Best 7-Seater Cars in Ireland 2026: Top Picks for Families
If your family is expanding, you might be on the lookout for seven-seater cars that offer more seats and space than your typical hatchback or SUV.
There are several good seven seaters on sale in Ireland in 2026 and many are likely to pop up on used car sales websites too.
From stylish three-row SUVs to more budget-friendly 7-seater cars, there are plenty of options out there right now including diesel, and increasingly new hybrid and electric seven seaters.
Whether you’re tackling the school run or packing up for a weekend away, check out my list of the best seven seater SUVs and cars on sale in Ireland in 2026.
Always check with your dealer or the manufacturer's website for the most up to date pricing and specifications.
Best Seven-Seater Cars Ireland
Peugeot 5008
The Peugeot 5008 has long been a favourite with Irish families. It started life as an MPV but over the years Peugeot has given it chunkier SUV looks. It's still one of the most stylish seven seaters you can buy and very practical with well-thought out storage compartments throughout. The current one is available as a petrol mild hybrid or full electric, badged the E-5008 with range up to about 502 kilometres. It's a compact seven-seater so the third row is best suited to children.
Skoda Kodiaq
The Kodiaq's chunky SUV looks have garnered it a lot of fans over the years and it's a consistent bestseller in the Irish new car market, with strong demand for used ones too. The second generation landed in Ireland in 2024 with a major spruce up inside and out. It is quite cramped in the third row of seats but on the plus side, there's more than enough room for a few bags in the boot. Seven-seat Kodiaqs are available with the choice of a petrol or diesel engine.
Dacia Jogger
The Jogger is one of the most affordable seven-seater cars on sale in Ireland with a starting price under €30,000 and a common sight on school runs around Ireland. It's not the world's most stylish seven seater and it's rather demure estate car-like appearance won't set your pulse racing. But it offers incredible value for money and the all-important third row of seats, which offer decent head- and legroom and even a bit of boot space. The Jogger is available with a petrol engine or as a hybrid automatic.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The latest Santa Fe has grown in size, which makes it even more credible as a great way to carry seven people and their things. It also has the bonus of four Isofix points across the second and third row of seats. Hyundai's new styling gives the Santa Fe mini-Land Rover vibes, while the interior is tech-laden and full of comfort features. In Ireland, the latest Santa Fe is available as a plug-in hybrid with an EV driving range of up to 54 kilometres.
Hyundai has also recently introduced the Ioniq 9 to the Irish market, a brilliant fully electric seven seater with range up to 620 kilometres.
Volvo XC90/EX90
There's a reason why the XC90 is one of Ireland's favourite luxury seven-seaters. It's been around for years and is very well-regarded for its cool Scandi design and safety. It's easily one of the best all-round luxury seven seaters with even the third row of seats offering good comfort for passengers. These days it comes as a plug-in hybrid only in the Irish market badged the T8. That means it has a small battery that can be charged and allow pure electric running of the SUV up to 71 kilometres. However Volvo has also introduced a new EX90, which follows the same blueprint but is fully electric with up to 609 kilometres of range. It's beautifully finished inside and supremely refined.
Kia Sorento
The handsome Kia Sorento has been popular with Irish families for a long time and is another practical seven-seat option. Kia's three-row SUV is available with a diesel engine or as a plug-in hybrid. It has a large, comfortable cabin with plenty of high-tech features on board and a good quality finish. Elsewhere in the Kia range, there's the full electric EV9 with range up to 563 kilometres and ultra-fast charging speeds. There’s also Isofix child seat fixtures in the second and third rows. With all seats in place, the EV9 still has space in the boot for a few bags – over 300 litres actually.
Citroen Berlingo
The Berlingo is a van-based MPV that offers incredible value if you're looking for a practical seven seater. Its boxy design makes it incredibly spacious inside, with so many family-friendly features like three individual seats in the second row, all with Isofix child seat fixtures and sliding doors. The seven seaters come with a diesel engine and manual or automatic gearbox. Citroen also has the second generation of the C3 Aircross that introduces a new seven-seat option. It's a compact car, which limits the usability of the extra two seats. But the C3's cheerful styling and good value pricing make it impossible to ignore.
Seven-seater reviews
Read my reviews of seven-seater cars and SUVs available in Ireland to find out more about their price, practicality, running costs and features.
_______________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Best Small Cars in Ireland (2026)
If you're in the market for a new small car, there are lots of options to choose from. In this article, I've picked what are in my opinion as a car reviewer the best small cars on sale in Ireland today. My choices are based on criteria including practicality, efficiency and value for money, including budget small cars and premium offerings.
