Hi Brendan,

If you actually need seven seats, and need to put real people in them, then I’d say forget SUVs and turn that budget instead towards a Ford S-Max, which is more roomy, nicer to drive and cheaper to run than the Santa Fe. If you’re sold on SUVs, then the Kia Sorento is also worth a look (although if you can stretch the budget, trade up to the smoother, quieter current-shape model) and it’s worth looking at a current shape Nissan X-Trail too.