7 Seater or 6 Seater Captains Chairs 3 Kids

TintyJ on 04/10/2026 - 13:31

Recently had twins, with a 2 year old already, and have learnt very quickly that our Kia Seltos is too small despite our best efforts. Chasing thoughts on larger SUV 7 seater vs 6 seater captain seating. 5-10 year hold hopefully. I have a romantic view of captains seats that the 2.5 year old (eventually) will go through the isle and jump in her seat…and the twins would be in their car seats in the middle rows captains chairs….but the flexibility of 7 seats having all 3 in the back with full boot space is also tempting.

Taking into account they won’t be babies forever

Basically hung up on the Santa Fe now but if I go down the 7 seater path it opens more options

Not interested in vans, carnivals etc (maybe if we had a fourth 🤣)

Anyone has experience?

Automotive Car SUV

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  • areustillpretty on 04/10/2026 - 19:34

    Tesla Y L?

    • 7
    • pwnd on 06/10/2026 - 20:20

      Not great for families with three kids.
      Had they gone with a 2-3-2 layout great, but with three kids you always have compromised boot space as the rear seat/s need to be up. Would struggle fitting in prams etc.
      Could be ok for a run around but not for long trips or where you need to cart lots of things.

      • 0
      • Harrash on 07/10/2026 - 04:10

        worth looking at to see if it suits your use case - the main advantage is the easy access to third row for a smaller adult or kid, as usually the three rows means moving seats around to get in and out which is a pain especially if you have child seats. the space isn't too bad if you put one seat down for prams, the boot is deep + frunk means there's still reasonable room left for storage

        • 0
  • 87percent on 04/10/2026 - 14:23

    2025 Honda Odssey Hybrid can be imported for $40-$50k. Sliding doors are a game changer when you have kids

    • 3
    • Euphemistic on 04/10/2026 - 14:28

      Agree. Sliding doors make it so much easier in tight parking places. Van for the win.

      • 0
    • power ranger billy on 05/10/2026 - 09:51

      plently of imported 2016/2027 Odyssey Hybrid around for $20-30k drive away

      • 0
  • bargain crazy on 04/10/2026 - 17:00

    Which ever model you choose check for the car seat anchor for the 3rd row. Most SUVs don’t have a 3rd row tether for car seat or booster.

    • 3
  • Eivad on 05/10/2026 - 14:14

    We live in an area filled with Alphards. They look pretty ordinary but my god are they luxurious inside.

    I know you said no people movers, but don't knock it until you test drive one with the family. Next level up is the Lexus LM or the Zeekr 009.

    • 3
  • Jaduqimon on 04/10/2026 - 13:57

    I looked at many SUV 7 seaters (santafe, kluger, cx9 etc) . they are not worth the time. the back row is for pets really.

    I know you said no vans/carnival but seriously, the carnival is a no brainer. can configure it like capitals chair setup, easy access to back row and 3 child seats can fit in back row and you get a full boot still. You don't even need to fold the pram to put it in the boot.

    • 2
    • Halo375 on 05/10/2026 - 13:24

      Second that - the Carnival is a fantastic car, good to drive, good to sit in, full use of 3 rows, sliding doors and good storage options in the boot even when using all three rows. Seriously go and drive one - they're the number 1 family car for a very good reason.

      • 4
      • taoz on 05/10/2026 - 22:23

        sliding doors yep. going have 2 toddlers getting in and out of the car. double pram
        Space in Carnival is so much better. 3rd row seating is not great in many suv for regular use.
        Check the anchor points in each row when you check out cars.

        Good luck OP, enjoy the additions

        • 1
      • Magic20 on 06/10/2026 - 20:06

        Which engine and grade would you choose?
        I have a growing family and starting to look at these… why do they all of a sudden start looking so appealing as I age. lol

        • 0
        • Halo375 on 07/10/2026 - 10:33

          I’ve driven the diesel which is great but not good with the way fuel prices are going! The petrol hybrid model makes more sense these days, higher grades have automatic doors so best to compare them all online and take one for a drive.

          • 0
      • Hangryuman on 07/10/2026 - 09:54

        As a retired guy, I don't own a car anymore after 60 years of driving, but a few months ago I did rent an unspecified one, which turned out to be a Carnival, for a couple of days in Cairns for a drive to Cooktown and up the Atherton Range.

        I was impressed with the smooth and quiet power - 3.5L ? - and the size - ginormous after smaller cars - and while I didn't measure it, I felt pretty sure you could sleep 2-3 people stretched out full length in the back, which would make a pretty easy peasy weekend at the beach or somesuch.

