What seven-seat SUV should I buy?

The dilemma

Justin is keen to replace his Holden Commodore wagon with a seven-seat SUV ? he likes the idea of extra seating flexibility for his growing family and a car well suited to their regular road trips. His dream option is a Range Rover but something like Toyota's Kluger is a more realistic fit with his budget.

However, the latter doesn't have the diesel engine he's looking for.

The budget

$60,000 to $80,000

The shortlist

First things first, the Range Rover is a five-seater, so it's not going to work for Justin, even if it were a realistic option at this budget.

The Rangie, however, does have a more affordable seven-seat sibling of sorts that delivers much of its class and has the same kind of off-road abilities that allow it to double as a day-to-day family hauler and weekend adventurer.

More affordable doesn't mean great value, though, and there's an alternative that offers similar dual-purpose abilities without being so much of a drain on the wallet.

Or maybe Justin has no plans for serious off-road work, in which case a light-duty SUV like the Kluger ? or our diesel-powered recommendation ? would make a lot of sense.

Ford Everest, from $54,990 (plus on-road costs)

This Ford isn't without the odd silly niggle (it lacks steering reach adjustment, for example) and is noticeably more expensive than the conceptually similar Holden Colorado 7, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Challenger.

But its gutsy diesel drivetrain, well thought-out seven-seat cabin, heavy-duty off-road abilities, 3000kg maximum towing capacity and surprisingly refined on-road character add up to a more rounded package than those cars, and Toyota's Fortuner as well.

It's better value than a Discovery ? mid-range Trend models undercut the cheapest Land Rover while throwing in toys that are optional for the British car (reversing camera, active cruise control, lane-departure warnings, lane-keeping aid); the topline Titanium adds sat-nav, panoramic roof, power-folding third-row seats and automated parking without breaking the $80k budget.

Ford also offers the peace-of-mind of a lifetime capped-price servicing regime where Land Rover has none.

Read Drive's Ford Everest reviews: Ford Everest first drive, 2015 Drive Car of the Year: Best 4WD.

Kia Sorento Platinum diesel, from $55,990 (plus on-road costs)

This Kia's light-duty 4WD leanings mean it won't go as far off the beaten track as an Everest or Discovery, and its 2000kg maximum towing capacity is this group's most feeble.

But it's also this group's most economical contender and the most car-like to drive. It's a strong performer and the seven-seat cabin mixes family-friendly space and versatility with a surprisingly upmarket ambience.

This topline model has everything from sat-nav, heated/cooled seats and heated steering wheel to active cruise control yet costs just $1000 more than an entry-level Everest.

Kia also throws in a market-leading warranty (seven years/unlimited km versus three years/100,000km) and caps service costs for seven years/105,000km as well.

Read Drive's Kia Sorento reviews: Kia Sorento SLi CRDi road test , 2015 Drive Car of the Year: Best family SUV.

Land Rover Discovery 4, from $68,940 (plus on-road costs)

A new entry-level TDV6 version of this Land Rover just squeezes into this budget range, even after forking out $2700 the final-row seating option.

It goes some way to justifying this group's highest starting price with its roomy, flexible cabin and impressive off-road abilities. Its 3500kg towing capacity is this group's best.

But the Land Rover is the oldest design here and showing its age in some respects ? it's heavy, this group's wooden-spooner for economy and can feel somewhat clumsy and ponderous on the road.

If you want toys such as sat-nav, reversing camera or the latest safety electronica you need to play the options game, or target used examples of better equipped SE and HSE models.

The latter will demand some level of warranty sacrifice, and Land Rover doesn't do capped-price servicing.

Read Drive's Land Rover Discovery reviews: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Land Rover Discovery 4 head to head, Land Rover Discovery 4 vs Toyota Prado head to head.

Drive recommends

The Land Rover isn't without its enticements but you need to pay for the privilege, both up front and on an ongoing basis, and settle for less than its rivals in some respects.

The Ford doesn't have it over the Disco in every way but matches or betters it across many key fields. That it does so for less money while serving up more ownership security makes it a good choice for those who must have a family hauler that can cut the off-road and towing mustard.

But that's not a scenario that applies to the majority of buyers. So the Kia ? the cheapest car here and, heavy-duty shortcomings aside, is the best ? and the one we'd be recommending first.