Traveling in Dubai with a larger group is far more enjoyable when everyone can ride together in comfort. A 7-passenger rental car lets you accommodate family or friends along with luggage, all in one vehicle. Dubai’s wide highways, desert trails, and city streets call for a ride that offers ample space and relief from the heat. From rugged SUVs built for off-road adventures to plush minivans designed for families, the choices are plenty. In this article, we highlight the best 7-seater rental cars that promise a spacious cabin and a comfortable journey, ensuring you travel around Dubai in style and ease.
Toyota Land Cruiser: Luxury Off-Road Comfort for Seven
The Toyota Land Cruiser is an iconic 7-seater SUV in the UAE, revered for its blend of luxury and all-terrain prowess. As a full-size SUV, it boasts a cavernous interior and robust build quality. Passengers enjoy a smooth ride thanks to advanced suspension tuning, even when venturing into the desert. Key highlights of the Land Cruiser include:
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Spacious Cabin: Generous headroom and legroom in the first two rows, with a third row suitable for occasional use.
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Climate Comfort: Powerful multi-zone air conditioning keeps all passengers cool in Dubai’s heat.
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Premium Features: High-end trims offer leather seating, infotainment screens, and advanced safety aids, adding to ride comfort.
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Off-Road Ready: Legendary 4×4 capability and ground clearance ensure a stable, comfortable journey on highways or dunes.
While the third row is somewhat tight for adults, the Land Cruiser remains a popular choice for those seeking space and luxury. It’s a top pick for exploring everything from city sights to rugged landscapes in comfort. Note: As a premium SUV, rental rates are higher, but the experience is unparalleled.
Nissan Patrol: Spacious and Powerful SUV for Group Adventures
The Nissan Patrol is another UAE favorite, known for its reliability and expansive interior. This full-size 7-passenger SUV comes equipped with a powerful V8 engine and is built to tackle long road trips or desert drives with ease. It combines performance with comfort, making it ideal for group adventures. Consider these features of the Patrol:
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Roomy Interior: A wide body design grants ample shoulder space, and its three rows can accommodate adults (though the third row is best for moderate distances).
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Smooth Ride: Refined suspension and plush seating provide comfort even on uneven terrain.
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Modern Amenities: Dual-zone or tri-zone climate control, premium audio, and rear entertainment options enhance passenger comfort.
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Durability: Renowned for durability, the Patrol handles high mileage and tough conditions, keeping journeys hassle-free.
Whether cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road or heading to the mountains of Jebel Jais, the Nissan Patrol offers a spacious cabin and confident performance. Passengers will appreciate the commanding view and soft ride, making every trip comfortable and enjoyable.
Mitsubishi Pajero: Rugged SUV with Family-Friendly Space
The Mitsubishi Pajero has long been an icon in the UAE, blending rugged capability with a family-friendly design. This 7-seater SUV earned a legendary status through decades of reliable performance in tough conditions. It’s an excellent rental choice for those who want off-road potential without sacrificing passenger comfort. Key aspects of the Pajero include:
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Spacious Interior: A boxy design provides good headroom and legroom in the first two rows, and a third row that can seat children or smaller adults comfortably.
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Strong Air Conditioning: Designed for Middle Eastern climates, the Pajero’s A/C system keeps the cabin cool during hot Dubai days.
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Comfortable Seating: Supportive seats and a high ride height give a commanding, comfortable ride, especially appreciated on longer trips.
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Off-Road Heritage: Known for its off-road capabilities (4WD modes and high ground clearance), it ensures a smooth journey even on desert tracks.
While the Pajero’s interior design is older and simpler than newer SUVs, it remains easy to maintain and robust. For travelers wanting a proven, spacious SUV that can handle both city roads and sand dunes, the Pajero is a reliable and comfortable option.
Ford Explorer: Modern Comfort and Technology for Seven Passengers
The Ford Explorer is a popular midsize SUV rental that excels in comfort and technology for up to 7 passengers. With a car-like unibody design, the Explorer offers a smoother ride on pavement than truck-based SUVs. Families and groups choose the Explorer for its spacious and comfortable cabin loaded with features. Notable benefits of renting a Ford Explorer include:
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Comfortable Cabin: Three rows of seating with well-cushioned seats; adults can fit in the third row for shorter trips, and second-row occupants enjoy ample legroom.
