Top 10 Best Family Cars

Family car buyers are spoilt for choice in the current car market, whether they need an SUV, hatchback or estate, there’s a car to fit every family’s needs and budget. There are many benefits of a family car;

• They are extremely spacious and offer a decent amount of boot capacity, meaning storage will never be a concern.
• The moment your family members step on board, they will feel safe and secure, as there are many advanced safety features
• An abundance of entertainment features to help keep your children busy (and quiet) on even the longest trips.

Here are the top 10 best family cars...

Read more: What to look for in a family car?

Peugeot 3008

The Peugeot 3008 is among one of the most popular family cars, particularly because of its bold-looking exterior, practicality, high quality interiors and up-to-date in car technology. Yes, tech plays a large role in the 3008’s success. The onboard technology and in car entertainment takes the 3008 to the next level. Additionally, there’s enough space to fit three fully grown teenagers in the back seat because of the flat floor and wide middle seat.

The Peugeot 3008 comes with the following equipment as standard:

• ABS (Anti-lock brake system) with REF (Electronic braking system) and AFU (Emergency Braking System)
• LED daytime running lights built into the headlight unit
• Blue ambient lighting for connecting zone
• Programmable cruise control and speed limiter
• New Peugeot I-Cockpit - Configurable 12.3” head-up digital instrument cluster, 8.0” capacitive touchscreen, Compact multi-function steering wheel

• Seats: 5
• Doors: 5
• Boot space: 520 litres
• Insurance group: 17

Peugeot 3008 leasing prices start from £205.88 exc. VAT per month

Kia Sportage

Choose between driving modes such as Comfort, Eco or Sport mode to give you the optimal driving experience. There is also a Terrain Mode for all environments, including snow, mud, and sand. It comes with impressive boot capacity too, and the option to fold down the rear seats is perfect if you need some extra space.

The Kia Sportage comes with the following equipment as standard:

• 4.2" Supervision colour cluster display
• 8" display
• LED headlamps
• Parking Sensor
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist

• Seats: 5
• Doors: 5
• Boot space: 591 litres
• Insurance group: 17

Kia Sportage leasing prices start from £239.34 exc. VAT per month

Renault Captur

For a small SUV, the Renault Captur looks really friendly and curvaceous, even though it has got a raised ride height. Inside, the Renault Captur offers plenty of interior space. There’s enough space in the front seat and rear-passenger seats, so you won’t have to worry about feeling cramped. As for the cabin, you can slide back the rear seats to create more space for luggage, shopping or any other large items.

The Renault Captur comes with the following standard features:

• HAS (Hill start assist)
• ECO mode function
• 16” Adventure Alloy with black inserts
• Fixed black upholstery
• 12V socket

• Seats: 5
• Doors: 5
• Boot space: 377 litres
• Insurance group: 9

Renault Captur leasing prices start from £187.32 exc. VAT per month

BMW 3 Series Touring Estate

Styling-wise, the BMW 3 Series Touring Estate looks more appealing and has more distinctive lines and shapes compared to its predecessor. Upfront, the grille is lower and wider than ever before. The same can be said for the headlights too. The touring’s boot capacity is 495 litres, which in all fairness is not huge, but it’s more than enough space to fit a weekend's worth of luggage. You can opt to fold the rear seats down for additional space. With the rear seats folded down, you’ll have a maximum of 1500 litres.

BMW 3 Series Touring Estate comes with the following standard features:

• Brake energy regeneration
• LED headlights with beam throw control, follow me home function and front LED daytime driving lights
• Split-folding rear seat
• Rearview mirror, automatically dimming
• Run flat-tyres

• Seats: 5
• Doors: 5
• Boot capacity: 495 litres
• Insurance group: 21

BMW 3 Series leasing prices start from £296.96 exc. VAT per month

Dacia Duster

By comparison, the new Dacia Duster follows a very similar design to the outgoing model. Despite looking similar, we can assure you every single panel is in fact new on the latest model. Upfront, it gets new headlights, the bonnet has more creases on it which makes it look bolder, and the kidney size grille with the square effect helps make the car look meaner and more aggressive. The rear is more spacious, and the huge rear windows allow children to have a good view outside, which is always an added bonus for a family car.

Dacia Duster model comes with the following standard features:

• ABS and Emergency Brake Assist
• Remote central locking
• ECO mode
• ISOFIX points for child seats in both outer rear seats
• Underseat storage (4x2 only)

• Seats: 5
• Doors: 5
• Boot space: 475 litres
• Insurance group: 9

Dacia Duster leasing prices start from £205.25 exc. VAT per month

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is credited with being the first crossover to pioneer the SUV market. There's plenty of space for the family and then some, with various adaptable layouts in a compact form.

