The secret to the 5008’s success is clever disguise. For while it might be dressed up to look like an SUV, look a little closer and you’ll see its low ground clearance and boxy tail give it away as an MPV wearing an SUV costume. That’s no bad thing, because it means the 5008 is better packaged than most seven-seat SUVs, with greater space inside and a much more versatile interior. All three of its middle-row seats can be slid and folded individually, for example, while the rearmost row can be folded into the floor or removed entirely. And with Isofix connections in all three middle-row seats and enough room to fit three child seats side by side, it’s no wonder it’s become a family favourite.
It just so happens that the 5008 is rather good to drive, too. And with frugal petrol engines (including a mild hybrid option), it’s cheap to run. Also in its favour is its rather swish-looking interior, which makes you feel like you’re driving something rather more interesting than simply a big family wagon.
Price from: £36,795
Our favourite version: 5008 Hybrid 136 Allure, £40,605
Need to know: The new mild hybrid version is based on the 1.2-litre petrol that’s also available, but provides a little extra fuel economy, which makes it the one to have
And the seven-seater to avoid…
KGM Rexton
Never heard of KGM? Well, you might have heard of SsangYong, as this Korean brand used to be known. Its Rexton large off-roader is feeling rather long in the tooth, particularly since it was never the most sophisticated beast in the first place. Granted, it’s cheap, but while the Rexton’s rugged ladder-frame chassis makes it pretty handy off-road, it also makes it rather lumpen on it. With its dated infotainment, noisy engines and sloppy handling, it’s probably worth giving it a swerve – unless you absolutely must have seven seats, along with decent ability in the rough stuff, for not very much outlay.
This article has been updated with the latest information.
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