Poll: Best 7-Seater Cars for Big Families under $50,000 in 2018

scrimshaw on 04/01/2018 - 11:55
Last edited 25/03/2019 - 17:01

Moderators at OzBargain have decided to run yearly polls to decide the best products in popular categories that get asked repeatedly in the forum. Our aim is to have a central thread where users can vote on the items, suggest options and also change their vote throughout the year. The polls will end once the year is over.

Question

What is the best 7-Seater Car / SUV under $50K for the year 2018?

Once again we revisit this topic of "what 7-seater car should I buy" for the year 2018. The results for last year's poll shows that the Kia Carnival 2017 took the top spot as Ozbargain's preferred big car, while the Honda Odyssey and Skoda Kodiaq were a tie for 2nd place, with exactly the same number of votes.

Some considerations when choosing a 7-seater

  • Vehicle safety (ANCAP ratings). The ANCAP rating is a five star system (five stars being the safest, one star being the least safe).
  • Fuel economy
  • Two wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All wheel drive vehicles are more expensive, but will provide a better driving experience.
  • On-board entertainment options for keeping the kids entertained and smartphone connectivity, such as Bluetooth, Android Auto, plus Mp3 player compatibility, rear view digital displays and SatNav.
  • Ongoing Maintenance costs

So what's your favourite 7-Seater for the year 2018? Make your suggestions below, and be sure to justify why it's the best car for you.

  • Changed your opinion? Remember: Votes can be changed throughout the entire duration of the poll.

How to Suggest a Poll option? Simply type into the textbox above your Comment box and then submit your comment. Be sure to also click on the '+' next to your poll option, otherwise you won't have voted!

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This is part of What Should I Buy poll for 2018. Check out other recommendations from the OzBargain community.
Automotive What Should I Buy

Comments

  • pao2x on 04/01/2018 - 12:28
    Suggested Kia Carnival

    Not much has changed since

    • scrimshaw on 04/01/2018 - 12:52
      +1

      Poll action required — please hit the + (green plus) vote next to the poll option to vote otherwise you'll only have suggested but not voted

  • XBoxer on 04/01/2018 - 12:35
    +3

    Another consideration for me when I bought one, one of the biggest considerations actually, is how the 6th and 7th seat are configured. I needed one where the 6th seat could be almost permanently in use but with the 7th seat almost permanently folded away to use the storage space. The pathfinder fit the bill for me, for this, especially considering the 6th and 7th seats individually fold down out of the way, not to the side like some. I'm not commenting in general on the Pathfinder, just the example back row seating setup.

  • 2jzzzz on 04/01/2018 - 12:47
    +2
    Suggested Mitsubishi Outlander 2WD 2018

    2018 Mitsubishi Outlander 2WD Petrol $30k Drive Away

    Pretty hard to beat their value.

    • Cheapo Moose on 04/01/2018 - 13:36

      That's a very small 7 seater…

    • ItsMeAgro on 04/01/2018 - 15:05

      Wow, that's not much more than a corolla.

      We always just had 2 cars as it was almost cheaper than getting a 7 seater and more convenient, but this is actually an option at that price…

  • 2jzzzz on 04/01/2018 - 12:49
    Suggested Mitsubihi Pajero Sport MY17

    https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/shopping-tools/special-…

    2017 Mitsubihi Pajero Sport

    • ravzter on 09/01/2018 - 09:13

      how does it feel to drive vs say sorento or cx9 ? does it feel like ur driving a ute ?

  • teacherer on 04/01/2018 - 19:20

    Could you get a 1yo prado or something?

    • scrimshaw on 04/01/2018 - 19:27

      Limit to New cars only. Preferably something that's available for most of us.

  • Master Bates on 04/01/2018 - 21:07
    Suggested Mazda CX-9

    Had a little look at the new Mazda CX-9; probably not an OzBargainer’s choice due to price, but they dispensed with the V6 and have 2.5l Turbo’s that are more economical. Nice looking cars with a 5* ANCAP rating.

  • John Kimble on 04/01/2018 - 21:54
    +1

    My wife wants the new 7 seater Honda CRV… No idea if it's any good though…

    • KingNgope on 11/01/2018 - 11:40

      Hey Parents got the CRV 7 seater top of the range. From memory it was RPP <45K. Bargain IMO. Space wise it's comfortable for 4-5 adults. So if your after the 7 seater for kids it should work out. Not so much 7 adults.

