7 Seater for the misso - Vangaurd / X Trail

We are looking at replacing the missus' 5 seater 2007 Dualis with something else as its seen better days.
Currently thinking if we don't go for a mini van type thing like a serena/voxy etc maybe looking at another SUV. She likes the look of the T32 X trail (2014 ish) or the Vangaurd (Rav) (2010 ish), both 7 seaters.

Having owned at T31 in the past im well aware of the X Trails capabilities, how to care for the CVT etc., but also my gut tells me to just get the Toyota and not have to worry about it too much.

Any comments, alternative suggestions? im mindful of the X Trail as not everyone cares for their CVT's properly. Budget be 15k max

I prefer stuff like prados, highlander and in the van space i prefer the alphard but looking for something more economical

its not just a maintenance issue with nissan cvt, they are total crap to start with.

We got an Outlander for the wife last time, which is 5+2 seats - it's actually been quite handy plus it is the lowest roofline out of all the current offerings that's sub moonbeam $$$$ for a new one. We didn't get a 4wd or awd or whatever they are this time, as there wasn't one available (we brought during Covid and imports were hugely delayed so it was about a 6 month wait and her other car had shat the dual mass flywheel).

The 4wd version is in a similar class to the Outback, less ground clearance maybe but a lot cheaper. Apart from a few niggles which we are working through with mitsi, it's been good so far (53,000Km's since May 2021 I think).

We have a 7 seater prius alpha. Its a small 7 seater but fine for kids. Probably the most economical 7 seater on the market. Relatively cheap to buy, super reliable, very cheap to run. One of the cheaper cars to run now that electric and PHEVs all have to pay road ks (the prius doesn’t). Theres a reason every second taxi driver has one.


We also have a 7 seater diesel prado but its brutal to run compared to the prius. I think it’s literally about triple the cost per km. I would never have a big vehicle like this as my only vehicle. It only gets out if Im going camping, hunting or towing etc or I really have to for whatever reason.

Don’t touch the Xtrails, the Vanguard or Outlander would be much safer bet.

Have a ‘09 2wd Vanguard, put 150k kms on it over last 10 years. No major repairs bills yet though starting to use a little oil and struts are getting close to needing replacement. A bit asthmatic with smaller 2.5l engine but goes ok with a bit of curry. around 8.5L per 100km. Pretty hopeless on any gravel slope with any sort of load. CVT transmission feels a bit rubber band like but have pulled a few trailers around ok so far. The v6 4wd is a different animal, would have liked to get one of them but none available at the time.

Here is a wild card, how do the Prius wagon things go? These ones https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/c...ing/4858675700