There are many three-row vehicles in the local market. However, most of those only offer 7 seats. What if you need an extra one? We help you choose an 8-seat MPV.
South Africa’s true 8-seater choices are relatively few, but there are now three credible options that tick the right boxes for family duty, airport shuttles or business use.
In many cases, 8-seaters also have variants with either 7, 9, or 10 seats. Going for more seats will bring you a choice of a few other brands as well. Seven-seaters are plentiful but not necessary, as they are comfortable for adults in smaller vehicles with a 5+2 layout.
We’ve chosen three 8-seaters that will keep adults comfortable and stylish over even long-distance travels.
Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival in EX 8-seater form is the most car-like of the group, blending MPV space with SUV style. Kia’s own price list clearly shows the Carnival 2.2 CRDi EX AT eight-seater at just over R1 million, with the step-up SXL specified as a seven-seater. Therefore, the EX is the one to choose if you need eight seats.
Power comes from a 2.2-litre turbodiesel paired to an automatic transmission. The EX is an 8-seat configuration in the range with a 2/3/3 layout. This provides generous legroom in the second and third rows, and the sliding doors add welcome ease of access in tight parking spaces.
For families and premium shuttle operators, the combination of a refined drivetrain, a proper adult-friendly third row. A full suite of infotainment and safety conveniences is a strong drawcard, with typically intuitive and excellent device syncing and cabin UX, as you’d expect from a Korean auto company product.
Ford Tourneo Custom
If you prefer a minibus-based people mover with the flexibility of track-mounted seats, the new Ford Tourneo Custom is a compelling 8-seat MPV. The Tourneo lineup in South Africa uses Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Tourneo Custom 2.0L LWB Bus Active 8AT is priced just over R1m, and the 2.0L LWB Bus Trend 8AT is slightly more expensive. Moving up to the SWB Bus Sport and Titanium X derivatives retains the 8-seat layout.
The Tourneo’s sliding side doors, configurable second row that can face forward or conference-style, and a flat load floor when the rows are adjusted make it a standout for mixed family and business use.
Volkswagen Kombi
Volkswagen’s long-running Kombi nameplate is another authentic 8-seater and remains a favourite with large families and professional shuttle services.
The Kombi 2.0 TDI 125 kW 4×2 Life Auto SWB 8-seater is just over R1m, the Edition Auto SWB 8-seater is even more expensive and the 4Motion Style Auto SWB 8-seater prices around R1 301 400.
Volkswagen’s Kombi pairs robust diesel drivetrains with practical trim levels and the expected VW safety and infotainment stack, with the Life and Edition specs targeting families and businesses that want a balance of durability and comfort.
8-Seat MPV conclusions
Choosing among these three comes down to the kind of 8-seat MPV you need. The Kia Carnival EX is ideal for those seeking a quiet, car-like driving experience, complete with sliding doors and a premium cabin feel, all at a keen price for the spec.
The Ford Tourneo Custom appeals if you need the outright flexibility of track-based seating and the polish of a modern minibus platform with a published South African price ladder that covers several trims and both short and long wheelbase bodies. The Volkswagen Kombi remains the icon of this segment, with the benefit of 4Motion traction for those rainy days and dirt road journeys.
