5-Seater vs 7-Seater Electric Cab: Which Should You Choose?
Complete guide comparing space, cost, comfort, luggage capacity, and use cases. Make the right choice for your Pune-Mumbai journey based on passengers, budget, and needs.
Quick Decision Guide
Choose 5-Seater if:
- ✓ 1-4 passengers traveling
- ✓ Budget-conscious (saves ₹600/trip)
- ✓ Normal luggage (2-3 bags)
- ✓ Regular commutes
Choose 7-Seater if:
- ✓ 5-7 passengers traveling
- ✓ Heavy luggage or airport trip
- ✓ Want premium features (ADAS, sunroof)
- ✓ Extra comfort desired
Table of Contents
Our 5-Seater & 7-Seater Electric Vehicles
5-Seater Option
Kia Carens EV (6-seater config)
Actually seats 6 with captain seats, or 7 with bench
Key Features:
- ✓ 10.25" touchscreen
- ✓ Ventilated front seats
- ✓ Wireless charging
- ✓ Sunroof
- ✓ 6 airbags
7-Seater Option
BYD E-MAX 7
Premium 7-seater with superior space
Key Features:
- ✓ 12.8" rotating touchscreen
- ✓ Panoramic sunroof
- ✓ ADAS Level 2
- ✓ Ventilated seats (front + rear)
- ✓ 360-degree camera
Note: Both vehicles are technically 6-7 seaters. The "5-seater" vs "7-seater" terminology refers to typical booking scenarios and pricing tiers, not actual seating capacity.
Complete Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 5-Seater (Kia Carens) | 7-Seater (BYD E-MAX 7) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | |||
| Per km rate | ₹18/km | ₹22/km | Kia (cheaper) |
| Pune-Mumbai Airport (150 km) | ₹2,700 | ₹3,300 | ₹600 difference |
| Seating Capacity | |||
| Maximum passengers | 6-7 | 6-7 | Tie |
| Comfortable for 7 adults (2+ hrs) | ⚠️ Adequate | ✅ Very comfortable | BYD |
| Best configuration | 6 passengers (captain seats) | 6-7 passengers | - |
| Interior Space | |||
| Wheelbase | 2,780 mm | 2,830 mm | BYD (+50 mm) |
| Second row legroom | 1,000 mm (good) | 1,050 mm (excellent) | BYD |
| Third row comfort | Adequate (short trips) | Comfortable (long trips) | BYD |
| Luggage Capacity | |||
| Boot (all seats up) | 216 L | 235 L | BYD |
| Boot (3rd row folded) | 485 L | 650 L | BYD (+165 L) |
| Suitcases (all seats) | 2-3 medium | 3-4 medium | BYD |
| Suitcases (3rd row folded) | 4-5 large | 6-7 large | BYD |
| Premium Features | |||
| Panoramic sunroof | Single pane | ✅ Panoramic | BYD |
| ADAS (safety tech) | ❌ No | ✅ Level 2 | BYD |
| Ventilated seats | Front only | Front + Second row | BYD |
| Performance & Range | |||
| Battery capacity | 70 kWh | 71.8 kWh | BYD |
| Real-world range | 380-400 km | 450-480 km | BYD (+70 km) |
| Power | 218 HP | 230 HP | BYD |
| Overall Value | Best for budget | Best for premium | Depends on needs |
Passenger Capacity: Detailed Analysis
1-2 Passengers
With 5-Seater (Kia):
- ✓ Plenty of personal space
- ✓ Can spread luggage on seats
- ✓ More economical (₹600 savings)
- ✓ Perfect for solo/couple travel
With 7-Seater (BYD):
- • Overkill for just 1-2 people
- • Wastes money on unused space
- • Only choose if want premium features
- • Good for VIP/luxury preference
Recommendation: 5-seater unless you specifically want premium features (panoramic sunroof, ADAS) or massive boot space.
