So it seems one of the more frequent questions on this forum is about 7 seaters and inexpensive SUVs. It turns out that I too am in the market for one of these having quickly realised that whilst 5 is a lovely number, 7 is much better and is actually a factor of the meaning of life! (@max_g I am going to get that in anywhere I can)
This is, initially, a rather simple list. There are only two inexpensive car that can fit 7 legally, by inexpensive I mean it can be leased comfortably under $300 whilst not going for the very bottom specification as this generally means not getting all the decent safety features most families would want.
These two are.
1, Nissan Rogue SV with the Family package (and preferably with Premium package as well)
2. Mitsubishi Outlander
N.B. Dodge Journey 37% RV, end of story.
Now, having researched these two cars extensively you can basically only consider the Rogue. By all accounts the Mitsubishi is not a good car. I am going off multiple website reviews to come to this conclusion, I have never owned one so perhaps someone can give some real life experience. I have leased three Nissan Rogues in the past 4 months for different friends and they are all very happy with them. The two things that come to mind that have been commented on are the lack of Android Auto or Apply carplay and that when loaded with 7 people it could use a little more power.
These two are definitely occasional 7 seaters rather than full time.
For the Rogue target $2,000 below invoice, I know this is achievable because I have multiple offers at this price. For a $29,XXX car you should end up with a payment of just above $200 a month with standard drive offs and acquisition fee upfront. (Based on June 2017 rebates, MF and residual)
Then we step the payment up $100-$200 a month, basically below $400 a month.
There are plenty of cars in this category however I am going to rule some out because they are old and about to be replaced. Out of the equation are the Chevy Traverse and the Honda Odyssey. The Hyundai Santa Fe just avoids this category because it is over a year away from a full replacement and is still relatively modern.
So the cars here are:
- Hyundai Santa Fe SE Ultimate with Ultimate tech pac (The Limited is 6 seats)
- Kia Sorento SXL
- Dodge Durango GT plus options
- Toyota Highlander XLE
- Nissan Pathfinder Platinum / Infiniti QX60
Again, I don’t want to focus on bottom spec models here. You can definitely find all of these well under $400 a month if you don’t mind skimping on options but all of the above can be had just under $400 a month. The Durango needs a lot of factors to fall into place to get it there but it can be done.
Of the 5 my actual favorite is the Kia, worst brand identity IMHO but by far the most modern and up to date interior of the bunch, if it had a VW badge on it, it would fly off the lot. Also I have found the SXL leases for the same if not less than the SX with Tech package due to the current incentives. Pathfinder and QX60 basically the same car, very very old and feels tired inside. The Toyota will work for many, new gearbox and engine in 2017 model helps but I can’t help but feel the infotainment is dated and you need the Limited to get parking sensors.
Honorable mention to the new VW Tiguan 2018 model. Will easily come in under $400 a month when launched in July and I am sure will tick many boxes. Also the new Chevy Traverse but that is a few months away and no idea if a decently equipped model will come in under $400.
(All my prices are inc tax and 9.25% LA tax)
