The most economical seven-seater cars
Finding and buying a large car that can fit seven people and offers great fuel economy can be tricky, but here are 10 options to consider
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If you’re looking for the most economical seven-seater for you and your family and friends, luckily there are loads of options floating around the market these days.
Before SUVs were as popular as they are today, your only two choices were an MPV or a minibus, but now there are lots of different options to consider – some of which are powered completely by electricity.
So, no matter your budget, we’ve put a list together of the best seven-seater cars you should consider that are also fuel-efficient.
Audi Q7
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The Audi Q7 used to be the largest car Audi makes – until the Q8 made its appearance in recent years – but it still makes sense as a seven-seat family car, especially as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
The top-spec PHEV models can return up to 134.5mpg, which makes it one of the most economical cars that also weighs more than 2.5 tonnes.
There are also petrol and diesel engine options that would suit most people, and still return from 22.4-35.8mpg.
Inside, the Q7 is a fantastic place to be. It’s full of plush leathers, a great infotainment system, and lots of space for active kids and taller adult passengers.
Plus, choosing a used Audi will usually mean you're making savings on the cost of a brand-new model.
Kia Sorento
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At a time when many people are experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, many are moving away from expensive supermarkets and opting for the more affordable ones to do their ‘big shop’, and it’s the same in the car world.
Families that don’t want to fork out loads of money for a premium German SUV are considering other alternatives, and this is where the Kia Sorento enters the chat.
It can be had with a large range of engines, from simple petrols and diesels to the top-spec plug-in hybrid system that offers up to 35 miles of range. MPG figures range from 42.2mpg to 176.6mpg –solid figures.
Inside, the used Kia Sorento really steps up the game and offers lots of excellent kit as standard, such as automatic headlights, a great sound system and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Skoda Kodiaq
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Like the Sorento, the Kodiaq is Skoda’s answer to its more expensive rivals, offering a great SUV experience for a fraction of the cost.
Inside, there is a vast amount of space – as you’d expect from a seven-seater SUV – but it doesn’t stop there, as it’s also got great tech, comfortable seats, and plenty of bells and whistles much like the well-equipped Skoda Superb.
The Kodiaq is available with both petrol and diesel engines, with a rumoured hybrid model to follow in the next few years.
Economy figures range from up to 42.8mpg for the petrol and up to 52.6mpg with the larger diesel engine.
The petrol would be sufficient for most people, but there’s always the extra torque of the diesel that’s better for towing and longer motorway journeys.
Volkswagen Touran
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If an MPV-style of car is more up your street, we’d recommend checking out the Volkswagen Touran.
Sure, you could have a used Volkswagen SUV such as the Touareg or smaller Tiguan, but this minivan is much better for larger families or loading flat-pack furniture into the boot.
It’s available with either a 1.4-litre petrol or a 1.6-litre diesel. The former is the best all-rounder, but if you want added efficiency then the diesel is the one to go for, offering up to 53.3mpg.
Inside, the Touran is very spacious, as you’d imagine. There’s lots of space for luggage, the dog and up to seven people – it’s the Tardis of the car world.
BMW X7
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Some of us have more money to spend on a car than others, and this is where the large BMW X7 SUV slots into this list.
It’s one of the most expensive and luxurious SUVs you can buy, and with that comes great comfort and decent fuel efficiency.
For something that weighs more than 2.6 tonnes and can carry up to seven people, you’d expect the economy of this used BMW to be terrible.
But with its petrol engine offering up to 29.4mpg and the diesel getting close to 37mpg, it’s hard to slate.
But the real magic happens once you open the doors. The interior is on par with the 7 Series saloon, with leather as far as the eye can see, large infotainment screens, and fancy optional extras such as a powerful Bowers and Wilkins sound system and BMW’s ‘Sky Lounge’ panoramic glass sunroof.
Peugeot 5008
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From its oddly-shaped steering wheel to its quirky design, the Peugeot 5008 is one of the most interesting SUVs on the market today.
It sits above the 3008 in Peugeot’s model lineup and can be had with either a petrol or diesel engine that offer from 35.2-60.8mpg.
There’s also plenty of space inside for up to seven people, boasting comfortable seats, plenty of headroom, and solid tech.
In its most recent Euro NCAP crash testing, the 5008 scored a full five stars, meaning your family and friends will have the best protection in the event of an accident.
Land Rover Discovery
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If you want seven seats, class and refinement, there are very few options better than a Land Rover. More specifically, the Discovery SUV.
Yes, it’s large, and yes, it’s powerful, but it’s also pretty economical for its size. Unlike the full-size Range Rover, it’s not yet available as a plug-in hybrid (unless you opt for the smaller Discovery Sport), but instead has some solid and dependable petrol and diesel engines.
You’ll get somewhere between 23mpg and 35.1mpg with these engines. It may not look that impressive when put next to a small hybrid hatchback, but you have to remember its size and weight, most of which is down to what’s inside.
The cabin is very spacious and luxurious yet with a rugged edge, which is something Land Rover balances very well. It’s got lots of tech and is a perfect option for outdoor-loving families.
Mercedes GLE
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There’s no denying the fact the Mercedes GLE is a large car – it’s gigantic. But like its X7 rival, it’s somehow efficient, especially as a plug-in hybrid.
There are four different engine options available in the used Mercedes GLE SUV: a petrol (32.5mpg); a diesel (41.5mpg); a PHEV (282.5mpg); and a diesel plug-in hybrid that has the best fuel economy, with up to 353.1mpg.
Not only this but the GLE is also lovely inside, with beautiful finishes, a large dash-mounted touchscreen, and seats that will transport you to an A380 First Class cabin (partly because Mercedes supplies its seats to certain Emirates planes).
So, if you want an S-Class but like to sit high up, the GLE is a great option for your bougie family.
Tesla Model X
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If you think an electric car is the best choice for you and your family (and why wouldn’t it be?) then a Tesla Model X is the best option available on the UK’s used car market.
Not only has it got those gimmicky-yet-practical falcon-wing rear doors, but it’s also a great electric family vehicle that can seat up to seven people (depending on the configuration) and you get up to 348 miles on a single charge.
Inside, in true Tesla fashion, the Model X is as minimalistic as they come, with hardly any visible buttons and a large touchscreen mounted to the dash that controls everything in the car, from the music to the glove box.
Volvo XC90
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Stealth wealth is a topic that’s become increasingly popular in the car world. Car thefts are on the rise, so many well-to-do families are ditching the usual large SUV and turning their heads to the underdog that’s been around a long time: the Volvo XC90.
It’s as understated as luxury SUVs can be without compromising on style, interior quality, and fuel efficiency.
There are three different engines on offer: a petrol; a diesel; and a plug-in hybrid. The petrol would be more than enough for most people, whereas the diesel is best for towing and those long motorway drives – or trips to the family chalet in St Moritz.
If you spend most of your time doing shorter journeys or live in a city, however, the PHEV is the one to have. It offers up to 235.1mpg and can travel up to 41 miles on electric power only.
If you do end up spending a long time on the road, the Volvo XC90’s cabin is the place to be. It’s comfortable, minimalistic but not sparse, and it sits nice and high on the roads so you can see all around you easier.