The Nissan Qashqai comes with the following equipment as standard:

• 17" steel wheels
• 7" digital meter display
• Front and rear LED lights
• Intelligent cruise control and traffic sign recognition
• Rear parking sensor

• Seats: 5
• Doors: 5
• Boot space: 504 litres
• Insurance group: 17

Nissan Qashqai leasing prices start from £167.21 exc. VAT per month

Seat Alhambra

If you’re in the market for an SUV car with loads of space, then the Seat Alhambra is the car for you! Altogether, there is space for 7 people inside, including luggage. The sliding doors allow children to easily enter and exit the vehicle. On first impressions, a car like this might seem expensive, but because of its petrol and diesel engine variants, it’s cheap to maintain.

The Seat Alhambra comes with the following standard features:

• Keyless entry system
• Emergency brake assist
• Electronic stability control
• MDI with USB/IPod connection cables
• Isofix child seat preparation

• Seats: 7
• Doors: 5
• Boot space: 267 litres
• Insurance group: 25

Volkswagen XC60

The Volvo XC60 has outstanding performance, design and safety features. The car is longer, lower, wider and has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor. There is good headroom, shoulder room and legroom for both the driver and the passengers in the back seat. In addition to interior space, there’s plenty of space for luggage in the XC60’s boot, 505 litres to be exact. The rear seats are easy to fold and go down completely flat, giving you more space for luggage and any other larger items. It is also the safest car to be tested by Euro NCAP.

The Volvo XC60 comes with the following standard features:

• Hill start assist
• Road sign information display
• LED headlights + Active high beam incorporating daytime running lights
• DAB Digital radio
• Leather upholstery

• Seats: 5
• Doors: 5
• Boot space: 505 litres
• Insurance group: 35

Volkswagen XC60 leasing prices start from £354.74 exc. VAT per month

Skoda Superb Estate

The new Skoda Superb Estate is outstandingly practical and has a very comfortable ride, but most importantly, it’s a great family car to get on a bargain. It rides on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf, but it is bigger and costs less. As for driving experience, the car is more stable and composed on roads with rough terrain and is a smooth and quiet cruiser. Above all, it is cheap to drive and there is enough cabin space for your kids to feel comfortable, whether it’s dropping your children to school, the shopping centre, or even getaways to the countryside.

The Skoda Superb Estate comes with the following standard features:

• Halogen headlights with daytime running lights
• Three spoke multifunction leather steering wheel
• Removable LED lamp in boot
• ISOFIX child seat fittings on outer rear seats
• Multifunction trip computer

• Seats: 5
• Doors: 5
• Boot space: 660 litres
• Insurance group: 20

Skoda Superb leasing prices start from £263.05 exc. VAT per month

Skoda Kodiaq

Another great family car from the Skoda range is the Skoda Kodiaq. Outside, you immediately notice the grille, as it’s very in keeping with other Skoda models. The clamshell bonnet gives it a more sporty and aggressive appearance too. In terms of practicality, there’s lots of headroom and legroom, there’s plenty of adjustment in the seats and everything is done manually. The space is mirrored in the back seat as there is once again plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers. Three adults would feel relatively comfortable sitting in the back seat.

The Skoda Kodiaq comes with the following standard features:

• Electronic parking break with hill hold control
• DAB Digital radio
• Alarm with interior monitoring and tilt sensor with safe function
• 60:40 foldable rear seat with sliding adjustment and backrest angle adjustment
• Front and rear doorsteps

• Seats: 5
• Doors: 5
• Boot space: 231 litres
• Insurance group: 18

Skoda Kodiaq leasing prices start from £263.05 exc. VAT per month

Family Cars FAQs

What to look for in a family car?

Generally, family cars need to be a bit more spacious than your average car to fit everyone in. If you can fold the seats to create more space as well, that's a bonus – especially for transporting things like flatpack furniture etc. Newer cars tend to have better safety technology, so that will give you some peace of mind that your family aren't at risk.

What's the safest family car?

The Tesla Model Y is EURO NCAP's safest vehicle overall, which is helped significantly by its technological safety features. You can view EURO NCAP's safety report here.

What's the biggest family car?

If you're looking to maximise space, the Mercedes-Benz V Class has room for eight people, plenty of head and legroom, and customisable seating arrangements.

What's the best family of 5 car?

Ultimately it depends on what is most important for you. If you're looking to maximise bootspace, then the Skoda Superb Estate is a great choice with 660 litres. Looking for an all-terrain vehicle to go on family roadtrips in, then the Kia Sportage is a perfect fit.

Can I get an electric family car?

Definitely! There are plenty of electric family cars to choose from, and they have the benefit of the latest safety features and technology.

What is the best type of family car?

Hatchbacks, SUVs and estates tend to give you more space in the boot and cabin, so those are the ones to look out for.

What is the best small family car?

The Renault Captur comes equipped with everything you need for the family in a compact yet spacious package. You can even slide the rear seats back to make more space for luggage and shopping.

What is the cheapest family car to run?

Electric cars are generally considered cheaper to run than petrol or diesel counterparts, with charging your vehicle equating to less cost per mile, and as there are less moving parts, maintenance is usually cheaper.