The Best 8-Seater Cars for Growing Families

Car choices for large families used to be quite limited, but now there’s an impressive selection of 8-seater vehicles on the market. From luxury SUVs to spacious minivans, Australian drivers are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting a car that fits everyone comfortably. In this blog, we’ll cover the top 8-seater cars that are perfect for growing families.

But first, let's sort out some of the terminology.

8-seater cars are also known as MPVs (Multi Purpose Vehicles) or MUVs (Multi Utility Vehicles). These vehicles come with fixed seating and plenty of space for passengers or cargo. While the minivan moniker is still often used to describe an 8-seater vehicle, most of the cars on this list are either SUVs or crossovers.

The Toyota LandCruiser GX 4x4 might just be the perfect off-roading vehicle for those looking to take the family along for the ride. With the ability to seat up to eight passengers, there's no need to leave anyone behind on your next adventure. The LandCruiser GX is a heavy-duty vehicle that comes with a V8 turbo-diesel or petrol engine, giving you the power and flexibility to handle any terrain. As you climb into the massive interior, you'll find all the fundamentals you need - but as you go up the trims to the GXL and the Sahara, the equipment becomes more luxurious. Sat-Nav, LED headlights and keyless start become standard, making sure you're always in control, no matter where you're headed.

If you're looking for a vehicle that offers both power and agility, then the Nissan Patrol is the perfect choice for any outdoor excursion. Equipped with a 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine, with 298kW of power and 560Nm of torque, the Patrol provides exceptional horsepower and torque, allowing you to tackle off-road terrain and tow a caravan or boat with ease. And with seating for up to eight, there's plenty of room for everyone to come along for the ride. Nissan has designed the Patrol with safety in mind, equipping it with a range of driver assistance technologies, including autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Patrol is also fitted with a range of luxury features, from leather-trimmed seating to an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system.

With its perfected design, this minivan can comfortably accommodate up to 8 passengers at a time without compromising on comfort. It features a large cabin with plenty of storage space, making it easy to store prams, luggage, and any other gear you need on your family trips. It also comes with a range of safety features, including blind spot collision-avoidance assist and lane departure warning, so you can rest assured that your family its sleek appearance. In the infotainment stakes, the Carnival also has the whole family covered with offers a 12.3-inch multi-media touch up front and extra USB sockets for everyone in the back. Oh, and don't forget Apple CarPlay/Android Auto so you can keep everyone entertained on long trips!

If you're searching for a car with true style, power, and efficiency, look no further than the Mercedes-Benz V Class. With seating for up to eight passengers, this luxury minivan offers all the features you'd expect from a top-end model - including a full climate control system, rear entertainment package, and power-adjustable seats. It's also fitted with the latest safety features, including blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Under the hood, the V Class has a V6 3.0-litre turbo-diesel that generates an impressive 165kW/440Nm while still maintaining an impressive 8.6ltr/100km fuel economy. What's more, the suspension handles both light and heavy loads with ease, ensuring you never experience a sluggish response. With high-quality trim and superior-grade technology, both you and your 7 passengers can travel in comfort and style.

If you're looking to make the jump from a 7-seater car to an 8-seater, there are a few details you should consider first. Firstly, how much space do you need? An 8- you have a large family and/or need to transport plenty of people on a regular basis, then an 8-seater car is a great option. Whether you need to accommodate friends, colleagues, or family members on road trips, camping trips, holidays, or any other adventure, 8-seater cars are the perfect solution to ensure everyone has ample space and comfort on the way to your destination. Plus, they provide plenty of room for gear, luggage, and other supplies. With all the options available on the market, you can be sure to find one which fits your requirements perfectly and allows you to haul everyone and everything easily and safely.

There are a few key advantages and disadvantages that come with owning an 8-seater car.

Pros:

• Ample space for up to 8 passengers and their luggage
• Great for camping trips, holidays, and road trips
• The latest safety features are usually included
• Most models have excellent fuel efficiency and performance.

Cons:

• They can be pricey, depending on the make and model
• They take up more space in parking lots and garages
• The third row of seating in some models can be quite cramped for adult passengers.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not an 8-seater car is worth it comes down to personal preference. If you frequently transport a large number of passengers or need to fit plenty of gear in the back, then an 8-seater car may be the perfect solution for you. With prices starting at $47,480 (before on-road costs) for a 2023 Kia Carnival S and going all the way up to $136,900 for the Mercedes-Benz V Class, there are plenty of options available to fit any budget. Whichever you choose, make sure it fits your needs and provides a comfortable journey for all your passengers.

By weighing up all the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision and decide whether an 8-seater car is the right choice for you.

While buying an 8-seater once meant sacrificing style for the sake of practicality, the latest models on offer feature all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a modern car. Whether you choose the Kia Carnival S, the Mercedes-Benz V Class, or something else entirely, you can be sure to enjoy a comfortable journey for all passengers. Do your research and consider all the pros and cons of 8-seater cars before making your purchase to ensure you make the best decision for yourself and your family.

When it is time to upgrade to a new or used 8-seater, getting the best deal possible deal on car finance is essential. That way, you can enjoy all the benefits of an 8-seater car and still stay within your budget.

At Driva, we have innovated a car finance solution that makes it easy to get into your new 8-seater. With Driva, you can compare the best car loan deals from 30 different lenders in just minutes, so you can get the most competitive rates and drive away with your 8 seater car sooner.

If an 8-seater doesn't suit you, have a look at the best small cars.

What vehicles carry 8 people?

Known variously as an MPV, MUV, SUV, or people mover, there are a range of vehicles on the market to choose from which can comfortably fit 8 passengers. Models such as the Kia Carnival S, Mercedes-Benz V Class, and Nissan Patrol are all capable of seating 8 people.

What is the cheapest 8-passenger vehicle?

The Kia Carnival S is the cheapest 8-passenger vehicle currently available on the market. Prices start at $47,480 (before on-road costs).

Which Toyota seats 8 people?

The Toyota LandCruiser GX is a popular 8 seater SUV. It comes with a powerful 4.5L V8 turbo diesel engine, advanced off-road technology and plenty of room for passengers. The cost for this 2020 model tangs from $79,950 to $86,550.