If you are one of the statistically unlikely families in the western world to have a large family, you may need to consider limiting your car search to 7 passenger vehicles. These cars are the largest available option, short of an upgrade to van status, or to vehicles that require a special drivers license. Most 7 passenger vehicles allow some form of readjustment of the seat distribution. This means that it is possible to trade available seating for increased luggage space. In fact, some cars allow all seats behind the driver to be folded out of the way, in order to create what is essentially a van. Therefore, these types of cars are very versatile and are useful to many different types of people.
The classic ‘soccer mom’ will certainly benefit from some of the features of 7 passenger vehicles, as she will be able to fit her children, together with their friends and all of their training equipment into the car. One thing to keep in mind however, if you are considering purchasing this type of vehicle, is that you could easily become the neighbourhood taxi – in that people will know you have the ability to chauffer a lot of people. Alternatively, if you are running your own business, in which you are required to transport a lot of material and goods, this type of car could be perfect for you as you will be able to select between luggage room and seating area, as discussed above.
You need to be aware that purchasing a large transportation vehicle will cost a lot more than the initial asking price. Due to their considerable weight, these cars consume a lot of fuel, and you may find that you are refilling your gas tank a lot more than you would like. This will be especially noticeable if you intend on transporting a lot of people and goods. Furthermore, you should not expect a large car of this type to perform particularly well in terms of top speed or acceleration. You will find that you need to keep the gas pedal down for quite a while before you reach an acceptable speed on the highway. The manufacturers have built these semi-vans with transportation in mind, and that is what you will get.
You will be able to find 7 passenger vehicles in a broad spectrum of price ranges. This is due to the fact that the manufacturers are aware of the variety of people that benefit from this type of car. Some will have a lot more luxury than others, with technology crammed into every corner, and powerful speakers with the ability to shake the chassis. Others will be more modest in terms of comfort, yet will be highly flexible when it comes to transportation ability. You need to think carefully about what it is you want your car to do for you, and whether it is worth purchasing what is essentially a van for yourself and your family.
Considerations for 7-Passenger Vehicles
There are many considerations when purchasing a vehicle and this holds true even for the emerging 7 passenger vehicles on the market. Aside from the gas mileage, cost of the vehicle, safety features, drivability, and automobile insurance, you also have to consider its usefulness to your needs and that of your family.
These are actually reasons enough to make searching for 7 passenger vehicles quite challenging for some especially those with comparatively larger families.
Basically, one of the advantages offered by 7 passenger vehicles is that they provide more room for passengers compared to standard automobiles. When in the market for 7 passenger vehicles you actually have a choice between minivans and SUVs, again, depending on your actual needs in a vehicle.
Safe to say, some would like more accessories in their 7 passenger vehicles aside from being family-friendly. Other complexities in life such as school, work, weekends, and other activities also become considerations when shopping for 7 passenger vehicles.
Minivans vs. SUVs in the Passenger Vehicle Market
Overall, minivans are considered relaxing, nice, and very roomy, but it also has been stereotyped as a “soccer mom” vehicle which does not appeal to many men especially. SUVs on the other hand have that powerful but nicer look that every man wants in a vehicle. Unfortunately, many SUVs have higher fuel consumption comparatively.
If you are not bothered by the image of minivans, they are actually better choices in 7 passenger vehicles because of their dual sliding doors, access to 2nd and 3rd row seats, and roomier interior for kids. Even if SUVs sacrifice a bit of room, they do feature off-road capability with sturdier frame and higher floor clearance. When it comes to the ride, minivans offer smooth driving as well.
Crossover 7 Passenger Vehicles
Another thing to consider when it comes to 7 passenger vehicles are the Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUVs) which have recently made their way into the automobile market. These are vehicles built using car platforms while combining many of the features found in SUVs. They also provide ample room for passengers like those of a hatchback or station wagon.
High ground clearance, all-wheel-drive, tall interior packaging, and high H-point seating are some of the features commonly found in CUVs. Some 7 passenger vehicles to consider from this group include the Dodge Journey, Saturn Outlook XR, and Fiat Palio Weekend Adventure Locker among others.
SUV 7 Passenger Vehicles
Raw carrying power and spacious interiors are the main selling points for SUVs in this category. Majority of them are designed for their horsepower feature allowing them to gun across mountains or raging rivers with a seeming ability to conquer nature. This makes them ideal when you normally have huge and heavy cargo.
Majority of the SUV 7 passenger vehicles on the market are manufactured by the “American Big 3” which are Chrysler, General Motors, and Ford. One of the most noted among these models is the Chevy Suburban which is a pure road titan capable of carrying passengers and cargo with ease.
Japanese 7 Passenger Vehicles
Recently Japanese manufacturers have also begun cashing in on the 7 passenger vehicles with the introduction of models like the Toyota Highlander which can be considered as an alternative to the Chevy Suburban. This is especially true when considering the horrendous gas mileage of the Chevy Suburban.
In an attempt to capitalize on the growing awareness on gas mileage, the Toyota Highlander has been introduced in both 6-cylinder and 4-cylinder models as well as hybrid versions for environmentally conscious motorists.
Minivans in the 7 Passenger Vehicles Category
Among the minivans in the 7 passenger vehicles category the Chrysler Town and Country remains as one of the top choices primarily because of its excellent gas mileage and 6-speed automatic engine. It also remains as one of the few minivans that have seats that fold into the floor for added room.
Some minivans require you to remove seats to have added room. Minivans are excellent choices for families that are looking for space, economy, and child-friendly interiors. These types of 7 passenger vehicles are excellent for carrying both passengers and cargo (or luggage) with a comparatively smoother ride.
Other Options for 7 Passenger Vehicles
Car manufacturers outside the United States have seen the growing demand of families for minivans and similar 7 passenger vehicles. Among those that first introduced such vehicles were Toyota and Honda with variety being their main selling point.
In fact, the Toyota Sienna is considered as one of the most preferred 7 passenger vehicles in the United States market primarily for interior space, slick exterior, and durability. The gas mileage is also very acceptable and is considered by some as the most wallet-friendly among the 7 passenger vehicles. Practicality and affordability should normally be considered when considering minivans.
Challenge From CUV 7 Passenger Vehicles
With their emergence on the market, many CUVs like the Chevy Traverse and the Honda Pilot are getting a larger share of the consumer market. Fuel efficiency combined with excellent accommodations like on-board entertainment and connectivity features are just some of the selling points of CUVs.
The market for 7 passenger vehicles also prefer these types of automobiles because of their safety features which may include Vehicle Stability Assist system, traction control, and individual wheel braking among others. Added features that some buyers of 7 passenger vehicles find useful include the Variable Cylinder Management and the power-remote lift gate which opens the back door automatically when your hands are full.
These are just some of the considerations when looking into 7 passenger vehicles. If budget is not a problem, you may still want to consider its impact on the environment as well as how it fits your specific needs before deciding on the 7 passenger vehicles for you.