The extensive range of SUV models currently available allows us to find the most appropriate option for our preferences and needs. These cars cannot compete in versatility and interior space with traditional minivans, but there are some that offer the possibility of having seven seats. These are, as a general rule, two additional seats aligned in a third row that allow seven travelers to gather in a single vehicle.
The profile of these SUV vehicles responds to families and people with an active lifestyle. The third row of seats of these models can be folded under the boot floor, thus facilitating their conversion to five-seat vehicles equipped with a generous luggage rack. In addition, the second row is usually sliding to modify its location, and can be more advanced or rearward.
Below, we have made a selection with five models that meet several of the requirements most sought after by some customers. On the one hand, they have an external length of between 4.6 and 4.8 meters (a large size, but which still allows for correct agility in small spaces).
Another of its virtues is the availability of engines that allow you to enjoy the Eco environmental label. In the case of frequently driving through large cities, this DGT badge allows you to have certain advantages and privileges to travel through low-emission areas.
Finally, we have restricted the choice of models to those that are currently available for less than 50,000 euros. They are the most competitive in this section, compared to a fairly large offer, but with much higher rates. Close to this budget limit there are cars like the Hyundai Santa Fe (52,570 euros) and the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200, whose version with seven seats has a price from 52,732 euros.
The Kia Sorento is a 4.81 m long SUV equipped with a platform that allows you to enjoy outstanding levels of habitability. The Korean firm claims that it is the most capable trunk in the category, reaching 821 liters with the two third-row seats folded. If all seven seats are used, its cargo capacity is 187 liters. Additionally, the second row seats are foldable using a button located in the trunk. One of the attractions of the Sorento is the availability of electrified versions, including an interesting HEV that combines a 1.6 gasoline with a power of 180 HP with a 60 kW electric motor and a small battery.
The Nissan X-Trail is an unbeatable option due to its excellent price/product ratio. In its fourth generation, this SUV with a modern and muscular exterior image is combined with a luxurious and equipped interior. To access the third row in the seven-seat versions, the second row of seats can be slid. The two additional seats are designed to accommodate passengers up to 160 cm tall. In five-seat configuration, the trunk has 585 liters of useful volume. There are electrified versions e-Power with 204 HP and e-4ORCE with all-wheel drive. For its part, the access engine of 1.5 liters and power of 163 HP allows access to this model at very competitive prices.
With an exterior length of 4.64 m, the 5008 is a model with personality, thanks to its original image and the original design of its driving position, equipped with the Peugeot i-Cockpit. Its virtues as a family vehicle are notable, thanks to its three rows of seats, including a second row that can move up to 150 mm longitudinally. In its most favorable configuration, the trunk has a capacity of 780 liters, expandable to a maximum of 1,940 liters. The engine offering includes a Hybrid version with 136 HP of power, with 48-volt light hybridization that includes a 21 kW electric motor and approves 128 g/km of CO2.
Manufactured in Palencia, the Renault Espace offers a spacious cabin for up to seven people to travel. The rear bench can slide longitudinally by 220 mm and the trunk offers a capacity of 777 liters in five-seat configuration, settling for 159 liters if all seven seats are used. The powertrain, called E-Tech full hybrid, combines a gasoline engine with two electric engines with different energy management modes. With a power of 200 HP, it thus allows us to achieve a consumption of 4.7 l/100 km and exceed 1,100 km of autonomy. The 4Control advanced system, a rear steering axle, stands out in its equipment.
It has just released its second generation that includes a redesigned exterior, a more spacious and minimalist exterior design with the use of sustainable materials and a wider range of engines, with powers from 150 to 204 HP. The 150 HP 1.5 TSI gasoline engine marks the debut of 48-volt mil-hybrid technology in this model, which is joined by a plug-in hybrid that can travel more than 100 km in zero-emissions mode, thanks to a battery with capacity of 25.7 kWh. The Kodiaq has a total length of 4.75 m and its habitability is outstanding, with 845 liters of trunk volume in a five-seat configuration and 340 liters if all seven seats are used.