        So while I generally loathe huge monster vans in traffic blocking the view from smaller cars behind, I was quite impressed with the Carnival.

        • 0
    • sghetti on 07/10/2026 - 09:06

      Blended family of 6. We have our own 5 seater cars to get around everywhere. We did a Gold Coast holiday and rented a Carnival. I was pretty impressed with how well it worked for us. We had all rows in use and 5 suitcases in the boot, plus carry on bags. If we were to do more travelling together like that, I don't think anything would come close to a Carnival.

      • 0
      • Jaduqimon on 07/10/2026 - 09:25

        yeh i was also sceptical of people movers like the OP, then had a family friend who purchased one and I borrowed it for a trip, then got our own immediately after lol.

        its one of those vehicles that you have to try to believe. Its obviously a great vehicle given how many of them you see on the road now these days. even the taxis use it.

        and to be honest, the latest model doesn't even look like a people mover, more like a slightly stretched SUV

        • 0
  • 2jzzzz on 04/10/2026 - 14:20

    How's the new hybrid BYD 7 seater?

    • 2
    • ATangk on 06/10/2026 - 14:53

      Almost thought you were talking about the M9, but OP did say no minivans…

      • 0
    • camr00 on 06/10/2026 - 15:48

      Not a great amount of boot space IMO. And 3rd row is probably only good for 2.5 year old kids - zero leg room.

      • 0
  • Euphemistic on 04/10/2026 - 14:31

    Unless you want to tow, get a people mover. Sliding doors for the win. More luggage room when the third row is in use.

    If you do look at 7 seat SUVs make sure you check the luggage space when the third row is in use. Itll be next to useless in most.

    • 2
  • Satchimo on 04/10/2026 - 20:26

    Do 7 seats because there is going to come a time when you want to go out to dinner with the grandparents or need some extra seats for who only knows what including extra surprises if you haven't had a vasectomy.

    • 2
    • TintyJ on 05/10/2026 - 00:57

      Haha dr snip incoming when I have more than 30 seconds of free time

      • 0
      • SBOB on 05/10/2026 - 08:23

        Having 30s of free time is how extra surprises are made in the first place :)

        • 7
      • 3dprintdeals on 05/10/2026 - 23:20

        do it while you have hit the medicare safety net, should cover most of it.

        • 0
  • brendanm on 04/10/2026 - 20:31

    Carrington car company is where you want to go for a 6 or 7 chair vehicle.

    • 2
    • MS Paint on 04/10/2026 - 20:47

      I look forward to the Facebook post and especially the associated comments

      • 1
      • brendanm on 04/10/2026 - 21:38

        Hope OP wears his Sunday best.

        • 1
  • S Baldrick on 04/10/2026 - 23:07

    Out of curiosity, why would you prefer a 7 seater SUV over a people carrier? I have cousins with a 7 seater and large family, and the boot space is abysmal when they're all travelling.

    • 2
    • TintyJ on 05/10/2026 - 00:19

      We live inner city and the people movers are just so long…I’m also a ‘car guy’ and just don’t like them 😂

      • -4
      • JimB on 05/10/2026 - 12:58

        you're a car guy but driving a Kia Seltos?

        • 13
        • MS Paint on 05/10/2026 - 13:35

          'car guy'

          • 5
          • TintyJ on 05/10/2026 - 15:04

            @MS Paint: Think the tongue in cheek was missed here

            • 0
        • TintyJ on 05/10/2026 - 14:11

          Seltos is gangsta

          • -1
      • Oz8argain on 05/10/2026 - 14:08

        Length in m
        Santa fe = 4.83
        BYD sealion 8 = 5.04
        Tesla YL = 4.976
        Alphard = 5.01
        Odyssey = 4.855
        they are all similar dude

        • 4
        • TintyJ on 05/10/2026 - 14:16

          Yeah you’re right, the lower vans are deceptive

          • 0
      • Satchimo on 05/10/2026 - 04:07

        Get a tow bar, a trailer and learn how to tow it (including reverse & park) so that you've got somewhere to load everything that the family could need for a road trip.

        • 0
  • theHMASfriendship on 05/10/2026 - 01:25

    There is no boot space in those with the back seats up. I’d go the 7 seater for road trips etc.

    Look at maybe the Pallisade if you want captains chairs

    • 2
  • pegaxs on 05/10/2026 - 09:06

    As always, no budget… so my suggestion is the Denza D9, LDV MIFA 9, or Zeekr 009

    Weirdly, they all have a ”9” in their model name, but they are all 6 to 7 seater MPV.

