Choosing the right family car is a bit like solving a puzzle. Adults and kids alike demand a lot from their ride every single day, making the decision more complex than it seems. Luckily, car manufacturers are stepping up, and families on the hunt for their next set of wheels have a plethora of options.
Think of these as the Swiss Army knives of cars – compact, fuel-efficient, and spacious. Family hatchbacks are like all-in-one packages, ticking all the boxes for families who want a versatile ride without compromising on features.
Need a bit more room for the crew and their gear? SUVs and estates are the go-to solution. Sure, they might dent your budget a bit more, but the added legroom, larger trunk space, and the promise of comfy long drives make them a worthy investment.
If flexibility is your game, MPVs are the champions. With seating for five or seven, they adapt to your family’s changing needs. Perfect for larger families or those who love a full car.
The cool kids on the block. SUVs and crossovers offer a higher driving position and easy access – a winning combo. Some even throw in a bit of off-road flair for families with a taste for adventure.
Our lineup has something for everyone – from the sporty Hyundai Tucson to the roomy Dacia Jogger and the eco-friendly MG4. So, whether you’re a compact crew or a full-blown family fiesta, there’s a ride on our list waiting to make your journeys a joy. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!
1. Dacia Jogger
The Dacia Jogger isn’t just a family car; it’s the Family Car of the Year for 2022 and 2023. Why? Picture this: seven seats for the whole crew, a whopping 1,807 liters of cargo space, and pocket-friendly running costs. And the best part? It starts at just over £18,000 and now comes with hybrid power – talk about a sweet deal.
Sure, its shape might be a bit out of the ordinary, but that’s because function took the lead over form. A recent facelift gave it a sharp new look, and those nifty modular roof bars add a touch of versatility. Plus, the boxy shape means the third-row seats are surprisingly spacious – no need for the family-size yoga session to fit in.
Inside, simplicity meets smart design. It may not be as fancy as its rivals, but it’s packed with family-friendly touches. Opt for the mid-range Expression trim, and you’ll score an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, parking sensors, climate control, and those handy roof bars.
So, if you’re after a family ride that’s both practical and easy on the pocket, the Dacia Jogger is waving hello with open doors. Family trips just got a whole lot cooler.
2. Honda Civic
Meet the 11th-gen Civic, the Toyota Corolla‘s friendly hybrid sibling. It’s not just smooth and efficient – it’s a fuel-saving wizard, effortlessly clocking over 50mpg. Plus, it’s got a fresh look, a bigger window view, and a sleek, longer profile – a real head-turner in the family hatchback game.
Step inside, and you’ll feel the Civic’s roomy vibes. It’s like a TARDIS in there but without the time travel. The cabin is sturdy, the infotainment system is a major upgrade, and it’s got more boot space than its Golf and Focus buddies – a whopping 410 liters.
When it comes to goodies, the Civic is Santa-level generous. Safety kit? Check. Keyless entry? Double-check. Dual-zone air conditioning, parking sensors, and a rear-view camera? Triple-check. And let’s not forget the hybrid magic under the hood. Sure, the starting price is a tad north of £36,500, but with all these perks, it’s like getting a family-friendly spaceship. Beam us up, Civic.
3. Peugeot 408
Peugeot is bringing their A-game with the 408 – a sleek coupe SUV that’s turning heads. The styling is a masterpiece, with sharp creases, those signature fang-like daytime running lights, and an overall look that says, ‘I’m not your average family car.’
Step inside, and it’s all class and surprises. The interior is roomier than you’d expect, and the 536-litre boot is like Mary Poppins’ bag – fits more than you’d think. Screens are everywhere, and there’s this quirky octagonal steering wheel. The i-Cockpit digital display is cool, but it’s a love-it-or-leave-it deal. So, take it for a spin before making it official.
But here’s the real deal – it’s not just a looker. The 408 drives like a dream. You’ve got the usual PureTech petrol engine, but wait for it – there’s a plug-in hybrid version too, offering around 40 miles of electric driving range. Style and substance? The 408s got both in the bag.
4. Hyundai Kona Electric
The first Hyundai Kona was a smart choice for a small SUV, but it had a bit of a backseat and luggage space issue, making it less of a family chariot. Fast forward to the all-new, second-generation Kona – problem solved. It’s roomier, especially in the back, and flaunts an impressive 466-litre boot. Say hello to the family-friendly upgrade.
Step inside, and you’ll feel the upgrade. The cabin is a class above the old Kona, featuring a pair of 12.3-inch displays dominating the dashboard. Hyundai’s gone all out with the latest infotainment software – cleaner interface, larger ‘widgets,’ and easier to prod. It’s like they turned up the swank factor.
Now, let’s talk about the Kona Electric. With battery options ranging from 48kWh to 65kWh, it’s like picking your power potion. The 65kWh one boasts a claimed range of 305 miles – eco-friendly and wallet-friendly. Plus, it’s comfy, a breeze to navigate through town, and refined. All the good stuff you’d want in a family car. Meet the new and improved Kona – now family-ready and cooler than ever.
5. Hyundai Tucson
Meet the fourth-gen Tucson – Hyundai’s answer to the mid-size SUV dreams. This sleek ride isn’t just turning heads; it’s bagged the Mid-size SUV of the Year title for three years straight at our New Car Awards. And it’s not hard to see why.
The Tucson rocks a premium vibe with its striking looks, loads of standard features, and an overall build quality that screams ‘top-notch.’ But here’s the real deal for families – it’s got the space game on lock. Front, back, and even for your bags – a whopping 620-litre boot is your family trip MVP.
