Seven-seater cars have become a must-have for many growing families, but they can prove costly to run. There are, however, a growing number of hybrid seven-seat cars that combine a petrol (or sometimes diesel) engine with an electric motor to give impressive fuel economy. Some are self-charging hybrids that don’t need to be plugged in, while others are plug-in hybrid models that could be able to handle a week's worth of school runs or more with a fully charged battery.
From value-packed people carriers to luxurious SUVs, the choice has never been better. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best seven-seat hybrid cars on the market to help you find the perfect fit for your family and your budget.
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy.
The Best 7-Seater Hybrid Cars 2025
- 1. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2. 2025 Dacia Jogger
- 3. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8
- 4. 2025 Kia Sorento
- 5. 2025 Volkswagen Multivan
- 6. 2025 Nissan X-Trail
- 7. 2025 Peugeot 5008
- 8. 2025 Ford Tourneo Connect
- 9. 2025 Mazda CX-80
- 10. 2025 Volvo XC90
1. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge space and versatility | Disappointingly low towing limit |
| Pleasantly trimmed interior | Cabin storage could be cleverer |
| Lots of standard equipment | Limited electric range on PHEV |
You can’t miss the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe. Its bold, boxy styling stands out in the school car park, and beneath that rugged exterior lies a hugely spacious and versatile family car. You get a choice of two hybrid setups: a smooth self-charging hybrid or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), both using a 1.6-litre petrol engine. Practicality is off the charts, with vast legroom in the middle row and enough space in the third row for adults on shorter trips – a rare trick for an SUV. Fold those rearmost seats away, and you’re left with a massive 628-litre boot (621 litres for PHEV models), ready for any family adventure.
On the move, the Santa Fe is all about comfort. The hybrid system is quiet and refined, making long journeys a relaxing affair. The cabin feels impressively premium, with a smart design and high-quality materials that could easily belong in something more expensive. Every model is packed with standard kit, including a huge curved infotainment screen, so you're not just getting a practical workhorse; you're getting a genuinely pleasant and upmarket SUV.
The CarGurus Verdict: "A truly brilliant and lovable seven-seat SUV, the Santa Fe impresses with its vast, versatile interior and premium feel. If you don't need to tow heavy loads, it's one of the best family haulers around." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2. 2025 Dacia Jogger
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 40.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding value | Seats lack support |
| Willing engine | Poor safety rating |
| Seven seats as standard | Lots of engine and tyre noise |
The Dacia Jogger’s trump card is its price. As the UK’s cheapest seven-seater by a country mile, it offers big-family practicality for small-car money. Every Jogger comes with seven seats, and while the rearmost two are best for kids, they’re fine for adults on short hops. Better still, the seats are lightweight and can be removed completely, turning the Jogger into a small van. With all seats in use, the boot is big enough for a weekly shop, but fold the third row and you have as much space as a large estate car.
While you can get a basic 1.0-litre petrol, the one that makes our list is the hybrid version. Initially it paired a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for a total of 138bhp, but an update in late 2025 upgraded that to a newer system with a 1.8-litre engine and 153bhp. It’s the most powerful and fuel-efficient Jogger you can buy, and it’s the ideal powertrain for a car that’s built for the school run because it can use mainly electric power for short, low-speed journeys.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Given its incredibly low price, the Dacia Jogger would find an audience even if it wasn’t very good. The fact it actually performs well in terms of practicality, engine performance, equipment and running costs could make it a surprise hit with families who previously thought a used seven-seater was the only option." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Dacia Jogger review
3. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Overall CarGurus rating: 4.0 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Phenomenal value for money | Ergonomics aren’t great |
| Fantastic standard equipment | A little unpolished dynamically |
| Good interior quality | Generic looks |
The Chery Tiggo 8 is a new arrival that delivers serious bang for your buck. In terms of outright practicality this family SUV from Chinese brand Chery is on a par with cars such as the Nissan X-Trail or Peugeot 5008, but the Tiggo costs less. A lot less. It doesn’t feel like a cut-price option inside, though, with lots of appealing soft-touch materials and a smart, modern design. Seven proper seats come as standard, and while getting into the third row requires a bit of contortion, there's decent space once you're in. Boot space is 494 litres in five-seat mode, growing to 1,930 litres with all rear seats folded flat.