  • 87percent on 05/01/2018 - 11:26
    Suggested Honda Odyssey

    I got one, and the only problem I have with it is that it's a bit under powered. Rear seats are actually useable, compared to most of the other cars I sat in

  • pegaxs on 05/01/2018 - 14:20

    Devil's advocate… I'm going to throw my weight behind the LDV G10. Only because it looks good for a cheap nasty Chinese wagon. People will dismiss it based on that last fact alone, but it's a big people mover that is just under $30k with features a lot of other vehicles in this bracket charge lots for. To me, it almost looks like a Hyundai iLoad.

    Just wanted to throw something out there a little different than jumping on the Kia Carnival bandwagon.

    Here is another list to pick from I compiled that I haven't seen mentioned much here…

    Isuzu MU-X
    Nissan Pathfinder
    Nissan X-Trail
    Kia Sorrento
    Holden Craptiva
    Ford Everest
    Citroen Grand C4 Potato
    LDV G10
    LDV G90
    Hyundai Santa Fe Active
    VW Multiwagon
    Mahindra XUV

    PS: mods, next year, can we do a different category, like one people here might get more out of, like small/medium sized cars, or best used car value for money/safety…

    • whooah1979 on 17/01/2018 - 19:29
      +2

      Chinese wagon. People will dismiss it based on that last fact alone,

      We don't eat Chinese made foods for safety reasons. There is no way we're driving their vehicles.
      http://www.caradvice.com.au/570414/ldv-g10-ancap-three-star-…

      • Suspect420 on 27/01/2018 - 17:01

        M&M's choc blocks are made in China!

        Beware

    • kronicmacstigator on 28/02/2018 - 13:16

      The LDV is great if you want to kill yourself but don't quite have the balls to do it!

      https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/ldv/g10/080cee

      • pegaxs on 28/02/2018 - 14:03
        +1

        The Ford Mustang is a 3 Star safety shitbox, but people seem to be happy to buy them, hand over fist. I guess it’s sex appeal over safety. The LDV isn’t as sexy.

        And as I said, I am merely offering an alternative to the meta. I am by no means supporting or encouraging anyone to buy anything. Just posting different vehicles for awareness.

        • kronicmacstigator on 28/02/2018 - 14:14
          +1

          Believe me, I did the sums. The fuel it burns is off the wall INSANE! 11.5-16.5L per 100km's, or roughly $16-$23 per 100km's/16c-23c a km.

          I'm honestly not sure what the hell they were thinking putting this up against a Prius, an Odyssey, Carnival etc.

          That being said, the Citroen Grand C4 Potato is HIGHLY under-rated for what it is, I drive a Shitroen and it's not the best but it does mediocre EXTREMELY well :)

          It's a car… that functions as a car. Cheap on fuel, parts, servicing etc. A bit fun to drive being French but the bloody thing is stupidly reliable!? Go figure!

        • pegaxs on 28/02/2018 - 16:12
          +1

          @kronicmacstigator:

          I actually like the C4 Potato. It’s a good looking wagon. I’m not a big fan on French shitboxes, but I would definitely rate it as a contender.

  • meong on 05/01/2018 - 20:20
    Suggested Subaru Ascent

    But it hasnt come out yet…

    Wrongly suggested… how do Edit?

    • scrimshaw on 05/01/2018 - 23:01

      I can edit it. Tell me what car you want to suggest.

      • meong on 06/01/2018 - 16:59

        I suggested the Subaru Ascent…

  • whooah1979 on 17/01/2018 - 19:43
    Suggested toyota kluger

    the toyota kluger for city driving only because the prado doesn't come under $50000.

  • whooah1979 on 17/01/2018 - 19:48
    Suggested toyota fortuner

    the toyota fortuner for a diesel and 4wd.

  • jparga on 19/01/2018 - 11:55

    I went to try the kia carnival , the second row middle seat is tiny and seatbealt buckle is too narrow, maybe for a kid…..also the third row is not much space for 2 adults…..so basically a 6 seater….I think the kia sorento is better in 7 seat space.
    But I think the cost benefit of the 2018 2.4L outlander is hard to beat.