There are more hybrid and electric options than ever in the small car market, but there are still plenty of small petrol cars on sale too. Whether you're a young driver starting out or looking for a second car for the family, there's so many great small cars and hatchbacks available right now.
Which models do I recommend in 2026? Let’s go!
Always check the manufacturer’s website or local dealer for the latest 2026 pricing, specs, and availability.
Hyundai Inster
The Hyundai Inster is the best small electric car you can buy at the moment thanks to its superb quality, equipment, range and charging, all offered at a great price that makes it impossible to ignore. It comes as a clever four-seater, but with incredible practicality thanks to rear seats that can slide forward to create more boot space. Inside the Inster was inspired by the Ioniq 5 so has a big-car feel that belies its diminutive dimensions. There are two different battery sizes, which take it easily from town to motorway should you have to.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is a household name in Ireland and for good reason. It's not the most exciting supermini on sale but it does deliver on build quality and efficiency thanks to its fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain. Toyota has improved the Yaris over the years and the current one is the best yet. It looks the part of a stylish small hatchback, with even a GR Sport version available. Toyota has also improved the drivability and refinement of the hybrid to make it quieter and smoother. The Yaris isn't cheap but it's good.
Dacia Sandero
The Dacia Sandero has been a real hit in the Irish market. At a time when small cars are at their most expensive, the Sandero still manages to offer Irish buyers value for money. It's a simple car in its most basic spec but Dacia has vastly improved the design and equipment over the years. The Sandero Stepway version even looks like a trendy small SUV. Power comes from a simple 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. The Sandero has been facelifted for 2026 so there's never been a better time to take a look.
Citroen C3
An all-new Citroen C3 has recently arrived in Ireland offering customers style and value in the small car segment. Citroen has given the new C3 chunky SUV-inspired looks that really help it to stand out from the crowd. Power comes from a petrol engine with manual and automatic options available, while there is also the first ever all-electric E-C3 designed for town and city use. Inside it feels quite basic but still with plenty of French charm and comfortable seating for passengers.
BYD Dolphin Surf
BYD has added a brilliant small electric car to its line-up in Ireland. The supercar-inspired styling (hello baby Lambo) gives it plenty of character and attitude, while inside this four seater is very well appointed with plenty of smart features. There are a few different trim and battery options for the Dolphin Surf. It's good fun to drive and definitely worth a look if you're looking for a small electric car.
Honda Jazz
The latest Honda Jazz is one of the most practical and spacious small cars on the road. It features clever Magic Seats that can fold flat or flip up the rear seat bases for even more space. It uses a fuel efficient hybrid powertrain and is a very versatile small car, going effortlessly from town to motorway driving. It won't win any beauty contests but it is a quality offering in the small car segment with MPV-like practicality.
Seat Ibiza
The current Seat Ibiza has been around for a long time but the 2026 update lifts it enough to keep it in the game. Based on the Volkswagen Polo, it offers arguably more style and charm thanks to a sharper design that has aged very well. It's spacious inside for a small car and offers plenty of choice with a variety of trim levels and petrol engines to choose from.
Renault 5
The new Renault 5 made a big splash when it arrived in Ireland, securing the title of Irish Car of the Year 2026 to cement its status as the hottest electric small car on sale right now. It looks fabulous with a modern design inspired by the classic Renault 5. Inside, it's just as chic with a variety of trims available and a brilliant Google-based infotainment system. It's not particularly spacious inside but do you care when a car looks this good?
Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift has been around for years and is known for its rock-solid reliability. The Swift offers real value for money, coming in at a great price that undercuts many rivals. It's a simple petrol mild hybrid with choice of manual or automatic gearbox, and one of the most fun small cars to drive. It's not the last word in luxury inside, but it does come very equipped for a small car.
Alfa Romeo Junior
If you're looking for something a bit fancier, the new Alfa Romeo Junior is worth a look. It marks a return to small cars for the Italian car brand. It's dripping in classic Alfa style and feels equally sophisticated inside. There is the choice of a full electric Junior or a petrol mild hybrid. It's fun to drive and offers good levels of refinement too. The boot is a good size though it's tight in the back. Still, it's hard not to be seduced by the Junior's style and sporty drive.
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Best Small SUVs in Ireland (2026)
SUVs continue to be popular with new car buyers in Ireland, especially compact models that blend affordability with rugged good looks and a higher driving position.
The B-SUV segment, as its known, is now dominated by petrol, hybrid, and electric models, as manufacturers adapt to stricter emissions targets and evolving consumer demand.
