Do you have a large family, but not too large to go directly on a minibus? Some manufacturers have solutions, even if 7-seat vehicles are becoming increasingly rare as minivans fade away. They were replaced by SUVs.

It is in this segment that the most 7-seater models are presented, even if, from the point of view of comfort, they rarely do better than a minivan. The best example is also the recently new generation Renault Espace, which changed its minivan to an SUV. It remains to be seen in future tests whether the new French 7-seater will be as livable as previous generations.

The cheapest 7-seater models

As a rule, 7-seater models are large cars, so they are quite expensive. Except for Dacia, of course, with its Jogger in 7-seat configuration, which is available from 18,800 euros in the basic “Essential” configuration and a dual-fuel gasoline/liquefied gas engine with a capacity of 100 hp. There will be no cheaper station wagon from Dacia in this category.

Then we go straight to Citroën, even though the manufacturer hasn’t offered its 7-seat C4 SpaceTourer for several months. The only solution available to you is the Citroën ë-Berlingo, a minivan available only with electric drive and for around €40,000.

Note that Peugeot offers the same model with the Rifter, with the same engine and at almost the same prices. At the start of 2022, Citroën and Peugeot removed the petrol and diesel versions of their MPVs, but they may soon return to the catalog and reduce the bill a bit for customers interested in these models but not necessarily ready to switch to electric. .

7-seater SUVs

There are many 7-seater SUVs on the market, far more than wagons and minivans. In France, the two stars of the segment are the Peugeot 5008 and the new Renault Espace. The Diamond SUV is distinguished by a simple hybrid engine with a capacity of 200 hp. Customers will have no choice as this is the only engine offered. Renault Espace starts at 44,500 euros.

On the Peugeot side, The 5008 is not available as a plug-in hybrid, unlike its technical cousin, Peugeot 3008. Buyers will have to settle for gasoline and diesel engines with a capacity of 130 hp. The Sochaux SUV starts at 36,220 euros. It is more expensive than the Renault Espace, but above all, it is much older as it is nearing the end of its useful life. A new version is planned for next year with a 100% electric option in the program.

In addition to the two French models, there are many other 7-seater SUVs, but they are often more prestigious and more expensive. We can mention, for example, the new Mercedes GLB, which is in the middle between a minivan and an SUV, or the Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, BMW X5 or Land Rover Discovery.

A good alternative can be more affordable Skoda Kodiaq, Seat Tarraco, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, Nissan X-Trail and other Kia Sorento.

7-seater electric models

With the advent of the electric car, more and more 7-seater cars are equipped with this energy. There aren’t many models available yet, but some may still be interesting, even if their prices are sometimes quite hard to digest.

There’s the Mercedes GLB, the EQB’s cousin, which is available with 7 seats, while the Tesla Model Y and Model X, two SUVs from the American manufacturer, can also seat 7 passengers. Be careful, The 7-seater Y is not (yet?) available in Europe. It is currently only sold in the US.

Chinese manufacturers will also have their card, including the new BYD Tang and the other Nio ES8, two models that will be arriving on the Old Continent very soon.