Our VW tiguan was too small. So we started looking for a car for families with 3 children.
Our previous car – a VW tiguan – was not small, but not big enough for three small children with their child seats. Not to mention the extra luggage you have to plan for an extra child. Back in 2016, I started analyzing the market and soon realized that finding the perfect car for families with 3 small children (0, 3, 5) wasn’t going to be that easy. It wasn’t until 2018 that the decision was made – just in time for the birth of our number 3. Inspired by these experiences, interest developed in continuing to follow the market for family vehicles. And so this article is still relevant in 2020, although it takes fewer vehicles into account than our family car advisor, which we have developed in the meantime.
Update 01.06.2021: but if you want to read the rating of the best family car 2021 for families with three children, we recommend our very recent article on this subject.
Our selection criteria for the ideal car for families with 3 children
Our criteria for vehicle selection were the following:
| Criterion |
weighting |
| 3 child seats in the 2. row: we want equality for all children. It must therefore be in the 2. row give enough space for 3 child seats. |
17% |
| ISOFIX for all child seats: In our opinion, ISOFIX is the safest way to secure a child seat in a vehicle. We therefore only own ISOFIX child car seats. |
14% |
| long-distance capability: we want to decide for ourselves when to take a break. |
14% |
| sliding doors: make it easier to get in and out even in narrow parking garages |
10% |
| 4×4 drive: since we live in switzerland and often drive over snow-covered roads in winter, all-wheel drive is an advantage and offers more safety. |
10% |
| 7 seats: the possibility to take grandma or friends with you on short journeys. |
10% |
| a little luxury is allowed: we do not want to "transport" people, but to "travel" as a family. So we are not looking for a utility vehicle, but a family car. |
12% |
| eco-friendliness: we want to be as environmentally friendly as possible on the road. D.H. Consumption and energy type are also taken into account. |
5% |
| price/performance: the overall package of price and performance is of course also evaluated. However, the basis here is not the respective base model, but a model configured to our needs, which comes as close as possible to the requirements mentioned above. |
10% |
Our weighting of the criteria does not correspond to your expectations? Just do it your own comparison: with our family car advisor: three steps to your individual recommendation for your family car.
The candidates for the best car for families with 3 children
After some research and talking to other families, we came up with the following list of vehicles that we shortlisted:
- Audi Q7 (2020)
- BMW 2 series gran tourer (2020)
- Dacia lodgy (2020)
- Ford tourneo connect (2020)
- Ford S-max (2020)
- Mercedes-benz V-class (2020)
- Peugeot traveller L2 (2020)
- Renault espace (2020)
- Seat alhambra (2020)
- Seat tarraco (2020)
- Skoda kodiaq (2020)
- Tesla model X (2020)
- Toyota prius+ (2020)
- Toyota sienna (2016)
- Toyota proace verso (2020)
- VW caddy (2020)
- VW multivan T6.1 (2020)
- VW sharan (2020)
- VW tiguan allspace (2020)
- VW touareg III (2020)
- VW touran II (2020)
Surely there are many more vehicles that could be considered as a family car for families with three children. In the context of this article, however, we want to focus on one of the most popular family vehicles. In addition, we have also included some quite inexpensive models as well as some quite expensive vehicles in the market analysis. Parallel to the analysis according to our list of criteria presented above, we also had to make the difficult choice of the motorization.
car for families with 3 children : more cars in family car advisor
However, if you would like to have even more vehicles considered, we recommend our family car advisor. The following family cars are currently included there:
Audi Q4 e-tron (2021) | audi Q7 (2021) | BMW 2 series gran tourer (2021) | citroen berlingo (2021) | citroen grand C4 spacetourer (2021) | citroen spacetourer (2021) | dacia lodgy (2021) | ford galaxy (2021) | ford grand tourneo connect (2021) | ford S- MAX (2021) | hyundai santa fe (2021) | kia sorento (2021) | land rover discovery sport (2021) | mercedes-benz GLB (2021) | mercedes-benz V-class (2021) | nissan e-NV200 EVALIA (2021) | opel combo life (2021) | opel crossland (2021) | opel zafira life (2021)
Peugeot 5008 (2021) | peugeot rifter (2021) | peugeot traveller (2021) | renault espace (2021) | renault grand scenic (2021) | seat alhambra (2021) | seat tarraco (2021) | skoda enyaq iv (2021) | skoda kodiaq (2021) | ssangyong rexton (2021) | tesla model X (2021) | toyota proace city verso (2021) | toyota proace verso (2021) | VW caddy maxi (2021) | VW ID.4 (2021) | VW multivan T6.1 (2021) | VW sharan (2021) | VW tiguan allspace (2021) | VW touareg (2021) | VW touran (2021) | volvo XC90 (2021)
Which is the best car for families with 3 children??
