Seven-seater vehicles might not be a common sight on Britain's roads, and for those without six passengers to ferry about they may appear somewhat excessive, but they certainly serve a purpose.
Some drivers require the practicality for transporting children, while others regularly need to haul bulky items. Beyond sheer space, many are also seeking hybrid technology to boost fuel efficiency.
With this in mind, motoring journalists at Auto Express have compiled a rundown of the finest seven-seat vehicles currently available in the UK.
After careful consideration, they concluded that the £23,330 Dacia Jogger was the standout option, a vehicle they commended for retaining boot space even with all seats occupied.
They also appreciated that even the top-spec models remained "affordable" and boasted "strong residual values" when it comes to pricing, reports the Express.
That said, the car was marked down for its one-star Euro NCAP safety rating, an "inconsistent" brake pedal feel, and an interior that felt "cheap".
They added: "We named the Dacia Jogger our Family Car of the Year in 2022 and 2023 because of its MPV-like practicality, impressive flexibility, decent driving manners and incredible value. The hybrid is great for urban driving, running mainly in electric mode at low speeds and when pulling away.”
Taking second place behind the Dacia Jogger was the £49,090 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, which earned praise for its generous interior space, excellent equipment levels, and attractive styling.
However, the vehicle was marked down for being a "little bulky and ponderous to drive", lacking fuel efficiency, and carrying a rather steep price tag.
Despite this, the reviewers said: "The Santa Fe is ideal for larger families, especially in its seven-seat configuration. Unlike rivals, the rearmost third-row seats are spacious enough to accommodate taller passengers on more than a temporary basis."
In third behind the Hyundai and Dacia was the £44,705 Kia Sorento, which was praised for having "strong residual values" alongside its generous space and standard four-wheel drive system.
On the downside, reviewers pointed out its higher cost compared to competitors, less impressive engines than some alternatives, and a somewhat cumbersome feel when driving.
Alastair Crooks, senior news reporter for Auto Express, commented: "The Sorento is a hugely spacious family car that'll happily seat seven people - or accommodate five with a huge boot. What sweetens the deal further is the Santa Fe's low starting price."
The leading trio in the rankings finished ahead of other contenders including the Volvo XC90, the Peugeot 5008, and the Ford Tourneo Connect.