The idea of diving into the 7-seater market sounds a little intimidating at first — not just because of the large size of the vehicles, but also because of the vast amount of options out there from just about every mainstream manufacturer.
To simplify matters, Driven created this comprehensive buyer's guide of every 7-seat SUV option currently available for sale in New Zealand.
Those wanting an extra serving of luxury or off-roading ability with their spacious SUV need not look further. This is arguably the most competitive group of the bunch; where the most well-specified and upscale models from mainsteam marques go head-to-head with entry-level models produced by luxury brands.
Driven 7-seater SUV Special Edition buyer's guide: Click to read part one / part two / part three
Peugeot 5008
A little different, the Pug 5008 offers seven seats and a choice of Allure (petrol) or GT (diesel). A 12.3-inch heads-up digital display is up front, and out back are reclining second-row seats, tray tables and sun blinds. The third row of seats is also removable, offering maximum cargo and people space. In our last road test of the 5008, we were impressed with the big Pug's premium edge, design, and powertrain options.
Engine: 1.6l turbo petrol, 2.0l turbo diesel
Power/torque: 121-133kW/240-400Nm
Economy: 7.3l/100km
Price: $52,990-$61,990
Mazda CX-8
Photo / Ted Baghurst
Like a 7/9th scale CX-9 but equally superb, the Mazda CX-8 offers a great engine (2.2-litre turbo diesel) with just about every contemporary tech marvel available, and real comfort for full-sized adults in the third row. It sounds great, with a warble from its engine and is economical as well, its rides and handling balance is superb and to top it all off, it’s priced right. Put the CX-8 on the short list without delay, it’s a great seven-seat SUV. Check out our Mazda CX-8 road test by clicking here.
Engine: 2.2 turbo diesel four
Power/torque: 140kW/450Nm
Economy: 5.7-6.0l/100km
Price: $53,495-$62,495
Toyota Fortuner
Like a RAV4 for more, the Fortuner is a modern-day iteration of the 4Runner, and based on the Hilux chassis with more ride-compliant rear suspension. Offered in two models, GXL and Limited, both versions also use the Hilux’s 2.8-litre turbo diesel, plus 4WD with off-roading abilities. The 50/50 split third row seats fold and stow to either side, while the second row gets a pair of 12v sockets and one 22v socket. Keep an eye out, too for the devilish and sporty Fortuner TRD.
Engine: 2.8l turbo diesel four
Power/torque: 130kW/450Nm
Economy: 8.6l/100km
Price: $54,990-$58,490
Toyota Highlander
The best-selling seven-seater in NZ in 2018, and the fourth best-selling SUV, the three- models of Highlander - GX, GXL and Limited - all run a 3.5-litre V6 through an eight-speed auto with solid performance and a 2000kg tow rating. At just over two-tonne, it proves big petrol seven-seat SUVs are still popular and with RAV4, that makes two Toyotas in the top four SUV sales of 2018.
Read more: Toyota Highlander road test — taking the high road
Engine: 3.5l petrol V6
Power/torque: 218kW/350Nm
Economy: 9.5l/100km
Price: $54,990-$68,990
Mazda CX-9
Photo / Ted Baghurst
Another of NZ’s iconic seven-seat SUVs, CX-9 paved the way for CX-8 and remains the biggest SUV in its range. Though its badge may suggest it’s a size up (it is larger than the CX-8) the real points of difference for the CX-9 are two key points: it runs a 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine that’s half-a-second faster than the CX-8, plus it has a special second-row seat function that allows it to tilt and push forward without having to remove an ISOFIX-mounted seat, for easy access to a spacious third row. And all for a price that’s not much more than its (slightly) smaller diesel stablemate. We noted it was a significant milestone for Mazda at launch, and that's well and truly come to pass over the following years.