In the following, we will look at each vehicle and explain how we think it fits the above requirements.
Audi Q7 (2020)
The audi Q7 is a "monster" and full-grown SUV – configurable with 7 seats. But it is also huge inside and has ISOFIX mounts on all 5 seats in rows 2 and 3. This gives extra points. Still it is extremely tight with 3 child seats in row 2. There is also a further point deduction on the consumption side. Nevertheless: if you want the SUV feeling with 3 kids, you will certainly go for the Q7. If you want even more fun, take the SQ7, which comes standard with all-wheel drive.
BMW 2 series gran tourer (2020)
The 2-series gran tourer had a brick in the board with us, because we would have surely gotten a good offer for the vehicle through relationships. Unfortunately, it still didn’t convince us completely. Three child seats fit in the second row of seats. But in the middle there is no ISOFIX – the K.O.-criterion for this vehicle, which performed well in all other criteria.
Dacia lodgy (2020)
the dacia is certainly a veritable transport solution. After all, it is also available as a seven-seater. ISOFIX is also available on all seats in the second row. For us, however, a dacia does not fit the idea of "traveling as a family". An example: only from the highest equipment line "ultimate" there are electric windows in the back, something that belongs for us to the current standard. As written above, we want to "travel" and not "transport", even if we pay significantly more for it in comparison. All-wheel drive is not even available for a surcharge. price-performance and fuel consumption are very good with this vehicle.
Ford tourneo connect (2020)
We had the opportunity to test the ford tourneo for a weekend. All in all the car made a very solid impression. The sliding doors were of course especially positive. However, there is no ISOFIX on the middle seat in row 2. Points deducted. Not included in the evaluation is the realization that even in the highest equipment line, the seats are only covered with fabric. Finally, we were not convinced by the tiny multifunction display and the navigation system. Consumption and price-performance ratio are good again, though.
Ford S-max (2020)
The ford S-max was recommended to us by friends who would buy it again anytime. Inside the S-max offers a lot of space with three single seats in the second row. Three child seats fit well next to each other. The S-max is also available as a seven seater. In all criteria the S-max scores well and is therefore certainly a good alternative to the vehicle we finally chose. Points deducted because of the lack of sliding doors.
Mercedes-benz V-class (2020)
Certainly the V-class is an ideal vehicle for families with 3 or more children. Depending on the equipment, you can travel very well in this vehicle and although it is large, it is anything but a pure passenger van. We therefore clearly recommend this vehicle for families with more than 3 children. There are, however, restrictions regarding ISOFIX on all seats – here you have to take a close look at the configuration of the seats (number per row).
However, the V-Class is convincing when it comes to long-distance capability and sliding doors. However, the comparatively high consumption and the not perfect price-performance ratio prevent a place in the top 5. A plus, which however was not considered as a criterion in the evaluation: in comparison to the VW multivan, the lower height of the V-class (1,88m vs. Just under 2 m for the multivan) for a more relaxed search for a parking space.
Peugeot traveller L2 (2020)
The peugeot traveller is available in 2 different length versions resp. Wheelbases. We took a look at the shorter traveler (L2) with a length of just under five meters in the allure version. Compared to the standard edition, this one is already equipped with leather seats. Large sliding doors and neat, equally sized seats earn it plus points with families. And even in the third row, there are three more seats next to each other. Our test vehicle also had ISOFIX on the middle seat of the second row. So all seats in row 2 and 3 had this safety feature. The space, the interior and the available assistance systems, together with the economical diesel engine, ensure relaxed family trips. Only the lack of an all-wheel drive option, which can be retrofitted, makes for a slight point deduction. All in all, it’s certainly a good offering, but – at least from the outside – it has more the feel of a "people carrier" than a family vehicle.