    • 2
    • [Deactivated] on 07/10/2026 - 11:23

      kids? hope not ha

      • 0
    • Satchimo on 07/10/2026 - 12:24

      If they are Chinese models it makes sense as number 9 has symbolic significance. Something like "the best" or "the higher the number the better it is".

      • 0
    • TintyJ on 05/10/2026 - 09:38

      Thank you, respectfully though - asking about 7 vs 6 seat functionality - budget not concern right now

      • -3
  • TintyJ on 05/10/2026 - 14:48

    Ok, my eyes have been opened to the Honda Odyssey. Perhaps an AUS delivered 2020-2022 vi lx7. Could save a bucket of cash as they are reasonably priced and avoid the headache of insuring an imported newer model.

    • 2
    • scotty on 05/10/2026 - 18:05

      My brother has an Odyssey. A few friends drive them, and I'm not sure why Honda Australia stops selling them (regulation?) They are not too big, quite versatile, although a bit gutless. Great urban 7/8 seat people mover.

      Upcoming KIA PV5 Passenger would be interesting if you are looking for a "smallish" people mover EV, at 4.7m long.

      • 2
    • sponson on 06/10/2026 - 10:18

      FYI - the Aus delivered one was only offered with the 2.4L K24. Fine in the 2009-2013 Gen4, but the latest model is about 2 tonnes. Loaded up with stuff some would say dangerously underpowered.

      The JDM hybrid has substantially more grunt.

      • 0
  • Splagito on 06/10/2026 - 07:59

    I feel like EV Vans will be game changers.

    I think it will remove a lot of the negative of vans, will end up with vans which drive smoothly, run quiet and fast/powerful.

    • 2
    • RandomNinja on 06/10/2026 - 12:11

      Yeah, I was looking at the Zeekr 009 - feels ridiculously overpowered (0-100 in ~4.5s) and comes with all the luxury features.

      • 0
  • witheredcouch on 06/10/2026 - 11:38

    I've never understood the dislike for people movers/vans. I think they are way cooler than the compromised, bloated, lifted wagon that most SUV's really are, and often have better driving dynamics too.

    Kia Carnivals are practical, have great seating arrangements, and make way more sense if you actually need to fit a bunch of people in it.

    The People Mover is the car enthusiast's general choice, and the SUV is what the layperson thinks a car enthusiast would choose due to seeing the van as "uncool" for some reason, when most car enthusiasts see SUV's as "uncool",

    • 2
  • suchis on 04/10/2026 - 17:45

    What ever can fit the twin pram in will be the answer. With a huge nappy bag for days out bigger is better.
    It also depends how long u want to hold on to the vehicle because kids make friends pretty easily so oldest kid w one friend will wipe out a row of seats in a seven seater (they will want to sit together)
    Good luck and buy some chickens (for the food waste!)

    • 1
  • omguleh on 04/10/2026 - 18:48

    If the Kia Carnival is still too small have a look at the Hyundai Staria, we have the Highlander version and the amount of space is so good.

    • 1
    • QuickToThePointless on 04/10/2026 - 19:03

      OP has already clearly stated consideration of The Carnival is Over

      • 1
  • The Hawk on 05/10/2026 - 10:23

    When we played this game a decade ago we ended up with a Volkswagen Multivan we kept for 225k. A proper seven seater, with tether points on all five rear seats plus the captain's chairs swivel and slide in the second row which is awesome when you need to access the thrid row to put kids into seats (compared to other seven seaters where it's very hard for an adult to access the back row even to gets kids into seats).
    Full adults can fit in any seat comfortably too.

    They are pricey though and only getting worse over time.

    • 1
  • eklipsils on 06/10/2026 - 11:31

    Get a Kia Carnival, plenty of space and 8 seater when you need it (foldable back row)

    • 1
  • Dollar General on 04/10/2026 - 15:35

    Test drive both types and see what works best for you. I think the 6 seater would be ideal but gotta factor in cost, running costs etc of each car

    • 0
  • dominator293 on 04/10/2026 - 17:01

    Ford explorer or everest, 7 seaters and go well.

    • 0
    • RedFromBlue on 05/10/2026 - 09:47

      Go well? Latest Ford Explorer is now 20 years old. Everest is on the Ranger platform. Google how 'well' the now withdrawn 2 litre Diesel and its replacment, the Lion V6 go…..

