Whether it’s for the school run, family holidays or just ferrying your kids and their friends to football practice, there comes a time when five seats simply aren’t enough. For years, the boxy but brilliant MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) was the undisputed king of large family transport. But in recent years, the high-riding, rugged-looking SUV has stolen the crown, with almost every manufacturer offering a seven-seat version.
But that doesn’t mean the traditional people carrier is down and out. Far from it. Whether you prefer the practicality and space-efficiency of an MPV or the commanding driving position and stylish looks of an SUV, the used market is bursting with fantastic options that won’t break the bank. To help you choose, we’ve crunched the numbers and hit the road to bring you the definitive list of the best used seven-seaters for 2025.
About this guide
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy. For more information, scroll to the bottom of this page.
The Best Used 7-Seater Cars for 2026
- 2015-2023 Ford Galaxy
- 2013-2020 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
- 2015-2024 Ford S-Max
- 2015-2019 Kia Sorento
- 2002-2014 Volvo XC90
- 2011-2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2005-2014 Audi Q7
- 2010-2020 Seat Alhambra
- 2010-2022 Volkswagen Sharan
- 2023-present Dacia Jogger
1. 2015-2023 Ford Galaxy
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rewarding to drive and comfortable to travel in | Not quite as sharp to drive as a Ford S-Max |
| Plenty of space in all three rows of seats | Powerful petrol models are thirsty |
| Decent boot, even when all seven seats are in use | Lacks sliding rear doors |
Before the SUV craze took hold, the Ford Galaxy was the go-to choice for large families, and it remains one of the most versatile seven-seaters you can buy. Its party piece is the sheer amount of space on offer. The three individual middle-row seats each have an Isofix point – a rare and incredibly useful feature – and they slide and recline to balance legroom with the third row. Even with all seven seats in use, you get a very usable 300 litres of boot space, but fold the rearmost seats flat (electrically on many models) and this expands to a van-like 2,339 litres.
Ford has a reputation for making even its most practical cars enjoyable to drive, and the Galaxy is no different. It’s impressively quiet and comfortable on the motorway, making it a superb long-distance family hauler. While early cars had a wide range of engines, the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesels with either 150bhp or 190bhp are the ones to go for, offering a great mix of pulling power and reasonable running costs. The later 2.5-litre hybrid is smooth and efficient around town, but the diesel engines are better suited to a car of this size, especially when fully loaded.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Practicality is a strong point, with a roomy cabin, lots of storage and flexible seating. While the car buying public tends to prefer SUVs, if you ignore this trend the Galaxy makes a very fine seven-seat family car." - David Motton, contributor
Read our full Ford Galaxy review
2. 2013-2020 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 41.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brilliant cabin, with space for seven and lots of clever features | Not as fun to drive as a Ford S-Max |
| Soft suspension delivers a comfortable ride | Steering is overly light and remote |
| Good looking for an MPV | Some owners report electrical faults |
The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is a masterclass in MPV design, and it’s all about space and clever thinking. The cabin feels incredibly light and airy thanks to a huge panoramic windscreen and skinny pillars, giving everyone a great view out. For practicality, it’s hard to beat: the middle row features three individual, full-size seats that slide and recline, while the two rearmost seats pop up effortlessly from the boot floor. Access to that third row is superb, and while it’s best for kids, adults can manage on shorter trips.
On the road, the Grand C4 Picasso delivers exactly what a family needs: a comfortable and quiet journey. The suspension is wonderfully soft, soaking up bumps and making long motorway stints feel relaxed. It’s not a car for B-road blasts, but for ferrying the family around town or across the country, it’s impressively tranquil. The popular 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel engine is a great choice, offering a smooth drive and the potential for 50-60mpg on a long run, keeping running costs sensible for a car of this size.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is an excellent family car, with an interior that is extremely spacious and intelligently designed for maximum versatility. The emphasis on a comfortable ride and quiet cabin shows Citroën truly understands what families are looking for." - Brett Fraser, contributor
Read our full Citroen Grand C4 Picasso review
3. 2015-2024 Ford S-Max
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 3.8 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Better to drive than other MPVs | Third row is cramped compared with the Ford Galaxy's |
| Vast boot with the third row folded | Hybrid models aren't quite so good to drive |
| Well equipped | Petrol models are very thirsty |
The Ford S-Max has long been a favourite for families who need seven seats but don’t want to sacrifice driving fun. It’s a seriously practical choice, with a vast 700-litre boot when you’re running it as a five-seater. Even with all seven seats in use, there’s a usable 285 litres of space, which is enough for a weekly shop. What really sets it apart for families, though, is the middle row, which features three individual seats, all with Isofix points. This means you can fit three child seats side-by-side, a rare and incredibly useful feature.