Renault espace (2020)
The renault espace calls itself a crossover, a mixture of van and SUV. But it still looks like a classic family van. And we think that’s a good thing, because it offers plenty of space for up to seven people. We have looked at the renault espace in the equipment line intens, because in this the seats are covered with leatherette instead of fabric. In row two, there are even three seats of the same size, each equipped with ISOFIX. In row three it becomes already narrower and ISOFIX is missing there.
The extensive list of possible assistance packages enables the future driver to customize the vehicle to his or her needs when ordering it. The motorizations with their tidy consumption values let expect besides an economical and ecological advancing. Last but not least, the exterior design is convincing, fortunately far away from that of a people carrier. Unfortunately, however, there are no sliding doors on the vehicle. Also an all-wheel drive option is not available.
Seat alhambra (2020)
The alhambra is convincing in terms of comfort, space and price. The seat is not cheap, but for what it offers, unbeatable: in the second row fit 3 child seats (MAXI-COSI pebble with family fix base, MAXI-COSI 2waypearl with MAXI-COSI 2wayfix base and MAXI-COSI rodifix airprotect) well side by side. Each of the 5 seats in row 2 and 3 has ISOFIX. This gives extra points. Consumption remains within bounds both over short distances and especially over long distances – z.B. Still 1.4 liters/100 km below the VW multivan. The 70-liter fuel tank ensures that you don’t have to take any forced breaks.
The electric sliding doors make getting out of the car in the parking garage child’s play. All-wheel drive and easy-to-retract seats 6 and 7 offer plenty of transport flexibility. For us it is therefore the car for families with 3 children. Update 15.10.2020: unfortunately, the alhambra is no longer available as a new car with a diesel engine in many countries. Therefore, in the meantime only the gasoline engine remains to choose.
Seat tarraco (2020)
Alongside the VW tiguan allspace and skoda kodiaq, the seat tarraco is the group’s third brother on the same basis. It differs from its siblings – especially with regard to the. Space constraints – minimal. So it is also optionally available as 7-seater. ISOFIX is however only available on the front passenger seat and the two outer seats of the 2. Integrated series. In addition, the middle seat is narrower than the other two seats. Thus in the second row no 3 child seats fit next to each other. Positive: all-wheel drive is available as an option.
Skoda kodiaq (2020)
The big skoda is available as a seven-seater. From this point of view, we were eagerly awaiting the market launch in 2017. Unfortunately, it turned out that the middle seat in the 2nd row was not available. The seat in the front row is just a narrow seat – without ISOFIX – just like in any smaller car. Three child seats therefore do not fit next to each other there. Admittedly: this was very sad, because otherwise this would have been my dream car. Long-distance capability, all-wheel drive and comparatively good fuel consumption do not make up for the lack of space in row 2, unfortunately.
Tesla model X (2020)
The model X from tesla is available as a seven seater. In this case, you can attach the child car seats with ISOFIX on the two outer seats, as well as on the two seats in row 3. But this would mean that our children would have to sit behind each other. point deducted. OK, but how does it look beyond that?
You can configure the vehicle with a range (according to WLTP) of up to 500 km, which ensures an acceptable long-distance suitability. Nevertheless, one will probably have to plan at least one forced charging break during a vacation trip.
Then the doors: I also thought at first that the falcon wing doors, which still swing open at the top, would take up a lot of space. However, these are extremely sophisticated and open exactly as it is possible in each case. And without touching closely parked cars or bumping into low ceilings in the parking garage.
All-wheel drive is standard on the model X. In addition, the car offers plenty of luxury thanks to the great doors, seats and assistance systems alone. If you charge the car with pure eco-electricity, the vehicle definitely becomes the most environmentally friendly means of transport in this comparison. With this criterion the car gets of course the top mark.
However, we decided against it, because the price was twice as high as the vehicle we chose (price-performance ratio). At the same time, the model X is more than four times as expensive as the cheapest car in this comparison. Maybe the next car will still be pure electric?