Although it’s not the most dynamic of SUVs to drive, the Tiggo 8 has a comfortable ride and the plug-in hybrid version, labelled ‘Chery Super Hybrid’ has a useful 201bhp and an impressive 56 miles of electric-only range. Standard equipment is very generous, especially if you go for top-spec Summit trim. Even in this guise, the Tiggo 8 is great value, costing thousands less than most rival cars.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The sheer value for money you get with the Tiggo 8 is nothing short of phenomenal. You get proper everyday seven-seater practicality, impressive interior quality, smart looks, oodles of standard equipment, and all for a price that undercuts most competitors by five figures or more." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Chery Tiggo 8 review
4. 2025 Kia Sorento
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good value | BMW alternatives are better to drive |
| Spacious interior | Hybrids having lower towing limits than diesels |
| Wide engine range including hybrids | Feels big to drive |
Kia has been on a roll lately, and the latest Sorento is a prime example of why. It’s a brilliant choice for families who need seven seats and want the low running costs of a hybrid. You have two great petrol-electric options: a self-charging hybrid for plug-free efficiency, or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with up to 34 miles of electric-only range. The PHEV is perfect for zero-emission school runs and short commutes, and also brings big tax savings for company car drivers.
It’s not just about the clever powertrains, though. The Sorento’s interior is impressively upmarket, with a design and quality that could give premium brands a run for their money. It’s also packed with thoughtful family-friendly features, like USB ports in all three rows. Space is generous, with a sliding middle row to adjust legroom and a third row that’s genuinely usable for kids. And the boot? It’s a huge 813 litres in the hybrid models (809 litres for PHEV versions) with the rearmost seats folded, making the Sorento one of the most practical seven-seat SUVs you can buy.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Today's Kia Sorento is the best of the four generations. It's the safest, cleverest and most practical Sorento yet." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Kia Sorento review
5. 2025 Volkswagen Multivan
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 16.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Magnificently flexible interior | Relatively pricey |
| About as cool-looking as a van-shaped vehicle can get | Plug-in hybrid is heavy – which makes it thirsty |
| Car-like driving experience | Infotainment system is flawed |
Don’t be fooled by the van-like shape; the VW Multivan is a thoroughly modern MPV that drives more like a car. Based on the same foundations as a VW Golf, it’s far more comfortable and refined than its predecessors. The version we’re interested in is the plug-in hybrid ‘eHybrid’, which can travel up to 56 miles on electric power alone. This makes it a fantastic option for families who do lots of short trips and can charge at home, allowing for silent, zero-emission school runs and local errands.
The Multivan’s real party trick, however, is its incredible practicality. The five rear seats are mounted on a clever rail system, so you can slide them, spin them to face each other, or take them out completely for maximum load space. Access is a doddle thanks to sliding side doors, and the boot is simply enormous. Even with all seven seats in use, the standard model has 469 litres of space, while the long-wheelbase version boasts a massive 763 litres. It’s the ultimate in flexible family transport.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The plug-in hybrid model could be just the ticket for families that are forever shuttling around town, and have somewhere to keep the battery charged when not in use. Whichever model you go for, though, the Multivan is a very appealing family car, and an all-round improvement on its predecessors." - Phill Tromans, contributor
Read our full Volkswagen Multivan review
6. 2025 Nissan X-Trail
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hugely practical | e-Power model is not as economical as you might hope |
| Lots of safety equipment | No plug-in hybrid option |
| Comfortable on long journeys | Some rivals offer more space in the third-row seats |
The latest Nissan X-Trail is a refined seven-seat family SUV with a clever trick up its sleeve: its e-Power hybrid system. Instead of the petrol engine driving the wheels, it acts like a power station, generating electricity for the motor that actually turns them. The result? You get the smooth, instant response of an electric car without ever needing to plug it in. You can choose from a 201bhp front-wheel-drive model or a more powerful 210bhp e-4orce four-wheel-drive version for extra grip. The X-Trail is a calm and comfortable car to drive, which is just what you want in what’s likely to be a family car. It’s quiet, too, especially when pottering around at low speed.
Both five-seat and seven-seat versions are available. In either case you get lots of space in five-seat mode and rear doors that open extra-wide to make access easy. Space in the seven-seater’s third row is fairly tight, but they’re handy to have when you need them.
