Gone are the days when wagons were all the rage offering enough space to transport families and store school bags in the boot. Sure they still exist, however Australians today have instead developed a love-affair with the practicality and aesthetic of SUVs.

Seven-seat cars have the added benefit of a third row of seats, carrying extra passengers if need be without necessarily having to drive around a van or people mover. These cars generally aren’t designed to go off-road, although conditions and lifestyle desirability have resulted in the manufacture of more rugged vehicles.

By analysing recent ‘VFACTS’ data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries alongside the expertise of Brett Davis of Performance Drive, below you’ll find a list of the top 7-seat car brands in Australia.

In the market for a new car? The table below features car loans with some of the lowest interest rates on the market.

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Filters
LenderCar LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Interest Type Vehicle Type Maximum Vehicle Age Ongoing Fee Upfront Fee Total Repayment Early Repayment Instant Approval Online Application TagsFeaturesLinkComparePromoted ProductDisclosure
6.24% p.a.
7.36% p.a.
$583
Variable
New
No Max
$8
$400
$35,000
  • Available for purchasing new and demo vehicles
  • $5,000 to $150,000 loan amount
  • Redraw facility available up to $5000/day
  • Required: Good credit history, stable employment history. Aus citizenship or PR.
 Disclosure
6.34% p.a.
7.46% p.a.
$585
Variable
New
No Max
$8
$400
$35,084
6.57% p.a.
7.19% p.a.
$588
Fixed
New
No Max
$0
$250
$35,278
  • No vehicle age limit
  • No ongoing or early exit fees
  • 1-7 years loan terms. Pay monthly, fortnightly, or weekly
 Disclosure
6.52% p.a.
6.95% p.a.
$587
Fixed
New
No Max
$0
$0
$35,236
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

All products with a link to a product provider’s website have a commercial marketing relationship between us and these providers. These products may appear prominently and first within the search tables regardless of their attributes and may include products marked as promoted, featured or sponsored. The link to a product provider’s website will allow you to get more information or apply for the product. By de-selecting “Show online partners only” additional non-commercialised products may be displayed and re-sorted at the top of the table. For more information on how we’ve selected these “Sponsored”, “Featured” and “Promoted” products, the products we compare, how we make money, and other important information about our service, please click here.

The comparison rates in this table are based on a loan of $30,000 and a term of 5 years unless indicated otherwise. The comparison rates for car loans and secured personal loans for the relevant amounts and terms are for secured loans unless indicated otherwise. The comparison rates for unsecured personal loans are applicable for unsecured loans only. WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. Comparison rates are not calculated for revolving credit products.

Monthly repayment figures are estimates only, exclude fees and are based on the advertised rate for the term and for the loan amount entered. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

1. Toyota

Australians have a long affinity with Toyota, with brand reliability passed down from generation to generation. Toyota currently holds two out of the top-three positions for the highest selling 7-seat SUV throughout Australia in 2022. The Toyota Prado sits at the top of the tree, with the Toyota Prado in third-place.

2. Mitsubishi

Holding silver thus far in 2022, Mitsubishi has embraced the desire of many Australians for more rugged vehicles that can do more than be a daily driver while still holding a large family. Enter the likes of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. At a more affordable price point than Toyota, Mitsubishi remains a popular brand across Australia given its combination of features, build, price point and 10-year warranty.

3. Isuzu

Renowned for strong and durable trucks, Isuzu first dipped its toes into the passenger vehicle market launching the D-Max in Australia in 2008. Following its success, Isuzu sought to expand its reach into the SUV market with the MU-X. Now considered as a contender for one of the best large SUVs on the market, Isuzu’s MU-X remains a top-seller in the large SUV segment.

4. Kia

Kia has gained ground in recent years in terms of popularity across all vehicle segments. Given its ability as a brand to offer a combination of features and value, it’s no wonder Australians continue to flock to the South Korean manufacturers vehicles in droves. Showing people movers are still relevant today, Kia remains a dominant force in the ‘People Mover’ VFACTS category, selling nearly 2,000 Kia Carnivals to date (at the time of writing). Alongside the Carnival, Kia offers the Sorento as a 7-seat SUV. The Sorento has gained popularity in recent times given it can come in a range of engine options including plug-in hybrid.

5. Hyundai

In similar fashion to Kia, Hyundai has risen among the ranks of brand popularity for Australian motorists over the past decade. Hyundai offers 7-seat vehicles in both ‘SUV’ and ‘People Mover’ categories with the Santa Fe, Palisade and Staria blending a combination of modern-styling with futuristic technology. Since its release in September 2021, the Staria holds second place in the VFACTS ‘People Mover’ category - second only to the Kia Carnival. All three of Hyundai’s popular 7-seater models come in both petrol and diesel varieties.

Image by Randy Fath via Unsplash