Toyota prius+ (2020)
From my point of view Toyota has done a lot of things right in the last years. From my point of view, toyota’s cars have become much more respectable. toyota has repeatedly attracted positive attention, not least due to its consistent hybridization, which is technically well solved. The prius+ is available as a seven seater and the seats in row 2 each look the same size. What families with three children will miss: the middle seat and the two seats in row 3 lack the option of attaching ISOFIX child seats. In addition, the vehicle lacks both sliding doors and all-wheel drive.
Toyota sienna (2016)
The toyota sienna can be seen more often in switzerland. It has sliding doors and is a typical van, but not yet too huge. So it would certainly have what it takes to occupy a top place in the comparison list. However, the toyota is not available as a new car in europe. In switzerland you could buy it until 2016 – but not anymore. The sienna got good marks in all criteria – except one: fuel consumption.
Toyota proace verso (2020)
The proace verso is available in three lengths and with 6 to 8 seats. Standard are sliding doors left and right. Equally pleasing: ISOFIX is available on all seats in rows 2 and 3 of this toyota model. The seats themselves are also available in leather, which is convenient for families. However, it seems that you can not freely choose the seat covers. They are obviously firmly linked to the respective equipment line. Once you have found the right equipment line, you can still adapt the proace verso to your own needs in the interior, exterior and safety areas.
Why the hybrid approach has not yet found its way into this vehicle, on the other hand, is unclear to us. Perhaps this is due to the underlying EMP2 platform from PSA, on which the peugeot traveller is also based. Nevertheless: this would have certainly given it an even better rating in terms of fuel consumption (environmental friendliness). The outward appearance of the car is again a matter of debate. In the overall evaluation, however, the toyota proace verso was able to place itself in the top 5.
VW caddy (2020)
The caddy – once a typical craftsman’s vehicle – is now available with a touch more family flair. A clear plus has always been its sliding doors. Not so positive: unfortunately, it only has ISOFIX mounts on the outer seats in row 2, and with three child seats it gets very cramped in row 2. This leads to a point deduction. In addition, it remains too much of a utility vehicle in terms of its visual character and thus unfortunately cannot take one of the top places in the rankings.
VW multivan T6.1 (2020)
Three children in the 2. Series. ISOFIX for all three. Long-distance capability, sliding doors and 4×4. Yes, the VW multivan offers everything a family with three children could wish for – and plenty of space as well. This resulted in the highest rating for almost all criteria. Still, it didn’t land at the top of the rankings. This was due on the one hand to the rather high consumption (environmental friendliness), and on the other hand to the less than optimal price-performance ratio. The fact that the car is no longer driven like a passenger car and that the height of the car means that it is limited in everyday use (parking garages) was not taken into account. If you can live with that, the multivan is just the right family car for you.
VW sharan (2020)
the sharan really has everything a family needs to get around comfortably. Sliding doors, a powerful engine, all-wheel drive, plenty of room on each seat and at the same time it is to be driven like a slightly elevated car. So it’s no wonder that it scores almost full marks for all criteria and even gets the special points for ISOFIX (ISOFIX on all seats in rows 2 and 3).
Only the identically constructed alhambra has a minimally better price-performance ratio. For those who still prefer the VW, we have compiled a list of additional equipment that we consider important. In addition, we have compared the current special model "united" with a regularly configured sharan. If you are unsure about the size, we recommend our detailed comparison between the sharan and the touran. Update 15.10.2020: the diesel version of the sharan is now being phased out. As an alternative, the sharan is now only available with a gasoline engine.
VW tiguan allspace (2020)
We also took a close look at the VW tiguan allspace, as we had good experience with its predecessor – and two children. Compared to the normal tiguan 2, the allspace is slightly longer and offers the option of configuring 2 additional seats in row three when ordering the new car. Due to its slightly larger luggage compartment, the allspace may well be a candidate for families with three children. However, as with its brothers skoda kodiaq and seat tarraco, the middle seat in the 2nd row is not as comfortable as in the first row. row too narrow for three child seats. In addition, this seat, but also the two seats in row three, do not have ISOFIX. This is unfortunate, but makes for a point deduction. Consumption, long-distance capability and the all-wheel-drive option again provide plus points.
