Top 7-Seater SUVs in Australia - 2024

In the past, Australian families commonly relied on Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons as their preferred vehicles. For larger families, the sedan would often be exchanged for a wagon variant. However, the dynamics have shifted, and here are the best 7-seater SUVs that have now become the favoured choice for family transportation. This diverse category encompasses a wide spectrum of options, ranging from rugged off-roaders to passenger cars with elevated ride heights, offering a touch of versatility.

Based on research, customers look for interior space, power and safety while choosing the right 7-seater SUV. We have compiled a list of the five best 7-seater SUVs in Australia for your family's needs.

1. Toyota LandCruiser

Data for 2023 Toyota Landcruiser Workmate Manual 4x4

As a substantial and robust vehicle, the LandCruiser offers ample space to accommodate up to eight people in select variants, spread across three rows of seating. With the sliding second-row seat, even adults can comfortably occupy the third row if needed. Powered by a V8 turbo-diesel engine, the LandCruiser delivers abundant pulling power, ensuring it can handle demanding tasks with ease. While a V8 petrol engine was available for a period, the diesel option proved to be more fuel-efficient and favourable for towing.

The interior ambience of the LandCruiser varies across different trims, ranging from the practical GX to the luxurious Sahara. Alongside the variations in trim, there are corresponding upgrades in equipment levels. At the upper end of the range, you'll even find features such as automatically disconnecting and connecting anti-sway bars, enhancing both on-road handling and off-road capability by enabling increased wheel travel. Regardless of the chosen specification, the LandCruiser boasts the renowned Japanese-built Toyota quality, contributing to its exceptional resale value in the used car market.

Key Features of Toyota LandCruiser

• Power tailgate
• Renowned off-road capabilities
• 10-speed transmission
• Spacious and luxurious cabin
• Limited slip differential

What’s good about it?

• Multi-Terrain Select
• Off-road capability
• Comfortable ride

What’s not so good about it?

• Fuel-hungry
• 20” wheels is the biggest wheel offered
• Starter package
  
  

2. Ford Everest

Data for 2023 Ford Everest Ambiente Auto RWD MY23.5

If you find the LandCruiser to be too large and expensive for your preferences, the Ford Everest might be the ideal alternative with a base variant starting at $40,000. Similar to the LandCruiser, it is built on a ladder frame, providing excellent off-road capabilities and ground clearance.

However, traditional ladder frames often compromise the vehicle's performance on regular roads and highways. This is where Everest stands out. Developed in Australia by Ford, it delivers an impressive on-road driving experience with a 500 Nm powerful engine, mirroring the prowess of its sibling, the Ranger ute. Whether you're cruising on freeways or navigating city streets, Everest handles with confidence and composure. As a family wagon, the Everest proves its worth, though it's worth noting that the third row is better suited for kids rather than taller teenagers.

Key Features of Ford Everest:

• Blind-Spot Monitoring System
• ANCAP Rating - 5 Stars
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Electric Driver's Seat with Memory
• Heated and Vented front row seats with memory

What’s good about it?

• Diesel powertrain is a joy
• Towing capacity
• Off-road capability
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Infotainment system
• City driving is a bit tough
• Underwhelming engine
  
  

3. Mazda CX-9

Data for 2022 Mazda CX-9 GT TC Auto i-ACTIV AWD

Over the years, Australians have wholeheartedly embraced Mazda for its winning combination of quality, enjoyable driving dynamics, affordable pricing and boot space. The second-generation CX-9, introduced in 2016, has been a resounding success both commercially and critically, surpassing its rival, the highly regarded Toyota Kluger.

What sets the CX-9 apart is its impressive array of attributes. The cabin offers a serene and comfortable environment, complemented by competitive equipment levels. Notably, the CX-9's spaciousness ensures that occupants in the third row are not an afterthought. Access to the rear seats is well designed, and adults can comfortably fit if needed. Furthermore, despite its generous size, the CX-9 remains manoeuvrable enough for urban driving, making it a versatile choice.

To top it off, the Mazda CX-9 is equipped with an impressive 420 Nm, 247 Bhp engine, delivering ample excitement and control along with its semi-luxurious interiors.

Key Features of Mazda CX-9:

• Genuine Rosewood Interior
• KODO Design
• SkyActiv Technology
• G-Vectoring Control
• Mazda radar cruise control with Stop & Go technology
  

What’s good about it?

