Five-Seaters for the Family: Ditch the Minibus and Go for Car Options
Seats for a family of five available
Looking for a change from the minibus? No worries, mate! There's a plethora of car models with seven seats on the German market - around 40, excluding minibuses. Here are five interesting choices – some budget-friendly, electric, compact, and real comfy.
Hyundai Santa Fe – Big and Comfy
This Korean crossover has grown in its fifth generation, standing at 4.83 meters long. With its angular body and vertical side walls, it's not just big-looking but also offers ample space for up to 2 cubic meters of luggage or five, six, or seven passengers (depending on seat configuration). The third row isn't a mere afterthought; it's usable for adults! The second row slides lengthwise, providing sufficient legroom. Hyundai has opted for no diesel engine, so you've got full and plug-in hybrids, with the more powerful variants offering all-wheel drive. The base model with front-wheel drive, 158 kW/215 PS, and automatic transmission costs €60,750 as a seven-seater.
Dacia Jogger – Budget-Friendly
Dacia's seven-seater Jogger variant can be yours just under €19,000. Compact van-based, it may lack a bit of space in the third row, but it's enough for small kids or the occasional soccer match. The interior is straightforward but appealing, and it's well-equipped for an extra €2,000. However, compromises have to be made in terms of safety equipment and crash performance. Petrol engines with three and four cylinders are available, along with an optional autogas variant.
Opel Frontera – Short but Spacious
Vans and larger SUVs usually offer seven seats as an option, but Opel offers it for the 4.39-meter long Frontera, positioned between compact and midsize classes. Although the extra seats are a bit of a last resort, there's plenty of space on the other five seats. With the third row folded down, the trunk is enormous. The interior feels modern and fresh, and the motto is reduction to the essentials – except for the quite lively mild hybrid petrol engine. The electric drive of the five-seater is not available. Prices start at just under €25,000.
Mazda CX-80 – High-End Living
The CX-80 is the bigger brother of the mid-size SUV CX-60, standing out with 25 centimeters more length and a third row of seats, appearing at least one class more robust. The interior is delicate and luxurious, with Mazda emphasizing upscale aspirations through elegant design, fine craftsmanship, and premium materials. Taller passengers may feel cramped in the third row, but clever storage and USB ports make up for it. The powertrain offers a six-cylinder engine, either as a diesel or plug-in hybrid. Prices start at 56,200 euros for the "Exclusive Line" model, and investing around 63,000 euros in the "Homura" variant provides superior equipment.
Maxus Mifa 9 – Electric Luxury
Large vans in China are popular for both families and executive chauffeur services, so they often come equipped with luxurious features. The Maxus Mifa, hailing from the SAIC group, is no exception. It offers footrests, massage, and cooling functions as standard on individual seats in the second row. Although it's a bit less spacious in the third row, configured as a three-seat bench, one still benefits from the overall elegant ambiance. The powertrain is always electric, with a range of around 440 kilometers. The base model starts at 70,000 euros, and the well-equipped "Luxury" model costs 76,000 euros.
- Hyundai Models
- Dacia Models
- Opel Models
- Mazda Models
- SAIC Models
Affordable Choices:
If you're looking for a budget-friendly seven-seater, consider the Dacia Jogger.
Electric Options:
Currently, there are limited purely electric seven-seater options in the German market. However, upcoming models like the Hyundai Ioniq 7 and the BYD Tang could soon offer seven-seat configurations.
Compact Choices:
The Dacia Jogger is a compact, pocket-friendly seven-seater.
Comfortable Choices:
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-80 offer spacious interiors and comfortable rides.
The Commission, by means of implementing acts, might lay down the rules for the application of Regulation regarding the use of an electric vehicle such as the Hyundai Ioniq 7, a spacious seven-seater providing ample legroom and modest enough for home-and-garden maneuvering. On the other hand, upgrading one's lifestyle can be achieved with the Hyundai Santa Fe, a luxurious home-and-garden vehicle that offers a comfortable ride, enough space for car-maintenance tools, and can even accommodate golf clubs. For those who prefer a compact electric vehicle that suits their home-and-garden needs and is budget-friendly, the Dacia Ioniq could be a viable option, providing enough space for small lifestyle items.
