I have a big family. Which 6–7 seat SUV or minivan should I choose?

Minivan or SUV: the first decision

A minivan (MPV), like the Denza D9, Voyah Dream or BYD Xia, is built around the passengers. The second row usually has individual captain's chairs, and getting into the third row is easier. The Denza D9 is 5.25 m long and the Voyah Dream 5.32 m: lots of space, but hard to park in an apartment block courtyard.

A three-row SUV, like the LiXiang L9, BYD Tang L or Denza N9, sits higher, often has all-wheel drive and handles country roads and snow better. On the other hand, the third row is usually tighter than in a minivan of the same length.

Our simple rule: if the third row is used daily by adults or teenagers, look at minivans first. If the third row is for kids and occasional use, an SUV is enough.

Three-row models in our catalog

The table shows the number of seats, seating layout, powertrain type and lowest price in the Auto Outlet catalog as of September 23, 2026. The price includes shipping, customs and registration.

For some models, the same name covers 5-, 6- or 7-seat versions. Always check the configuration of the specific car, not of the model in general.

2+2+2 or 2+3+2: what it means for you

With 2+2+2 (LiXiang L9, Denza N9, Lynk & Co 900, Leapmotor C16), the second row has two separate captain's chairs. There is an aisle between them, so you can get to the third row without folding anything, even with child seats installed in the second row. But you lose one seat.

With 2+3+2 (BYD Tang, BYD Tang L), you get seven seats, but to reach the back you have to fold or slide a second-row seat. With two child seats installed in the second row, getting into the third row becomes awkward.

In minivans, 2+2+3 (Denza D9, Voyah Dream) puts the three-seat bench at the back, while the second row has large captain's chairs. It is the most comfortable option for second-row passengers.

The trunk stays small with all seats occupied in almost any car of this kind. For the BYD Tang L, sources give 675 liters, up to 1,960 liters with the seats folded. For the other models we found no verified figures, so measure it with the third row up, using your own luggage.

EREV or plug-in hybrid for family trips

Almost all the large three-row models in our catalog are EREVs or plug-in hybrids (PHEV). For a family that often drives to Bălți, Cahul or Romania, this takes away the worry about charging stations along the way.

In an EREV (LiXiang L8 and L9, Leapmotor C16), the wheels are always driven by the electric motors, and the gasoline engine only generates electricity. The car drives quietly and smoothly, like an electric car. In a plug-in hybrid (BYD Tang L, Denza D9, Denza N9, Lynk & Co 900), the gasoline engine can also drive the wheels directly, usually at a steady speed on the highway.

Battery size matters too. The second-generation LiXiang L9 claims 332–340 km of electric range WLTP, so it can handle a week of city driving on electricity alone, if you charge it. A Denza N9 claims 165 km. Note: the figures above are on different test cycles (CLTC, WLTP, WLTC) and cannot be compared directly. CLTC is the most optimistic.

Category B license and vehicle weight

Category B covers vehicles with no more than eight passenger seats in addition to the driver and a maximum authorized mass of no more than 3,500 kg. That is how it is defined in the European directive on driving licenses. A 6- or 7-seat SUV easily fits within the seat limit.

Weight is less obvious. Large plug-in SUVs are heavy: the Denza N9 has a curb weight of 3,130 to 3,245 kg, and the second-generation LiXiang L9 2,755 to 2,835 kg. The maximum authorized mass, meaning the car plus passengers and luggage, is higher than the curb weight.

Before you buy a very heavy model, check the maximum authorized mass in the certificate of conformity or the car's documents. For the exact rules in Moldova, check Law No. 131/2007 on road traffic safety on legis.md or ask the Public Services Agency.

Child seats and the third row

The number of ISOFIX anchors varies from model to model and sometimes from version to version. They are usually on the outer seats of the second row. In the third row they are not guaranteed.

If you have two or three kids in child seats, count the ISOFIX anchors on the specific car and try your own seats before buying. Also check whether the third-row seat belts are three-point belts and whether there are adjustable headrests.

• Two kids in child seats and a third row used often: look for 2+2+2 or a minivan.
• Three child seats: check whether three seats fit in the same row or whether there is ISOFIX in the third row too.
• Grandparents in the third row: get in and out of the third row yourself before you decide.

Examples from our catalog

• LiXiang L9EREV SUV with 6 seats in a 2+2+2 layout and a large battery: 332–340 km of electric range WLTP in the second generation. Has an aisle to the third row.
• BYD Tang LPlug-in hybrid SUV with 7 seats in a 2+3+2 layout, launched in 2025. One of the few seven-seat options with cars in stock.
• Denza D97-seat minivan, the best-selling minivan in China in 2023 and 2024. The option for anyone who uses the third row every day.
• Leapmotor C16The most affordable 6-seat EREV in the catalog, with an LFP battery. Check whether the car is the 6-seat or 5-seat version.
• Lynk & Co 900Large plug-in hybrid SUV with 6 seats; the second-row seats swivel toward the door, which helps kids get in.
• BYD TangThe cheapest 7-seat SUV in the catalog. Shorter electric range than the newer models.

Models from this guide in stock now

6–7 seat cars from the table above that we have in stock now or can bring, with the final price in Moldova: shipping, customs and registration included.

BYD Tang2025 · 1,000 km · Plug-in hybrid€26,990In stockBYD Tang L2025 · 4,000 km · Plug-in hybrid · 4x4€36,490In stockLiXiang L82025 · 15,000 km · EREV · 4x4€49,490In stockLiXiang L92024 · 27,000 km · EREV · 4x4€54,990In stock

All cars in stock

Stock changes daily. As of October 5, 2026.

FAQ

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