Auto Trader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
Whether you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle, we’re here to help you find the best 7 seater. We compare six of the best new and used 7 seaters that you can buy in NZ right now.
You may also be interested in our 7 Seater selection.
Hyundai Sante Fe
Stylish and practical, the Hyundai Sante Fe is an extremely desirable 7 seater that offers the best of both worlds.
Safety Features – All of the 7 seater Santa Fe models come with a 5 star safety rating from 2012 onwards. The 2012 Sante Fe safety features include; reversing camera, parking sensors and sophisticated electronic stability control. While the 2021 models come with Hyundai’s SmartSense technology which provides surround view monitors, cruise control, forward collision avoidance and much more.
Fuel Economy – The fuel economy for the 2012 model is 8.8L per 100kms for the petrol version and 6.0L for the diesel option. Compared to the latest model which offers around 8.7L per 100 kms for the petrol versions and 6.1L per 100 kms for diesel.
Boot Space – With the third row in place the 2021 Sante Fe offers 130 litres of boot space, and with the third row folded there is 571 litres. This is a 24 litre from increase from previous models.
Tech features – The 2021 Sante Fe is packed with the latest tech features including; Apple Carplay/Android Auto, wireless charging, remote parking assist. While the 2012 model offers an expectedly more basic tech package including Bluetooth, keyless entry and cruise control.
Price – $15,000 (earlier models) – 2021 models starting from $62,990 + ORC
For more information, view all available Hyundai Santa Fes on AutoTrader.
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is a family favourite offering a a sleek spacious design with value for money.
Safety Features – The 2013 Mazda CX-9 comes with an array of safety features including; blind spot monitoring, forward obstruction warning, lane departure warning and a reversing camera. While the 2021 model offers all of those and more. Including; parking sensors as standard, tyre pressure monitoring and crash severity reduction.
Fuel Economy – The 2013 model is the thirstiest out of the cars we are comparing at 12.8L per 100 kms. Mazda turned this around though and the 2021 model is down to a respectable 8.4L per 100 kms.
Space – With the third row in place, the CX-9 can carry a decent 230 litres, however when the third row is not in use this increases to a large 810 litres of space.
Tech Features – The 2021 model features a 9” touch screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Sat Nav to name a few. The 2013 model features an understandably more basic tech package including; 5.8” LCD screen, bluetooth speech recognition and Sat Nav.
Price Range – $25,000 (2013 models) – 2021 models starting from $59,695 + ORC
For more information, view all available Mazda CX9s on AutoTrader.
Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail is the world’s best selling SUV, and for good reason. It’s an all-round capable SUV that will fit the whole family.
Safety Features – Any Nissan X-Trail 7 seater model from it’s release in 2014 onwards comes with a 5 star safety rating according to Rightcar. The 2021 model comes with all of the safety features from Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility System, including; emergency braking, lane intervention, cruise control and many more.
Fuel Economy – Any X-Trail 7 seater between 2014 and 2021 comes with a 4 star fuel economy rating as well as a 5 star carbon emissions rating. These models use around 8 litres of fuel per 100kms. The petrol version uses 7.9 litres per hundred kms and 6.0 litres per hundred for the diesel version.
Boot Space – The X-Trail 7 seater offers 565 litres of boot space when the third row is down and 445 litres when all of the seats are in place.
Tech features – The 2014 model comes with 7” touch screen, cruise control and Bluetooth phone and music streaming. While the latest 2021 X-Trail comes with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Advanced Drive Assist, voice recognition and a 7” touch screen to mention a few.
Price range – $19,000 (earlier models around 2014) – 2021 models starting from $49,990 + ORC
For more information, view all available Nissan X-Trails on Auto Trader click here.
Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq 7 seater was launched in 2017 and went on to win the New Zealand Car of the Year award that year thanks to it’s all round great value and practicality.
