Best seven-seater cars to lease

Looking for a seven-seater?

With the rise of SUVs and the growing selection of traditional MPVs, there has never been more choice for seven-seaters than there is right now. SUVs and crossovers have gone from strength-to-strength in the past few years. They are a good solution for drivers looking for space, style, and practicality. But, with so many options, it can be an overwhelming experience. To help you, we’ve whittled down the five best seven-seater cars to lease and why you should consider these models for your next vehicle.

Peugeot 5008

Since its initial release over a decade ago, the Peugeot 5008 has grown in capabilities to become one of the best-selling SUVs. Like its smaller sister car – the 3008, the 5008’s striking looks are undeniable, reflecting the sophisticated high-quality interior. Peugeot has nailed the upmarket feel and solid build quality usually associated with premium badges, making this an affordable yet high-end feel option.

Aside from aesthetics, the Peugeot isn’t as sharp to drive as a Skoda Kodiaq for example, but it does deliver an unquestionably comfortable drive. It’s also quiet at high speeds. However, unlike most rivals such as the Nissan X-Trail, the 5008 isn’t available with a four-wheel-drive.

The entry-level 128bhp 1.2-litre engine is surprisingly lively and keen to rev. It’s available with a choice of a manual or automatic gearbox (both six-speed). The more powerful 163bhp 1.6-litre petrol has a six-speed automatic gearbox only. Diesel engine options include a 1.6-litre with a 99bhp or 118bhp output, and the 2.0-litre engine is available with either 148bhp or 178bhp.

Our first contender, the 5008 is stylish, practical and great to drive. It’s one of the very best family seven-seat SUVs on the market.

Volkswagen Touran

Although the Touran has a van-look, it feels more like a spacious hatchback with a couple of handy extra seats. The VW SUV holds driving capabilities of a Golf on which it is based, starting with a light steeringthat allows the Touran to glide around town, something you can often only get from a hatchback.

The Touran has been designed with family life in mind. It comes with seven seats as standard and thanks to its latest update, it offers even more space inside over previous versions. The second row, third row and front passenger backrest can also be flattened, allowing you to easily create a long load-through space.

Even with five seats in place, you are rewarded with a whopping 917 litres of boot space. If practicality is your priority, you can’t get much more practical than the Touran.

You have five engine options to choose from. All of which have four cylinders, turbocharging and stop/start technology. Petrol engines are available in 1.2 or 1.4-litre, while the diesel options are 1.6 or 2.0 litre.

We give the Touran a top spot on the list of best seven-seater cars to lease on the market. It ticks all the boxes – roomy, practical, well built and good to drive.

Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer

The Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer (formerly known as the Grand C4 Picasso) challenges the idea of MPVs looking like a van with windows. Being stylish and an MVP is not mutually exclusive, evidence? The SpaceTourer – a striking seven-seat MPV.

If you’re looking for something to use around town, shopping trips and school runs, the 1.2-litre petrol is the best option for you. There’s just one petrol engine, a 128bhp 1.2 turbo. You’ll be more suited to the 2.0-litre diesel if you have a high annual mileage, mainly because they’ll hold onto their value better. On thing’s for sure, whichever specification you choose, the SpaceTourer will provide a refined and comfortable drive.

The added bonus of the SpaceTourer: it’s hugely practical. It’s a firm favourite among larger families, with enough room to comfortably accommodate 7 adults. Its folding seat arrangement is one of the best we’ve seen, while room in the second row with three full-sized seats couldn’t provide more comfort.

A C4 SpaceTourer is a great option for those looking for an all-around SUV which provides a good drive, as well as aesthetic.

Tesla Model X

Tesla started off with the Model S and now they are joining in with serving the growing luxury SUV demand. They may be following the crowd, but Tesla bring something unique to the market with the Model X. With zero emissions and silent running, you get sports car acceleration from the four-wheel drive.

The Model X is quite simply a practical SUV with seven seats, low-running costs, but still amazing performance. At the top of the range is the P100D with the astounding ability to sprint from 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds, beating the Ferrari 488 GTB.

You can choose from a five, six or seven seat arrangement in your Model X. The three-row layout is likely to be your chosen option for the practicality it brings. Both the front and middle row are made of individually mounted seats that can be adjusted electrically.

The electric Tesla Model X is a viable alternative to conventionally powered SUVs, but it doesn’t come cheap in comparison to other seven-seater cars on this list.

Audi Q7

If your key requirements are practicality and luxury, the Audi Q7 could be your next car pick. This seven seater has copious amounts of space, making it a perfect family car. The new generation Q7 also has a beautifully-built, tech-filled interior, better efficiency and a reduction in weight resulting in a better drive than its predecessor.

You have four engine choices for the Q7, two TDI diesels of either 215bhp or 268bhp, along with the plug-in hybrid Q7 e-tron and high-performance SQ7 with 429bhp. For the most consistent economy and performance returns, the diesels will deliver best.  

Despite being slightly narrower and shorter than the old Q7, the interior still has room for seven people and lots of luggage. Even those over six-foot will find the Q7 roomy. In five-seat mode, even with the middle row of seats slid as far back as possible, the boot is big enough to easily fit a couple of buggies or large suitcases.

The Audi Q7 is more compact than before and a whole lot better to drive, too.