Choosing the best seven-seater car for your family is a bit like picking the right movie for a family night. Everyone has different needs, but comfort and safety are non-negotiable.
Whether you're hauling your children, pets, or a ridiculous amount of groceries, finding the best seven-seater car can be tricky.
But don't worry, we've got you covered. Nationwide Vehicle Contracts will help you navigate the maze of seven-seat options, from safety features to cargo space, ensuring you find the perfect seven-seater lease car for your family.
We discuss:
Safety is the most important thing to consider when selecting a seven-seater family car. Here are some essential safety features to look out for:
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) - Helps maintain control during sudden braking.
- Electronic stability control (ESC) - Prevents skidding and helps maintain control in adverse conditions.
- Lane Departure Warning - Alerts you if the car drifts out of its lane when signalling.
- Collision Avoidance System - Automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring - Makes you aware of vehicles in your blind spot.
- ISOFIX - Isofix is used in cars to provide a safe way of attaching child car seats. We'd recommend looking out for a seven-seater with four or more Isofix points.
Fuel efficiency isn't just about saving money at the pump - it's also about being kinder to the environment. With various options, from hybrids to efficient diesel engines, it's essential to consider the following:
- Hybrid and Electric Options - These are more eco-friendly and can help reduce fuel costs. Try to find a seven-seater with over 200 miles of range and a respectable charging time.
- Fuel Economy Ratings - Check the miles per gallon (mpg) ratings for city and highway driving. We'd recommend aiming for around 45mpg for a seven-seater.
- Engine Size and Type - Smaller engines and diesel options can offer better fuel efficiency. It's worth noting that a smaller engine might hinder performance, especially when you've got a car full.
Comfort is key when getting a seven-seater lease car. Think about it: would you rather have your kids nagging you every five minutes, asking, 'Are we there yet?' or have them in a complete state of zen (if that's possible)?
Look out for:
- Seating Configuration - Ensure all the seats in your seven-seater are adjustable and comfortable, with enough legroom and headroom for all passengers. This is most important on the third row of seats, which are typically the least comfortable.
- Climate Control - Dual or tri-zone climate control allows different temperature settings for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers. This prevents those annoying arguments on longer journeys!
- Noise Insulation - A well-insulated cabin and quiet engine makes for a more relaxing ride for all involved.
- Entertainment Systems - Arguably the most important factor in a family car nowadays. Features like rear-seat entertainment, USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity can ensure all passengers are entertained. Whatever happened to the old-faithful eye-spy?
- Access - Consider how easy it is to get in and out of the third row of seats. Features such as a sliding second row of seats can go a long way to keeping passengers happy and making boarding that bit easier.
The likelihood is that if you're going for a seven-seater car, there will be a fair few long journeys at maximum capacity. Whether that's going to the airport or a weekend away with the family, there's one thing you need: cargo space.
The first thing you must consider is the vehicle's cargo space with all seven seats in place. We'd recommend looking for models that offer around 400 to 500 litres of cargo space with all seats in use.
Also, check how easy it is to fold the third-row seats. The likelihood is you'll be doing this quite often, so ensure the mechanism is to your liking and is easy to use.
Finally, ensure you opt for a vehicle with a flat boot floor, which makes it much easier to load and unload heavier items.
If you're looking for more information on boot size, check out our guide, The Best Cars for Boot Size.
Another thing to consider when leasing a seven-seater car is performance and handling. Look for a car with a powerful yet efficient engine that provides enough power for acceleration and motorway driving even when the car is full.
Good handling is also essential for a comfortable ride, especially when driving on country lanes or in bad weather conditions.
Consider the following:
- Suspension - A good suspension system can absorb any imperfections in the road, which, as you'll know, are quite frequent here in the UK. An efficient suspension system can make the whole driving experience much more enjoyable.
- Steering - Opt for a seven-seater with responsive steering that's accurate both at high and low speeds. Try to ensure the car has a range of assistance tech, such as park assist and parking sensors.
- Drive modes - Drive modes are great if you find yourself in various situations. Multiple modes are available, including eco, sport, and off-road, to ensure you can adjust the vehicle's performance to suit your driving preference.
Selecting the best seven-seater lease car depends on a range of factors. Whether you'll be using it as a family car or for your business, it's essential you choose the right one.
Careful consideration of safety, fuel economy, comfort, and cargo space can ensure you get behind the wheel of a seven-seater that meets your needs.
If you're looking for a seven-seater lease car, consider leasing experts Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. As one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers, we offer a range of leasing deals to suit your needs.
For more information, check out our seven-seater leasing deals or call us on 0345 811 9595.