While many large MPVs feel cumbersome, the S-Max is surprisingly enjoyable to drive, with precise steering and well-controlled handling that make it feel smaller than it is. For used buyers, the diesel engines are the ones to go for. They offer strong mid-range pulling power, which is essential when the car is loaded with people and luggage, and they’re impressively efficient, capable of returning between 45mpg and 50mpg. The 150bhp and 190bhp diesels introduced in 2019 are particularly good choices, though the later hybrid is a good option if you do more town driving.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you’re happy to be a wee bit out of step with the trendy SUV movement then there are plenty of reasons to consider an S-Max as your next family car. Its driving experience far exceeds anything you might expect from such a large car, with a comfortable ride, superb agility, and strong performance." - Pete Tullin, contributor
Read our full Ford S-Max review
4. 2015-2019 Kia Sorento
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Practical interior | Seat Tarraco is better to drive |
| Third-row seats are roomier than most | It's a big car to park |
| 4WD as standard | Diesel-only engine range |
The third-generation Kia Sorento marked a real step up for the brand, moving away from its budget roots to offer a genuinely premium-feeling seven-seat SUV. Inside, the cabin is well-appointed with plenty of soft-touch materials, and space is generous in the first two rows. The third row is, as is often the case, better suited to children than adults, but the seats are more usable than in many rivals. With all seven seats in place, boot space is a modest 142 litres, but fold the rearmost pair down and you’re left with a very practical 660-litre load bay. Plus, with four-wheel drive fitted as standard across the range, it’s a reassuringly capable choice for all-weather family duties.
Under the bonnet, the choice is simple: every Sorento of this era uses a 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine. While it can sound a little gruff under acceleration, it provides enough pull for a car of this size and is well-suited to long, comfortable motorway cruises. All versions are generously equipped, too. Even the entry-level KX-1 model comes with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, and rear parking sensors, meaning you don't have to stretch to the higher-spec models to get a car that feels well-appointed and ready for family life.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There’s a lot to like about the Kia Sorento. It feels like a sturdy, solid car that's practical, spacious, and safe." - Craig Thomas, contributor
Read our full Kia Sorento review
5. 2002-2014 Volvo XC90
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 27.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brilliantly packaged seven-seat space | Not brilliant to drive |
| Excellent safety equipment | Relatively expensive to run |
| A comfortable long-distance cruiser | Even the newest models are getting on a bit now |
The original Volvo XC90 was a game-changer when it launched, bringing seven-seat practicality to the then-new world of luxury SUVs. It's this flexibility that makes it such a compelling used buy today. While the third row of seats is best suited to children, they're a brilliant get-out-of-jail-free card when you need to ferry extra passengers. With the rearmost seats folded, you're left with a vast and easily accessible 615-litre boot, which is more than enough for family holidays, tip runs, or a very large dog. The cabin itself is a lesson in Scandinavian common sense, with solid-feeling build quality and a refined, comfortable atmosphere.
On the road, the XC90 is a supremely comfortable and quiet cruiser, making it an ideal companion for long motorway slogs. For a used buyer, the pick of the range is the 2.4-litre D5 diesel engine, which offers a sensible balance of performance and economy, with owners reporting around 30mpg in real-world driving. What's more, safety has always been a Volvo hallmark, and the XC90 came packed with advanced features for its time, including curtain airbags for all three rows, earning it a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The smart-looking XC90 is by no means a spring chicken but its good build quality, impressive safety rating, comfortable ride and sheer degree of practicality means that there is still lots to like." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
Read our full Volvo XC90 review
6. 2011-2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hugely roomy cabin | Engine can sound strained |
| Generous standard kit | Rapid tyre wear |
| Comfortable ride | Second row is a 60/40 split bench rather than individual seats |
If you're after a seven-seater but can't quite stomach the boxy looks of an MPV, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a compelling alternative. This third-generation model wraps up all that family-friendly practicality in rugged SUV styling. As Hyundai's flagship model for its time, it was designed to take on everything from the Volkswagen Tiguan to the Land Rover Discovery Sport. Under the bonnet, you'll find a single engine option: a punchy 2.2-litre diesel with 194bhp (later 197bhp), which is more than up to the task of hauling a fully-loaded car.
