Large family cars for 5, 6 or 7 people – our top 10

Parents often have to react variably to their children. A car that meets the demands of parents in child happiness should be just as variable. In addition to good space, safety, cost and suitability for everyday use play a major role. Here, less emphasis is placed on appearance and more on utility. For these reasons, in this article you will get our selection of the top 10 cars for large families!

⏰ Summary

• For family cars, pay attention to Isofix and space
• What families of 6 should consider
• Recommended cars for families of 5 people
• Cars with 7 seats for large families
• For families with 2 children, smaller vehicles are also possible
• Top 10 cars for large families in detail

Find out which model is the Carwow Car of the Year 2025 winner in the Family Car category.

Top 10 Large Family Cars

To help you decide on a large family car, we've taken a closer look at some models and tell you which ones are best:

What should large families look out for when buying a car?

For families with three or more children, at least 7-seater is a good choice, because space is of course in the foreground. However, this also means that you will be driving a relatively wide car. In addition, the family car should also offer the following requirements:

• The possibility of 3 child seats next to each other, preferably with Isofix
• The lowest possible price and low maintenance costs
• A large trunk
• Lowest possible consumption
• Sliding doors that make it easy to get in and out of the car
• Helpful security assistants
• An overall very reliable car

Child seats in particular are often a problem, because many vehicle types only allow the possibility of attaching Isofix child seats to the two outer rear seats. For a family with three small children, this means that one child must be accommodated in the passenger seat, which is far from optimal due to the exposed position. Therefore, cars with 3 Isofix mounting options are particularly recommended. Especially when toddlers want to spill greasy hands on the seats, it depends on what material the seat covers are made of: fabric, leather, Alcantara?

Buying a used car

Sliding doors are not a must and certainly not to everyone's taste - but they make everyday life easier and can avoid some dents if the children jump out of the car too boisterously. If the family is very large, minibuses could also be suitable as 9-seaters. Depending on individual requirements, the family car should perhaps also be able to transport a bicycle in the interior or even carry a trailer or a rear bicycle rack with it. If you're going on vacation, a roof box is also good if the trunk is already full.

 

6-seater cars for families with 4 children

Families with 4 offspring are actually left with only two options: Since a conventional 5-seater with 6 people has already exceeded its capacity limits, either a 7-seater or even a minibus is needed. Pay attention to the following details:

• Isofix brackets in the rear rows
• Enough storage space and a large trunk
• Lots of storage options for knick-knacks
• Possibly sliding doors for easy entry and exit

Recommended for a family of six are, for example...

• the Dacia Jogger,
• the VW Caddy,
• or the Ford Galaxy.

 

Cars for families of 5

Do you have two parents and 3 children? Congratulations, depending on the space requirements, a 5-seater is enough for you, i.e. a car with the standard seat configuration. Vehicles that have some storage space left for you in the luggage compartment in addition to the five seats are particularly suitable, e.g. for vacation trips or weekly shopping - it's best to get some of the...

• an SUV, an off-road pick-up, a high-roof station wagon, a van or a station wagon, for environmentally conscious families e-station wagons, e-SUVs and co. are also possible.
• a car with 3 Isofix brackets on the rear seats.
• a vehicle with a large trunk.

Cars that more than meet these requirements are, for example...

• the Skoda Octavia Combi.
• the Citroen e-Berlingo.
• the Toyota RAV4.

 

The extended family: cars for up to 7 people

Now that we have arrived at the families of seven, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: Seven noses in one car, that literally screams for a 7-seater or even a 9-seater in minibus format. Such buses are also ideal as a campervan or camper van for vacations and excursions. When choosing a car for up to 7 people, it is important to...

• Isofix brackets on the important seats,
• a room concept that is as flexible and variable as possible,
• good handling and clarity.

For these reasons, the following models can be considered as cars for large families:

• the Hyundai Staria.
• the Volkswagen Multivan.
• the Renault Espace.

 

Large cars for families with 2 children

Only you know what your individual space requirements look like. But one thing is certain: with the wide range of vehicle models, there is something for every requirement and taste. Even the average family with 2 children and animal support, e.g. a dog, will find their personal car jewel. A car for a family of four should have the following features:

• sufficient space,
• Isofix brackets,
• reasonable price-performance level.

In addition to the best cars for dog owners, these models, for example, come into question:

• the Volkswagen Golf.
• the Skoda Enyaq iV.
• the Renault Captur.

