* Definition of "car": Are we including SUVs, vans, or only sedans? A large van could easily fit many more people than a large sedan.
* Legal vs. Practical: The number of legally permitted passengers is determined by seatbelts and safety regulations. However, you could theoretically squeeze more people in than there are seats, though this would be extremely unsafe and illegal.
* Size variations within a class: Even within a class like "SUV," there's a wide range of sizes. A Hummer H2 is much larger than a Honda CR-V.
Some extremely large vans or modified vehicles might technically hold dozens of people, but this would be unsafe and not representative of typical car usage. A more realistic and safe answer, considering legally permitted seating, would be in the range of 7-15 people, depending on the type and model of vehicle.