VW touareg III (2020)
The vehicle is big, but – at least inside – unfortunately not big enough. row 2 can’t fit 3 child seats next to each other. So the, from my point of view, most beautiful member of the porsche cayenne, audi Q7 and VW touraeg family, which is based on the same platform, was already eliminated from the qualification. Long-distance capability, all-wheel drive and luxury would have been a given, but the fuel consumption would have again prevented a high ranking.
VW touran II (2020)
A test with all our child seats (MAXI-COSI pebble with family fix base, MAXI-COSI 2waypearl with MAXI-COSI 2wayfix base and MAXI-COSI rodifix airprotect) showed: the seats in row 2 are minimally narrower than in the VW sharan and seat alhambra, but: they just barely fit in. Still positive: all seats in rows 2 and 3 feature ISOFIX. However, with the 3. row there is almost no trunk left. The touran is also not currently available as an all-wheel-drive vehicle. These two points, in addition to the lack of sliding doors, were deducted from the score. But: for families with three children who do not go on vacation trips, this vehicle model is perfectly adequate. For more information, please see our comparison between the VW sharan and the VW touran.
Our best car for families with 3 kids: the ranking
Based on the individual ratings and the above weighting, we have arrived at the following ranking:
| rank |
vehicle |
overall evaluation (5 very good to 0 very bad) |
| 1 |
seat alhambra** |
4.14 |
| 2 |
toyota proace verso |
4.11 |
| 3 |
VW sharan** |
4.10 |
| 4 |
mercedes-benz v-class |
3.92 |
| 5 |
peugeot traveller L2 |
3.91 |
| 6 |
VW multivan T6.1 |
3.62 |
| 7 |
ford S-max |
3.58 |
| 8 |
toyota sienna |
3.47 |
| 9 |
audi Q7 |
3.46 |
| 10 |
VW caddy |
3.19 |
| 11 |
renault espace |
3.00 |
| 12 |
BMW 2 series gran tourer |
2.96 |
| 13 |
VW touran II |
2.88 |
| 14 |
toyota prius+ |
2.87 |
| 15 |
ford tourneo connect |
2.69 |
| 16 |
dacia lodgy |
2.56 |
| 17 |
skoda tarraco |
2.54 |
| skoda kodiaq |
2.54 |
| tesla model X |
2.54 |
| 18 |
VW tiguan allspace |
2.49 |
| 18 |
VW touareg III |
2.13 |
updated ranking according to current rating in family car advisor (09.09.2020)
* no longer available for order in the EU or switzerland.
** no longer available as diesel.
Conclusion
So the race for the car for families with 3 children in 2018 made the seat alhambra. Not included in the ranking, but still worth mentioning: the alhambra has plenty of storage space for the kids, a decent navigation system and assistance systems that take the strain off the driver and front passenger. We were also impressed by the two integrated child seats, which our children (currently 5 and 7 years old) love to use. And in between there is still plenty of space for the third large child seat including ISOFIX base of our youngest (2 years).
Due to the lower total price compared to the identical VW sharan, we chose the alhambra. Which additional equipment is useful in our opinion, which accessories you should always have with you, as well as an overview of the most important consumption and wear items we have summarized in further articles. How long the sharan and alhambra will continue to be built and whether there are possible successors in the VW group, read our article on the future of the seat alhambra and VW sharan.
Update 20.11.2020: due to the fact that the VW sharan and SEAT alhambra are no longer available with a diesel engine, the attractiveness of these vehicles decreases significantly from our point of view. For this reason we would buy today one of the last diesel engine cars in stock. Alternatively, it is also always worth taking a look at the other vehicles mentioned above.
Our weighting of the criteria does not correspond to your expectations? Then simply make your own comparison: with our family car advisor: in three steps to your individual recommendation. Our family car advisor is constantly updated and now also contains more vehicles than considered on this page.
You might also be interested in our readers’ top 20 best family cars of 2020? Then read more about this in the report about our search for it. In 2021 we are again looking for the best family car. Read more in our contribution to the best family car 2021.
Is this also your order of preference for the best car for families with 3 children??
Please write us a comment, what you think about our evaluation.