The CarGurus Verdict: "We really like the Nissan X-Trail. It’s a quiet, comfortable and confident drive, teamed with a very well equipped and roomy interior that benefits from the always-popular option of a seven-seat layout." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Nissan X-Trail review
7. 2025 Peugeot 5008
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning interior | Entry-level petrol engine isn’t great |
| Spacious and practical | Neither is the ride-and-handling balance |
| Good standard equipment | Rubbish warranty offering |
The latest, third-generation Peugeot 5008 picks up the baton from the previous model, offering MPV-like practicality in a sleek, futuristic-looking SUV. Every version has seven seats and there’s enough headroom and legroom in the third row for adults to travel in reasonable comfort. The second row has ample space, although it’s worth noting that the latest model only has Isofix fittings for the two (wider) outer seats. The second-generation car had three equally-sized second-row seats, each with Isofix fittings.
Boot space with all seven seats in place is almost a match for a Ford Focus, at 348 litres. Fold the rear pair and you get a vast 916-litre space. While the 5008’s interior is impressively practical, it’s also incredibly stylish. With concept-car looks, premium materials and a huge 21-inch infotainment screen it’s a real showstopper. The driving experience is fine rather than fantastic although you do get the choice of mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure-electric power. The plug-in hybrid version offers the quickest acceleration of the bunch, as well as a creditable electric-only range of up to 55 miles.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Importantly for a seven-seater SUV, practicality is excellent, with generous room for passengers and luggage, and a clever and versatile seating system. The interior is gorgeous in terms of its design and quality, and the cabin is generously equipped with standard equipment." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Peugeot 5008 review
8. 2025 Ford Tourneo Connect
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hugely spacious | Not as good to drive as most Fords |
| Economical diesels great for high-mileage drivers | Interior feels a bit utilitarian |
| Well equipped | No hybrid or electric version as yet |
If space is your number one, two, and three priority, then the Ford Tourneo Connect is for you. It’s a van-based people carrier that puts practicality above all else. It’s based on the Volkswagen Caddy, and uses the same basic platform as the VW Golf, so it’s more car-like than van-like on the road. The plug-in hybrid version combines a 1.5 petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 148bhp and an exceptional pure-electric range of up to 72 miles. That could be enough for two weeks of zero-emissions school runs, or more.
Those commercial origins give it vast interior space. The standard version is roomy inside and available with five or seven seats, while the long-wheelbase Grand Tourneo Connect model has seven seats as standard and is simply cavernous, with extra legroom and boot space. In both versions, sliding rear doors make access a breeze. It’s fair to say that the Tourneo’s interior errs towards the functional, with lots of hard, utilitarian plastic trim. Not so easy on the eye, perhaps, but rugged and easy-to-clean. Which could be just the ticket if you want something that will stand up to the rigours of family life.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The practical, boxy Tourneo Connect is family motoring in thoroughly sensible shoes: it does a great job of hauling a family and all its stuff around effectively and without fuss. However, we also reckon that, if it was Ford rather than Volkswagen doing the engineering underneath the badge, then the Tourneo would be better to drive, and that’s a bit of a shame." - Matt Rigby, contributor
Read our full Ford Tourneo Connect review
9. 2025 Mazda CX-80
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 53.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Big diesel is great for high-mileage drivers | Ride comfort could be better |
| Cabin quality is impressive | Refined driving experience |
| Excellent crash safety rating | Looks expensive next to rivals from Kia and Hyundai |
Mazda is offering a classy, Japanese-built alternative to the usual suspects with its new CX-80. It’s available as a plug-in hybrid, which is a great choice for families looking to cut their running costs. The PHEV system can take you up to 38 miles on electric power alone, which should be more than enough for the daily school run and local errands. Practicality is strong, with a decent 258 litres of boot space even with all seven seats in use, growing to a generous 687 litres in five-seat mode. It’s a well-thought-out family car, with handy touches like USB-C ports for everyone and a healthy 2,500kg towing capacity.
