Best seven-seater SUVS
Experts pick from Volvo XC90, Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7
IT’S fair to say that the Land Rover Discovery isn’t just one of the top sevenseat SUVS out there right now; it’s one of the best cars you can buy, full stop.
Our Car of the Year in 2017 is more robust and more upmarket than previous models, with a new focus on comfort and quality. But it’s still very practical. The third row of seats is roomier than in the XC90 and Q7, and it rides well, too.
This Discovery is yet to feature in our Driver Power satisfaction survey, but Land Rover was seventh in the makers’ chart. AFTER a seven-seat SUV that’s sharp to drive? Audi’s Q7 is a good choice.
While the rearmost seats are a little tight in this company, whoever sits behind the wheel is in for a treat. Six-cylinder power and sharp steering mean that dynamically, the Q7 is the most accomplished car here. It’s the least economical choice, though; we recorded 29.7mpg on test last year.
The car hasn’t featured in any recent Driver Power surveys, while Audi ranked a disappointing 18th as a manufacturer. VOLVO’S flagship XC90 SUV kicked off the brand’s current generation of handsome cars, and serves up what you’d expect: a serene, luxurious driving environment and great ride quailty.
On smaller wheels the Discovery rides marginally better, but that’s not to say that the XC90 isn’t comfortable. It’s impressively refined as well.
Volvo finished in the middle of the makers’ pack in Driver Power 2018, in 13th out of 26, but again this premium SUV didn’t feature in its own right. THE Discovery is the priciest option here, but offers the most car for your money. It’s a true seven-seat SUV; large, comfortable and luxurious, as well as capable off the road. VOLVO’S XC90 just edges out the Q7. While it’s not quite as sharp to drive, it’s roomier in the third row, more comfortable and will be cheaper to run, too. EVEN though it finishes third, the Audi isn’t a bad buy. There are plenty of examples out there. Step this way for a fun, highquality seven-seater.