  • kronicmacstigator on 03/02/2018 - 13:11
    +1
    Suggested Toyota Prius V

    Toyota Prius V, STUPIDLY reliable and insanely cheap on fuel

    Only suggest if you don't need cargo space and/or have small kids

    Bigger family I'd recommend a van like the Carnival, I've never been a fan of the SUV style

    • hubertlam on 07/08/2018 - 21:44
      +2

      After being on holidays in NZ during January 2018, having driven TWO people movers from Hertz, here's my take:

      • Hyundai iMax - NOT sexy, but the most roomy. Very comfortable captain's seats at the front and excellent in terms of room. It was a diesel model - highway fuel consumption was roughly 6L/100 km. Sips fuel and almost matches an older Toyota Camry Hybrid in terms of fuel consumption in L/100km alone.

      • Kia Carnival - kinda sexy, but not as roomy as the iMax, and looks/feels far more like a family car (we drove a 2011 and 2013 Camry Hybrid in Sydney, so it feels much more like a Camry on the inside). A little more powerful than the iMax. Drinks a bit more fuel than the iMax on the highway - at least 8L/100km.

      After that I got a bit hooked on the Carnival as I felt less like a on-demand bus driver. We also decided to replace our 2011/2013 Camrys as well as we no longer needed two cars.

      So we went shopping….and after many to-ing and fro-ing, we boiled it down to a Prius v and Kia Carnival to be able to transport 7 peeps (most often only the 4 of us but when the need arises, can do 7 people)

      Prius v would've been the vehicle I chose in 2013 when we bought the later Camry, but at that time the Camry went for 0% interest (K. Rudd's end-of-novated-lease-saga). So economics won out.

      In 2018, the Prius v base model has seen a slew of features previously only available in the iTech move DOWN, e.g. Sat Nav, JBL speakers, lane departure warning/active cruise control etc. I think it's because 2018 is the last year which the Prius v will be sold - Toyota has flagged that the Hybrid Synergy System will make its way into other mainstream vehicles down the track instead of having a separate hybrid vehicle line (Prius/v/c). Plus the technology is really 2012 tech - so I think Toyota is trying to clear some inventory as well, notwithstanding even the Camry Altise 2018 also has lane departure/active cruise control as standard features.

      Having said that, the Prius v, whilst fuel sipping, is very under powered. It is essentially a Corolla's engine in a much bigger shell. Going up the hills which the M1 Pacific Motorway goes through, I've been keeping left to let even trucks overtake :( Previously with the Camry it's me overtaking everybody else. Toyota's capped price servicing @ $140 every 6 months is dirt cheap, as well as travelling 300 km/week costs us around $20 in ULP95 fuel, if we're clever enough with the 7-Eleven fuel app in locking in the price :)

      In terms of kids - ours are still hovering around the 10 yo mark. We generally aim to replace our vehicles in 5-6 years, so by the time they're in their late teens the back row will be very cramped up if we were to transport 7 people, but it won't be long before they start to flee us and want to take the train with their friends. So I've factored that in, and thus whilst the last row's space is very limited, it also has very limited use currently and into the future.

      The Kia Carnival in the end didn't win out — it would've made the car port inaccessible to people and that's our only way into the house (!), and also the shorter nature of our travel renders any diesel engine useless. The petrol Kia Carnival would've cost us an arm and a leg to service ($700 I hear per service, every 6 months?) and fill up (it'll be around 8L/100 km @ 140c/L)

      So maybe if we go on another road trip in NZ we'll certainly be asking for a Carnival given its super comfort. But for the traffic I'll be stuck in whilst here in Sydney, the Prius v is the way to go.

  • Zippy7 on 03/02/2018 - 16:31
    Suggested Hyundai Santa Fe

    I sat in the back row of the Hyundai Santa Fe, as well as the Kia Sorrento.
    I'm 1.8m (5'11") and at the time I was >100kgs, and I was able to get in and out easily, and had plenty of room.

    Back on topic - for big families, then I do recommend the Carnival - space for 7 and luggage.

  • d-hunterz on 09/02/2018 - 14:02
    Merged from What is the best 7 seater SUV?

