Best Used 7-Seater SUVs
With many of the world’s top car manufacturers having produced top-selling 7-seat SUVs for several years now, there are plenty of fantastic used examples out there to choose from.
Where the traditional domain of the 7-seater was once the minivan or the MPV, SUVs have seen a surge in interest in this segment too, and it’s easy to see why.
To help you find your next SUV, we’ve created a list of the top 10 7-seat SUVs, taking into account important considerations such as interior space, the driving experience and the technology that they offer.
In this article, we will cover:
Why should you buy a used seven-seater SUV?
Style
SUVs tend to be more stylish than traditional MPVs, with premium brands really raising the bar in terms of exterior and interior looks. Today, because most brands offer 7-seat SUVs, there are many different styles and designs to choose from.
Practicality
7-seater SUVs are large vehicles, and large exterior dimensions mean lots of space on the inside. Some are better than others in this regard, as in some cases the boot can be entirely taken up by the rearmost seats.
Off-road ability
Traditional 7-seaters, cars that might be termed ‘people carriers’ or ‘minivans’, tended to be created exclusively for road use. Because SUVs have higher ground clearance and many of them are equipped with four-wheel drive systems, they are able to tackle the rough stuff just as competently as they would the school run.
What should you consider when buying a 7-seater SUV?
The third row of seats
While 7-seater SUVs are generally very roomy and spacious overall, sometimes the third row of seats can be a squeeze for taller passengers. Make sure you consider who or what you will be putting back there on a regular basis, and whether they will have enough room to be seated comfortably.
Boot space
The third row of seats will inevitably eat into boot space when it’s in position. Many SUVs will have boot spaces that are smaller than a supermini with all the seats in place, so if you plan on carrying seven people and a whole load of luggage, you’ll need to choose from one of the larger used 7-seat SUVs out there.
2WD vs 4WD
Because manufacturers recognised the importance of both the style and practicality of an SUV, four-wheel drive became an unrequired feature on many models, as most were exclusively used on roads. Nowadays, there are plenty of two-wheel drive versions available, helping to reduce the purchase price (for both new and used examples), increase fuel economy and lower overall running costs.
If you think you’ll make the most of a four-wheel drive model’s capabilities, then there are still plenty of examples for you to choose from, too.
Running costs
7-seat SUVs may have higher running costs than other 7-seaters such as people carriers as they are typically heavier and have larger engines, meaning fuel economy is worse. Consumables such as brake pads and tyres can also be expensive, particularly on premium models such as Land Rover, BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz SUVs.