With new EV incentives and lower running costs, small electric SUVs are becoming increasingly popular.
So which models do you need to be looking at in 2026? Let's go!
Always check the manufacturer’s website or local dealer for the latest 2026 pricing, specs, and availability.
FORD PUMA
The Puma is one of Ford's most popular models and has really captured the hearts of Irish buyers since it first arrived in 2020. It looks great and is really fun to drive too. While first launched as a small petrol mild hybrid crossover, there's also an electric one available now. The Puma Gen-E is sold alongside the petrol and offers a range up to 376km making it an ideal urban runaround. There's also clever storage and lots of boot space for such a small car. The new Puma electric coincides with a facelift across the range, which sharpens up the Puma's cute looks and refreshes it inside with new technology and equipment.
RENAULT 4
New for Ireland, the Renault 4 has bags of charm and character. Inspired by the iconic 60's original, the new Renault 4 comes with the choice of two different battery options. It's designed as a small urban crossover and that's really where it excels. It's equally charming inside with a brilliant Google-based infotainment system. It feels very upmarket and offers a comfortable drive for this class of vehicle. Legroom is not particularly generous in the back but it has a spacious boot for everyday practicality.
TOYOTA YARIS CROSS
The Yaris Cross has been a bestseller for Toyota since it arrived in 2022 and its popularity shows no signs of abating. For so many buyers it's the go-to option for a small, efficient crossover. Based on the Yaris supermini, it has chunkier looks and sits higher off the ground for a bit more attitude. It comes with a fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain that also boosts its popularity. The Yaris Cross has a rock solid cabin with lots of digital features. There are a range of trim levels available including GR Sport versions.
JEEP AVENGER
Jeep is famous for building tough off-road vehicles but its smallest SUV is definitely its best yet. New to Ireland since 2023, it's available as petrol, hybrid or electric. It's quite small on the inside but perfectly sized for town and rural roads. It looks great and is fun to drive. With such an extensive choice of engines, there really is something for everyone. Even better, they're all priced the exact same.
HYUNDAI KONA
The latest Kona has grown in size and stature, and is even more stylish than the model it replaced. Inside it has an all-new interior design and very good level of specification. It's roomy in the back and offers plenty of boot space, which makes it a great all-rounder. There's plenty of choice in the Kona range and buyers can choose from petrol, hybrid or an electric Kona with range up to 514 kilometres.
DACIA DUSTER
The Dacia Duster was originally launched as a budget SUV but over the years this model has really found its stride and carved out a niche of loyal followers who love the boxy good looks and stance of a traditional SUV at a great price. The new one elevates the Duster to even greater heights, with a better interior finish and new hybrid powertrain as well as petrol and 4x4.
NISSAN JUKE
The one you could say kicked off the trend for small SUVs. The Nissan Juke continues to sell well in Ireland. With smart looks and an equally funky interior, the Juke is one of the most fashionable of the small SUVs. The Juke petrol is fun to drive, while the new hybrid offers a cleaner and more efficient drive - though it will cost a bit more to buy. There's a choice of different trim levels including N-Design, N-Sport and SVE.
OPEL MOKKA
The Opel Mokka facelift arrived in 2025 with a few tweaks to styling, new colours and a smart new digital interior. Its sharp design has stood the test of time and it's one of the German brand's most popular models on sale in Ireland. There's plenty of choice too, from lively petrols to fuel-efficient hybrid and a full electric Mokka with range up to 403 kilometres.
PEUGEOT 2008
Peugeot has been moving its brand upmarket and the latest generation of the 2008 brings so much sophistication and style to the B-SUV segment. The i-Cockpit interior creates a unique cabin experience in the small Peugeot and the 2008 feels truly premium behind the wheel. It's one of the most refined and comfortable of the small SUVs. Allure models offer plenty of kit. The 2008 is agile on the road with a great selection of engines to choose from, including petrol hybrid and full electric.
SKODA KAMIQ
The Kamiq is currently the smallest Skoda SUV on sale and is one of the most fun of the entire Skoda range with chunky crossover looks and lots of attitude. It's agile and fun to drive, and being a Skoda, it's simply clever, with loads of neat features and spacious too for this segment. It's sold with a simple petrol engine that's lively and efficient.
LEXUS LBX
If you're looking for something a little more upmarket, the Lexus LBX is a brilliant choice. It's a brand new model from the Japanese car brand and packages Lexus quality in the trendy shape of a small crossover. It's powered by a very efficient 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain. Space in the back seat is not great but there is a good sized boot and it's impeccably refined to drive.
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year