    Hi all, looking for a 7 seater SUV to purchase in 4-5 months time.

    My max. budget is $40K

    Heavily inclined towards Mistubshi Outlander mainly because it fits the budget and I have driven the 5 seater one for a Road trip which I found to be economical and a decent ride.

    However I have been getting mixed review from my friends and family on this.

    Any suggestions or recommendations for alt. would be great.

    Thanks in Adv.

    • dcep on 09/02/2018 - 14:17

      mitsubishi outlander 29,999 driveaway

    • Randxyz123 on 09/02/2018 - 14:29

      My suggestion would be a used previous generation xc90.

      The small suvs are terrible. No one over 6” has any chance of fitting in the back for a trip over 20 minutes, the space with 7 seats up is terrible, you have to put all 7 seats up and can’t just have 6.

      This one is in NSW but there are plenty in Vic https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Volvo-XC90-2015/O…

    • chumlee on 09/02/2018 - 14:51

      Hyundai Sante Fe is in runout sales at moment with new bigger model on sale midyear othwerwise go for the previous model Kia Sorento platinum model

    • whooah1979 on 09/02/2018 - 15:04

      $40k may get you a used kluger grande or lc150 gxl. Either of these will outlast any other brands that may be suggested here.

      • d-hunterz on 09/02/2018 - 16:47
        +1

        very keen in the car itself, but I will be sort of using it everyday to and from work and I travel around 500ks p/w. Kluger wont be economical.

        • whooah1979 on 09/02/2018 - 17:14

          travel around 500ks p/w.

          urban or highway?

          • d-hunterz on 09/02/2018 - 20:12

            @whooah1979: mostly F/W

          • whooah1979 on 09/02/2018 - 20:23

            @whooah1979: @d-hunterz:

            mostly F/W

            you'll be fine with the v6 3.5l kluger.
            http://www.caradvice.com.au/466563/2016-toyota-kluger-gxl-aw…

            It’s a great tourer like this as well, quiet for lack of screaming children, and relatively economical as we managed 8.8L/100km on a highway cycle (against the claim of 8.4L/100km).

            https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/2014-toyota-kluger-…
            All-wheel drive versions upgrade from the previous full-time system to a new torque vectoring part-time system, which along with flexible lockup of the new transmission has helped to achieve marginally improved fuel consumption of between 10.2-10.4L/100km for 2WD models, and 10.6L/100km for AWD versions – down from the 11-11.6L/100km for previous versions. The Kluger continues to do its best on regular 91RON fuel, and an open-road range of at least 680km can be expected from the 72L tank.

    • Almost Banned on 09/02/2018 - 15:10

      Do you need the extra seats full-time, or just occasionally?
      If you are using the extra row all the time I'd suggest a dedicated people mover. If just occasionally (and for small, non-fussy people) an SUV with an extra row of seats might be ok.

      • d-hunterz on 09/02/2018 - 16:48

        juts occasionally

    • Peace Maker on 09/02/2018 - 15:19
      +2

      We should start a poll for the best 7 seater under $50k.

      • hashtagbargain on 09/02/2018 - 15:28
        +1

        or better yet, keep posting this question to the forums every week.

        • Peace Maker on 09/02/2018 - 15:29
          +2

          Along with what to do after having an accident.

    • Euphemistic on 09/02/2018 - 16:47

      What is the best for me might not be the best for you. Off to the car yards and make up your own mind.

      • d-hunterz on 09/02/2018 - 16:50

        I am only seeking opinions/recommendations.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2018 - 17:49

      put your big boy shoes on, go test drive each one and decide for yourself.

    • Kunalk222 on 17/04/2018 - 12:31

      Mitsubishi Eclipse 7 seater is also a good option…

  • hashtagbargain on 09/02/2018 - 14:15
    Suggested Skoda Kodiaq

    Skoda kodiaq - An European option.

    But good luck getting an appointment to test drive the thing, I've been following up for months but they never seem to have one in stock for a test drive!