3-4 Passengers
With 5-Seater (Kia):
- ✓ Everyone sits comfortably in rows 1-2
- ✓ Good legroom and headroom
- ✓ Third row stays empty (extra storage)
- ✓ Best value for money
- ✓ Adequate boot for 3-4 medium bags
Upgrade to 7-Seater if:
- • Heavy luggage (4+ large suitcases)
- • Airport trip with lots of shopping
- • Want maximum comfort/space
- • Corporate VIP travel
- • Long journey (4+ hours)
Sweet Spot: 4 passengers is the perfect scenario for either vehicle. Choose based on budget (5-seater) vs comfort/luggage (7-seater).
5-6 Passengers
With 5-Seater (Kia):
- ✓ 6 passengers fit perfectly (captain seats)
- ✓ Comfortable for 2-3 hour journeys
- ✓ Third row: 2 adults or 3 kids
- ⚠️ Boot space limited with 6 people
- ✓ More economical option
With 7-Seater (BYD):
- ✓ More spacious third row
- ✓ Better for longer journeys
- ✓ More boot space (235L vs 216L)
- ✓ Premium comfort for all passengers
- • Costs ₹600 more
Decision Factor: If traveling with luggage (airport/weekend trip), choose 7-seater for better boot space. For simple commute with minimal bags, 5-seater is fine.
7 Passengers
While both vehicles technically seat 7, comfort level differs significantly:
With 5-Seater (Kia):
- ⚠️ Third row is tighter
- ✓ OK for short trips (under 2 hours)
- ✓ Kids can sit comfortably
- ✓ Adults fit but less comfortable
- ⚠️ Very limited boot space (216L)
With 7-Seater (BYD):
- ✓ Third row is spacious
- ✓ Comfortable for 3+ hour journeys
- ✓ Adults sit without cramping
- ✓ Better AC vents in third row
- ✓ More boot space (235L)
Strong Recommendation: For 7 passengers on Pune-Mumbai (2.5+ hour journey), BYD E-MAX 7 is significantly more comfortable. The ₹600 extra is worth it for passenger comfort, especially if any are elderly or tall.
Luggage Space: Visual Guide
Boot Capacity Breakdown
Configuration 1: All 7 Seats Occupied
5-Seater (Kia Carens)
Boot Space: 216 liters
Can Fit:
- • 2 medium suitcases (23-inch)
- • 1 small cabin bag
- • 2-3 backpacks
⚠️ Tight for 7 people with standard luggage
7-Seater (BYD E-MAX 7)
Boot Space: 235 liters
Can Fit:
- • 3 medium suitcases (23-inch)
- • 1 cabin bag
- • 3-4 backpacks
✓ More manageable for 7 people
Configuration 2: Third Row Folded (5 Passengers)
5-Seater (Kia Carens)
Boot Space: 485 liters
Can Fit:
- • 4-5 large suitcases (28-inch)
- • Multiple cabin bags
- • Shopping bags
- • Golf clubs or similar
✓ Excellent space for 5 passengers
7-Seater (BYD E-MAX 7)
Boot Space: 650 liters
Can Fit:
- • 6-7 large suitcases (28-inch)
- • Multiple cabin bags
- • Heavy shopping
- • Sports equipment
- • Baby stroller + more
✓✓ Exceptional cargo capacity
💡 Pro Tip: If traveling with 4-5 passengers and heavy luggage (airport trips, shopping, weekend getaways), book 7-seater and fold third row. You'll have 650L of boot space - more than most SUVs!
Real Luggage Scenarios
✈️ Family Airport Trip (5 people, 5 large suitcases + 3 cabin bags)
5-Seater (Third row folded):
✓ Fits comfortably with space to spare (485L)
7-Seater (Third row folded):
✓✓ Fits easily with lots of extra room (650L)
👨👩👧👦 Multi-Gen Family (7 people, 7 suitcases + bags)
5-Seater (All seats):
❌ Won't fit - only 216L boot. Need roof carrier or second vehicle
7-Seater (All seats):
⚠️ Tight but manageable (235L). Some bags may go on laps
Solution: With 7 passengers + heavy luggage, consider 2 x 5-seater cabs instead of 1 x 7-seater. Total cost similar but more comfort.
