Having a larger family comes with many challenges. One big challenge to overcome is finding a suitable vehicle that you can all travel in. Most cars only have 5 seats and are therefore unsuitable. Fortunately, there is still a large range of vehicles out there with 7 or more seats. These types of vehicles fit into three categories: SUVs, MPVs and vans. In this post, we’ll compare each of these to help you find the perfect car.
SUVs
SUVs have become the default vehicle for family road trips and school runs. They combine space, comfort and a higher driving position.
Unfortunately, not all SUVs are created equally – some are quite compact and have only 5 seats and a relatively small trunk. This is why you need to focus your search on 3-row SUVs. Examples like the Chevy Tahoe are excellent 3-row SUVs that also have good towing ability.
Some 3-row SUVs may allow you to turn the trunk into a backward facing third row, but you’ll have less cargo space when these seats are up. These SUVs are often cheaper, but may not be practical if you need space for prams and groceries (although fitting a roofbox or trailer could be a way around this).
Make sure to look for a 7+ seater SUV that’s within your budget. Basic models like the Chery Tiggo 8 are available at a fairly low price, while the likes of the Audi Q7 are more luxurious and an option for those who are willing to spend more. Big families that want to go green should meanwhile consider electric SUVs like the Kia EV9.
MPVs
MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) are more commonly known as ‘people carriers’ and are designed specifically for carrying more passengers. They’re often not as stylish as SUVs and require more skill to park, but seating is typically more spaced out and they have features like sliding doors for easier access to multiple rows.
Popular examples of MPVs include the Citroen SpaceTourer and Ford Galaxy, which each are available in multiple seating configurations, while providing generous legroom and a large trunk when all seats are in use. MPVs can often cost more than SUVs, but it’s still worth comparing used options as you can sometimes find some great deals online.
Vans
Vans are even bigger than MPVs. This can include passenger vans that are made for carrying people (like the VW Caravelle) or commercial vans which can be converted to contain seats (potentially allowing complete customization of the interior).
Larger vans could provide a lounge-like layout for superior comfort on long journeys, as well as providing ample space for luggage. These vehicles are much bigger though and you may be more limited as to where you park as a result (something to consider in dense city areas). Some vans can cost less than MPVs, but these are generally unconverted commercial vans, so you’ll need to consider the additional cost of adding seats. Insurance may be higher for some van models than MPVs and SUVs.
