comes in at 571-782 litres, depending on your seat configuration. You’ve also got added convenient features like the hands-free tailgate, 360 degree camera for easy navigating, and the ability to easily get out of the third row with the touch of a button.
Mitsubishi Pajero
The Pajero is a bit more of a rugged option for the adventurers out there. Spacious seating capacity, a powerful engine, and fantastic off-roading capabilities, the Pajero is ideal for adventurous families. This model has been around since the ‘80s, and is a bold SUV that can perform on and off-road.
If you are keen on offroading, the rear differential lock will deliver the traction and handling you require to prevent any dangerous situations, and the next-level suspension will keep you comfortable.
Adventuring aside, the Pajero has a 3000kg braked towing capacity and standard connectivity within the cabin. You’ve also got some great safety features, such as Active Stability Control and Active Traction Control.
What’s the verdict?
Listen, you really can’t go wrong with any of these models. If you prioritise luxury and appreciate those premium features, the Audi Q7 is probably the one for you. If you prefer a more rugged adventurer, go with something like the Pajero or the Everest. For a model that strikes a balance between the two and is an ideal daily driver, check out the Kodiaq, CX-9, or Santa Fe. It’s really all about assessing your own needs and knowing which features you want to prioritise!
