7 Passenger Vehicles - An Overview of the available options

If you need to carry a lot passengers, the typical 7-passenger layout will accommodate you with two front seats, two second-row chairs, and a third-row split bench that seats three. The second and third rows are removable or fold down to offer a myriad of arrangements for combining people with cargo. With such flexibility at hand, these cars are ideal for hauling items such as gardening supplies, yard sale finds, or furniture. And you have plenty of room to carpool for the kids' soccer practices, business meetings, and more.

Some 7-passenger vehicles are built for the city life, while others are designed for rugged rural living. Given how busy folks are these days, more and more people are falling in love with the car that can do it all.

When thinking of people haulers, the minivan is often the first car to enter the mind. This obvious option is available in a seven or eight passenger model. The large sliding doors, easy-access cargo areas, and family-friendly features, such as DVD entertainment system, make it a perennial family favorite. Many newer models offer a third-row seat that folds easily into the floor, while the second-row chairs must be removed entirely. One newer model even has second-row chairs that swivel, allowing occupants to interact directly with third-row passengers.

Most minivans come with V6 engines. As of this writing, only one model offers all-wheel-drive; the others are all front-wheel-drive only. Safety features abound in the minivan segment; it only makes sense that the vehicle built for families would place such heavy emphasis on safety. Previously, minivans were written off as the homely realm of soccer moms, but newer models have shown that they can be fashionable too.

The traditional SUV is built on a truck chassis, offering solid four-wheel-drive performance at the expense of a stiffer ride. With such a foundation, fuel economy is unsurprisingly low; hybrids provide better fuel efficiency, but it's still just on par with gas-guzzling sedans or small SUVs. Even so, these SUVs can tow much heavier loads than what minivans can handle.

This segment is filled with midsize and large SUVs. Many folks prefer its sporty look over that of the minivan. However, some third-row seats feel cramped for adults -- assuming they can even get back there in the first place. In any case, SUVs offer versatility in the form of folding third-row seats; the second-row seats are here to stay. Not quite as flexible as a minivan, but still impressive.

7 Passenger Crossover SUVs combine a car's frame and style with an SUV's utility. This creates a more refined ride and more agile handling that are great for city driving. Like the truck-based SUVs, the third-row seats vary widely in the space they offer occupants. On the plus side, crossovers tend to surround passengers with a more elegant interior. Versatility matches that of truck-based SUVs: good, but limited.

When shopping around for a 7-passenger vehicle, take your time. Don't be shy about going for test drives and checking for space. A 7-passenger vehicle is a wonderful choice for people on the go, whether their cargo is a bunch of crates or more the two-legged variety.