 

Advantages and disadvantages of individual models for large families

In this text, we want to focus primarily on cars for large families – so below we present you 10 models that we think deserve a place on the podium for the best family cars with 7 or more seats!

1. Citroen e-Berlingo – E-high-roof station wagon for up to 7 people

The Citroen e-Berlingo is a likeable Frenchman that offers a lot of space for the whole family - and is also environmentally friendly. The Berlingo is only available as an electric version, which is a good deal more expensive than the combustion engine was. His friendly appearance almost belies the fact that he has it thick behind his ears: He can take on an entire extended family with flying colors. If you can cope with less space and prefer to pay less, choose the M length version, while prospective buyers who already know that a few more suitcases and children have to be transported here and there prefer to take the XL length version.

For both lengths, 5 or 7 seats can be selected. If you have small children, you can attach child seats to all three foldable individual seats in the second row of seats using Isofix brackets. But be careful! Here you have to "keep your eyes open when choosing the equipment", because the three Isofix mounts are only included from the Feel equipment. It should also go without saying that the trunk is simply small with seven seats installed, but if a lot of cargo space is needed, you can look forward to 1,050 liters of volume.

2. Opel Combo-e Life – Spacious with electric drive

Erscheint der Citroen e-Berlingo in einem Vergleichstest, müssen eigentlich zwangsläufig auch der Opel Combo-e Life und der Peugeot e-Rifter erwähnt werden. Der Opel Combo-e Life ist genau wie der e-Rifter das Schwestermodell des e-Berlingo – und deshalb gleichermaßen nur noch elektrisch zu haben. Fällt die Wahl auf den Combo-e Life, können sich Familien über einen recht robusten Praktiker freuen. Der funktionale Familienvan kann in den zwei Versionen Life und XL bestellt werden.

Als 7-Sitzer ist der Combo-e Life nur in der XL-Version wählbar, hier gibt es dann zwei verschieb-, umklapp- und ausbaubare Einzelsitze in der dritten Sitzreihe.

Mit maximal 2.693 Litern Kofferraumvolumen gibt Opel quasi das Doppelte dessen an, was im Berlingo verstaut werden kann – nicht schlecht, Herr Specht. Selbstredend können auch drei Kindersitze mit Isofix befestigt werden und wer möchte, kann sich optional sogar noch Schiebetüren dazu bestellen.

3. Peugeot e-Rifter – Schicker Hochdachkombi mit elektrischem Löwenherz

The last in the PSA alliance is the Peugeot e-Rifter. Of course, this can also be assigned to the category "high-roof station wagon" and thus convinces all along the line as a cargo space miracle. Two lengths, L1 and L2, are available and in terms of trunk volume, safety and everyday usability, the e-Rifter hardly differs from the Opel.

Here, too, three individual seats with Isofix preparation for the installation of child seats are available in the second row, and there is no need to worry about safety, because it performed well in the Euro NCAP test – just like its two group companions.

4. VW Caddy – Practical all-rounder with cult character

The VW Caddy is a real load master, because you can get an enormous 4,130 liters in it if you load it up to the ceiling. This makes it a good all-rounder for everyday use, although not quite as cheap as a comparable combustion engine high-roof station wagon. But at least VW has the usual assistance and infotainment extras available, some other manufacturers have left out a few things in favor of relaxed pricing. The Caddy is available in a 4×4 version and as front-wheel drive.

You have to decide between the Caddy, the Caddy Maxi and the Caddy Maxi station wagon. The latter is probably best suited for large families, but overall the Caddy still has a little commercial vehicle character. You have to be able to overlook that. Also about the fact that not every seat has an Isofix device. A total of four child seats could be accommodated, but only three with Isofix attachment. If the Caddy has all the seven seats that can be purchased as an option, it still swallows a passable 191 liters into its trunk.

5. VW Multivan – Big brother of the Caddy

When it comes to large family cars, the VW Multivan is a must. However, if a few extras are ordered, the Multivan quickly becomes expensive. That's why it's not an option for families who just need a big car that drives from A to B – because there are much cheaper ones in our selection. Those who opt for the Multivan want it a little more stylish and comfortable. Besides, he's a real icon, so to speak.

You don't have to worry about safety in the Multivan either, because as befits a VW family car, there are enough assistance systems. A fully digital cockpit has also found its way in. The place is unbeatably large, actually huge. If there are people in rows two and three who are about 1.85 meters tall, the trunk volume is still 469 liters. If you remove these two rows of seats because you have a lot to transport, you have to think carefully about what you want to do with 4,053 liters.

