Seven-seater cars are positioned as vehicles for large families. Machines from different manufacturers differ in size, technical parameters, options, and price. Common features include reliability, safety, and practicality. Rating of the best models in 2021 collected based on owner reviews.
Content
- Mitsubishi Grandis
- Mazda 5 I (CR)
- Opel Zafira B
- Citroen Grand C4 Picasso I
- Ford Galaxy II
- Chevrolet Captiva
- KIA Carnival II
There isn't much choice in the market for new seven-seaters these days. These are mainly seven-seater jeeps and crossovers, the prices of which go well beyond one and a half million rubles. A Skoda Kodiaq, for example, costs at least 1.6 million rubles, a KIA Sorento Prime costs 2.5 million rubles, and a large Chrysler Pacifica minivan costs more than 4 million rubles. And prices for the best seven-seater SUVs BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS start at 7 million rubles.
After going through the offers from the secondary market, we selected seven seven-seater cars up to 500 thousand rubles. The selection was based on the following criteria: it must be a car with a reliable engine and gearbox, a spacious interior and a spacious trunk, well equipped, safe and inexpensive to maintain, so that the maintenance does not hit the family budget.
Selection criteria and best car models
Let's look at cars depending on the criteria that many fans of car travel focus on.
Recommendations for selection
Comfort
. Modern Russians like to travel comfortably, so many potential buyers put convenience, ergonomics and the microclimate in the cabin first. The main options in a travel car today are air conditioning, a multimedia system, an easily transformable interior, and free space in the passenger area.
Economical
. Since many travelers travel thousands of kilometers, an important parameter of the car will be economical fuel consumption.
- Traditionally, diesel engines demonstrate low fuel consumption. But in winter, problems may arise with starting the engine.
- Hybrid power plants are becoming a modern alternative to diesel engines. Depending on the road situation, the gasoline power unit or electric motor is switched on. This combination allows for significant fuel savings.
Trunk size
. Another important criterion for choosing a car for traveling will be the volume of the luggage compartment. Here everything depends not only on the number of passengers, but also on the type of recreation. For example, two active fishermen can fill even a roomy minivan to capacity. In addition to gear, they will need a boat, a tent, sleeping bags, mattresses, a gas cylinder, dishes, clothing and food. In any case, preference should be given to cars in which the rear seats fold down flush with the trunk floor.
Patency
. There is a large category of travelers who prefer to relax in the wild. To get to rarely visited places, you will need an all-wheel drive vehicle with high ground clearance (from 180 mm). Full-fledged SUVs can cope with this task. But you can visit museums or historical centers in ordinary sedans or station wagons.
Reliability
. Since during travel you have to overcome long distances and difficult sections of the road, the car must be reliable. It is better to sacrifice the softness of the suspension, but return home under your own power, overcoming broken roads. And the engine must be unpretentious to the quality of fuel, which is not stable in the provinces.
We have selected 14 of the best cars for travel for review. You can purchase them at Russian car dealerships. When allocating places, the editors of the expertology magazine relied on the opinion of the expert community, taking into account the reviews of domestic car enthusiasts.
Mitsubishi Grandis
This minivan can easily be called one of the most stylish and beautiful family cars. The equipment includes a dual-zone climate, leather interior with electric seats, a rear view camera, and a pair of hatches.
In addition to the seven-seat version, there was a six-seat version with two separate second-row seats and a convenient passage to the third row between them, so we recommend checking the configuration before purchasing.
The back row will be comfortable for both adults and children - there are folding tables, its own climate control, and the seats are adjustable longitudinally and according to the angle of the backrest. Even when fully seated, 320 liters of volume remain in the trunk.
Guarding the family budget is a reliable 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine with 165 horsepower, which is most often paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The units are time-tested and, apart from regular maintenance, will not require significant costs.
A reliable engine also has a downside - rather high fuel consumption (12-13 liters in the city). Occasionally there are options for a 2.0 liter diesel engine with a capacity of 136 liters. With. You also need to get used to the large turning radius and plastic in the cabin, which may begin to creak over time. Otherwise, in terms of service, this is a typical Japanese car that will delight the family for many years.
Safety is guaranteed by a particularly durable body built using RISE technology, six airbags, a dynamic stabilization system and traction control.
The average price of a Mitsubishi Grandis is 450 thousand rubles. In our budget you can select copies from 2003 to 2008.
No problem, according to statistics from avtocod.ru, every fifth car is sold. Every third person is involved in an accident, a duplicate vehicle title or unpaid fines. Every fourth Grandis has a calculation of repair work, every fifth has an incorrect mileage.