Practicality is the Santa Fe's trump card. While a five-seat version exists, the seven-seater is the one to go for, and there are plenty of used examples to choose from. With the rearmost seats folded flat, you get a very useful 516 litres of boot space, which is more than enough for the weekly shop or a family holiday. The middle row of seats can slide to juggle legroom between passengers, but access to the third row can be a bit of a clamber for adults. For kids, however, it's perfectly fine, and the whole interior is trimmed with robust materials designed to withstand the rigours of family life.
The CarGurus Verdict: "By now you’re probably figured out we quite like Hyundai’s Santa Fe. There are few, if any family cars, for this kind of money, that offer the same levels of effortless driving characteristics and user-friendly virtues." - Pete Tullin, contributor
Read our full Hyundai Santa Fe review
7. 2005-2014 Audi Q7
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Practical cabin with space for seven | Thirsty compared with more recent SUVs |
| Drives well on Tarmac | Expensive bills if you buy a tired example in need of work |
| Wide range of engines to choose between | Almost too big, especially for narrow urban streets |
The original Audi Q7 was the brand's first foray into the large luxury SUV market, and it made quite a splash. As a used 7-seater, it still holds huge appeal, primarily thanks to its sheer size and practicality. All seven seats are genuinely usable, even for adults in the third row on shorter trips, which isn't something you can say for all rivals. Boot space is decent at 330 litres with all seats in place, but fold the rearmost row down and you get a cavernous 775 litres. For those big trips to the tip or for moving furniture, drop both rear rows to reveal a van-like 2,035 litres of space.
While it was available with some big petrol engines, it’s the diesels that make the most sense in a car this size. The 3.0-litre V6 TDI is the pick of the bunch, offering plenty of pulling power for a car full of people and luggage, while being more manageable on fuel than the petrols. Regardless of the engine, the Q7 is a supremely comfortable machine for long motorway journeys, with standard air suspension soaking up bumps and the cabin remaining quiet and refined at speed. It’s a lot of car for the money, offering a premium badge and a high-quality interior that has stood the test of time well.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you need a large SUV that carries some prestige, a used first-generation Audi Q7 has its merits. A good example should drive well, have a modicum of off-road capability, be able to tow well and offer plenty of room inside – allowing it to tackle a range of conditions and uses with ease." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
8. 2010-2020 Seat Alhambra
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 3.9 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fantastically practical | Some potential reliability issues |
| Sliding doors a real boon | Ford S-Max is better to drive |
| Surprisingly enjoyable to drive | Luggage space tight with all seven seats in place |
In an era dominated by SUVs, the Seat Alhambra stands tall as a proud, traditional MPV, and it’s all the better for it. Its party piece is practicality, starting with those brilliant sliding rear doors that make getting kids in and out in tight car parks an absolute breeze. Inside, it’s genuinely spacious, with enough room for seven actual adults to sit in comfort, a rare feat even in this class. While boot space is tight with all seats in use, folding the third row down unlocks a cavernous 809 litres, which expands to a van-like 2,430 litres with the middle row folded too. It’s about as practical as family transport gets.
You might not expect a big people carrier to be enjoyable to drive, but the Alhambra is a pleasant surprise. It feels secure and composed on the road, handling twisty B-roads with more confidence than you’d think possible for a car of its size. For a used buy, the diesel engines are the ones to go for, offering the best blend of pulling power and fuel economy. The 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI, introduced in 2015, is a particular sweet spot, providing ample performance for a fully loaded car without breaking the bank at the pumps. It all adds up to a car that’s not just a box on wheels, but a genuinely capable and comfortable family workhorse.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Practicality is what an MPV is all about, and the Alhambra is one of the cleverest used MPVs you can buy. There's plenty of space and, just as importantly, that space has been put to good use, with seats that slide, recline and fold away as required." - David Motton, contributor
Read our full Seat Alhambra review
9. 2010-2022 Volkswagen Sharan
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Massively practical seven seater | Not at all trendy |
| Sliding rear doors for easy access | Models on sports suspension have a firmer ride |
| Huge boot | Reliability can be an issue in older models |
The Volkswagen Sharan is the epitome of a sensible seven-seater, and that's its greatest strength. While rivals were chasing SUV styling, the Sharan stuck to its MPV roots, resulting in a massively practical cabin with clever features families will love. The sliding rear doors are a game-changer in tight car parks, preventing kids from dinging adjacent cars, and the 'EasyFold' seating system means you can switch from a seven-seater to a van-like two-seater without ever having to heave a heavy seat out of the car. Crucially for a proper people carrier, it has a usable boot even with all seven seats in place, offering 300 litres of space – considerably more than many competitors.
