Australian families know that multiple kids means multiple seats when it comes to choosing practical and versatile everyday transport.
And seven-seater SUVs have become the main go-to three-row vehicle, largely replacing the once-traditional choice of van-style or purpose-built people-movers.
And buyers are spoilt for showroom choice, with a vast array of SUVs catering to different budgets, different seating layouts, different powertrain preferences, and of course different design tastes.
It’s possible to buy a seven-seater SUV for a starting price just below $40,000, you can choose between petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric options, and vehicle sizes range from medium to upper-large.
But how do you find the perfect seven-seater SUV for your family when there are so many options?
Chasing Cars – Powered by Budget Direct – and Mamamia have teamed up to find “The Perfect Big-Family SUV” in the second episode of a new collaborative video series, which you can view below!
Watch ‘The Perfect Big-Family SUV’ episode now on YouTube!
Chasing Cars presenter Shana Zlotin and Mamamia’s Annaliese Todd explore the world of 7-seater SUVs in a Hyundai Santa Fe – a natural choice to represent the segment given that it won Chasing Cars’ prestigious Car Of The Year award in 2025.
The episode features several other three-row SUVs recommended by Chasing Cars. They include the Toyota Prado, Hyundai Palisade, Honda CR-V, Kia EV9, Skoda Kodiaq, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and Land Rover Discovery.
Shana and Mamamia also touch on people-movers such as the most popular version in Australia, the Kia Carnival.
Key questions covered in the video include:
- What are the best new 7-seaters to buy?
- Are 7-seater SUVs affordable?
- What is a 5+2 SUV?
- Is there enough space in the third row?
- How many child seats do they fit?
- Are there fuel-efficient 7-seater SUVs available?
- Can you buy an electric 7-seater SUV?
- Are 7-seater SUVs intimidating to drive?
Mamamia is Australia’s largest women’s media brand with a purpose to make the world a better place for women and girls.
Chasing Cars is Australia’s most independent car reviews brand, with zero car manufacturer advertising thanks to being powered by Budget Direct.