For an extra charge, you can also order the Multivan as a plug-in hybrid, which is noticeable in the consumption and gives points on your own environmental account. If you find the Multivan too expensive, you can also take a look at a few VW bus alternatives.

VW Multivan – Purchase Criteria	Compare offers
Trunk volume	469 to 4,053 litres
Safety Assessment (Euro NCAP)	4 out of 5 stars
Consumption	7.9 to 9 litres/100 km 1.8 litres / 100 km (eHybrid)
Possible number of child seats	4

6. Fiat E-Ulysse – Electric Multivan Competition

Also not exactly cheap, but a clear competitor for the top dog called VW Multivan is the Italian-made E-Ulysse from Fiat. With the electrically powered family shuttle, you and your whole family enjoy maximum interior flexibility: The interior reveals a total of 12 configurations. In the end, it doesn't matter whether your goods want to be driven around sitting, standing or lying down, there are no limits to the variability.

Large families with green fingers and an awareness of a chic automotive exterior are in the right place with the E-Ulysse: A range of up to 323 kilometers and a strikingly smooth sheet metal dress are rarely found in a car like the E-Ulysse that is actually practically designed. In addition, the vehicle is not only practical and elegant to look at, but also extremely safe: In the crash test, the Fiat minibus proves its steadfastness and earns 5 out of 5 stars - so large families feel safe!

7. Renault Espace – from van to SUV

Many people probably still know the Renault Espace as a van – but like so many new models, the Espace has now become an SUV. But it still has the space and you can't deny it the variability of a van. Up to seven people can be accommodated and even at no extra charge. You can't complain about the safety features even in the basic version, the safety systems get 82% in the NCAP crash test and a total of all five possible stars are awarded.

With children you need space, and there is plenty of it. When all seven seats are occupied, it gets tight in the trunk – but otherwise you have up to 2,224 liters available. As a hybrid, fuel consumption is given as a very low 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers according to the WLTP – this will not be enough in practice.

8. Kia EV9 – massive electric vehicle

If the Kia EV9 comes towards you on the road, then it is sure to make an impression on you. The electric SUV is already quite a hummer, the large weight is definitely a small disadvantage. Otherwise, you can't complain much, because the charging speed is very fast, the warranty is long at seven years and the seating concept is variable.

In addition to space for up to seven people, there is also sufficient trunk space. In the interior, you really don't have to make yourself small, because the EV9 is relatively wide and therefore everything is in the green zone even for broad-shouldered people. The EV9 also received five out of five stars in the crash test and extra praise for the number of Isofix mounts. A whopping four pieces are available here.

9. Dacia Jogger – cheap crossover with up to 7 seats

Is it a station wagon? Is it a van? Is it an SUV? The Dacia Jogger is a versatile car with advantages from all three vehicle types – making the Jogger a classic example of a crossover. For a fraction of the purchase price of a comparable 7-seater, you get a lot on offer: The long station wagon provides additional space horizontally and thus more legroom, the optional two seats in the rear allow the jogger to quickly mutate into a 7-seater and the slightly elevated road holding contributes to good all-round visibility.

The package reads extremely tempting? We think so too, but we also want to draw your attention to the compromises you have to accept in view of the unbeatably low price: Unfortunately, there is nothing more than hard plastic, albeit passably processed, in the interior, the seat upholstery is only "okay" and the infotainment system could have been quite modern. However, we can confidently put aside the Romanian brand's reputation for total equipment asceticism. If you can turn a blind eye or two, you get a large family car that more than just shines in terms of value for money.

10. Hyundai Staria – Large Capacity Ship for Large Families

The appearance of the Hyundai Staria can certainly cause uncertainty at the first encounter: Is this still a car or already a UFO? Joking aside, you have to get used to the futuristic sheet metal dress of the Staria at first - but its true talents lie dormant inside. The large-capacity van accommodates up to 11 passengers and is not even stingy with space - without exception, every person in the car will not be able to get upset in the slightest about the space available for the limbs.

With its fresh look, the Staria polarizes the masses just as much as with its sublime space. If a Multivan from VW is not enough for you, simply go for the Hyundai equivalent - and enjoy even more freedom of movement than in the German competitor. The South Korean van is only available with a courageous 177 hp diesel engine. Low consumption seems rather unrealistic with such a battleship, especially since you don't currently benefit from low fuel prices. If you buy a Staria, you should therefore save fuel as much as possible.