Now, about the price tag – Hyundai didn’t go overboard. A petrol-powered Tucson in SE Connect trim kicks off just above £30,000, and it’s not playing around with features. Forward collision-avoidance assist, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, climate control, and parking sensors – all in the package. So, if you’re after a family-friendly SUV that’s got the looks and the smarts, Tucson’s got your back.
6. Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
Meet the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports – our Estate Car of the Year for 2023, and it’s not just winning in the looks department. A recent facelift didn’t just give it a style upgrade; it pumped up the hybrid system and threw in a slick new infotainment setup, making this family wagon more awesome than ever.
Under the hood, you’ve got choices, but we’d roll with the 1.8-litre petrol – great performance and over 60mpg fuel economy. Plus, it gives you a bit more boot space for all those family adventures.
Now, about the drive – surprisingly good for a green machine. But let’s not forget, it’s an estate, so practicality is the name of the game. The boot is a champ, measuring up to 596 liters with all the seats in place. And that low, square load area? It’s like a superhero cape for hauling even the bulkiest stuff. Corolla Touring Sports – where style meets practicality, and family trips just got a whole lot cooler.
7. Skoda Octavia
Meet the Skoda Octavia – the superhero of family hatchbacks. It’s got the whole package – affordable, spacious, teched-up, and a lineup of fuel-efficient engines. Take a stroll around this beauty, and you’ll notice the classy design that screams ‘class above.’ But here’s the kicker – it starts at less than £25,000, making it a steal.
Step inside, and the interior quality is like a warm hug – premium vibes without the premium price tag. The 600-litre boot and roomy passenger space? It’s like driving in the next car class without the hefty bill.
What do we dig about the Octavia? It’s built like a tank, super comfy, and a breeze to drive daily. It’s not just a car; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Octavia – where affordability meets luxury, and driving feels like a joyride every day.
8. MG4
Say hello to MG4, the newest kid on the block in the UK electric car scene. And guess what? It’s not just turning heads; it’s making a splash as one of the most budget-friendly electric cars out there, starting at less than £27,000. Take that, wallet-friendly green driving!
Now, don’t let the price tag fool you – the MG4 is holding its own against big names like the Volkswagen ID.3 and Renault Megane E-Tech. It’s packing a punch with tech, offering impressive battery ranges of over 200 miles, and even throwing in a generous seven-year warranty. Three versions to choose from – SE, SE Long Range, and Trophy Long Range. The Long Range models boast a 64kWh battery, giving you a solid 270-281 miles between charges. The budget-friendly SE rolls with a smaller 51kWh unit but still cruises a cool 218 miles.
And when it’s time to recharge, the MG4 doesn’t mess around – it can charge up to 150kW, with a 10 to 80 percent top-up for the bigger battery taking a quick 35 minutes. MG4 – where budget meets green, and driving feels like a breeze.
9. Cupra Born
Hot hatches – the perfect blend of fun and functionality, right? Well, hold on to your seat because Cupra just flipped the script with their first EV, the Born. Traditionally, hot hatches were all about petrol power, but the Born is here to spice things up.
Teaming up with its cousin, the Volkswagen ID.3, the Cupra Born shares some DNA but cranks up the excitement. Imagine copper-colored accents, alloy wheels that turn heads, and LED lighting that’s like the cherry on top. It’s not just eye candy, though. The Born packs a tech punch with a 12-inch touchscreen, sat-nav, wireless smartphone mirroring, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and a reversing camera – all coming standard.
Born to stand out and born for a thrilling drive, the Cupra Born is not your average hot hatch. It’s the electric revolution with a side of excitement – and it’s changing the game.
10. Citroen C5 X
Meet the Citroen C5 X – the quirky yet comfy cruiser that’s breaking all the molds. Take a peek, and you’ll see it’s like a mixtape of luxury saloons, estates, and SUVs – talk about standing out in the crowd.
Under the hood, you’ve got options – a 1.2 or 1.6-litre petrol engine or go green with the plug-in hybrid, offering up to 38 miles of electric bliss. And here’s where it gets cool – Citroen’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension brings the A-game in refinement. The PHEV takes it up a notch with active suspension, scanning the road ahead and adjusting like a pro.
Inside, it’s a premium party with high-quality materials and seats that feel like a soft cloud. Thanks to its SUV and estate vibes, there’s room galore for you and your crew. And don’t forget the boot – a generous 545 liters, or 485 litres in the PHEV version. The Citroen C5 X – where quirk meets comfort and the road feels like a plush adventure.
Choosing the perfect family car? Let’s break it down
How Many Seats?
Think about your crew size. Four or five seats might do, but if you’re a bigger squad, there are seven-seaters, even eight or nine-seaters. Check out our pages on the best seven and eight-seater cars for more info.
Seven Seats Frequency?
Consider how often you’re rolling seven deep. If a five-seater with a bigger boot is an option, it might be smarter if you’re not using the third row all the time.
Seat Room Needs?
Got teens? Not all seven-seaters are teen-friendly in the back. Small kids today might be cramped tomorrow. Plan for the long haul.
Family Car Usage?
Weekend warrior or school run pro? If it’s just weekends, you can handle higher running costs for more space. Daily school runs? Go for a compact, add parking sensors, and you’re golden.
Boot Space Requirements?
A hatchback might do, or go for an estate for more room. Crossovers and SUVs are cool, but their height might be a loading challenge.
Extras – Adventure Ready?
Into bikes, skis, or canoes? Check for roof rails. And make sure the roof isn’t sky-high if you’re lifting stuff.
Now, armed with your family car wishlist, check out our top 10 picks. We’ve done the homework to find the champs in family transport. Happy driving!”