• Stylish design
• Comfortable ride
• Impressive AWD
  

What’s not so good about it?

• No buttons on the infotainment system
• Not so ‘Panoramic’ sunroof
• Grille design
  
  

4. Kia Sorento

Data for 2022 Kia Sorento GT-Line Auto AWD MY23

The original Sorento from the mid-2000s did little to dispel the notion of Korean cars being average and affordable. However, the second generation showed improvement, and by the time the third generation arrived in 2015, the Sorento had transformed into a highly competitive seven-seat SUV.

Notably, the third-generation Sorento was larger and quieter than its predecessor, providing sufficient space for children in the third row, although it may not match the CX-9 in this aspect. One standout feature of the Kia Sorento is its reassurance of seven-year warranty coverage and capped price servicing, which is transferable to subsequent owners. This means that even if you purchase a 2018 Sorento, you will still have at least three years of warranty remaining in 2023, offering peace of mind.

Something similar: Hyundai Santa Fe. Hyundai owns Kia so these two share a lot of mechanical traits.

Key Features of Kia Sorento:

• Remote Smart Parking Assist
• Panoramic Sunroof
• BOSE surround-sound audio system
• Quilted Nappa Leather Appointed Seats
• 3-Stage Automatic Climate Control
  
  

What’s good about it?

• Extremely spacious interior
• Third-row seating
• Great starter pack

What’s not so good about it?

• No 2WD or manual options
• Noisy hybrid engine
• PHEV variant is not truly ‘Utility’
  

5. Skoda Kodiaq

Data for 2022 SKODA Kodiaq Sportline Auto 4x4 MY22

Skoda, originally introduced to Australia in the 1960s when the Czech Republic was still part of the Communist eastern Bloc, made a comeback in 2007 as a member of the Volkswagen Group. Since then, the brand has steadily gained recognition and increased sales by leveraging the vast resources of its parent company and emphasising value for money, style, and substance. Stepping inside a Skoda, one immediately gets the impression that the car should be more expensive than it actually is.

The Kodiaq, introduced in 2017, marked Skoda's most mainstream model in Australia. It follows the trend of being more of a traditional wagon with increased ground clearance, rather than a true off-roader. Every variant in the Kodiaq range features seven seats, four-wheel drive, and an automatic transmission. The lineup offers a choice of turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel engines, all of which deliver a satisfying driving experience.

Something similar: Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. Almost identical, in fact.

Key Features of Skoda Kodiaq:

• CANTON sound system
• Panoramic Sunroof
• KESSY System
• ClimaCoat Protection
• Affordable post-purchase service packs

What’s good about it?

• Value for money
• Spacious
• Well designed - interior

What’s not so good about it?

• Few blind spots for driver
• Bit unimpressive tech features
• Low speeds makes it jerky

Mercedes GLB

Data for 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class GLB200 Auto

SUV of Mercedes-Benz is all things luxury mixed with sturdiness and rigor. The most outstanding feature of this SUV is the striking 20-inch alloy wheels adding on to its striking details. Complimenting roof rails and sliding panoramic sunroofs make the exterior more alluring for those who want to hit the open roads.

The GLB has been redesigned to make it stand out, with subtle yet noticeable changes like fully LED rear lamps, rounded claddings and visual underride guard, together with the powerful proportions, give the new GLB a strong and dynamic appearance. While these changes may seem subtle, the thought behind these details can be felt while riding the GLB.

The interiors of the GLB also add onto its charm and strength. The three-spoked steering wheel with Nappa leather gives you the feeling of powerful driving and an immersive steering experience. If, despite all the digitality, you’d like to go analogue again, you can shift the 8G-TRONIC manually using the optional gearshift switches.

Key Features of Mercedes GLB

• Free-standing widescreen cockpit
• MBUX Interior Assistant with voice recognition
• MBUX augmented reality for navigation
• Burmester® surround sound speakers
• THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control
  

What’s good about it?

• Generous cabin space
• Comfortable handling
• Exceptional infotainment-speaker duo
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Entry-level model lacks advanced features
• Limited engine specs
• Limited cabin space

Volvo XC90

Data for 2022 Volvo XC90 Plus B5 Auto AWD MY23

So far Volvo’s most advanced and luxurious SUV. The size and seating capacity doesn’t deter Volvo’s bold claim. Volvo has attained synonymous status with safety now and thus, everything the XC90 packs is on top of an exceptionally safe and sensible car.

