Top 7-Seater Cars for Road Trips and School Runs in Australia

Introduction: Why 7-Seaters Are the Go-To Choice for Aussie Families

Whether it’s the weekday school run or a weekend family escape to the coast, Australian families need space, safety, and reliability in their cars. That’s why 7-seater vehicles—particularly SUVs and people movers—are more popular than ever. They offer unmatched versatility, large cargo capacities, and the all-important third row of seating that turns a regular car into a mobile lounge room.

But not all 7-seaters are created equal.

Some are better suited for city life, while others are made to conquer the Outback. Some prioritize comfort, and others bring cutting-edge tech or impressive towing capacity to the table.

This blog dives into the best 7-seater vehicles in Australia for 2025, carefully selected to suit both long-haul road trips and the daily grind of school pickups.

What to Look for in a 7-Seater Car

Before jumping into the list, here’s what you should consider when shopping for a 7-seater:

1. Interior Space

• Legroom and headroom in the third row

• Adjustable second-row seats for flexibility

• Boot space with all seats up and folded down

2. Safety Features

• ANCAP safety ratings

• Airbags for all passengers

• Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)

3. Fuel Efficiency

• Petrol vs diesel vs hybrid vs EV

• Real-world fuel economy, especially on highways

4. Technology & Comfort

• Infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

• Rear-seat air vents and USB ports

• Climate control zones

5. Drive Quality

• Suspension tuning for Aussie roads

• All-wheel-drive or 4x4 capability

• Towing capacity (great for road trips)

Best 7-Seater Cars in Australia for 2025

Let’s break it down across categories to suit different needs and budgets.

1. Toyota Kluger (Highlander)

Why it’s great:
A long-time Aussie favourite, the Kluger is a large SUV offering spacious third-row seating, hybrid efficiency, and Toyota’s legendary reliability.

• Seating: 7 adults

• Boot space: ~241L with all seats up

• Engine options: Petrol V6 or 2.5L Hybrid AWD

• Fuel economy: 5.6L/100km (Hybrid)

• Towing: 2000kg

• Tech: 12.3” infotainment, wireless charging, Toyota Safety Sense

Best for: Suburban families needing hybrid efficiency without compromising space.

2. Kia Sorento

Why it’s great:
The Sorento blends luxury, tech, and a great warranty. With multiple engine options including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, it caters to both eco and performance-minded buyers.

• Seating: 7 adults

• Boot space: 187L (all seats up), over 2000L (with seats down)

• Engines: Diesel, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid

• Fuel economy: 6.1L/100km (Diesel)

• Towing: 2000kg

• Warranty: 7 years/unlimited km

Best for: Families wanting advanced safety and comfort, especially for road trips.

3. Mazda CX-90

Why it’s great:
Mazda’s new flagship SUV replaces the CX-9 and delivers premium interior quality and rear-wheel-drive dynamics—perfect for long-distance comfort.

• Seating: 6 or 7 depending on configuration

• Boot space: 257L with 7 seats up

• Engine: Inline-6 turbo or plug-in hybrid

• Fuel economy: 7.4L/100km (Hybrid)

• Drive: RWD or AWD

Best for: Stylish families looking for luxury and drive performance without European pricing.

4. Hyundai Palisade

Why it’s great:
The Palisade is a luxury cruiser with loads of space and high-end features at a competitive price. It's a favourite for its comfort and third-row adult usability.

• Seating: 7 or 8

• Boot space: 311L with all seats up

• Engines: V6 petrol or diesel

• Fuel economy: 7.3L/100km (Diesel AWD)

• Tech: 12.3” screen, head-up display, heated/ventilated seats

Best for: Large families who want space, refinement, and a near-luxury experience.

5. Mitsubishi Outlander (PHEV Optional)

Why it’s great:
One of the most affordable PHEV 7-seaters available in Australia, the Outlander offers eco-conscious families a mix of electric commuting and long-range flexibility.

• Seating: 7 (rear best for kids)

• Boot space: 163L (all seats up)

• Engine: 2.4L petrol or PHEV

• EV-only range: ~84km

• Fuel economy: 1.5L/100km (combined EV + hybrid)

Best for: School runs on electric power, weekend escapes on petrol.

6. Isuzu MU-X

Why it’s great:
Built on a ute platform, the MU-X is a serious 4WD SUV that’s perfect for off-road family adventures while still being school-run friendly.

• Seating: 7

• Boot space: 311L

• Engine: 3.0L turbo-diesel

• Towing: 3500kg

• 4x4 Capability: Excellent

Best for: Adventurous families who want serious off-road capability.

7. Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

Why it’s great:
This Euro SUV offers a more compact alternative to larger 7-seaters, perfect for city dwellers who still need three-row flexibility.

• Seating: 7 (compact third row)

• Boot space: 230L

• Engines: 2.0L petrol turbo

• Drive: AWD

• Fuel economy: 8.6L/100km

Best for: Urban families who need versatility but don’t want a large SUV footprint.

8. LDV D90

Why it’s great:
One of the most budget-friendly full-size 7-seaters with real 4WD capability. It punches above its price in terms of size, features, and capability.

• Seating: 7

• Boot space: 343L

• Engine: 2.0L petrol or diesel

• Drive: RWD or 4WD

• Towing: 3100kg

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want a true adventure-ready SUV.

9. Toyota LandCruiser Prado

Why it’s great:
A staple of Australian exploration, the Prado is a go-anywhere 7-seater that combines ruggedness with family utility.

• Seating: 7

• Boot space: 120L (all seats up)

• Engine: 2.8L turbo diesel

• 4WD system: Permanent

• Towing: 3000kg

Best for: Outback families who need a tough 4WD with room for seven.

Honourable Mentions

• Peugeot 5008: Euro styling meets 7-seat practicality

• Nissan Pathfinder: Reborn in 2025 with V6 power and strong tech

• Ford Everest: Excellent for off-road family touring

Comparing Specs at a Glance

Final Thoughts: Which 7-Seater Is Right for You?

Choosing the best 7-seater comes down to how you’ll use it:

• For urban families: Mazda CX-90, VW Tiguan Allspace, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

• For school runs and comfort: Hyundai Palisade, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger

• For road trips and towing: Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Prado, LDV D90

No matter your pick, today’s 7-seaters offer excellent safety, practicality, and increasingly better fuel efficiency—even electric options are now viable for everyday use.

If you're planning to buy a car that will serve your family for years to come—whether commuting, towing, or touring—these 7-seaters deliver big in every way.