Disclaimer: as always, we have put a lot of effort into compiling this article. However, we assume no liability for the correctness, especially because the features and prices of the vehicles can change at any time.
First release: 23.06.2019
last update: 25.07.2021
47 comments
We are also expecting our third child soon. Good to know that you already started the market analysis in 2016 and realized that it is not so easy to find the perfect car with 3 small kids. I think that for us, however, only a used car from the car dealer comes into question.
I also find it a pity that the current ford galaxy was not listed. I drove a seat alhambra from 2013 to 2019 until it started to rust, unfortunately. 2019 we bought a ford galaxy with titanium equipment as a demonstration car.
Compared to the seat, the ford is much quieter, not worse in workmanship, lower consumption and sleeker in shape. And the missing sliding doors we do not need more. So do not forget the ford galaxy! Greetings.
Thanks for your comment. It is correct that the ford galaxy was not included in this article. But in the meantime there is an updated article "which is the best car for families with 3 kids in 2021"?"which of course includes the ford galaxy. Also in the family car advisor is the ford galaxy included.
Thank you for the helpful contribution. We came to the same decision and went for the alhambra
We drive the seat tarraco and are glad that we only leased it and not bought it. We have only 2 children, but the problem is the height of the entrance. our daughter is 5 years old and even now i sometimes have to lift her into the car – no fun. This is the problem with all SUVs. You should be aware of this, especially with small children.
Would be in the seat taracco a third person in the second row between two child seats can sit?
Thank you for the detailed evaluation of the different vehicles.
But I can not quite understand everything.
For 12 years we are also five and then we were also faced with the choice.
Since then we drive VW touran (meanwhile the second) and with it also in the vacation. Since we don’t need a stroller anymore, the space under the trunk cover is enough for all the luggage for the two-week vacation.
However, it is correct that when the 3 is unfolded. Seat row actually hardly more space in the trunk is available. For vacation trips as a family we need the 3. but not a row of seats.
But now there are more and more signs that VW will not continue with the touran. And the issue of emobility is of course another one. For 5-person families to find a suitable car currently seems to represent a quadrature of the circle. Either it will be a giant ship (well over 2m wide), unaffordable, too narrow in the 2. The car is not very comfortable to sit in, has insufficient range or is simply unattractive … or more of these at the same time.
Thank you for the detailed comment.
When the kids get older, so you can save so maches luggage such as travel bed, stroller / baby carriage or but the high chair. And so with larger children then also the touran can suffice. In the sharan resp. alhambra there is still room for two scooters/trottinetts and the running wheel.
In the market of electric vehicles for families with three children there is indeed not much choice yet. We also have so far only three models of tesla, nissan and VW) included in our family car advisor. More gives the market currently not yet. The tesla model X is still doing quite well in comparison – but it is also quite expensive.
Thank you for the detailed report. We also have 3 children, who are now 8, 10 and 12 years old. When we realized 8 years ago with horror that our big opel insignia was not suitable for 3 kids (then 0, 2 and 4.5) we decided for the opel zafira tourer.
So far we are still satisfied, although the middle seat is no isofix and somewhat narrower, it still goes. Now that we only need a child seat and a booster seat, you realize that it is sometimes tight. We have therefore rented a ford tourneo for longer trips or drive in stages.
Since our car now has 9 years, we will certainly change it in the next few years. Therefore, we are now looking a bit to decide in peace which car for our family comes into question. One thing we have ruled out in any case: this is the new zafira life, on the basis of peugeot. It is too much of a van than a family car for us. It is not urgent, so we still look around.
Thanks for the feedback. If you – like you – already have somewhat larger children and thus only need booster seats, the choice of family cars becomes somewhat larger again. Nevertheless, unfortunately, most – even large – vehicles have only a narrow middle seat, which is not really optimal for longer trips. The choice of vans, which often had three seats of the same size in row 2, is unfortunately steadily decreasing. By the way, our next article, which will be published next sunday, will deal with possible alternatives to the van.
Great article, thank you very much. The decision was easier for us.
We have also looked at the multivan T6.1 looked at, we noticed that the 3 seat bench only 2 isofix (on the outer seats) has and not 3, as described in the article. According to the seller there is also no option for 3 isofix side by side.