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Advanced Technology: An intuitive infotainment system, multiple USB charging ports, and driver-assist safety features enhance convenience and safety.
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Refined Ride: Independent suspension provides a smooth, quiet ride on highways — perfect for road trips to Abu Dhabi or exploring Dubai’s cityscapes.
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Flexible Cargo Space: Seats fold flat to create a large cargo area when needed, allowing both passenger and luggage space as required.
The Ford Explorer strikes a balance between size and maneuverability. It’s easy to drive in urban areas and stable at highway speeds. With its modern comforts and roomy interior, the Explorer ensures that all passengers have an enjoyable journey, whether you’re touring city attractions or heading out on a family excursion.
Kia Carnival: Family Minivan Offering Maximum Space and Comfort
The Kia Carnival (also known as Kia Sedona in some markets) is a standout choice for those who prioritize interior space and passenger comfort. As a true minivan, it is designed to transport seven (or even eight) people in a relaxed manner. The Carnival offers plenty of space for families and a variety of convenience and safety features that make every trip pleasant. Here’s why the Carnival shines:
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Exceptional Space: The Carnival provides generous legroom in all three rows, and even adults will find the third row comfortable on long journeys.
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Convenience Features: Power sliding doors and a low step-in height make entry/exit easy for all ages. Multiple cup holders, storage cubbies, and reclining seats add to passenger comfort.
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Smooth Ride: A car-like suspension and sound-insulated cabin ensure a quiet, smooth ride on Dubai’s roads.
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Massive Cargo Capacity: Even with all 7–8 seats in use, the Carnival’s deep cargo well accommodates plenty of luggage. Fold the third row (and second row if needed) to create a huge cargo area, perfect for airport runs or shopping trips.
With its sleek exterior design and upscale interior touches, the Kia Carnival doesn’t look or feel like an old-fashioned van. It’s often considered the ultimate people-mover for a spacious and comfortable journey — ideal for large families, group tourists, or anyone needing maximum comfort on the road.
Space & Comfort Comparison of Top 7-Seater Rental Cars
To help you choose the right vehicle, the table below compares key space and comfort features of the five top 7-passenger rentals discussed above. It highlights seating capacity as well as third-row comfort and cargo space, which are crucial for traveling with a full load of passengers and luggage:
| Model | Seating Capacity | Third-Row Comfort | Cargo Space (with all seats up) |
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| Toyota Land Cruiser | 7 seats (3 rows) | Moderate – suitable for kids or short adult trips (tight legroom) | Limited (~250 L) – enough for a few small bags due to the folded seats design |
| Nissan Patrol | 7 seats (3 rows) | Moderate – slightly improved space but knees-up for adults | Moderate (~467 L) – decent luggage room for an SUV, fits several suitcases |
| Mitsubishi Pajero | 7 seats (3 rows) | Limited – best for children, short bench style seats | Limited (~235 L) – minimal cargo room with third row in use |
| Ford Explorer | 7 seats (3 rows) | Good – adult-friendly for moderate distances | Moderate (~515 L) – good cargo space for a midsize SUV |
| Kia Carnival | 7–8 seats (3 rows) | Excellent – adult-comfortable even on long rides | Large (~900 L) – ample trunk space, thanks to deep minivan cargo well |
Choosing Your Ideal 7-Seater for a Comfortable Dubai Journey
In conclusion, renting a 7-passenger vehicle in Dubai is the perfect way to ensure a spacious and comfortable journey for your whole group. Each of the models highlighted above offers unique advantages. If you value rugged off-road ability and prestige, the Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol will serve you well with their proven performance and roomy cabins. For a balance of city-friendly handling and comfort, the Ford Explorer provides modern amenities and a smooth ride. Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Pajero appeals to those seeking reliable, no-nonsense utility with ample space. And for the maximum in passenger comfort and cargo capacity, the Kia Carnival stands out as a family favorite. By considering the space, comfort features, and typical use of each vehicle, you can select the best 7-seater rental to suit your travel plans. Whichever you choose, you’ll be set to explore Dubai and beyond with everyone on board enjoying the ride.