Safety Features – From the launch of the Kodiaq 7 seater in 2017, all models have come with a 5 star safety rating. The original 2017 model comes with a huge standard safety feature list including lane assist, blind spot warning, auto parking and surround view camera and much more. The 2021 model comes with all of the features of the 2017 model with updates including; autonomous braking, cruise control and radar scan of vehicles in front.
Fuel Economy – The 2017 Kodiaq comes with a 5 star fuel rating for the diesel version and a 4.5 star fuel rating for the petrol version. With the diesel version using 5.9l per 100kms and the petrol 7.6l per 100kms. Whereas the 2021 model lowers the fuel consumption slightly with an average of 6.9l per 100 kms.
Boot Space – Offering 630 litres with 5 seats in place and 270 litres with 7 seats in place.
Tech features – The 2017 Kodiaq features 8” screen and a media system with sat nav, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. While the 2021 model includes all that and more including wireless connectivity, wireless charging and multifunctional colour dash display.
Price range – $38,000 (2017 models) – 2021 models starting from $42,990 + ORC
For more information, view all available Skoda Kodiaqs on Auto Trader.
Toyota Highlander
The classic Toyota Highlander drives and handles like a car, has the space and convenience of a station wagon, and the ground clearance and 4WD capability to tackle off-road conditions.
Safety Features – The 2011 Toyota Highlander features Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist is standard, as is steering assisted Vehicle Stability Control Plus and Traction Control. The 2021 model will get quite the update, offering automatic emergency braking on every model, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, lane-departure warnings. Surround view cameras and parking sensors can be added.
Fuel Economy – The 2011 model uses 11L per 100 kms of fuel for the 2WD and 11.6L for the 4WD model. This is greatly reduced for the 2021 model, with just 8.8L per 100 kms for the petrol variant and as little as 5.6L for the hybrid.
Boot Space – With the third row in place, the 2011 Highlander gives a very reasonable 291 litres of boot space, which increases to 1197 litres with the third row folded. Whereas the 2021 model gives a whopping 453 litres with all of the seats in place, and 1370 litres with the third row folded down.
Tech Features – The 2011 tech features include a relatively basic package of dual-zone front climate control system with push button controls. It also has a rear climate control system with independent controls, bluetooth and a 3.5” LCD screen. While the 2021 model includes all of the up to date tech features you would expect; 7” multi-information display, heated front seats, reversing camera, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, voice recognition and satellite navigation.
Price Range – $20,000 (earlier 2011 models) – between $60,000 and $75,000 (new 2021 models)
For more information, view all available Toyota Highlanders on Auto Trader.
Volvo XC90
The more luxury option of the six vehicles we are comparing, the XC90 is a legendary 7 seater SUV, with a focus on comfort and safety.
Safety Features – Volvo is known for its world class safety technology. The 2015 XC90 comes with a 360-degree camera display, adaptive cruise control with lane keeping aid, automatic braking at intersections and run off road protection. While the 2021 version features a five star crash test rating, forward collision warning/emergency braking, lane departure warnings and blind spot monitoring.
Fuel Economy – The 2015 model has a fuel consumption of 5.8L of diesel per 100 kms and around 7.7L per 100 kms for petrol. While the 2021 version offers a petrol fuel consumption of 8.5L per 100 kms and 5.9L per 100 kms for diesel. If you’re fuel conscious, Volvo have also released a plug-in hybrid version that consumes just 2.3L per 100 kms!
Boot Space – The Volvo XC90 offers 397 litres of boot space when all of the seats are in place and 775 litres when the third row is folded down.
Tech Features – The 2021 model includes huge amounts of tech, including; climate control from your device before you get in the vehicle, wireless charging, advanced air filtration technology and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and more. While the 2015 model is certainly still a tech savvy motor, it includes; 12.3” infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Price Range – $70,000 (2015 models) – 2021 models starting from $105,900 + ORC
For more information, view all available Volvo XC90s on Auto Trader.
