Used Car Buyer’s Guide: Best Cars For Large Families

If you find yourself with an ever-growing family and a ‘regular’ five-seater car no longer meets your needs, then you might feel that your choices for a family car are somewhat limited. 

However, the days when the only options were something based on a van or that appeared more like a minibus are long gone, with a range of cars available on the market that are suitable for up to seven people. 

In some cases, you might need a car that can permanently seat seven or may only need extra space on part-time basis, so we’ve selected some top options that cover all bases and – crucially – meet a range of budgets.

Dacia Jogger

If you are looking for a cost-effective seven-seater and have only a limited budget to work with, then the Dacia Jogger will tick a lot of boxes. A new Jogger can actually be yours for less than a lot of large large families cars would cost on the second hand market, but there is even more value to be found if you buy used. 

If you want a touch of luxury, or a car with all the bells and whistles that you might find from a premium brand, then the Jogger probably isn’t for you. However, if you want value for money and practicality, then arguably there is nothing out there to beat it. 

The Jogger is based on the same platform as models like the Renault Clio and Nissan Juke and handles well as a result, helped by the fact that it’s also very light for a seven-seater.  

The Jogger comes with either a 1.0 litre turbo engine or a 1.6 litre hybrid, both of which give solid fuel economy figures and will help keep running costs down. It might not be perfect, but the Jogger does a lot of things very well and should certainly be in the mix when considering a seven-seater family car.  

Peugeot 5008 / e-5008

The original Peugeot 5008 was a non-descript MPV but when the French manufacturer unveiled the second generation model back in 2017, it turned into a stylish SUV that has since gone on to be a best-seller. 

The 5008 provides tonnes of space on the inside, is nice to drive and also comfortable for passengers, whilst the seating in the rear can be flexible in terms of movement to offer plenty of legroom.  

Such is the popularity of the 5008, there are plenty of models available on the used market to cater for different budgets, with a wide range of engine choices that include a diesel that is good for more than 60mpg if you regularly undertaker longer trips. 

Should your budget be large enough to open the door to a third generation 5008, then you also have the option of switching over to a full EV, with range in excess of 220 miles. The current model is also available with both full and plug-in hybrid options that make it one of the more efficient seven-seaters on the market. 

Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Octavia is a go-to option for a family car but with only five seats available, isn’t suitable for those larger families with more than three children. 

Luckily, Skoda has a model that fits the bill when it comes to offering seven seats in the shape of the Kodiaq SUV, which was first launched in 2016 before the introduction of the second generation model in 2024. 

Winner of multiple awards, the Kodiaq might not be the most interesting car to look at, but it more than makes up for it when it comes to practicality and value – particularly on the used market. 

A wide range of petrol and diesel engines are available on older models, with more recent cars also being offered with plug-in hybrid technology that makes a highly-appealing car even more attractive. 

There’s plenty of space inside and with a decent level of equipment included as standard and strong reliability record, the Kodiaq is a top class option to keep a larger family on the road.  

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

Although it has now been replaced on the new car market by the Tayron, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is a solid option for those looking for a used seven-seater. 

A longer version of the regular Tiguan with an extra row of seats in the boot, the Tigan Allspace is similar to the Kodiaq mentioned above, which means there is no shortage of space on the inside, even with the third row of seats in place. 

It’s a car that is both sensible and practical, and which is good to drive when you get behind the wheel, although you’re more likely to blend into a crowd rather than stand out from it. 

Diesel engines provide better fuel economy that petrol options as you might expect, whilst you’ll get plenty of equipment and technology as standard regardless of the trim level you choose. 

At the top of the range, the R-Line is something a little more sporty both in terms of appearance and also behind the wheel, thanks to revisions to both the steering and suspension. 

Volvo XC90

If your budget allows for a more high-end seven-seater from the used market then the Volvo XC90 is certainly worth a look.  

New, the XC90 will cost in excess of £60,000 but you can easily find a used version with average miles for half of that figure – or even less if you are happy with an older second generation model. 

The XC90 was launched as a rival to models like the Land Rover Discovery and the Audi Q7, and what Volvo delivered was an impressive all-rounder that provides a huge amount of space and which scored highly on safety – a key factor for anyone who is going to be ferrying around their family. 

There is no escaping the fact that the XC90 is a large car but it’s also relatively cheap to run when you compare it to the main competition, and benefits from strong reliability.