Large families seek spacious vehicles

In 2026, large families and carpoolers are searching for 7 and 9-seat vehicles that offer enough space for passengers and luggage. With large minivans becoming rare, finding a truly livable 7-seat car or a 9-seat car is increasingly difficult. Catalogs are filled with "5+2" SUVs, ludospace vehicles, vans, and glass-sided trucks, but not all provide usable space in the third row or a functional trunk when all seats are occupied.

Dacia Jogger offers flexible space

The Dacia Jogger stands out as a special case for those seeking a 7-seat car with a large trunk without spending too much or driving a truck. It offers seven real seats in a station wagon format, with leg lengths of 69 cm in the second row and 66 cm in the third, and an elbow width of 141 cm in the middle. When the third row is removed, the trunk expands from 210 liters to 805 liters.

Peugeot Rifter XL prioritizes comfort

The Peugeot Rifter XL, more of a "shoe box" than a station wagon, offers 73 cm of leg length in the second row, up to 74 cm in the third, and a generous elbow width of 153 cm in the middle. It provides a trunk of 373 liters in seven seats, one of the best in the category. The Volkswagen Touran remains one of the last compact minivans, with a trunk of 150 liters when all seats are mounted, prioritizing passengers over suitcases.

SUVs offer varied space solutions

For those aiming for a spacious 7-seat SUV, several large models stand out. The MG S9 offers a rear space described as gigantic, with leg lengths varying from 66 to 86 cm in the second row and up to 74 cm in the third, while retaining 275 liters of trunk space in seven seats. The Kia EV9 emphasizes passenger comfort with leg lengths of 75 to 87 cm in the second row and 65 to 53 cm in the third, and an elbow width of 162 cm in the middle.

Vans and utility vehicles handle nine passengers

When it comes to regularly transporting nine people, the options are limited to vans and utility vehicle derivatives. The Renault Trafic 9-seat becomes a real "troop transporter," with a trunk volume of 738 liters with the bench retracted and 520 liters with the bench advanced. The Toyota Proace Verso retains about 989 liters of trunk space with the nine seats in place. The Peugeot Expert Combi and Opel Vivaro Combi, built on the same base, also offer nine real seats and a very large usable volume.

Choosing the right vehicle depends on needs

To choose between the most spacious 7 and 9-seat cars, the decision depends on real use. A family with three children who only use the third row occasionally can be satisfied with a Dacia Jogger, an SUV like the Peugeot E-5008 or Skoda Kodiaq. A family of four or five children who also have to bring strollers and bicycles will benefit from extended ludospaces like the Peugeot Rifter XL or the Citroën Berlingo XL. Those who often drive with adults at the back will appreciate the easy access and leg space of large SUVs like the MG S9 or Kia EV9, or the electric van Volkswagen ID. Buzz Long.

Key criteria for evaluating models

To avoid disappointments, a few simple criteria help to distinguish the models: the leg length in the third row, the trunk volume in seven or nine-seat configuration, and the elbow width, especially for regularly traveling three abreast on each row.