Cars with the most seats you can drive with a normal licence

A standard Code B licence in South Africa allows the holder to drive a non-articulated vehicle with a maximum gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3,500kg.

The GVM is the maximum weight at which a fully loaded vehicle can operate. This includes the weight of the car, its occupants, and all forms of cargo – but excludes the weight of a trailer.

While there are plenty of large SUVs with seven seats available in South Africa, we set out to find those vehicles that have more to offer.

By offering a minimum of eight seats and weighing in at less than 3,500kg, the vehicles below stood out among the rest.

It is worth noting that select examples have higher GVMs than what is strictly allowed – but as long as they are not loaded heavier than the legal limit, it is still lawful to be behind the wheel with a Code B licence.

Click on the underlined prices for more information.

8-seaters

Changan Star 1.3 Mini Van 8-Seat Lux

• Price – R189,880
• Power – 72kW/119Nm
• GVM – 2,400kg

Mahindra Scorpio 2.2CRDe S11

• Price – R353,999
• Power – 103kW/320Nm
• GVM – 2,510kg

SVI Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6

• Price – R999,400
• Power – 110kW/400Nm
• GVM – 3,499kg

Hyundai Palisade 2.2D 4WD Elite 8-seater

• Price – R999,900
• Power – 142kW/440Nm
• GVM – 2,670kg

Mercedes-Benz Vito 116CDI Tourer Select

• Price – R1,081,227
• Power – 120kW/380Nm
• GVM – 4,000kg

Lexus LX 570

• Price – R2,010,000
• Power – 270kW/530Nm
• GVM – 3,350kg

10-seaters

VW Transporter 2.0TDI 81kW Crew Bus LWB

• Price – R642,500
• Power – 81kW/250Nm
• GVM – 3,200kg

11-seaters

Kia Grand Sedona 2.2CRDi EX

• Price – R748,995
• Power – 147kW/440Nm
• GVM – 2,830kg

12-seaters

Hyundai H-1 2.4 Bus Elite

• Price – R758,900
• Power – 125kW/441Nm
• GVM – 2,780kg

14-seaters

Toyota Quantum 2.8 14-seater GL

• Price – R712,600
• Power – 115kW/420Nm
• GVM – 3,810kg

16-seaters

Toyota Hiace 2.7 Sesfikile

• Price – R468,300
• Power – 111kW/241Nm
• GVM – 3,340kg