Engine: 2.5l turbo petrol four
Power/torque: 170kW/420Nm
Economy: 8.4-8.8l/100km
Price: $54,995-$64,995
Contact: John Andrew Mazda, 09 376 4846
Nissan Pathfinder
Photo / supplied
Nissan’s ‘family’ seven-seater (as opposed to the off-roading Patrol), tri-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof certainly look after passengers, but there’s also tri-zone entertainment, meaning that the rear monitors in the front headrests can play individually to both the front and to each other, for truly personal movies or video games. Radar cruise control and a meaty 3.5-litre petrol V6 up front ensures plenty of poke across the four-models in the range. Our Nissan Pathfinder road test can be found here.
Engine: 3.5 petrol V6
Power/torque: 202kW/340Nm
Economy: 9.9-10.1l/100km
Price: $55,490-$69,990
Contact: Apply for a test drive with Giltrap Nissan by clicking here, 82 Great South Rd, Newmarket, 09 884 8320
Kia Sorento
Photo / Matthew Hansen
Another logical choice when seven-seat SUVs come to mind and twin to the Santa Fe, the Sorento is currently one generation older, due to alternating model launches, but it’s no less capable, with the same 2.2-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder that’s way more economical than a vehicle of this size should be. Indeed, we were particularly impressed with the Sorento's car-like disposition during our most recent road test.
Engine: 2.2 turbo diesel four
Power/torque: 147kW/441Nm
Economy: 7.2l/100km
Price: $55,990-$73,990
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport VRX
Photo / supplied
A modern iteration of the Pajero badge, the Pajero Sport is quite a different vehicle with all the latest convenience and safety technologies. It’s also a one-model range offering a 2.4-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic transmission and leather throughout the cabin.
Engine: 2.4 MIVEC turbo diesel four
Power/torque: 133kW/430Nm
Economy: 7.1l/100km
Price: $56,990
Contact: Simon Lucas North Shore Mitsubishi, 0800 001 105
VW Tiguan Allspace
Photo / supplied
The Tiguan isn’t traditionally known for its seven seats, and even big brother Touareg only has five, but the Allspace manages to pack a lot into relatively little. The Allspace has a powerful 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder and all-wheel drive, and 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds (R-Line) will surely get the attention of all seven occupants. The two trim models both run a seven-speed DSG gearbox.
Read more: New Volkswagen Tiguan in demand
Engine: 2.0 petrol turbo four
Power/torque: 132-162kW/320-500Nm
Economy: 7.7-8.1l/100km
Price: $59,990-$65,990
Contact: apply to test drive one with Giltrap Volkswagen by clicking here
Giltrap Volkswagen, 100 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, 09 884 6630
Hyundai Santa Fe
Photo / Dean Evans
Think seven-seaters, and the Hyundai Santa Fe is near the top of the list, if not number one. Though offered with a 2.4-litre petrol four, the smarter choice is the 2.2l diesel with eight-speed auto, with good power, torque and economy — but it’s the practicality and size of the second and third row that count. Pricing starts at $60,000, up to a considerable-for-Korean $82,990 for the tech-loaded Limited that we road tested late last year, including door locks that protect exiting rear passengers.
Engine: 2.2, 2.4 turbo petrol/diesel four
Power/torque: 138-147kW/231-440Nm
Economy: 6.0l/100km
Price: $59,990-$82,990
Mitsubishi Pajero
Photo / supplied
An icon of the 4WD/SUV market, the top of the line Pajero continues a few traditions and continues a worthy reputation of off-road and luxury. With a grunty 3.2-litre V6 producing solid power and torque figures, it still runs a five-speed automatic with sports mode, and two-speed transfer. The one-model range makes it easy to choose.
Engine: 3.2l turbo diesel V6
Power/torque: 143kW/448Nm
Economy: 9.1l/100km
Price: $59,990
SsangYong Rexton
Photo / supplied
As we found out during our last road test, the latest G4 model is impressive and a leap forward over the previous model. Understanding that its less common badge needs to offer more, the Rexton G4 accommodates third row occupants with storage, vents, fan controls and a 12v socket, plus a 220v socket in the second row, and an auto opening tailgate. There’s even modest but decent boot space while the third row in use, as well as an underfloor storage pocket. With a strong turbo diesel engine, seven-speed auto and 3500kg tow rating, there is a lot to offer in the Rexton G4.
