Since the introduction of the motor car in 1885, when Karl Benz strapped an engine to three wheels and two seats, we’ve come a long way. We’ve all since agreed that four wheels are the best option for car travel, but manufacturers still think that having a range of seating options is a good idea. Some car brands have models with only two seats all the way up to seven seats!

Most standard cars have only five seats—two in the front and three in the back—but some cars opt to sacrifice some of the boot space for an additional two seats. These seats usually fold away so that the boot can be used at full capacity when the extra seats aren’t needed.

If you’re finding that you’re struggling to seat people in your current car, then a 7-seater could be perfect for you. We’re going to detail exactly why you might get a 7-seater car and which are the best options currently on the market.

Why choose a 7-seater car?

In years gone by, if you wanted a car with more than five seats, you’d have to drive around in a bulky people carrier that would take an age to get up to motorway speed. Today, 7-seater cars are sleek, stylish, and capable vehicles that are just as comfortable with only one or two passengers as they are with six.

Some 7-seater models choose to prioritise seating, whereas others prioritise boot space, with the extra seats being another string to a versatile car’s bow. Others make the extra seats a focus of the vehicle, sacrificing boot space to cater for larger families.

7-seater cars allow flexibility for larger families or even connecting two families for a road trip!

We put together a very useful car-buying guide to help families decide which car is best for them, you can take a look at it here.

5 of the best 7-seaters available at Brindley

Brindley is lucky enough to work alongside manufacturers such as Hyundai, Volvo, and Kia, each of which makes exceptional 7-seater vehicles offering road presence, style, and practicality at competitive prices.

Let’s take a look at the 7-seaters that Brindley currently has on sale.

Volvo XC90

The XC90 has been Volvo’s flagship SUV since 2002, delivering reliability, style, and more than enough luxury without the luxury price tag. Since then, Volvo has built on the incredible base that it established in the early 2000s.

Volvo has long been a brand associated with safety, introducing the 3-point seatbelt back in 1959, but since then they’ve only gone from strength to strength. In a modern XC90, you can find blind spot information systems, drift detection and correction, collision avoidance, and many other features designed to increase your safety on the road.

While your Volvo is working hard to keep you safe, you can enjoy premium features such as ventilated massage front seats, a premium audio system, and an advanced air purifier so that you can breathe fresh air even during your city commute.

The petrol version comes with a capable 250hp engine that will take you from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds and won’t struggle to reach motorway speeds with a top speed of 112 mph.

You can compare the petrol version with the hybrid option or any other Volvo SUV by clicking here.

Hyundai Santa Fe

With bold design, clean lines, and a powerful presence in both urban and rural settings, the Hyundai Santa Fe exudes confidence and swagger on the road.

It’s not just externally that you can feel the attention to detail. Hyundai has equipped the Santa Fe with over 60 choices of ambient lighting to help set the mood, dual-wireless charging to make sure you’re never caught with no battery, a premium Bose sound system so you can crank the tunes while you drive, and a wide range of seating options.

The Santa Fe can have 6 or 7 seats, with the front and third-row seats reclining for extra comfort and exceptional legroom for the second and third rows.

The Santa Fe is just as comfortable cruising urban streets as it is off-roading. With all-wheel drive and a Terrain Mode selector, as well as additional safety features such as the 10 airbags, improved collision safety, and safe exit assist for children, you can be safe in the knowledge that Hyundai has safety in mind.

Kia EV9

The highly anticipated sequel to the Kia EV6, the EV9 is a domineering vehicle that demands respect. This beautifully designed SUV is the jewel in Kia’s electric crown and has the incredibly unique feature of swivelling middle seats.

Inside the EV9, you’ll find an immersive sound system and large, clear displays all tied together using sustainably sourced materials, delivering eco-friendly design with unparalleled electric performance.

It’s not just the speed and acceleration that demonstrate the electric performance - the ultra-fast, hassle-free charging along with a high-capacity battery can deliver 349 miles on a single charge, with 154 miles gained in only 15 minutes of charging.

Kia is known for their industry-leading 7-year warranty that comes as standard on all their cars, meaning that you can be assured that Kia has every faith in the longevity of their vehicles.

For a more in-depth look into the Kia EV9, take a look at our blog which details everything you need to know about the EV9.

Volvo EX90

The EX90 is the electric cousin of the XC90, Volvo’s flagship SUV. As the world moves towards electric vehicles, it’s likely that the EX90 will entirely replace the XC90, which is why it’s packed with the same premium features you’d find on the petrol version with some additional EX90 exclusives.

The EX90 features an incredible six USB-C ports and a 12v power outlet in the boot so you can power appliances such as kettles or hot plates during camping holidays.

The EX90 has been designed with sustainability in mind, with responsibly sourced materials throughout from the plastics to the leather seats. Speaking of leather seats, Volvo has fitted the EX90 with incredibly comfortable, ventilated and 10-point massage seats so you can drive comfortably on those long staycation drives.

Thanks to the electrified drivetrain, the EX90 is also much faster to 60mph than its petrol counterpart, reaching the milestone in just 4.9 seconds, faster than many hot hatches. With a range of 363 miles and 10-80% charge taking just half an hour, the Volvo EX90 is perfectly equipped to chew through city driving as well as motorway miles.