Hello!
Thanks for the compliment and 1000 thanks for the info on the multivan! Here is where the caravelle differs from the multivan.
Hello,
thank you for the detailed listing! This has helped us a lot. Have you ever thought about including the safety of cars as a criterion? The models listed have clearly different results in the NCAP crash test in terms of adult/child safety.
P.S.: we have, with the help of your advisor, by the way, decided for the peugeot traveller.
Hello janis,
thank you for the great feedback. Yes, the issue of safety is of course very close to our hearts and we will take that into account even more. NCAP is not possible. The test coverage regarding. The relevant model is not high enough.
Hello,
thanks for the great write up. We are also just before the problem: large dog should have space, three child seats and on vacation still luggage. If I have seen it correctly, the ford galaxy is missing on the list. The is very similar to the sharan and the alhambra.
What do you say about the galaxy?
Greetings from the far north
True, the ford galaxy was indeed also in the selection, in our search for the family car. In the meantime we have also included it in our family car advisor.
We are since 4 years enthusiastic about our seat alhambra in which we can master all vacation trips with 3 children. Since we also drive the kids regularly to their sporting events, the two seats are in the 3. series always very requested and appreciated.
Now it is to be replaced by a new family car (company car) and we wanted to replace it with a new alhambra/sharan. The offer in leasing, however, was significantly limited (little choice in engines and accessories -> z.B. 7 seater with parking heater and panorama sunroof is not available anymore).
Our children are now out of the child seat age (11,14,16). So now thought to test the usual SUV suspects on their family suitability and are VW tiguan (with all relatives of seat and skoda), BMW (X3), peueot 5008 test driven. The disillusionment was great, because if there were additional seats then they were only usable for midgets and the middle seats in the 2nd row. Row we have experienced as you describe it too.
Then we took a look at mercedes. They promptly recommended the new GLB to us and we are it (7 seater)!) test driven. The result is still a compromise, but the two seats in row 3 are for people up to approx. 1.70 m compared to the offer of the other above quite usable. The interior can not compare with the alhambra but is also on the back seats of the tiguan family absolutely equal. The trunk is quite decent (the GLB is a good 15 cm shorter than the alhambra; that can not be hidden) and as a total package with compromises it should definitely be included in your selection.
Well equipped it is just above the level of a VW sharan with similar equipment. Technically it is of course up to date. We have chosen this one and recommend all families with 3 children to consider it in any case.
With best regards from the south of germany
Thank you for the detailed comment on the choice of the new vehicle.
You have made us curious. We will look at the GLB and then include it in our family car advisor.
Update: in the meantime we have added the mercedes GLB to our family car advisor.
The middle seat in the 2. row of seats is not so wide, but a little better than in tiguan& co. But it is too narrow for a third child seat in the middle. Then there is stress with the seatbelt buckles.
The two additional seats in the 3. Seat row have however both ISOFIX fastenings. (in the family car advisor you noted that they would be missing).
Thank you very much for the advice. ISOFIX in the 3. row of seats. We have now corrected this.
Hello,
great overview. By the way, the peugeot rifter is based on the platform of a smaller car and can therefore be z.B. Only 1.050t pull. A complete exclusion criterion if you want to tow a caravan.
Would be worth mentioning the peugeot 5008?
Thanks for the compliment.
yes, the peugeot 5008 is also on our radar. We will therefore consider the 5008 in the near future also in our family car advisor.
Update: in the meantime the peugeot 5008 is included in our family car advisor.
Class overview! We have an old alhambra and want to buy a new car.
tendency goes back to the alhambra. An alternative is the ford galaxy which is technically newer but unfortunately has no sliding door. But there should be the galaxy and S-max from 2021 with hybrid.
Hello,
we were faced with the same dilemma. We had a 2 series gran tourer and were very happy with the car, however it was always like a "too tight suit". Sharan / alhambra was ideal in terms of price-performance for three children (3,5,7), but due to the foreseeable cessation of production, the model age and the resulting risk of residual value also economically no longer an option.
