Finding the right car for your family can be a challenge, especially if five seats aren't enough and seven seats feels like overkill.
That's where a 6 seater car can make a lot of sense. Most six seaters use a flexible three-row layout, often with two individual seats in the middle row, giving passengers more space while making it easier to access the back.
There are also more options than you might think. From large electric SUVs to premium models and practical MPVs, there's a six-seater to suit a whole range of families.
In this blog, we look at the best 6 seater cars available in the UK in 2026, comparing seating layouts, practicality, and everyday usability.
You guessed it! A six seater car is a car with... six seats.
What makes them stand out is how those six seats are configured.
Many large SUVs use a 2-2-2 layout. You get two seats in the front, two individual 'captain's chairs' in the middle and two seats in the third row. Removing the traditional three-seat middle bench creates more space between passengers and can also provide a walkway into the third row.
However, not every six seater uses this formula. The Land Rover Defender 90 uses a front centre jump seat alongside the driver and front passenger, creating two rows of three.
“Six-seat cars strike the perfect balance between comfort and practicality, offering families generous space without sacrificing as much interior space of a full seven-seater. ”
It's a fair question. Most people will think that if I'm going for six seats, why not go for seven?
But don't jump to conclusions straight away. It usually comes down to how you plan to use the interior:
6 seater | 7 seater | |
|---|---|---|
Typical middle row | Two individual seats | Three-seat bench |
Third-row access | Often easier with a central walkway | May require a middle-row seat to slide or fold |
Passenger comfort | More individual space | Passengers often packed in |
Best suited to | Families of exactly 6 looking for more passenger space | Larger families with small children where space isn't a priority |
Don't assume a six-seater automatically gives you a bigger boot.
Luggage capacity depends on the individual model and how its seats are positioned, so check the figure with all six seats in use if you'll regularly travel with a full car.
Need more help finding the right family car? Explore our family leasing hub for practical advice, comparisons and the latest family car lease deals.
1. Kia EV9
The EV9 is one of the most complete six-seat family cars available. Its 2-2-2 layout gives second-row passengers individual seats, while 333 litres of boot space remains with all three rows in use.
You also get up to 313 miles of range on six-seat versions and rapid charging from 10-80% in around 24 minutes. It’s a strong all-round choice for families going electric.
2. BMW X7
The BMW X7 is a strong choice for families who want a premium six seater. Six-seat versions swap the middle bench for two individual seats, giving passengers more room across three rows.
Boot space starts at around 320 litres with all seats in use, while petrol and diesel engines are available.
Yes, it's a bit more expensive, but there's few six seaters that are as upmarket as the X7.
3. Land Rover Defender 90
The Defender 90 offers six seats with robust off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort. The 6-seat variant includes a front-row jump seat, making it a versatile choice for families and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Add four-wheel drive, strong off-road ability and rugged styling, and it’s one of the most distinctive six-seaters available.
4. Volkswagen Multivan
The Multivan is built for families that need practicality above all else. With seating for up to six in configurable layouts, it combines MPV functionality with modern design and tech.
Its six-seat configuration includes swivelling captain’s chairs in the second row, allowing for a flexible and spacious layout. There’s 469 litres of luggage space in the standard-length model, increasing substantially when the rear seats are removed.
5. Hyundai Ioniq 9
The Ioniq 9 is cut from the same cloth as the Kia EV9, they both put passenger comfort first.
Six-seat Calligraphy versions replace the middle bench with two individual seats, creating a spacious 2-2-2 layout.
You'll also get 338 litres of boot space behind the third row, while some versions offer up to 385 miles of range.
6. Mazda CX-80
If you don't want to go electric, the CX-80 is a great choice. Available with diesel or plug-in hybrid power, selected versions come with two individual captain’s chairs in the middle row.
There’s 258 litres of boot space with all seats in use, rising significantly when the third row is folded.
Six-seat cars are a relatively small part of the UK car market, but there's more variety available than you might expect. From SUVs to MPVs, there’s plenty of choice depending on your lifestyle and budget.
Looking for your next family car? Explore our latest lease deals or speak to our UK-based leasing experts for support with choosing the right model. Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has been helping drivers find their next vehicle since 2002, with more than 180,000 leases arranged.
Originally posted: 2nd August 2024
Last updated: 2nd September 2025
Due to be reviewed: 15th January 2026
