Decent sized 7 seater in 2021 for growing family

[keepingmindful]

Hello. We have 4 DCs age 12, 10 and twin 7 year olds. We are outgrowing our ancient Zarifa rapidly and our last trip to France was hell for my lanky legged DS. Plus it's now discontinued. Any recommendations for a good sized reliable proper 7 seater that's not a van (would be too scared parking it)? Would be very grateful! We had a Galaxy before this car but it wasn't very reliable but it was bigger. Thanks!

@keepingmindful

Hello. We have 4 DCs age 12, 10 and twin 7 year olds. We are outgrowing our ancient Zarifa rapidly and our last trip to France was hell for my lanky legged DS. Plus it's now discontinued. Any recommendations for a good sized reliable proper 7 seater that's not a van (would be too scared parking it)? Would be very grateful! We had a Galaxy before this car but it wasn't very reliable but it was bigger. Thanks!

Bump!

We’ve got a Kia Sorrento atm and it’s been brilliant. We’re all tall and space has never been an issue. Great car and I’ll miss it when it goes next month. We’ll probably be getting the Volvo XC90 or Audi Q7 as we still need 7 seats but want electric/hybrid this time.

We have a Skoda Kodiaq and I love it. I tried loads of 7 Seaters when we were looking and the Kodiaq was the best value and had the most space (of the cars we could afford). Skoda are reliable cars in my opinion, I think that’s why they are used a lot by Taxi drivers.

You might want to look into imported Toyotal Alphard's. We have one and it's amazing for space and comfort. We had ours converted to lpg so it is economical as well.

I thoroughly recommend CITROËN C4 7 seater. I've just hot my 2nd one which is the newer model and its fab. 3 full size rear seats which can move independently and 2 good size boot seats. The boot is massive but its a pleasure to drive. As far as 7 seaters go, its on the cheaper end but runs well with no issues and looks nicer than most in my opinion.

VW Sharon. Great car!

I have a Peugeot 5008. It’s been bombproof and teenage DS have plentiful room in the middle row. Younger kids (7 & 9) are fine in the back/boot.

I have a few more children than you but DP has a VW transporter which is huge but amazing.
I have just swapped my Land Rover discovery sport (don't ever buy one of these) for a VW Sharan.

Seat Alhambra we've had ours 2 years and very happy with it.

Ford smax - big and all seats are large enough for an adult but it feels more like a car than a mini van to drive.

I’d reconsider your ‘not a van’ criteria. I have 3 kids and a VW Caravelle. I ADORE it. No issues parking. Sliding doors makes getting the kids in and out a doddle and OODLES of space.

I can highly recommend the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Remember most of the 7 seaters aren’t full 7 seats. Once you’ve got growing kids with lanky legs the fold up seats in the back aren’t going to cut it.

@LazyDoll how many does your caravelle seat?

Hi, it seats 7. 2 in the front. 2 captain seats which we have rear facing. 3 on the back row. We always use the seats facing rear wards (around the table) but you can have them all facing forwards. I had a 6 seater FRV before. 3 full seats front and back. I lived that car. But this is my dream car! Driving it is my happy place. I miss it at the moment as not going anywhere!!

Thanks everyone, I went to bed thinking no one would respond and now I have loads of leads to research further. Brilliant! X

I think we may go down the petrol route however seeing that it looks diesel may be banned in the next decade and we can’t afford to replace our car very often...

We bought a petrol VW Sharan four years ago. It’s brilliant. Only a 1.6 but plenty powerful enough for family driving.

@keepingmindful my children are almost exactly the same age gaps as yours including twins (plus one more) and I swear by the Volvo XC90