Cheap and Chic: Five-Seaters for the Money-Conscious Family
Five positions for the family's use
Drop the Minivan, Opt for a Pkw Instead
Want a vehicle that's more stylish than a minivan but still offers seating for five (or more)? Look no further! The German market boasts a whopping 40 car models with seven seats, minibuses excluded. Here are five pocket-friendly, electric, compact, and comfy options to suit your family's needs.
Hyundai Santa Fe - Big on Style, Big on Space
The Korean crossover Santa Fe has gone from zero to hero in its fifth generation, boasting a 4.83-meter length that's as bold as it is spacious. With room for up to 2 cubic meters of luggage, or five, six, or seven passengers depending on seat configuration, it's a grown-up's dream ride. The third row isn't an afterthought either; it comfortably fits adults, thanks in part to the second row that can adjust lengthwise for maximum legroom.
Hyundai has ditched diesel engines in favor of full and plug-in hybrids, with the high-powered variants featuring all-wheel drive. You can get the seven-seater version for €60,750 with a base model that offers 158 kW/215 PS, front-wheel drive, and automatic transmission.
Dacia Jogger - Affordability on Steroids
Dacia's seven-seater Jogger variant will have your wallet smiling. At just €18,900, it's the most affordable large family vehicle you can buy. Although compact van-based, the limited space in the third row is sufficient for children or occasional football field shuttle services.
The "Extreme" model, priced at an additional €2,000, brings a well-equipped interior with simple and intuitive operation. However, it falls short on safety equipment and crash performance compared to pricier competitors. Petrol engines with three and four cylinders are available, with an autogas variant to reduce fuel costs.
Opel Frontera - Space to Spare
Typically, seven seats are an optional extra with vans and large SUVs. However, Opel offers a third row even in the 4.39-meter-long Frontera, positioned between compact and midsize classes. Although the additional seats are a squeeze, the five front seats offer ample room, and with the third row folded down, the boot space is enormous.
Opel Frontera - A Contender; First Drive Review
The interior feels modern and fresh, but it can't hide the overall cost-optimized design. Despite this cost-cutting, the lively mild-hybrid petrol engine is standard in the seven-seater version. The electric powertrain is sadly not available. Prices start at around €25,000.
Mazda CX-80 - Luxury Living Space
The elder sibling of the midsize SUV CX-60, the CX-80 stands out with an additional 25 centimeters in length, a third row of seats, and a premium feel. The interior exudes elegance, with fine craftsmanship and top-notch materials that challenge luxury brands. Even the third row offers clever storage and USB ports to provide comfort.
Mazda spares no expense when it comes to the powertrain, offering their flagship with a six-cylinder engine, either diesel or plug-in hybrid. However, the premium price tag starts at 56,200 euros for the "Exclusive Line" model, and to truly experience the luxurious ambiance, you'll want to consider the pricier "Homura" variant.
Maxus Mifa 9 - Electric Luxury on a Budget
Large vans aren't just popular in China as family cars; they're also favored as executive chauffeur vehicles. Accordingly, many models come with luxury features. The Maxus Mifa from the SAIC group is a prime example, offering footrests, massage, and cooling functions standard on the second row's individual seats. Although the third row is a bit snug, it still provides a luxurious atmosphere.
The powertrain is always electric, offering 180 kW/245 PS and a range of around 440 kilometers. Pricing is competitive in the luxury van market, with the base model costing 70,000 euros and the well-equipped "Luxury" model at 76,000 euros.
- Hyundai Models
- Dacia Models
- Opel Models
- Mazda Models
- Compact Van
Insight: The most affordable seven-seater car currently available on the German market for 2025 is the Dacia Jogger. This compact van-based vehicle offers excellent value, combining practicality, comfort, and fuel efficiency for a competitive price point below many mainstream supermini cars. The Dacia Jogger Hybrid features a 1.6-liter hybrid engine that achieves around 59 miles per gallon. Interior-wise, it comfortably seats adults across all three rows, with a generous 820-liter boot space when the third row is folded down. The Jogger's affordability, practicality, and smooth driving make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a versatile seven-seater in Germany.
The Commission could, by means of implementing acts, lay down the rules for the application of this Regulation, considering the fuel-efficient and budget-friendly five-seater vehicles discussed, such as the Dacia Jogger which boasts a home-and-garden friendly interior and a lifestyle-friendly fuel-efficient hybrid engine. Alternatively, for those seeking a luxury home-and-garden experience on a budget, the Maxus Mifa 9, an electric luxury seven-seater van, offers features like footrests, massage, and cooling functions while maintaining a competitive price compared to luxury cars.
