Most affordable 7 seat cars, SUVs in India

The Renault Triber’s mix of practicality and comfort at this price point is simply unmatched. The middle row seats fold 60:40, can be slid back and forth, and the backrest angle is adjustable, too. That said, they are recommended for two passengers. Considering it’s a sub-4-metre MPV, things get interesting in the third row of seats. Accessing them is easy after the second-row seats are moved away, and they offer decent space for average-sized passengers. When not in use, the seats can be removed entirely to open up more luggage room. In our Triber review, we found the B-pillar and roof-mounted AC vents for the respective middle- and last-row travellers reasonably effective on a hot and humid day.

The Maruti Ertiga boasts wide-opening doors, which make ingress and egress easy. Front seats are broad and offer a lot of cushioning, while the second-row seats can be slid back for that extra legroom and are also reclinable. The middle row has massive windows, which let in more light and provide an airy feel to the cabin. Notably, the seats in the middle only fold and don’t tumble, so accessing the last row may be cumbersome for some. Once at the back, passengers will appreciate the good amount of headroom and shoulder room on offer. Two adults can sit here on long drives without losing circulation in their legs, and they can make use of the large side armrests, bottle holders, and a charging socket for added convenience. Its sibling, the Maruti XL6, has a more premium interior but is sold only in a six-seat configuration.

4. Mahindra Bolero Neo

Rs 9.95 lakh-12.16 lakh

100hp, 1.5-litre diesel

Compared to the Bolero, the Mahindra Bolero Neo feels a class apart in every aspect. The interior, specifically, is a far cry from the standard Bolero, featuring chair-like front seats with long squabs and individual armrests. That said, seat cushioning is firmer here. The middle row seats easily accommodate three passengers. Kneeroom and legroom are not as generous as the headroom, and that is deliberately done by Mahindra to have side-facing jump seats at the back. The three space parameters (kneeroom, legroom and headroom) are non-existent in the last row of seats, and they are best left folded to make room for more luggage.

5. Toyota Rumion

Rs 10.54 lakh-13.83 lakh

103hp, 1.5-litre petrol

The Toyota Rumion is a badge-engineered version of the Maruti Ertiga, and its interior closely mirrors that of the MPV. From the overall design and layout to the beige colour scheme, the cabin feels familiar and functional. All three rows offer comfortable seating, and the space is packed with storage compartments, enhancing practicality. Buyers choosing the Rumion over the Ertiga may also benefit from a shorter wait time.

6. Kia Carens

Rs 10.60 lakh-19.70 lakh

115hp, 1.5-litre petrol; 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo petrol; 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel

The Kia Carens’ cabin scores top marks for its premium quotient, with comfort being a strong point across all three rows. Seats at the front are well-cushioned and offer a great view. Practicality is thoughtfully addressed, too, with a storage tray under the co-driver’s seat. In the second row, the 60:40 split seats can tumble and fold, but the kerbside seat adds an extra touch of convenience with an electrically-assisted mechanism operated by a button, making access to the third row a breeze. While the middle-seat passenger benefits from the near-flat floor on long journeys, those seated by the windows will enjoy the added comfort of factory-fitted retractable sunshades. Our Carens review reported the last row seats to be comfy and not as knees-up as other MPVs of its class. Passengers as tall as six feet can enjoy reasonable comfort here. 

7. Citroen Aircross

Rs 12.46 lakh-14.35 lakh

82hp, 1.2-litre petrol; 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo petrol

The French carmaker is known for offering comfy seats in its cars, and the Citroen Aircross is a testament to that. First-row seats are well-cushioned and supportive; the driver’s seat also gets an armrest. Though the middle row 60:40 split seats also prioritise comfort, they miss out on a central armrest and backrest recline function. The kerbside seat can be tilted and tumbled away to get into the last row. Since the seats here are placed on the boot floor, passengers sit in a knees-up position. The headroom and kneeroom are not generous either, meaning this space best suits kids. These seats can also be removed, just like the Triber, to free up more luggage space.

8. Mahindra Scorpio Classic

Rs 13.62 lakh-17.50 lakh

130hp, 2.2-litre diesel

Thanks to its high ground clearance, getting into the Mahindra Scorpio Classic needs some effort. A high seating position gives a great view of the surroundings, and the front chair-like seats, upholstered in fabric, are reminiscent of previous models and come with armrests. The headroom is generous, and the second-row bench easily accommodates three passengers. However, the long seat squab may reduce the under-thigh support for some. At the back, Mahindra has included side-facing jump seats similar to those in the Bolero and Bolero Neo, but they lack seat belts and provide no crash protection. Buyers also have the option of captain seats in the second row and bench seats at the back, though the absence of rear air vents is a notable omission in both versions.

9. Mahindra Scorpio N

Rs 14 lakh-24.90 lakh

203hp, 2.0-litre turbo petrol; 132hp, 175hp-2.2-litre diesel

The Mahindra Scorpio N is a clear step up from the Classic in every aspect. It features leatherette upholstery that feels far more premium, and the seats are more relaxed. The front seats are also generously cushioned and offer plenty of lumbar support, even at their lowest setting. In the second row, the 60:40 split bench seat (captain chairs available in Z8 L top model) folds and tumbles on the kerbside; the right-hand side seat only folds. Although they can’t be slid, tremendous kneeroom and headroom are available here. Unlike the Classic’s jump seats, the Scorpio N gets a conventional set of front-facing seats with seatbelts in the last row, resulting in a more convenient seating experience. That said, adults will sit in a knees-up position, and space is extremely limited. Also, no AC vents are present here.

10. Mahindra XUV700

Rs 14.50 lakh-25.90 lakh

200hp, 2.0-litre turbo petrol; 155hp, 185hp-2.2-litre diesel

The Mahindra XUV700 boasts an airy cabin with cream leatherette upholstery. Seats at the front are large and well-cushioned, making long journeys comfortable, as noted in our XUV700 review. The same is true for the middle row 60:40 split seats, and despite the panoramic sunroof’s thick frame eating a bit into the headroom, tall passengers will be comfy here. Adding to the comfort, the co-driver seat comes with a manual ‘boss mode’ lever at the back, allowing the rear passenger to unlock extra legroom. Mahindra also offers five- and six-seat configurations in select XUV700 models. Entry to the third row is made by split-folding the kerbside seat. Like in the Scorpio N, space in the third row is limited, but dedicated AC vents are a welcome touch.