Ditch the Minibus: Five 7-Seaters that Rock for the Family
Five available spots for a family unit
Want a minibus? Nah, not you. Here's a selection of badass 7-seater rides to suit your style: affordable, electric, compact, or just damn comfortable.
Hyundai Santa Fe - The Size Queen
This South Korean crossover is no joker. In its fifth generation, it's longer than a school bus at 4.83 meters and has the goods to back it up. Its angular body and vertical side walls not only look BIG but can accommodate 2 cubic meters of luggage... or up to seven adult passengers. That's right, your friends can comfortably ride in the third row, thanks to the movable second row that provides ample legroom.
Hyundai offers plug-in hybrids as powertrain options, with the pricier models boasting all-wheel drive. The entry-level, front-wheel-drive model with 158 kW/215 PS and an automatic transmission costs a cool 60,750 euros with seven seats.
Dacia Jogger - On a Budget? No Sweat
Dacia's got your back if you're strapped for cash. The seven-seater Jogger won't burn a hole in your wallet, setting you back just under 19,000 euros. Sure, it's compact, sprung from the Clio, and might be a wee bit cramped in the third row. But it's spacious enough for the kids or those occasional soccer game carpools.
Equipment-wise, it's simple, but for an extra 2,000 euros, you get the generously-appointed "Extreme" model, which will make you stand out optically from the basic versions. The Dacia interior is now more inviting, offering simple, intuitive operation. However, concessions must be made in terms of safety equipment and crash performance.
For the powertrain, there are three and four-cylinder petrol engines to choose from, or you can opt for an autogas variant to save on fuel costs.
Opel Frontera - Short and Sweet
Usually, seven seats mean big cargo space and tons of legroom, but not with the 4.39-meter-long Frontera. Opel has somehow squeezed in a third row for the seven-seater model. Granted, it's meant for emergencies, but five seats offer plenty of room, and with the third row folded down, the trunk is colossal.
The interior feels modern and fresh, though it isn't exactly luxury-grade. This isn't a surprise considering the Frontera's cost-conscious design. But the lively mild-hybrid petrol engine is sprightly, and it's standard in the seven-seater model. Prices start at just under 25,000 euros.
Mazda CX-80 - Luxury Living
The Mazda CX-80 is the cunning older sibling to the mid-size SUV CX-60. With 25 additional centimeters in length and a third row of seats, the CX-80 seems like it's a class above. The interior boasts a refined, almost delicate feel, epitomizing premium luxury. Three rows of seats can be occupied by adults without too much discomfort, with clever storage solutions and USB ports to make the most of the cramped space.
The CX-80 seduces with its powertrain options, offering a six-cylinder engine for those who like their horsepower high. The price tag is commensurate with its luxury ambiance, starting at 56,200 euros for the "Exclusive Line" model.
Maxus Mifa 9 - Electric Opulence
In China, large vans aren't only reserved for families; they're popular among executives. It's no different for the Maxus Mifa, which is brimming with luxurious features like leg rests, massage functions, and cooling capabilities, standard on the individual seats in the second row. The third row might be a bit cramped, but the overall luxury vibe is hard to beat.
The powertrain is always electric, delivering 180 kW/245 PS and offering a range of around 440 kilometers. Price-wise, the Maxus falls into a league of competitive Chinese models in the German market, with the base model starting at 70,000 euros and the well-equipped "Luxury" model at 76,000 euros.
Sources: ntv.de, Holger Holzer, sp-x
The Commission might adopt implementing acts laying down the rules for the application of this Regulation, regarding the spacious interiors and luxurious features of the seven-seater Maxus Mifa 9, offering leg rests, massage functions, and cooling capabilities, to align with its home-and-garden lifestyle sanctuary. On the contrary, the affordable Dacia Jogger, with its compact size, could be ideal for families who prioritize a budget-friendly car but still require enough space for occasional carpools or trips to the supermarket.