Also read: State program “Family car 2020”: conditions and nuances
Volkswagen Multivan T5
Volkswagen Multivan T5 Photo from Yandex Images Volkswagen Multivan T5 Photo from Yandex Images
Volkswagen Multivan T5 is one of the most popular in our country for traveling. And it's deserved. There are many options for interior combinations; units that are reliable on long journeys, comfortable seats, and tables will give you the joy of traveling. With a budget of 900,000 rubles, you will find an excellent option that will easily take you and your family to the sea. Well, for those whose budget allows it, you can wait for the new generation, which will take place in the summer of 2021.
I wish you all a good holiday, warm seas, good travel and good mood.
The material is taken from our channel on Yandex Zen.
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Mazda 5 I (CR)
Practical, reliable, beautiful car - that's all about the first generation Mazda 5. Power sliding rear doors, available at an additional cost, make it easier for children to enter the second or third row in tight shopping center parking lots. Folding armrests on the chairs and folding tables with cup holders are responsible for a comfortable seating.
Safety wise, the Mazda 5 is in perfect order - five stars out of five possible according to the EuroNCAP rating. The body is made of high-strength steel, there is an anti-lock braking system with brake force distribution, an emergency braking system, front, side and window (curtain) airbags that protect all three rows of seats.
Under the hood there are naturally aspirated engines (1.8 with 115 hp and 2 liters with 145 hp), which are assisted by a classic five-speed automatic transmission.
The disadvantages of the car are a slightly specific driving position (it will be difficult for a tall driver to find a comfortable position), poor sound insulation and low ground clearance (140 mm).
The average price of the first generation “five” is 610 thousand rubles. For 500 thousand you will receive a copy of 2006-2009. Most cars are sold with repairs included. Every fifth person has an accident, every fourth person has unpaid fines or incorrect mileage.
Also read: Mazda's largest family crossover: review of the first generation CX-9
Opel Zafira B
The choice of modifications for the Opel Zafira is huge. For calm drivers, gasoline engines of 1.6 (105 hp) and 1.8 liters (140 hp) are suitable; for lovers of economy - diesel engines, usually 1.9 liters per 100, 120 or 150 hp. With. There is also a charged version of the OPC with a two-liter engine producing 240 horsepower, in which the whole family can take the whole family for a ride to the nearest supermarket.
When choosing a Zafira, you should proceed from your box preferences. If you need a more reliable classic automatic, these will be diesel or powerful gasoline engines. If you choose between mechanics and a “robot”, it is best to take the time-tested 1.8 petrol engine (140 hp), plus it is the most common aftermarket one.
The advantages of the car include a successful design and great possibilities for transforming the interior. The third row seats can be folded individually, and if maximum volume is needed, the second row also folds out, creating a flat floor and increasing the trunk volume to 1,820 liters. The longitudinal adjustment of the rear sofa allows you to choose: increase space for passengers or take a couple of “extra” suitcases in the trunk.
The Zafira is well equipped. For comfort, there is cruise control, parking sensors, a decent audio system, climate control, you can even find standard navigation and multimedia with a touch screen and Bluetooth. Safety for family trips will be ensured by standard ABS and ESP systems, tire pressure sensors, xenon adaptive headlights that allow you to see around corners, and up to eight airbags.
When purchasing, be prepared for such features of the Opel Zafira as a stiff suspension, a slightly gloomy interior with silver inserts in a technical style, a wayward Easytronic robot that is not very suitable for city driving, as well as electrical problems typical for the oldest copies.
The average price of Zafira B on the secondary market is 528 thousand rubles. You can buy it much cheaper, but for half a million you get a fresh car from 2012.
Every second copy is sold on the secondary market without any problems. Every third person is given away with an accident or unpaid fines. Every fifth Zafira B is offered with the calculation of repair work, every seventh - with traffic police restrictions, a duplicate title or a twisted mileage.
Also read: Seven on the shops: why you should take the Opel Zafira B
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso I
The French compact van will delight you with a practical interior made of quality materials. The steering wheel is made with a fixed hub so that the control buttons are always at hand and the driver is not distracted by searching for them when turning.
The creators placed the electronic instrument panel in the center and made room for an additional glove compartment in front of the driver. The transmission lever was moved to the steering column, adding space between the front passengers.
The head of the family will be pleased with good European handling and low fuel consumption (7 liters per hundred), and passengers will be pleased with soft, cozy velor seats with great transformation capabilities. The back row of seats can be moved back and forth, and the backrests can be adjusted according to the angle of inclination. Among the unusual features of the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso are a built-in interior fragrance and a large glass area that provides excellent visibility.
When choosing a car, pay attention to the engine. The most capricious are 1.6 liters (joint development with BMW), the most reliable are diesel and two-liter gasoline. The latter is equipped with a classic automatic machine instead of a “robot”.
EuroNCAP rated Citroen's safety at a maximum of five stars. In addition to the standard set of safety systems (ABS, EBD, ESP), experts noted the driver's knee airbag, which came with all trim levels. The Grand C4 Picasso has seven pillows in total.