Because it's an MPV and not a trendy SUV, the Sharan often represents better value on the used market. For the best blend of performance and running costs, we’d seek out a post-2015 facelift model with the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine. This unit is strong enough to haul a fully-loaded car without feeling strained and can return a respectable 43.5mpg. While a 1.4-litre TSI petrol is available, it needs to be worked harder and will struggle to get out of the mid-30s mpg, making the diesel the smarter choice for most families covering a lot of miles.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It may not drive with the verve of a Ford S-Max, but the Sharan is a capable and comfortable car that should please the driver and passengers alike." - David Motton, contributor
Read our full Volkswagen Sharan review
10. 2023-present Dacia Jogger
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding value for money | Seats lack support |
| Seven seats as standard | Lots of engine and tyre noise |
| Willing engines | Poor Euro NCAP safety rating |
The Dacia Jogger is the undisputed king of value in the seven-seater world. It offers space for seven people for the price of a supermini, which is an incredible proposition on the used market. Practicality is its party piece; while the boot is a modest 212 litres with all seats in use, the rearmost two are incredibly light at just 10kg each and can be removed completely. Do that, and you unleash a van-like 820 litres of space, which is more than enough for any family adventure. Its relatively compact size also makes it a doddle to park and navigate through tight city streets.
Under the bonnet, the 1.0-litre TCe 110 petrol engine provides a perfectly adequate 108 bhp, largely thanks to the Jogger’s surprisingly low weight. It’s not the quietest of engines, and you’ll notice a bit of road and wind noise at motorway speeds – a clear trade-off for that bargain price. There's also a more efficient Hybrid 155 model which can return up to 60mpg and is quieter around town, but for many used buyers, the lower initial purchase price of the simple petrol model will be the smarter choice.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Given its low price, the Dacia Jogger would find an audience even if it wasn’t very good. The fact it performs so well in terms of practicality and running costs could make it a hit with families who thought a used seven-seater was their only option." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Dacia Jogger review
FAQ
Which used 7-seater is the most fun to drive?
If you need seven seats but don't want to give up an enjoyable driving experience, the Ford S-Max is the standout choice. It has long been praised for its sharp steering and well-controlled handling, making it feel more like a smaller car than a large MPV. Its sibling, the Ford Galaxy, is also surprisingly good to drive, though it prioritises comfort slightly more.
What is the most practical 7-seater for a family with young children?
For ultimate practicality, look for models with sliding rear doors, like the Seat Alhambra and Volkswagen Sharan. These are a lifesaver in tight car parks, preventing children from accidentally banging doors against other cars. Also, consider models with three individual seats in the middle row, as this often allows for three child seats to be fitted side-by-side. The Ford S-Max and Galaxy are excellent in this regard, as is the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso.
Are there any good budget-friendly used 7-seaters?
Absolutely. The Dacia Jogger is the undisputed king of value, offering seven seats for supermini money, though it's a relatively new car. For older, more established budget-friendly choices, the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso offers a huge amount of space and comfort for the money, while the original Volvo XC90 provides a premium badge and excellent safety for a surprisingly low initial outlay (though running costs can be higher).
Should I buy a petrol, diesel or hybrid 7-seater?
For most large, heavy seven-seaters, a diesel engine is the most sensible choice. They provide strong pulling power (known as torque) which is essential when the car is fully loaded with people and luggage, and they generally offer the best fuel economy on long motorway journeys. However, if you do most of your driving in town, a petrol or hybrid model, such as the Ford S-Max Hybrid or Dacia Jogger Hybrid, could be a more efficient and refined option.
What's the difference between an MPV and a 7-seat SUV?
MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) like the Ford Galaxy and Seat Alhambra are designed with one thing in mind: maximum interior space. They typically have a boxier shape to accommodate passengers and luggage, and often feature practical touches like sliding doors. Seven-seat SUVs like the Kia Sorento and Audi Q7 offer more rugged styling, a higher driving position, and often come with four-wheel drive. The trade-off is that their third-row seats and boot space might not be quite as generous as a dedicated MPV's.
How much boot space do you actually get in a 7-seater?
This varies significantly. With all seven seats in use, boot space is often quite limited – typically between 140 litres (Kia Sorento) and 300 litres (Ford Galaxy). This is usually enough for a weekly shop or a few school bags. However, the real advantage comes when you fold the third row of seats down. This opens up a huge amount of space, with cars like the Ford S-Max offering 700 litres and the Seat Alhambra a massive 809 litres, which is more than enough for family holidays or trips to the tip.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in February 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
