Are you looking for the best 7-seater cars in Ireland to accommodate your growing family or all your adventures? With numerous options available, choosing the right vehicle can be overwhelming.
Whether you need space for the school run, road trips, or a versatile vehicle that accommodates all the family, we’ve curated a list of the best 7-seater cars on the Irish market in 2024. This guide will help you find the perfect car to match your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Why Consider a 7-Seater?
In Ireland, 7-seater cars have become popular due to their unmatched practicality, versatility, and spacious design. They are particularly appealing for larger families or those who need extra boot space or the ability to carry multiple passengers.
Whether for a day out in the countryside, a weekend trip, or just an extended family get-together, 7-seaters provide the comfort and convenience that typical 5-seaters can’t always offer.
Here, we’ll review the best 7-seater vehicles available today, looking at comfort, practicality, safety features, and price so you can make an informed decision.
Best 7-Seater Cars in Ireland 2024
1. Hyundai Santa Fe
Starting Price: €55,000
Fuel Types Available: Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
Key Features: All-Wheel Drive, Advanced Safety Tech, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out as one of the most well-rounded 7-seaters in Ireland. Its combination of style, space, and technology make it an excellent choice for families. The plug-in hybrid option provides significant fuel savings, while the spacious interior comfortably accommodates seven people, ensuring every trip is comfortable.
With advanced safety features, such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, it’s also one of the safest options on the market, reassuring for parents.
In terms of practicality, the Hyundai Santa Fe excels with a sliding second row, making access to the third-row seats easy. The interior materials feel premium, and the infotainment system is intuitive, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen.
2. Skoda Kodiaq
Starting Price: €50,500
Fuel Types Available: Petrol, Diesel
Key Features: Virtual Cockpit, Spacious Boot, Dynamic Chassis Control
The Skoda Kodiaq is another fantastic 7-seater option known for its impressive practicality. It offers a spacious cabin that easily fits seven adults, making it ideal for families looking for comfort without compromise.
The Kodiaq’s rear seats fold flat, providing a massive boot space perfect for those weekend trips away or big shopping hauls.
The Kodiaq is equipped with Skoda’s latest infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is perfect for keeping everyone entertained on longer journeys. Its fuel-efficient diesel engines suit Irish driving conditions, where longer commutes and country roads are the norm.
3. Toyota Highlander
Starting Price: €73,000
Fuel Types Available: Hybrid
Key Features: Full Hybrid System, Panoramic Sunroof, Toyota Safety Sense
The Toyota Highlander offers the perfect blend of performance and efficiency, with its hybrid powertrain providing an excellent balance of power and economy. The cabin quality is premium, with soft-touch materials and ample space in all three rows.
Toyota’s focus on safety shines through with the Highlander, which includes features like a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert. The hybrid system means lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption, making it an excellent choice for those conscious of their environmental impact.
4. Peugeot 5008
Starting Price: €49,000
Fuel Types Available: Petrol, Diesel
Key Features: i-Cockpit, Flexible Seating, Panoramic Roof
The Peugeot 5008 brings style to the 7-seater market with its distinctive design and high-tech cabin. The i-Cockpit layout features a smaller steering wheel and a 12.3-inch digital driver display, offering a more dynamic driving experience. The rear seats are modular, allowing you to customise the seating and storage space based on your needs.
For a 7-seater, the Peugeot 5008 is surprisingly nimble, making it suitable for both urban and rural Irish roads. It also comes with various driving aids like front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera, which are invaluable when navigating tighter spaces.
5. Kia Sorento
Starting Price: €56,000
Fuel Types Available: Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
Key Features: Blind-Spot View Monitor, 10.25-inch Touchscreen, Smart Power Tailgate
The Kia Sorento has been a favourite among Irish families for years thanks to its reliability and versatility. The latest model offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, providing lower running costs while maintaining performance.
The spacious interior is packed with modern technology, including a fully digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen.
The third-row seating is more spacious than some rivals, and the smart power tailgate is a great feature for parents who want to manage kids and shopping bags simultaneously. The Sorento also scores highly in safety, with numerous active driver aids as standard.
6. Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
Starting Price: €47,000
Fuel Types Available: Petrol, Diesel
Key Features: Digital Cockpit, IQ.Drive, Hands-Free Tailgate
The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is the extended version of the popular Tiguan, adding an extra row of seats without compromising comfort or style. With its refined interior and advanced technology, the Allspace is designed for those who appreciate practicality and premium features.
The third row is best suited for children, but its flexibility makes it perfect for larger families. Volkswagen’s IQ. Drive technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and emergency braking, providing a confident and safe driving experience.
7. Nissan X-Trail
Starting Price: €46,500
Fuel Types Available: Hybrid
Key Features: ProPILOT Assist, e-POWER Technology, Dual-Zone Climate Control
The Nissan X-Trail has been a popular choice among families in Ireland, and for good reason. Its spacious cabin, hybrid powertrain, and ProPILOT Assist make it a versatile 7-seater with excellent value for money. The e-POWER technology provides a smooth driving experience, blending the benefits of electric and petrol engines.
The second and third rows are well-designed for family use, with ample headroom and legroom. Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist offers semi-autonomous driving capabilities, making long journeys more manageable and less tiring.
Expert Opinions on 7-Seater Cars
We gathered expert opinions from car industry professionals on the best 7-seaters available today to provide you with the most comprehensive insights.
