Need a large car for the whole family but aren’t convinced by an MPV? A seven-seater car might be your best bet, and we think our favourites are some of the best cars out there.
But why would you choose a car with seven seats? Well, a seven-seater car offers high levels of practicality and flexibility - meaning they can be ideal for ferrying family members or even hauling luggage on holiday - while remaining outstanding to drive.
Most seven-seaters are SUVs, and while many of these don't offer quite the practical appeal of a true multi-purpose vehicle, they are smartly thought-out machines with a spacious and flexible interior to cater for growing families.
Some of these even combine space and practicality with stylish looks and superb, everyday performance, and there's enough choice at a wide array of price points.
With some on our list, the third row of seats is best for children or occasional use. Others can carry a group of adults comfortably, even leaving decent space for luggage.
It's also worth noting that for inclusion in this list, all the seating must be forward-facing, which rules out the Tesla Model S with its optional boot-mounted rear-facing child seats.
Here's our rundown of our favourite seven-seat machines, each of which should ensure nobody gets left behind.
We think the Volvo XC90 is the best seven-seater car you can buy today.
The fact it has been on sale for almost ten years is a testament to its compelling blend of space, practicality, comfort and class.
Some rivals are sharper to drive or offer more up-to-date tech, but the XC90 offers a great balance of performance, efficiency and low running costs, particularly for business users - and especially in its plug-in hybrid version.
The Volvo XC90’s greatest strength is its interior which is roomy, well-equipped and smartly finished with rich materials. More importantly, the XC90 delivers enough space for seven adults to travel in reasonable comfort, with the third-row seats serving up good head and legroom.
Even with all seats in use, there's a decent 316 litres of boot capacity. Interior flexibility is further enhanced by a second row that slides and reclines, plus has the option of an integrated child booster seat, while there's enough handy storage for most odds and ends.
Despite its age, the XC90 still stands out on the road, with a certain understated class that means it's not such a confrontational or aggressive presence as some of its full-sized SUV rivals.
All the engines are four-cylinder turbocharged units, with the mild hybrid B5 diesel serving up a decent amount of pace and parsimony.
There's also the T8 PHEV model (it remains a full seven-seater, unlike similar plug-in rivals such as the Land Rover Discovery, which is limited to five) that serves up the best part of 400bhp and claims up to 40 miles of EV running, helping drop it into the 8% Benefit in Kind (BiK) tax band for company car users.
Whichever powertrain you choose, the Volvo is composed and capable on the road, but the emphasis is on comfort and refinement rather than an uplifting driving experience, although that's perfectly in keeping with the car's remit.
Read our Volvo XC90 review
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