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Best Cars for Families in the UK (2025)

Written by Laurence

August 27, 2025

4 minute read

Disclaimer: Images on this website are generated using artificial intelligence and may not accurately reflect the real-world design or proportions of the vehicle. All vehicle dimensions and specifications are approximate and sourced from third-party data. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Please verify independently before relying on this information.

Family life in 2025 means juggling school runs, prams, weekend getaways, and sometimes a dog or two. Between school bags, folded prams, the weekly shop and spontaneous weekend escapes, most families outgrow small boots faster than you’d think. Space, safety, and flexibility aren’t optional—they’re essential. Whether you’re a new parent or managing three teenagers, the right car makes daily life smoother. Here’s your no-fluff guide to the most practical and spacious family cars available in the UK right now.

Hyundai Tucson

With a boot capacity of 620 litres (seats up) and 1,799 litres (seats down), the Tucson offers serious family-friendly practicality in a compact SUV package. Its rear doors open wide, making it easier to load prams or car seats, and there’s a handy underfloor storage area in the boot for hiding away clutter. This one’s perfect for growing families, suburban school runs, and dog owners who need dependable space and comfort without going full-size.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 brings 580 litres of boot space with the seats up and around 1,690 litres when folded. It’s a full hybrid with great economy and a low-emissions profile—ideal for urban families or those with a long commute. Visibility is excellent thanks to the elevated seating position, and the boot includes a smart undertray to keep gear tidy. Great for families who want low running costs with no sacrifice in usability.

Kia Sportage

Kia’s Sportage comes in with a 591-litre boot and around 1,780 litres when the seats are folded. It’s designed to be practical—lower boot height for easier loading, loads of cabin storage, and rear seats that recline. The Sportage also benefits from a generous 7-year warranty, making it appealing for budget-conscious families who don’t want to worry about unexpected repairs.

Skoda Superb Estate

The Superb Estate remains a go-to for families who prioritise boot space above all else. It offers a huge 660 litres with the seats up and an almost absurd 1,950 litres when folded. The boot is flat and wide with a smooth loading lip, and the rear cabin space is generous even for lanky teenagers. If you need to carry bikes, buggies, and holiday luggage all at once—this is the one to beat.

Volkswagen Passat Estate

With 650 litres of space in standard setup and up to 1,780 litres with the seats down, the Passat Estate is built for families who don’t want to switch to an SUV. It’s easy to drive, has excellent load access, and includes thoughtful details like sturdy cargo hooks and boot covers. If you’re doing weekly shops, school pick-ups, and long motorway hauls, it won’t miss a beat.

Dacia Jogger

This seven-seater offers 620 litres in its five-seat mode and up to 1,810 litres with the rearmost row folded. The Jogger is one of the most affordable multi-seat options on the market, and while it’s not posh, it’s practical. Wide doors, simple materials, and easy-clean flooring make it ideal for young kids and muddy pets. If you occasionally need extra seats but don’t want to drive a tank—this is a smart choice.

Toyota Sienna

A bit of a wildcard, the Sienna is a hybrid MPV that’s being increasingly seen on UK roads. With around 500 litres of boot space in seven-seat form (and closer to 1,200 litres in five-seat layout), it’s built for family logistics. Sliding side doors make it incredibly easy to get kids and car seats in and out, and the ride comfort is top notch. It suits larger families or carers needing space for multiple kids or buggies.

Volvo XC90

If you want luxury and space, the Volvo XC90 blends both beautifully. In five-seat mode, it offers 643 litres of boot space, extending to nearly 1,870 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s even the option for integrated booster seats in the second row. It’s one of the safest family cars on the road, with space, style, and optional integrated booster seats to match.

Tesla Model Y

An electric SUV with surprisingly good luggage space, the Model Y includes around 390 litres in the rear boot, another 117 litres in the front (frunk), and up to 854 litres when the seats are folded flat. It’s ideal for families ready to go electric, with tech perks like over-the-air updates and voice controls adding daily convenience. Perfect for modern family life with a green edge.

MG5 EV

One of the few electric estates on the market, the MG5 EV gives you 578 litres of boot space as standard, and 1,456 litres with the seats down. It’s affordable, practical, and doesn’t make you choose between running costs and functionality. If you like the idea of a traditional estate but want to ditch petrol, this is a solid family option.

How to Choose the Right One for You and Your Family

Think about your typical week. If you’re navigating city traffic with a toddler and a pram, a compact SUV like the Tucson or Sportage offers easy access and flexible storage. If you’re regularly off on long trips with a car full of bags, estates like the Superb or Passat provide unbeatable cargo space without the bulk of a full SUV. Need extra seats? The Dacia Jogger and Toyota Sienna offer 7-seat flexibility. And for families embracing electric, the Model Y and MG5 EV prove that boot space doesn’t have to suffer when you go green.