With a mild-hybrid variant along with traditional gasoline-powered engines, Volvo gives a greener alternative without compromising on the driving experience. Both drivetrains are engineered to take smooth take-offs and refined acceleration making the drives dynamic and impactful.

With most boxes ticked for a family-friendly car checklist like 709 litres of boot capacity, air purifier, and built-in Google gives the XC90 an edge over other cars in the same segment. Additional features include but aren’t limited to Bowers & Wilkins high-fidelity audio system, Unique ‘Room Transformation’ technology and assorted Google services.

Key Features of Volvo XC90

• 19 speakers
• Room modes - Individual Stage, Studio, Concert Hall, & Jazz Club
• Drifting auto-correction
• Active chassis with air-suspension
• 95% clean air provided by the in-built air purifier

What’s good about it?

• Spacious second row
• Huge boot space
• State-of-the-art safety technology

What’s not so good about it?

• Infotainment system options
• Noisey driving on highways
• Last row comfort

BMW X7

Data for 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport G07 LCI Auto 4x4

BMW X7 is a hard choice to make! Given the three variants and each one of them packing something distinctively different, car buyers sure are going to fall in a dilemma. Essence, Balance or SIgnature, BMW goes all in with the Signature variant while also doing justice to Essence variant. Whether its the 10 colours of the X7 or 3 different types of wheels which accentuates the height and daring of the car, X7 stands out on the road easily.

While it's an optional feature, however nobody can do a better front design than BMW and Swarovski coming together to make an “Iconic Glow” to the crystal headlights giving the BMW shine a new meaning. Optional in the basic and intermediate variants and a speck of shizzle in the Signature variant the 23” allow wheels are a sight to see especially when the car is in motion. With such fine details, BMW does nothing out of the ordinary for the rear view of the X7 but its still enough for turning heads.

Another shortcoming of the X7 is the limited boot space of 300 litres. The only considerable improvement is when the rear row is folded entirely giving you 750 litres of boot space. BMW hasn’t addressed this issue in the latest launches. However, the seating upholstery comes in a ‘Merino’ look which is offered in three colour combinations. Another fun and useful feature is the Comfort Access feature which allows the user to enter the car through a simple phone tap or their digital key.

Key Features of BMW X7

• BMW operating system 8
• Voice recognition and control
• Roomy cabin
• Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system
• BMW Finance
  

What’s good about it?

• Fabric quality
• Solid 7-seater
• Powerful pick-up
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Small boot space
• Uncomfortable for city roads
• Pricey

Conclusion

Think about those road trips with friends, where you can comfortably fit the whole gang and still have space for all your gear. You'll enjoy the freedom of exploring new destinations without the hassle of multiple vehicles or leaving anyone behind. The memories you create will be priceless.

Even for day-to-day activities, a 7-seater SUV proves its worth. Whether it's carpooling the kids to school, going grocery shopping, or simply enjoying a weekend getaway with the family, you'll have ample seating and storage options to accommodate all your needs. Plus, many SUVs offer advanced safety features, ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Sure, purchasing a 7-seater SUV might require a larger investment compared to smaller vehicles, but the benefits and convenience it brings are worth every dollar. It's an investment in comfort, flexibility, and the joy of shared experiences. So, why settle for anything less when you can have the best? Embrace the freedom and spaciousness that a 7-seater SUV provides, and get ready for countless adventures with your loved ones.

FAQs

1.What are some of the best 7-seater SUVs available in Australia?

Toyota LandCruiser, Mazda CX-9, Skoda Kodiaq, Kia Sorento, Ford Everest and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace are some of the best 7-seater SUVs in Australia.

2. What should I consider when looking for a 7-seater SUV in Australia?

Space, safety features, towing capacity, fuel efficiency, power, boot space, and budget need to be considered before investing in an SUV.

3. How much should I expect to pay for a 7-seater SUV in Australia?

On average, between $40,000 to $100,000 AUD for a new 7-seater SUV.

4. What are some of the most popular 7-seater SUV brands in Australia?

Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, and Volkswagen offer the most luxurious and well designed SUVs in Australia.

5. What are some of the most fuel-efficient 7-seater SUVs in Australia?

Skoda Kodiaq, Ford Everest, Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Mazda CX-8 diesel, and Kia Sorento provide the most fuel-efficient 7-seater SUVs