      • 1
    • 2jzzzz on 05/10/2026 - 10:55

      The choice really is the MUX over the other diesel 7 seaters

      • 1
  • altomic on 04/10/2026 - 18:33

    I have a mitsubishi outlander 7 seater 2014 model.

    the back/3rd row is fine. it's not huge but not small- I am 185cms and can sit it in ok, but better suited for kids.

    obviously the back row goes when a pram was needed to be stored..

    • 0
  • MS Paint on 05/10/2026 - 13:42

    I'd grab a Ford Tourneo. Look cool and the rear seating is customisable

    • 0
  • Ooops on 05/10/2026 - 23:21

    Have you looked at Xpeng? I fell in love with it but it's outside my budget :(

    • 0
  • jaboday423 on 06/10/2026 - 00:46

    Any 7 seater EVs up for recommendations?

    • 0
    • Harrash on 07/10/2026 - 04:11

      if you really need 7 seats regularly MPVs are the only option. Xpeng X9 is probably the best value for money right now BEV wise but still $$

      • 0
  • Splagito on 06/10/2026 - 07:58

    Alphard seem popular? See them everywhere now.

    • 0
  • RandomNinja on 06/10/2026 - 12:07

    I picked up my Carnival a couple months before my 3rd was due and I have absolutely no regrets. Didn't think I would be a van guy but the practical aspects can't be beat when kiddos are young. Being able to chuck 2 prams in the back and load the family plus grandparents was amazing, airport runs are so easy fits 3 full size suitcases in the boot. Also, sliding doors make it easier to park in tighter spots (esp when loading/unloading the babies, my mate often complains about this with his Palisade) and kids won't ding your doors against walls or poles.

    As for your q about 6 or 7 seat configuration, it really comes down to the tradeoff between your kids being more comfortable in the back vs. occasions where you want to transport 7 people/lot of stuff. My kids didn't complain about not having captain chairs in the back, but they would have complained if I couldn't bring all their bikes to the park!

    • 0
  • brianjefferson on 06/10/2026 - 16:29

    Kia Carnival. Liked it enough to replace it with another one, when that time came. They're way too practical to exclude from your list.

    • 0
  • smigglejiggle on 06/10/2026 - 17:05

    4 Kid dad here.

    I have both a Kia Carnival and a Ford Everest. Would recommend both. Kia Carnival is great for little kids; removing the middle seat gives great ease of access to the rear. Boot space with all seats up is still great.

    Ford Everest is also great if you want to tow/4WD. The good thing with the Everest is the rear seat can split-fold, so you can still have a larger boot area and only use 1 rear seat.

    • 0
  • brad1-8tsi on 06/10/2026 - 19:46

    We had a Toyota Avensis Verso and a sliding door Hionda Oddysey with captains chairs and they were both great family cars. Much better than the 3 row SUVs we had (Captiva & Outlander).
    We only had 2 kids and the 6 seat config made it ideal for having the grandparents on board or for the kids to bring a friend each.

    • 0
  • Dollar General on 06/10/2026 - 20:11

    Buy a used school bus

    • 0
  • squaredonut on 06/10/2026 - 20:55

    I have a carnival, got 3 little ones.

    As many have said there is basically zero SUV's where it's a comfortable 7 seater.

    The biggest stupid line I hear everyone say is yeah nah that third row is for kids, yeah cool, so do you expect me to buy a 7 seater SUV that basically lasts forr 4-5 years at most, as kids grow pretty fast, my kids around year 1 is already super tall, you eventually just defer it to the point you still need to get a people mover.

    Having said that the new Hyundai palisade MIGHT be ok if you do a like a 7 seat config, not sure if its possible. But even then I believe the dimensions is even longer than a carnival… which is then stupid to avoid a carnival.

    Also to be honest the previous carnivals looked a lot more like buses or daggy vans, the current model is just like an SUV that's a bit longer and little shorter in height.

    Also might I add that sliding doors with kids is something you would just wish every single normal car had. Sliding doors just takes the headache away from juggling trying to hold the door open while your kids squeeze in and also crushing your hand agains the car next to you.

    • 0
  • monty168 on 08/10/2026 - 18:50

    Model YL

    • 0
  • chriskq on 06/10/2026 - 20:56

    Not a fan of mini vans either, i have the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq RS and love it, 3rd row is cramped but its an occasional 7 seater. We only have 2 kids though, but it was fine with 3 kids in the 2nd row inc 1 in a booster seat

    To be fair I do not like the 'look' latest version although the upcoming 2027 looks to be going back to more sporty styling.

    • -1
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