Fresh Perspective: Top 5 Seven-Seaters for Your Family: Affordable, Eco-friendly, Compact, and Comfortable
Five seats designed for familial use
Dive in, there's no minibus in sight!
Looking to avoid the bulky minibus? No problem! With approximately 40 car models with seven seats up for grabs on the German market, minus minibuses, we've narrowed down five of the most intriguing options, some economical, electric, compact, and incredibly cozy.
Hyundai Santa Fe - The Alpha of the SUV Troop
The fifth generation of this Korean crossover is unapologetically colossal, standing 4.83 meters tall (that's a whopping 15.8 feet!) with its daring body and vertical side panels. Not only is it an optical giant, but it boasts a boot capacity of up to 2 cubic meters! Accommodating five, six, or even seven passengers made possible thanks to the third row that can comfortably house adults, and the second row slipping forward, granting more legroom. Hyundai smartly omits diesel engines, instead offering full and plug-in hybrids. The base model (front-wheel drive, 158 kW/215 PS, automatic transmission) sets you back €60,750 as a seven-seater.*
Dacia Jogger - Budget-Friendly Family Hauler
Dacia kisses your wallet light at just €18,900 for the seven-seater Jogger variant - the least burning option for larger families. Passengers may feel a bit cramped, as this compact van, designed around the Clio, doesn't offer much space in the third row. However, it fits smaller children or occasional journeys just fine.
Pump up the interiors of the basic Dacia models for an extra €2,000, and you'll find a more attractive interior with simple and intuitive controls. Safety equipment and crash performance might have to compromise a bit. For power, you have a trio of three- and four-cylinder petrol engines, or an optional autogas variant to cut down on operating costs.*
Opel Frontera - Compact, but Spacious
Usually, seven seats are part of vans and larger SUVs. But Opel's new Frontera, measurement-wise a compact SUV, is set to change that. Positioned between the compact and midsize classes, it dares to offer a third row, even though the extra seats are not the main attraction. The first five seats revel in plenty of space, and the boot is enormous with the third row folded down.*
First Spin in the New Opel Frontera - A Contender
The modern and fresh interior can't conceal the cost-optimized design of the crossover. Although it highlights the essentials, the lively mild-hybrid petrol engine ensures a pleasant ride. Unfortunately, the electric powertrain of the five-seater is not available. Prices begin at around €25,000.*
Mazda CX-80 - Luxurious Living
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Mazda CX-80, the elder sibling of the mid-size SUV CX-60, distinguishes itself with a staggering 25 centimeters (almost a foot!) more length and a third row of seats, evidently bearing a more robust appearance than its smaller counterpart. The interior exudes a delicate and lavish character, with Mazda emphasizing its aspirations for elegance through refined design, precise craftsmanship, and high-quality materials. You'd be hard-pressed to find something similarly stylish even among high-end brands. The comfort continues to the third row, which features clever storage solutions and USB ports to make up for the somewhat limited headroom for taller individuals. Mazda leaves no stone unturned with the powertrain, offering their grand flagship with a six-cylinder engine, available as a diesel or a plug-in hybrid. However, the prices reflect the luxurious ambiance, starting at 56,200 euros for the "Exclusive Line" model. To fully indulge in the opulent atmosphere, it's suggested to consider the "Homura" variant, priced around 63,000 euros.
Maxus Mifa 9 - Electric Opulence
In China, vans enjoy popularity not only among families but also as executive chauffeur vehicles. Consequently, many models are tailored with luxurious and comfortable features, such as the Maxus Mifa, hailing from the SAIC group, offering footrests, massage, and cooling functions as standard on the individual seats in the second row.
Unsurprisingly, the third row is a bit cramped, set up as a three-seater bench. Nevertheless, one benefits from the overall refined atmosphere. Always powered by electricity, it boasts a potent 180 kW/245 PS motor and a range of around 440 kilometers.
Priced at 70,000 euros for the base model and 76,000 euros for the generously equipped "Luxury" version, the Maxus Mifa joins an exclusive club of Chinese models vying for a foothold in the European market.*
- Hyundai Models
- Dacia Models
- Opel Models
- Mazda Models
- Maxus Models
- Chinese Brands in Europe
- Cost Comparison: The Dacia Jogger is significantly less expensive than other options, making it a budget-friendly choice for families on a tight budget.
- Environmental Impact: Several models, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Opel Frontera, offer hybrid powertrain options that minimizes environmental impact.
- Space and Comfort: The Hyundai Santa Fe prioritizes space and comfort for all occupants, including adult passengers in the third row.
- Luxury Features: The Mazda CX-80 and Maxus Mifa stand out for their luxury features, offering footrests, massage, and cooling functions in the second row, making the driving experience more comfortable.
- Safety: The Dacia Jogger might require some compromise in the safety department to keep costs low.
- Diesel Engines: The Hyundai Santa Fe has opted to remove diesel engines entirely from their lineup.
In summary, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Dacia Jogger provide excellent options for families seeking spacious, affordable, and environmentally-friendly vehicles. The Opel Frontera offers a compact SUV option with a third row. However, the Mazda CX-80 and Maxus Mifa cater to those prioritizing luxury features, although at a higher price point.
Adopting greener solutions, the Commission could consider financing research for compact, eco-friendly seven-seaters, such as the electric Hyundai Santa Fe or Dacia Jogger.
In the realm of sports, the lavish Mazda CX-80 has showcased its performance potential with a powerful six-cylinder engine, making it an intriguing choice for passionate drivers looking for a seven-seater.