Engine: 2.2 turbo diesel four
Power/torque: 133kW/440Nm
Economy: 8.3l/100km
Price: $59,990-$67,990
Holden Trailblazer
Photo / supplied
More than just the SUV version of the Colorado ute, the Trailblazer adds so much more, including improved ride quality, refinement and comfort for both back rows. It does share the same 2.8-litre Duramax turbo-diesel four-cylinder that’s fastest in class, and Trailblazer continues that speed with 0-100km/h under 10 seconds.
Flip-up second row seats on both sides make third row access easy, and there are plenty of third-row storage bins, separate fan controls and good rear vision through the large side rear glass.
Read more: Holden Trailblazer shines on Great Barrier Island
Engine: 2.8 turbo diesel four
Power/torque: 147kW/500Nm
Economy: 8.6l/100km
Price: $64,990
Contact: Apply for a Schofield Holden test drive by clicking here, Schofield Holden, 50 Great South Rd, Auckland, 09 884 4622
Isuzu MU-X
Photo / supplied
The SUV twin to the D-Max, the MU-X offers a lot, including a relatively big 3.0-litre four-cylinder with lots of effortless, unstressed torque. A drop-down 10.2 inch screen keeps rear passengers entertained without burying their nose down into a tablet. The rear seats also get a fan control, vents and lights, too. While the engine and drivetrain is more on the commercial side with more of a diesel rattle than most, the MU-X is still a solid seven seater. Check out Driven's full MU-X road test right here.
Engine: 3.0 turbo diesel four
Power/torque: 130kW/430Nm
Economy: 7.9l/100km
Price: $65,990
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Photo / supplied
The Prado version of the Land Cruiser comes with the same rugged 2.8-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder in the Hilux/Highlander, through a six-speed auto, a 3000kg tow rating and full-time 4WD. Seat heaters in the second row plus a 220v and 2x12v sockets handle the power, while power-folding third row seats are in the two upper spec of three models.
Read more: Rugged meets refined with updated Toyota Hilux and Prado
Engine: 2.8 turbo diesel
Power/torque: 130kW/450Nm
Economy: 8.0l/100km
Price: $70,990-$91,990
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Another seven-seater in the upper end of the pricing scale, the Discovery Sport differs from its stablemate by offering a 5+2 configuration, more compact external dimensions, with the added ability to add seven seats when required, offering up to 1794l of cargo space in two-seat configuration, or a still very useable 115l of boot space in seven-seat format. With a choice of supercharged petrol or diesel V6 engines, there’s also the option of seven seats. A Clearsight interior rear view mirror offers an unobstructed view to the rear, even when it’s obstructed by passengers or cargo. Petrol and diesel engines are offered, as is a mild hybrid system which harvests and stores energy.
Engine: 2l turbo diesel, 2l turbo petrol
Power/torque: 110kW-147kW, 320-500Nm
Economy: 5.3-8.3l/100km
Price: $77,900-$87,900
Contact: to test drive a Discovery Sport with Archibald & Shorter, click here
Archibald & Shorter Greenlane, 550 Great South Road, Greenlane, 09 884 4845
Achibald & Shorter North Shore, 2 Porana Rd, Glenfield, 09 884 6612
Ford Everest
Photo / Matthew Hansen
Ford’s Territory was such a success, its shoes have been rather large big to fill, and the Everest does its best. Recently receiving a price reduction and a new engine, while it may share some underpinnings with the Ranger ute, it’s a lot more refined for the family, and now offers a new twin-turbo 2.0-litre from the Raptor, and the 10-speed auto, at a sharper price. Pricing currently starts at $79,990, but be on the lookout for the new Everest Sport arriving next year. It's set to lower the cost of entry to $73,990.
Check out Driven's road-test of the latest iteration of Everest Titanium, which we took on a 6-hour road trip.
Engine: 2.0 bi-turbo diesel four
Power/torque: 157kW/500Nm
Economy: 7.1l/100km
Price: $79,990
Driven 7-seater SUV Special Edition buyer's guide: Click to read part one / part two / part three