👔 Corporate Group (4 professionals, laptop bags + 2 suitcases)
5-Seater:
✓ Perfect fit, professional look, economical
7-Seater:
✓ More premium, extra space for work material
🛍️ Shopping Trip Mumbai (2 people, heavy shopping bags)
5-Seater (Third row folded):
✓ 485L is plenty for shopping bags, boxes, etc.
7-Seater (Third row folded):
✓✓ 650L = mini cargo van! Load everything
Cost Analysis: Is ₹600 Extra Worth It?
Price Breakdown
| Trip Type | 5-Seater (Kia) | 7-Seater (BYD) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pune to Mumbai Airport (150 km) | ₹2,700 | ₹3,300 | ₹600 |
| Hinjewadi to Airport (20 km) | ₹360 | ₹440 | ₹80 |
| Round Trip Pune-Mumbai (300 km) | ₹5,400 | ₹6,600 | ₹1,200 |
| Full Day (8 hrs, 80 km) | ₹1,440 | ₹1,760 | ₹320 |
| Monthly (10 trips to airport) | ₹27,000 | ₹33,000 | ₹6,000/month |
Value Analysis: What Does ₹600 Extra Buy You?
For ₹600 more per Pune-Mumbai trip, you get:
- 78 km extra range (530 vs 452 km)
- 165L more boot space (with 3rd row folded)
- ADAS Level 2 safety features
- Panoramic sunroof
- 12 HP more power (230 vs 218 HP)
- More spacious third row
- 360-degree camera
- Faster charging (30 vs 40 min)
Is it worth ₹600? Depends on your priorities:
- • Budget travel (1-4 pax): Not worth it, save ₹600
- • 5-7 passengers: Yes, comfort difference is noticeable
- • Heavy luggage: Yes, 165L extra boot space is valuable
- • Premium features wanted: Yes, ADAS + sunroof alone justify it
- • Corporate/VIP travel: Yes, image and comfort matter
Cost Per Person Analysis
| Passengers | 5-Seater Cost/Person | 7-Seater Cost/Person | Difference/Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | ₹2,700 | ₹3,300 | ₹600 more |
| 2 people | ₹1,350/person | ₹1,650/person | ₹300 more |
| 3 people | ₹900/person | ₹1,100/person | ₹200 more |
| 4 people | ₹675/person | ₹825/person | ₹150 more |
| 5 people | ₹540/person | ₹660/person | ₹120 more (worth it!) |
| 6 people | ₹450/person | ₹550/person | ₹100 more (worth it!) |
| 7 people | ₹386/person | ₹471/person | ₹85 more (definitely worth it!) |
Key Insight: When split among 5+ passengers, the per-person cost difference becomes minimal (₹85-120). At this point, the extra comfort and space in 7-seater is absolutely worth the small per-person premium.
Best Use Cases for Each Vehicle
Perfect for 5-Seater
Solo/Couple Travel
Individual business trips, couple getaways, solo airport runs. No need to pay premium for unused space.
Small Families (3-4 People)
Parents + 1-2 kids. Everyone sits comfortably in first two rows. Adequate boot for family luggage.
Budget-Conscious Groups
Students, friends splitting costs. Save ₹600 per trip without compromising comfort or safety.
Regular Commuters
Weekly/monthly travelers. Over 10 trips, save ₹6,000. Reliability and value matter more than luxury.
Corporate Standard Travel
Mid-level professionals, vendor meets, team outings. Professional look, good comfort, economical.
Airport Drops (Light Luggage)
1-4 passengers with 2-3 suitcases. Boot space is adequate. No need to upgrade.
Perfect for 7-Seater
Large Families (5-7 People)
Multi-generational travel, family reunions. Everyone travels together comfortably without cramming.
Heavy Luggage Situations
Airport trips with 5+ large suitcases, weekend trips with lots of bags, shopping expeditions. Fold third row for 650L boot.
Premium/VIP Travel
C-suite executives, luxury preference, special occasions. Panoramic sunroof, ADAS, superior comfort justify premium.
Long Journeys (4+ Hours)
Extended outstation trips. Extra space, comfort features (ventilated rear seats, better AC) make long drives pleasant.
Special Events
Weddings, parties, celebrations. Arrive in style, accommodate family/guests, make impression.