Russians are biased towards French cars, which is both a plus and a minus for a secondary buyer. On the one hand, the car costs less than most competitors - 430 thousand rubles on average. For 500 thousand you can easily find a “Grand Picasso” from the latest years of production (2011-2012).
On the other hand, cars have low liquidity. Over the past two months, it has been checked only 459 times through avtocod.ru. Most of the Grand C4 Picasso are sold with an estimate of repair work and a duplicate title (every third copy). Every fourth car is involved in an accident, every fifth one has unpaid fines. Every fourth Citroen Grand C4 Picasso goes “clean” to the secondary market.
Also read: Business and family Renault Dokker and FIAT Doblo II: what to buy
Pros and cons of right-hand drive
The main attraction of such cars for Russian buyers is Japanese quality and wide functionality. Other advantages of right-hand drive:
- when stopping, the driver steps onto the sidewalk;
- in the event of a head-on collision, the right-hand position of the driver's seat is safer;
- Right-hand drive cars are less likely to become targets of theft.
Flaws:
- it is more difficult to overtake in the oncoming lane;
- problem with disembarking passengers;
- The right-hand steering wheel position is unusual both for the driver himself and for those around him.
Ford Galaxy II
Galaxy comes with seven seats by default. Rear passengers are provided with folding tables and air deflectors. The family will be able to admire the beautiful views not only from the windows, but also through the panoramic sunroof.
To transport cargo, there is a special Ford Flat System, which allows you to fold the seats in any order. That is, you can take five passengers on board and still transport skis, a snowboard or even a bicycle.
Additional options include leather upholstery, ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control and a premium audio system.
Galaxy has high fuel consumption on gasoline engines, especially the 2.3 liter engine (161 hp). The most common and reliable aftermarket option is a 2.0 petrol engine with 145 hp. With. You can take any gearbox: manual and automatic are equally reliable.
In EuroNCAP tests, Ford is an excellent performer. There is an anti-lock braking system with brake force distribution, an electronic stabilization system, and seven airbags. A blind spot monitoring system was available for an additional fee, and this will be a pleasant bonus when purchasing a car.
The average price of a Ford Galaxy II is around 500 thousand rubles. For this amount it is possible to find a car from 2006-2008, but you need to choose carefully: a used Galaxy II is a very problematic car.
Every second car goes on sale with repair work in mind, every fourth - after a taxi, with an accident or unpaid fines, every seventh - with a twisted mileage. Every fifth Ford Galaxy II has no problems.
Also read: Family business class: Lexus LX 570 review
Travel range
The first thing a future car owner thinks about is: how long can his car travel without refueling? To find out, you need to calculate how much the car travels on one liter of fuel. The resulting figure must be multiplied by the total capacity of the tank. It's simple: if a car consumes an average of 9 liters when driving on a highway, and the tank capacity is 60 liters, then without refueling the car can travel 666 km (100/9*60). It is fuel consumption that interests the domestic traveler in the first place. Because in the outback it is not always possible to find good gasoline. Let's list the cars in which you can go very far with just one fill-up.
Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI
The well-known Passat can also be a good choice for those who want to save on gasoline, since it can travel 1,524 km without refueling.
Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI outperforms Ford Mondeo in terms of efficiency
In this regard, the “German” outperforms its closest competitor, the Ford Mondeo. But it consumes only 0.2 liters less than the “American”. Characteristics:
- fuel tank capacity - 70 liters;
- car weight - 1592 kg;
- engine power - 170 hp. With;
- acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 8.6 seconds.
This is interesting: Used Suzuki SX4: review of the weak points and main shortcomings of the model
Lada Vesta SW/SW Cross
Chevrolet Captiva
The seven-seat crossover is equipped with all-wheel drive, and this is a definite plus for family travel. The build quality is good, although the finishing materials are simple.
The car has all the options for comfortable family travel: climate control, leather interior with electrically adjustable seats, sunroof, hill descent assist system and much more.
The crossover interior has many drawers and glove compartments and great transformation possibilities: the rear row seats fold down to form a flat floor, and the front passenger seat can be turned into a convenient table. The third row can easily accommodate adult passengers.
In terms of reliability, Captiva does not have any serious problems; the main thing is not to overheat the automatic and service the all-wheel drive system on time. If you need low fuel consumption, take a diesel car. It consumes 7.7 liters in the combined cycle, gasoline - twice as much.
Otherwise, servicing the model will not put a strain on the family budget; after all, this Chevrolet is more Korean than American. All engines are reliable and will last their 250-300 thousand km for sure.
Safety is ensured by six airbags, a full set of electronic safety systems, and a descent assist system.
The average price for a Chevrolet Captiva is 564 thousand rubles - relevant for the pre-restyling model. This will be a 2006-2008 car.
Every fifth crossover is offered without technical and legal problems. Every second person has an estimate for repair work or unpaid fines, every third person has an accident, every fourth person has an incorrect mileage.
Also read: Family Nissan Serena II: are there any living copies left?
