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Peugeot 5008
The most accessible third rowEasy access, independent seats and 916 L in 5-seat mode. The benchmark for genuinely travelling 7-up.
Boot : 916 LSeats : 7Powertrain : HybridFrom 45.990 €
9,23rd row /10
Ranking 02 · 2026
Which SUVs have genuine 7 seats in Belgium?
Many “7-seat” SUVs really keep the third row for young children on short trips. We score the actual usability of the rear bench (access, legroom, remaining boot). Out of 10 — the higher, the more livable the third row.
3rd-row score /10: access, legroom, 7-seat boot
Top 8 in Belgium — 2026
Ranked by 3rd-row score /10: access, legroom, 7-seat boot. Indicative figures, updated June 2026.
Indicative manufacturer figures (Belgium), entry version without options. VDA boot volumes with seats up; electric ranges estimated in real mixed use (not WLTP). Verify with the dealer before purchase.
Our analysis
Why do most “7-seater” SUVs disappoint?
Because their third row is often a marketing argument: acrobatic access, ridiculous legroom, and a boot that drops to around fifty litres with the seats up. For daily use as a seven-seater, these models do not keep the promise.
On paper, dozens of SUVs claim seven seats. In reality, only a handful let a teenager, or even an adult on short trips, travel without suffering. That gap is what our accessibility score tries to pin down.
Our score combines three measurable criteria: ease of access (second-row tilt, door opening), legroom and headroom in the last row, and the remaining boot volume in 7-seat mode. The Peugeot 5008 (9.2/10) and Škoda Kodiaq (9.0/10) come out on top because they tick all three boxes, not just the number of seats.
How much boot is left in 7-seat mode?
Often only 200 to 350 litres, versus 800 to 900 with the middle bench folded. This is the classic trap for large families: a big SUV claiming 900 litres only holds a few bags once the third row is occupied.
The Kia EV9 (333 L in 7-seat mode) and Škoda Kodiaq fare better than average, but the rule stays the same: plan for a roof box for holiday trips with seven on board. Conversely, some models favour a third row that folds flat into the floor, freeing up a large boot when you do not need it.
That is more flexible day to day: you drive five-up with real volume, and deploy the two extra seats only for backup or occasional outings. Before buying, always ask for the boot volume quoted in 7-seat mode, not just in 5-seat mode — the gap says a lot about a model’s real versatility.
SUV or MPV for a large family?
The MPV remains unbeatable for access and space per seat, but the genre has almost vanished from the new Belgian market. The 7-seat SUV has taken over by default: if you choose one, take it on its real accessibility score, not just the promise of seven seats.
An MPV like the old Volkswagen Touran offered a flat floor, wide doors and three seats across the back — ideal for fitting three child seats. SUVs often struggle here: shoulder width in the second row limits how many Isofix points you can use side by side.
If you regularly carry three young children, check at the dealer that your three seats really fit across. Otherwise, the large 7-seat SUV (5008, Kodiaq, Sorento) remains the best available compromise today: it combines the prized high driving position, a real boot in 5-seat mode and a credible backup third row.
FAQ
Which genuine 7-seater should you choose?
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