Inside, the CX-80 feels genuinely upmarket, with a spacious and beautifully finished cabin that punches above its price tag. The driving experience is refined and pleasant, especially when gliding along silently in electric mode. It’s a comfortable cruiser that feels right at home on the motorway. A real highlight is the infotainment system; instead of forcing you to use a fiddly touchscreen, it has a simple rotary controller and physical shortcut buttons, which are far easier and safer to use when you’re driving.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The plug-in hybrid is a smooth, pleasant drive that’ll save a useful amount on running costs if you plug it in often enough. For those who like the slightly different character and appeal of the Mazda, it’ll be a charming and versatile family car." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Mazda CX-80 review
10. 2025 Volvo XC90
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 21.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tastefully designed interior | Slightly noisy engines |
| Hugely comfortable over long distances | Infotainment system not the best |
| Practical, spacious and safe | Audi, Mercedes or BMW rivals feel better built |
For years, the Volvo XC90 has been the poster child for safe, stylish, and supremely practical family transport. It’s getting on in years but an update in late 2024 keeps this big seven-seater near the top of the pile if you want a luxurious and stylish seven-seater. Practicality is superb, with sliding and reclining middle-row seats and a third row that’s spacious enough for adults. Fold all the rear seats down and you’re greeted by a massive 1,856 litres of boot space. The cabin is a masterclass in minimalist Scandinavian design, offering a calm and relaxing alternative to its German rivals.
The T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers strong, refined performance, making the XC90 an effortless long-distance cruiser. It prioritises comfort over sporty handling, providing a cosseting ride that soaks up bumps with ease. The T8 is a particularly smart choice for company car drivers, thanks to its low CO2 emissions and attractive tax ratings. While you’ll need to charge it regularly to get near the official fuel economy figures, the ability to run on pure electric power for short journeys offers the potential for seriously low running costs.
The CarGurus Verdict: "he sheen of quality and cool, and the composed and subtle look of the XC90, may swing the balance for some, particularly when coupled with its sensible running costs." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
Read our full Volvo XC90 review
FAQs
What's the difference between a self-charging hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?
A self-charging hybrid (HEV) uses its petrol engine and energy from braking to charge a small battery. It can run on electric power for short distances at low speeds, mainly to improve fuel efficiency. You never need to plug it in. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has a much larger battery that you charge from an external power source, like a home wallbox. This allows it to travel a significant distance (usually between 30 and 80 miles for the latest models) on pure electric power before the petrol engine kicks in.
Is a plug-in hybrid worth it if I can't charge at home?
If you can't regularly charge a PHEV, you'll mostly be running on the petrol engine while carrying the extra weight of the battery and electric motor. This means your fuel economy will likely be worse than a regular self-charging hybrid or even an efficient petrol or diesel car. To get the big running cost savings, you really need to be able to plug it in often, ideally at home overnight on a cheap electricity tariff.
Which 7-seater hybrid has the biggest boot?
If you're talking about pure, unadulterated space, van-based MPVs like the Ford Grand Tourneo Connect and Volkswagen Multivan are the champions. With all seven seats in use, the long-wheelbase Multivan offers a massive 763 litres. Among the SUVs, the new Hyundai Santa Fe (621 litres with five seats) and Kia Sorento (604 litres) are exceptionally practical.
Are there any fully electric 7-seaters?
Yes, the number of fully electric seven-seaters is growing. Popular options include the Kia EV9, Mercedes EQB, and Volvo EX90. These offer zero tailpipe emissions and very low running costs if you can charge at home, but they tend to have a higher purchase price than their hybrid counterparts and you'll need to factor in charging time on long journeys.
What are the main benefits of running a 7-seater hybrid?
The biggest benefits of running a seven-seater hybrid are lower running costs and reduced emissions compared with a petrol model. Plug-in hybrids can handle most short journeys, like the school run, on electric power alone. They also benefit from lower company car tax (BIK). Self-charging hybrids improve fuel economy, especially in stop-start city traffic. Both types offer an automatic gearbox as standard, and especially smooth, quiet journeys when using electric power alone.
Is a van-based MPV or an SUV better for my family?
Choosing between a van-based MPV and an SUV for your next family car comes down to priorities. An SUV like the Kia Sorento or Audi Q7 offers more style, a premium-feeling interior, and often a more car-like driving experience. A van-based MPV like the VW Multivan is the undisputed king of practicality, offering more interior space and easier access thanks to sliding doors. If you need to maximise space for people and luggage above all else, an MPV is hard to beat. If you prefer a more luxurious feel, an SUV is the better choice.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in December 2025. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
