When you’re planning a trip, the bigger the group, the more complex it can be to find the right hire car. The best car is not only the one with enough seats; it also needs enough room for luggage, comfort for passengers, and to suit the journey ahead.
If you’re considering a 7 seater car hire for a family road trip, the Toyota Kluger hybrid offers the flexibility to carry more passengers when you need it. Read on to see how that space can suit your plans and help you decide when a 7-seater is the best choice for your trip.
Do you need a 7-seater, or just more boot space?
A 7 seater vehicle makes the most sense to hire when you’re travelling with 6 or 7 people, or if 5 passengers need extra space for bulky gear. If you’re travelling with 4 adults and suitcases, a mid-sized SUV should offer the space you need without extra seating.
Before booking your hire car, consider how many seats you’ll actually need and how much luggage you’re bringing. For a family of 6, a 7-seater is the obvious choice to have everyone under the same roof. A family of 5 might not need the extra seats every day, but having them gives you the flexibility to bring friends and family along when needed.
Another thing to think about is luggage. If you don’t need all 7 seats, the 3rd row of chairs can be folded down to offer more space for suitcases, a pram, sports equipment, and other bulky items.
What fits in a Toyota Kluger Hybrid
The Toyota Kluger Hybrid boot space is flexible, with more room for luggage and bulky items when the rear seats are folded down. But what fits in a 7 seater boot?
* What you can fit inside the Toyota Kluger will depend on the size and shape of your luggage and other items. These examples should be used as a general guide only.
With all 7 seats in use, cargo space is limited, so a group travelling with luggage may need to pack strategically. Soft bags may be easier to fit in the available space rather than a large hard-shell suitcase.
For a group of 5 people, folding the 3rd row offers more boot space and flexibility for luggage, a pram, or other bulky items. Explore the Toyota Kluger Hybrid 7 Seater to learn more about its seating, features and current KINTO pricing.
Is the third row big enough for adults?
While the 3rd row of the Toyota Kluger can accommodate adults, it is generally better suited to children, shorter passengers or adults travelling short distances. For a longer drive, adults may be more comfortable in the 1st or 2nd row where there is more room to stretch out.
Getting in and out of the 3rd row takes more effort than accessing other seats, so it may not suit some passengers. In the Toyota Kluger, the middle row can slide up to 180mm, offering adjustable space between the middle and last row [1].
How comfortable the 3rd row feels will depend on your passengers and the length of the journey, so it’s worth considering who will use those seats before you book.
Child seats, prams and the school run
For families with young children, choosing a car is about more than having enough seats. Other things you’ll likely consider are child restraints, easy access to each row and how much space you’ll have for everyday essentials.
The Toyota Kluger has 3 child restraint anchorage points, making it a practical choice when looking for the best car for a family of 6 in Australia. If you need to fit 3 child seats across the middle row, they should fit comfortably; however, it depends on the size of the seats and the type of restraints used, so it is best to check compatibility before you book.
Also consider all the extras you need when travelling with kids. A pram, school bags and sports equipment can quickly take up the boot space. If you’re using all 7 seats, consider the size of your pram and other bulky items you’ll be travelling with before booking. When you're using fewer seats, folding the 3rd row can give you more flexibility for cargo.
When a 7 seater is the wrong choice
Having a vehicle with more space isn’t always necessary. If you’re travelling with 4 or 5 people and don’t need the last row of seats, a smaller SUV may be easier to manoeuvre around city streets and fit into tighter parking spaces.
Instead of comparing a 7 seater vs people mover, consider how many passengers and how much luggage you’ll actually need to transport. KINTO offers a range of smaller options for hybrid SUV hire, including the Toyota RAV4, a 5-seat, mid-sized SUV with generous boot space, or the Toyota Corolla Cross, for those who want the practicality of an SUV in a more compact vehicle.
If you won’t regularly use all 7 seats, choosing a vehicle that matches your passengers and luggage may make more sense.
Road trips where the extra seats pay off
A 7-seater vehicle can really come in handy for group road trips, whether you’re heading away with family, travelling with friends or setting off on a longer interstate drive. On a road trip, the journey is a big part of the experience, so having enough space for everyone to travel together comfortably can make a long drive more enjoyable.
Longer drives can also be easier when you can share time behind the wheel. With KINTO, any active approved KINTO member can drive during the booking at no additional cost. So you can take turns on the road throughout your trip. Fuel is also included in each KINTO booking, so you won't need to pay for fuel separately during your road trip[2] . Learn more about how fuel works with KINTO car hire.
Safety during a long drive is important. The Toyota Kluger includes Toyota Safety Sense, with features to assist safe driving such as Lane Trace Assist, Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS), parking sensors and cruise control.
Planning your own trip with a large group? See how one family of 7 put the Kluger to the test on their road trip with KINTO.
Hiring a Toyota Kluger Hybrid with KINTO
KINTO vehicles are available at many locations across Australia, and approved members can book an available Toyota Kluger Hybrid through the KINTO app. Fuel, insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance are included with each KINTO booking[2] , keeping hire simple once you’re on the road.
Before booking, you can learn more about car hire insurance with KINTO and check the Fees and charges for further information.
Ready to find a Kluger for your next trip? Explore the Toyota Kluger Hybrid 7 Seater or check availability and pricing for your dates.
How many suitcases fit in a 7-seater with all seats up?
The Toyota Kluger has 241L of boot space with all 7 seats in use. With this amount of boot space, you may be able to fit 1 large suitcase, or 2 smaller suitcases, or 1 large suitcase and a few soft bags depending on their size.
Can three child seats fit across the second row?
The Toyota Kluger has tether anchorage points for 3 child seats across the middle row. While 3 child seats can technically fit, it will depend on the size and restraints used.
Is the third row suitable for adults?
The 3rd row of the Toyota Kluger is best suited to smaller adults and older teenagers. While adults can fit in the 3rd row, legroom and space are limited, so it may be most comfortable on shorter journeys.
Do you need a special licence to drive a 7 seater in Australia?
No, you don’t typically need a special licence to drive a 7-seat vehicle. In Victoria, a standard car licence covers vehicles seating up to 12 adults including the driver. Check your state or territory’s transport authority for local requirements.
Is a 7 seater harder to park?
As a 7-seater vehicle is generally larger than an SUV or hatchback, you might need time to adjust when parking. The Toyota Kluger has parking sensors and a reversing camera to help guide you when manoeuvring the car into a space.
[1 https://www.toyota.com.au/kluger
[2] Fuel card may not be available to Members under a Corporate Agreement. Please check with your employer for more information. Any tolls or infringements not included. Insurance excess fees apply.