T6/V-class are great for personal transport, but in the end the trunk volume is officially big but also limited, because you would have to pack everything into the height, which is of course unrealistic. With a roof box or a trailer in such a big car I would also feel strange on the trip to the summer or winter vacations. finally it became a volvo XC90 – a fantastic family car with booster seat in the middle for the big one and two isofix seats on the sides for the little ones. Space without end, very comfortable travel and pretty much one of the highest measures of safety at present.
In size and width all comparison candidates do not take each other much – 5cm more or less – it is tight with all in downtown parking garages. Price-wise the XC90 is already rather between upper middle to premium class settled, however one must also say that z.B. T6/ V-class are just as expensive and a very well equipped sharan is also no longer far away from a more simply equipped XC90. But in return you drive a completely different class of car.
This simply as a thought process for our decision. Maybe it will help someone to make a decision.
Hello marcus,
thanks for the detailed report on the purchase decision.
The XC90 we had as a family car for 3 children so far really not on the radar. But the comment made us curious and so we took a look at it. The integrated child seat in the middle rear seat (2. seat row) from 15kg or. 97cm body height is of course a great way to fit three kids in row 2. The narrower middle seat would otherwise not offer enough space for a third child seat.
We have now also included the volvo XC90 directly in our new family car advisor.
Hello,
great article! The research has certainly taken some time& thanks for that! Also the equipment notes are super helpful!
We also had the alhambra or sharan in mind, but are unsure if we really want to buy a car that is technically on the state of 2010. Very sad that VW and seat seem to think that vans are no longer in demand. Many families are probably like us waiting for a new model.
The skoda kodiaq is now our current favorite, although I will miss the sliding doors already.
I am a big fan of the VW tiguan as it is a bigger car but still quite fuel efficient. We are looking for the right car for our family. I think we will visit a VW car dealer.
Hello,
very good article! We have decided four years ago for the similar reasons: three children (0-3-6 years), long-distance suitability, driving comfort for the S-max (front-wheel drive). The sliding doors were not so important to us, and since I travel alone with it a lot for work, the S-max doesn’t look quite so big. However, I was and am due to company vehicle bound to a price ceiling.
Now we are again on the search and it is a re-evaluation pending. The children are now 10, 7 and 4 years old. The big one doesn’t need a child seat/booster anymore. The criterion towing vehicle (caravan, horse trailer …) has risen in priority.
So far we have the S-max (4×4) on the list again and the kodiaq (4×4).The kodiaq is convincing in terms of trailer suitability, the S-max because of the space in the back. We have a kodiaq on test next week. Then we will test how the three of them get along in the back seat.
Thanks for the positive feedback.
As soon as only two child seats or. If you need a booster seat, you are a bit more flexible in your choice of family vehicle. I assume that in your case then only a child seat for the four year old child and a booster seat for the seven year old child will be used.
Thank you very much for this detailed report.
Which touareg model did you test?? I ask because I have seen myself once in the current model that a maxi-cosi baby seat (pebbles) and two real child seats (cybex M…) on the second row have found place. You write that no three child seats fit in the second row. Or have I misunderstood something?
And then another question: have you looked at the VW tiguan??
Best regards and thank you very much
Thank you for the compliment.
In the touareg we looked at the 2018 model. The middle seat is there narrower than the two outer seats. In addition, there are no isofix mounts in the middle. However, the latter was decisive for us. I assume that one of the cybex M-seats or the infant carrier was only attached by belt.
The current tiguan we have of course also looked at, because we drove the tiguan I facelift until then. Even with the current model isofix is missing in the middle of the 2. Row. Also the width of the middle seat is too narrow for a 3. Child seat. With a booster seat, a child – for short distances – just about fits in between. But it is not comfortable.
Have they not considered the latest models of French brands from 2019?
Peugeot rifter L2
citroen berlingo XL
opel combo
what do you think about you?
Thanks for the advice. We did not consider these three sibling models, because they came on the market too late for our selection. But we will update this article again and again and so these three cars will surely be considered soon. Spontaneous impression: of course, the sliding doors are a nice touch. Everything else has to be looked at on the real vehicle.
Exactly the same decision we made. With 3 children it is not easy to find a suitable vehicle. We also had the S-max in mind, but we said to ourselves, if we are going to buy a new, big car, then please buy one with sliding doors.
