Best Seven-Seat SUVs for Australian Families: A Comprehensive Review
Gone are the days when Australian families automatically turned to station wagons for their family transport needs. SUVs have become increasingly popular Down Under, and for many families, bigger is better. The large SUV class constantly competes with the Small SUV class for the title of Australia's third most popular vehicle segment, trailing behind the ever-popular ute and medium SUV segments. In this article, we will take a closer look at the best seven-seat SUVs currently available on the market. With the added practicality of a third row, these vehicles are highly appealing to Aussie families as they offer the versatility to carry extra passengers without the need for a van or people mover. While these SUVs are not designed for off-road adventures, there are more rugged options available, such as the Isuzu MU-X, for those who enjoy exploring beaches and remote campsites. People movers like the Kia Carnival and Hyundai Staria are also suitable options for carrying seven or eight people, although they lack the stylish SUV appearance found in the cars on this list. Without further ado, here are five of our favorite seven-seat SUVs, listed in no particular order.
Kia Sorento: A Stylish and Feature-Packed SUV
The Kia Sorento is a popular choice among Australian families looking for a seven-seat SUV that offers a great balance of style, features, and performance. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of this impressive vehicle.
Pros:
- Handsome design and a high-quality cabin
- Comprehensive safety suite
- Powerful diesel engine option
Cons:
- Some cabin plastics may feel cheap
- Busy ride on larger wheels
- Limited availability on certain variants
Price and Boot Space:
- Price: Starting from $49,290 up to $81,990 drive-away
- Boot space: 187L/616L/2011L (7-seat/5-seat/2-seat)
The latest version of the Kia Sorento impresses with its upscale design, abundant tech features, and spacious cabin. It has grown in size compared to its predecessor, and the higher-grade models come with luxurious features that rival those found in luxury brands. The top-spec GT-Line model is particularly well-equipped with cool tech features.
By early 2022, there will be a total of four engine options available for the Kia Sorento: a 200kW/332Nm 3.5-liter V6 petrol, a 148kW/440Nm 2.2-liter turbo-diesel, a 169kW/350Nm 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid, and a 195kW/350Nm 1.6-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid. The V6 petrol variant is front-wheel drive only, while the Diesel and Plug-in Hybrid variants are all-wheel drive. The self-charging hybrid, set to be released in early 2022, will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. Like all Kia models, the Sorento is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty.
Mazda CX-9: A Spacious and Luxurious Choice
The Mazda CX-9 is one of the older models in its segment, but it remains a compelling choice for Australian families. Known for its well-crafted cabin and plentiful equipment, the CX-9 offers a unique eight-seat layout and a comfortable and luxurious driving experience.
Pros:
- Spacious cabin with a unique eight-seat layout
- Comfortable and luxurious driving experience
- Distinctive design
Cons:
- V6 models can be fuel-thirsty
- Higher-grade models are pricier
- Not as practical as a people mover
Boot Space:
- Boot space: 311L/704L (8-seat/5-seat)
True to Mazda's reputation for quality, the CX-9 features a well-crafted cabin and offers plenty of equipment across all models. Its focus on the US market means that it provides ample space compared to other seven-seat SUVs in its class. The high-spec models now come with a new 10.25-inch infotainment system that runs on Mazda's latest interface. The flagship Azami LE also boasts a plush six-seat interior with second-row captain's chairs. All versions of the CX-9 are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine, generating 170kW and 420Nm of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard on all grades except for the Azami LE, which offers all-wheel drive as well. Mazda provides a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty for the CX-9 range.
Hyundai Palisade: A Roomy SUV with Efficient Hybrid Option
The Hyundai Palisade stands out in the seven-seat SUV segment with its big American truck-inspired styling and a roomy cabin that can accommodate up to eight people. This flagship SUV from Hyundai offers good features across all variants.
Pros:
- Efficient hybrid option
- Comfortable and spacious cabin
- Good features across all variants
Cons:
- Infotainment system feels dated
- Interior design can be somewhat bland in higher-grade models
- V6 engine can be fuel-thirsty in urban settings
Boot Space:
- Boot space: 241L/552L/1150L (7-seat/5-seat/2-seat)
The Palisade is available in three trim levels and comes with two engine options: a 217kW/355Nm 3.8-liter V6 with front-wheel drive and a 147kW/440Nm 2.2-liter turbo-diesel with all-wheel drive. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The mid-spec Elite and top-grade Highlander trims offer a seven-seat interior configuration with second-row captain's chairs, in addition to the standard eight-seat layout. The Highlander trim also offers luxury appointments such as nappa leather upholstery and Hyundai's Blind Spot View Monitor camera system. Hyundai Australia covers the Palisade with a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty.
Toyota Kluger: A Smooth and Well-Rounded Choice
The Toyota Kluger is a top-selling seven-seater that recently underwent a complete overhaul, bringing hybrid power as an option for the first time in Australia. Known for its spaciousness and refinement, the Kluger offers three drivetrain options to suit different preferences.
Pros:
- Smooth diesel V6 engine option
- Comfortable ride
- Refinement for a body-on-frame SUV
Cons:
- Interior fit and finish may not be perfect
- Manual shift buttons can be unnecessary
- Minimal interior differentiation from the Ford Ranger
Boot Space:
- Boot space: 259L/898L/1823L (7-seat/5-seat/2-seat)
The Kluger's US-market focus means that it is a spacious SUV, comparable to the CX-9 and Palisade. It is available in three trim levels and offers three drivetrain options. The standard drivetrain is a 218kW/350Nm 3.5-liter V6 with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is optional. The Kluger Hybrid features a 184kW 2.5-liter petrol-electric hybrid engine, which is only available with all-wheel drive. With a combined fuel efficiency rating of 5.6L/100km, the Kluger Hybrid outperforms its diesel counterparts. One of its key selling points is the availability of hybrid power across the range, which none of its competitors can match. Toyota offers affordable servicing and a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty for the Kluger.
Ford Everest: A Locally Engineered Three-Row SUV
The Ford Everest is a three-row SUV that is engineered locally but not built locally. Based on the Ford Ranger, this SUV features a 3.0-liter 'Lion' V6 turbo-diesel engine and offers a variety of drivetrain options.
Pros:
- Ford's locally engineered three-row SUV
- Familiar and powerful engine in the form of the 3.0-liter 'Lion' V6 turbo-diesel
- Variety of drivetrain options
Cons:
- Lower-spec models may lack power with the 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo four-cylinder diesel
- Interior fit and finish may not be perfect
Boot Space:
- Varies depending on seating configuration
The lower-spec models of the Ford Everest come with a 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, while the Sport and Platinum models are only available with the V6 engine. The inclusion of two extra cylinders alone can make a significant difference in this segment. Ford covers the Everest with a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty.
In Conclusion
These five seven-seat SUVs offer an excellent combination of style, functionality, and performance for Australian families. Whether you prioritize luxury features, spaciousness, or fuel efficiency, there is an option for every family's needs. Consider the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Kluger, and Ford Everest when searching for your next family vehicle. Remember to take advantage of the available technology, safety features, and warranties offered by these manufacturers to make an informed decision. Genuine AZ Parts Now offers a wide range of parts and accessories for these SUVs, ensuring that you can maintain and enhance your vehicle's performance and appearance for years to come.
By AZ PARTS NOW - My Blog according to CarExpert
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