5-star seven-seater cars: our top five

A five-star rating from What Car? magazine is a rare thing – but their top five seven-seaters have all achieved these dizzy heights.

What’s so special about these MPVs and SUVs? Read on to find out…

Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi 150 Zetec

All those taxi cab and private fleet firms can’t be wrong; even with seven people aboard, this is a spacious machine for passengers and luggage alike. Excellent layout flexibility and decent running costs are further boons.

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro SE 5dr Tip Auto

The big Q7 is a value-for-money machine despite its £40,000-plus price tag, thanks to a roomy interior that’s the absolute tops for quality and finish. The 3.0-litre diesel engine has plenty of muscle and is super-refined, and standard-fit air-suspension gives a super-smooth ride.

Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 TD4 180 SE Tech auto

What Car?’s top large SUV of the year is best in SE Tech trim, thanks to standard-fit sat-nav, powered tailgate and parking sensors. Across the board you’ll also benefit from superb all-terrain ability, a spacious and classy cabin plus a fabulous drive.

VW Touran 1.6 TDI 105 BlueMotion Tech SE 5dr

As popular as ever, the Touran drives well, has a big and versatile interior, boasts a strong range of powerplants and is available with some great finance deals. What Car? has declared the VW its top MPV of 2016.

Volvo XC90 2.0 D5 Momentum 5dr AWD Geartronic

Got a large family or loads of mates? The top-rated XC90 is for you, thanks to having loads of space for people and gear. Handling is great and engines strong, and there’s even a T8 Hybrid for extremely low running costs.