  • hashtagbargain on 09/02/2018 - 14:18
    +1
    Suggested Peugeot 5008

    Releasing this month. Was very impressed with the tech features and the ride quality of the Peugeot, would definitely consider. http://www.caradvice.com.au/619488/2018-peugeot-5008-review-…

    Also come with 5 year warranty. http://www.caradvice.com.au/620732/peugeot-citroen-5-year-wa…

  • bchliu on 07/03/2018 - 07:22
    Suggested Kia Rondo

    I'd hate to say - struggling to get the Kia Carnival for under 50k OTR. Maybe it might scrape in if you bargained hard with no extras.

    An option would be to go the smaller sibling - the Kia Rondo. Not sure why it's not on the list but its viable option of a 7 seater, albeit "part time" with very little luggage space:

    http://www.kia.com/au/cars/rondo.html

    Should be able to land one for around 31k without bargaining with standard auto transmission.

    • twww on 08/03/2018 - 05:03

      Ah, the Kia Rondo. Dubbed a "People mover"!
      I considered this. Then quickly decided it was pure marketing BS.

    • ironpaw on 25/10/2018 - 12:05

      Late to the party, but not sure how you are struggling to get a Carnival under 50k OTR when they are priced around 42k Drive away for the base model (which the MY19 now has heaps of new features added)?

      I just picked up my My19 Sli for 48k Drive away.

  • Slippage on 07/03/2018 - 10:29

    The base model Kia carnival is severely lacking in features, the top of the range is $$$$, which is a shame

    My pick is the VW multivan

    The I-max is about to get an update also (no eta)
    https://www.caradvice.com.au/611241/2018-hyundai-iloadimax-f…

  • harry2015 on 25/03/2018 - 18:00

    Honda CRV 7 Seater

  • Captain Hindsight on 01/07/2018 - 08:34
    Suggested VW Tiguan Allspace

    VW Tiguan Allspace

  • 028 on 04/07/2018 - 09:43

    LDV G10 executive
    from a pretty big company

    41 on fortune 500 list in 2017

    http://fortune.com/global500/saic-motor/

    loads of features for the price:
    360 degree camera
    10 inch infotainment screen
    drop down DVD player
    triple sunroof for all 3 rows(no sunroof on AU delivered top spec Kia Carnival)
    front&rear parking sensor
    keyless entry/start
    power tail gate
    power sliding doors
    leather seats
    heated mirrors
    adaptive cornering headlights with HID low beam
    auto wiper
    tyre pressure monitoring display

    https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/LDV-G10-2018/OAG-…

    https://www.carsales.com.au/demo/details/LDV-G10-2018/OAG-AD…

    yes I love the new Carnival,better build,better reputation,but it cost 20grand more for petrol model.

    • SnoozeAndLose on 08/07/2018 - 19:48

      LDV 3 stars rating car? only driver and passenger air bag.

      Chinese manufacture.

      i wouldnt risk me and my family life for any Chinese's car.

  • wisdomtooth on 08/07/2018 - 19:43
    • Blackmores
    • Voost
    • Suisse
  • markis on 08/09/2018 - 16:12
    Suggested Isuzu MU-X

    Throwing the Isuzu MU-X out there. We’ve got one in the family and it’s brilliant; can tow the boat, comfortable, can fit 3x isofix child seats across the 2nd row, good fuel economy and I’ve taken it on the beach too!
    The engines are also bulletproof from reports.

  • clemoly on 14/09/2018 - 00:03
    Suggested Mazda CX-8

    I can see that the CX-9 is the most popular option so far.

    But this being ozbargain, the CX-8 starts for 2.5k less and should be far cheaper to fuel (5.7L/100km vs 8.4L/100km - this should offset the higher price of diesel).

  • Ugly on 17/10/2018 - 13:48
    Suggested Kia Sorento

    Just bought a Sorento SLi MY18 diesel AWD. Got an "un-driven demonstrator" for $47k

    Has adaptive cruise control / auto braking, all leather etc, but the main difference was that the 3rd row seats are full-size, not little child-only fold ups like some of the others have.

  • ca4cpa on 01/11/2018 - 15:19
    Suggested Lexus CT200h FSport

    Car Under $50000; great inside; great engin (Prius)

  • w3b3d1g1 on 17/11/2018 - 07:58

    Where is then Nissa pathfinder…beats all of them right?

  • amitbatraa on 19/03/2019 - 15:28
    +2

    Hey,

    Can we run the poll again for 2019?

    Thanks

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