My ratty old C-max is on its last legs and my wife has decreed we need a 7-seat car to replace it so we can give lifts to grandparents, random kids etc. Having looked at whats available, we’re down to an X-Trail or a S-Max.
Friends have an S-Max so we know what it’s like, but she likes the idea of an SUV (and secretly, so do I). But we can’t find any evidence of the size of the X-Trail boot with or without the extra seats up. Anyone got one who can advise if it’s as piddly and useless as I fear? Any photos?

Cheers.

Smax looks bigger but x trail seems decent.

http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/nissan/xtrail/suv/practicality

http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/ford/smax/mpv/practicality

looked last year – the boot length is bigger/deeper than the old x-trail but unless kids are say 8 or under and aren’t going to grow much during your ownership then its not a very practical 7 seater – rest of spec is good, sorry no pics

wifes colleague has one, rear seats not very big. 1.6 engine isn’t big enough for the car.

Funny you should ask, I have an s-max but thinking about changing for an x-trail.

s-max is a great car, I really can’t fault it. It drives well, takes loads of stuff, rear row of seats are very usable for kids. We have never put adults in them but they would be fine for short journeys. Never had any trouble with the s-max, it is my second one but now just fancy a change.

x-trail is on my list, so will be good to hear what others think.

A mate has one.

Makes an okay 5 seater with an okay boot but not massive. Rear seats are small children only and make the boot pointless.

I also echo the above, it’s a big motor for a 1.6 diesel, they should have left the Qashqai at 1.6 and given the xtrail the option of 2.2 for the people towing.

I had one as a hire car in the US recently. I’d say it’s a 5+2, not a proper 7 seater (I have a XC90, which is)

Was a nice car overall. US engine, so a bit loud but ultimately gutless.

Cabin was very comfortable and efficient, nothing flash.

Interesting. I’d like an xc90 but it’s been ruled out mainly for being too big.

Do, we want a 7-seater, with useable rear seats and a decent boot, which isn’t big.

TARDIS anyone?

Elgrand…. The KING of big cars…

The problem you have is wanting a 7 seater that isn’t very big. 7 seats need space, more so if you want luggage room too

Can you compromise with a roofbox for occasional use?

Just bought a new car and it’s got 2 seats in the boot for just in case use, will only fit children though and renders the boot much less useful, but also figured it might be handy if we have to cart their friends or our friends/family around for a little jaunt

If you want 7 proper seats then Galaxy, or with luggage Caravelle, or luggage and SUV – Suburban.

I have the 7 seat carens and the extra seats fold flat so been great in an emergency. They were only 400e extra as an option and I reckon it will enhance the resale if I ever sell. Extra seats are Deffo only for kids though. Front passenger seat folds flat so u can sit in the back with your legs extended horizontal which is great for sleeping.
I looked at x trail but older model.

In the s-max the 6th and 7th seats take up spare wheel space. On this basis they don’t seem to take up boot space as such, but it does mean you don’t get either a spare wheel or even a space saver, just a tub of the tyre jizz and a pump.

Be really honest with yourself though about how often you will use the spare seats. We are a family of 5, often have friends and relatives staying and still hardly ever use the seats.

@franksinatra, the new (current) shape S-Max comes with a spare wheel.

I was looking at them over the weekend (the whole car, not just the spare wheels), it is sited in a cage under the boot floor.

I’d not buy a car without a spare wheel which was why I checked

I had an S Max and now have an X-Trail with 7 seats.

The Smax was massive inside – with the seats down it was practically a van and with the seats up the luggage room was still huge.
Not brilliant on the fuel consumption front though (unless you consider mid-30s good) – this was a 2.2 TD engine.

Anyway, had that for 4 years then got a new X-Trail. Was hoping to get another S-Max until I saw the price of the new model.
INCREDIBLE on the fuel consumption. I can get mid-50s no problem.
Interior nowhere near as big, but we manage. 3rd row of seats just as tiny as the ones in the SMax. Usable as long as you’re under 12.
With the seats up there’s boot space for a very small dog or a few packets of ciggies. Not a week’s shopping.

Lease deals on the top-of-the-range Tekna models are great, so that’s what I went for. Loads and loads of extras, 360-degree camera, satnav, heated leather seats, full-length panoramic sunroof, etc etc.
Don’t be put off by the 1.6 engine either – it’s got no problem towing a 7 berth caravan anyway.

I reckon the XTrail is the best car I’ve had so far.

Apart from the Mk2 Escort I had when I were a lad.

Cheers Jason. That’s what my wife wanted to hear!