Elderly Passengers
Senior citizens appreciate extra space, easier entry/exit, softer ride quality, better comfort for 2-3 hour journeys.
4-5 Pax Wanting Max Comfort
Even with fewer passengers, ₹120/person extra buys massive space upgrade, luxury features, premium experience.
Interactive Decision Helper
Follow This Simple Decision Tree
1. How many passengers are traveling?
• 1-4 passengers: Go to Question 2
• 5-6 passengers: Go to Question 3
• 7 passengers: → Choose 7-Seater (BYD E-MAX 7)
2. (For 1-4 passengers) How much luggage?
• Light (1-3 bags): → Choose 5-Seater (Kia Carens)
• Heavy (4+ large bags): Go to Question 4
3. (For 5-6 passengers) Budget priority?
• Save money (₹600): → Choose 5-Seater (Kia Carens)
• Extra comfort worth it: → Choose 7-Seater (BYD E-MAX 7)
4. Want premium features (ADAS, panoramic sunroof)?
• No, basic is fine: → Choose 5-Seater (Kia Carens)
• Yes, premium preferred: → Choose 7-Seater (BYD E-MAX 7)
5. Still confused?
• Default safe choice: → 5-Seater (works for 80% of cases)
• When in doubt with 5+ pax: → 7-Seater (better comfort)
• Call us: +91 90750 20422 - we'll help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I book 5-seater or 7-seater cab for 4 passengers?
For 4 passengers with normal luggage, a 5-seater is sufficient and costs less (₹18/km vs ₹22/km). However, if you have heavy luggage (3+ large suitcases), airport-bound, or want extra comfort, upgrade to 7-seater. The third row stays folded, giving massive boot space.
What is the cost difference between 5-seater and 7-seater EV cabs?
5-seater (Kia Carens EV): ₹18/km. 7-seater (BYD E-MAX 7): ₹22/km. For Pune-Mumbai Airport (150 km), difference is ₹600 per trip. 7-seater includes premium features like panoramic sunroof, ADAS, and more space, justifying the ₹4/km premium.
Can 6-7 seater cab fit 7 adults comfortably?
BYD E-MAX 7: Yes, comfortably fits 7 adults with good legroom in all rows. Kia Carens EV: Fits 6 adults very comfortably (captain seats), or 7 adults adequately (bench config). For journeys over 2 hours with 7 people, BYD is more comfortable due to spacious third row.
Which is better for families - 5-seater or 7-seater?
Family of 4-5: 5-seater is perfect and economical. Family of 6: Either works; 7-seater gives extra space. Family of 7+: Must book 7-seater. Multi-generational travel (grandparents, parents, kids): 7-seater recommended for comfort. Weekend trips with lots of luggage: 7-seater (third row folded = huge boot).
Does 7-seater cab have enough luggage space?
With all 7 seats occupied: 180-235L boot (fits 2-3 medium suitcases). With third row folded (5 passengers): 580-650L (fits 5-6 large suitcases easily). 7-seaters are excellent for airport trips with families - just fold third row and you have more luggage space than any 5-seater.
Are 7-seater EVs less efficient than 5-seaters?
Slightly, but negligible. 7-seaters are heavier (100-150 kg more) which reduces efficiency by 3-5%. BYD E-MAX 7 actually has better range (530 km) than Kia Carens EV (452 km) due to larger 71.8 kWh battery. For Pune-Mumbai, both arrive with 60%+ battery remaining, so efficiency difference doesn't matter.
Can I fold the third row in 7-seater cabs?
Yes! Both Kia Carens EV and BYD E-MAX 7 have foldable third rows. When folded, you get massive cargo space (580-650L) while still seating 5 passengers comfortably. Perfect for airport trips, shopping, or weekend getaways. Third row folds in seconds - very convenient.
Which cab is better for corporate group travel?
For 3-4 professionals: 5-seater (more economical, adequate space, professional look). For 5-6 professionals: 7-seater with third row folded (extra comfort, laptop space). For airport drops with luggage: 7-seater (better boot space). For regular office commute: 5-seater (better cost per person).