- “The Kia Sorento is a bit of a dark horse in this segment, and it’s not until you spend some time with one that you realise the joy of pure functionality. Wrapped up in a quietly good-looking package, the Sorento offers plenty of space, a robust and well-designed interior, and lots of tech. It’s comfortable for all passengers on long drives and has a very solid seven-year/100k mile warranty to back it up,” writes Tom Ford for Top Gear
- “The new Kodiaq is not going to set your heart ablaze to drive, but that’s really not a bad thing. It’s all about being comfortable and stress-free. The seats are incredibly comfortable, the steering is effortless, and the ride remains pillowy soft, making it perfect for a relaxed, family-oriented experience,” writes Mike Bartholomew for CarThrottle
- “The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and generous standard equipment. It’s a solid choice for families seeking practicality with a bit of style thrown in” (Carwow).
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 7-Seater
1. Space and Comfort
Space is a crucial factor when selecting a 7-seater. Consider whether you need full-sized seats for seven adults or if children will mainly use the back row. Vehicles like the Skoda Kodiaq and Kia Sorento offer more generous third-row seating, while others may be a bit tighter in the rear.
2. Fuel Type
With more hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, it’s worth considering how you plan to use your 7-seater. Diesel engines might make sense for long journeys, offering greater efficiency in motorway.
Hybrids are perfect for urban driving and reducing fuel costs, while plug-in hybrids provide the benefit of electric-only driving for short trips.
3. Safety Features
Safety is paramount when carrying your loved ones. Look for features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking. Cars like the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe have extensive safety suites as standard, giving you added peace of mind.
4. Technology and Convenience
Modern 7-seaters come with a host of technology features to make life easier. Infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are great for keeping the family entertained.
Features like a hands-free tailgate, multiple USB charging points, and built-in navigation can greatly affect day-to-day usability.
5. Running Costs
Fuel economy, road tax, and servicing are all essential considerations when buying a 7-seater. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid options often provide lower running costs, particularly for city dwellers. Diesel models, however, can be more economical for those covering long distances regularly.
Our Top Picks for Different Needs
- Best Value for Money: Nissan X-Trail – Combines practicality, hybrid technology, and a reasonable price tag, making it ideal for budget-conscious families.
- Best for Families with Teens: The Skoda Kodiaq offers excellent space in all three rows and is ideal for older children and teens.
- Best for Efficiency: Toyota Highlander – The full hybrid system provides a great mix of power and economy with low emissions.
- Best for Style: Peugeot 5008 – With its unique design and i-Cockpit, it’s the most stylish option among 7-seaters.
When selecting the best SUV for your needs in Ireland, consider the following factors:
Fuel Type: With increasing focus on sustainability, consider whether a petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric SUV best suits your driving habits and environmental concerns.
Our Final Thoughts
Choosing the best 7-seater car in Ireland can be challenging, given the variety of options available. The key is to focus on your needs – the most space, the latest technology, or the best fuel efficiency. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Skoda Kodiaq are excellent all-rounders, while the Toyota Highlander is perfect for those looking for a hybrid option with exceptional safety features.
All of the models mentioned above have practicality, comfort, and safety strengths. The best 7-seater for you will depend on your family’s specific needs, driving habits, and budget. If possible, take each for a test drive, and explore the third-row seating to ensure it meets your expectations.
For more information or to book a test drive of any of these vehicles, contact your local dealerships. Remember, finding the right 7-seater can make all the difference in ensuring that every journey with your family is smooth and enjoyable when you’re behind the wheel. With the right research and consideration, you’ll find the perfect SUV to navigate Ireland’s diverse landscapes and cityscapes.
7 Seater Cars FAQs
Several brands offer excellent 7-seater cars, each with different strengths. Kia, Skoda, and Toyota are popular in Ireland for their reliability, practicality, and advanced safety features. The Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq are highly regarded for family use, while Toyota’s hybrid options, such as the Highlander, provide an efficient and environmentally friendly choice.
The best car for a family of 7 will depend on your specific needs, but some top recommendations include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Highlander, and Kia Sorento. These cars offer ample space, comfort, and safety features, making them ideal for large families. The Skoda Kodiaq is also an excellent option if you want something spacious with good value for money.
The Toyota Highlander is often considered one of the most reliable 7-seater vehicles on the market due to Toyota’s reputation for durability and the inclusion of hybrid technology, which reduces strain on the engine. Other reliable options include the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, both known for their build quality and excellent warranties.
Hybrid options are leading the way in fuel efficiency. The Toyota Highlander and Kia Sorento (both available in hybrid versions) are among the most fuel-efficient 7-seaters in Ireland. Plug-in hybrid models like the Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid are also excellent choices for those looking to maximize fuel economy, especially for urban driving and short commutes.
Hybrid 7-seaters are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower emissions and cost savings. The Toyota Highlander and Kia Sorento are two of the best hybrid 7-seaters available in Ireland. Both vehicles offer a combination of electric and petrol power, resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced environmental impact. The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is also an excellent option for those who want a hybrid with the ability to drive short distances on electric power alone.
The Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Santa Fe are two of Ireland’s most spacious 7-seater cars. The Skoda Kodiaq offers generous headroom and legroom in all three rows, making it ideal for taller passengers. The Hyundai Santa Fe also provides ample space and sliding second-row seats, which help to make third-row access easier. If space is a top priority, both these models are excellent choices for families who need room for everyone and their luggage.
Ciaran is an automotive enthusiast with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Creative Digital Media from MTU in Ireland and over three years of experience in digital marketing. His unique background combines a love for storytelling with a strong grasp of engaging content creation, making complex car topics relatable and easy to understand. Through years of managing this blog, Ciaran has expanded his automotive knowledge while helping everyday drivers gain new insights.
Passionate about demystifying the driving world, Ciaran focuses on simplifying car trends, tech updates, and practical driving tips. He believes that everyone should feel confident and informed behind the wheel, offering content that empowers readers to make smart, well-informed decisions.
