Best family cars 2025

A challenging niche in the automotive industry, the family car is a vital part of any family dynamic, while also being one of the most difficult to cater for.

With such a massive variety of families across the UK - with wildly different wants and needs, not to mention sizes - making the ideal family car is a herculean task.

However, despite the enormity of the challenge, there are still some stellar options to choose from! Now these won't be perfect for every family, but we reckon that you'll find something that will suit you in this list regardless.

What makes a great family car?

In this list, we prioritised cars that match these criteria:

• Customisation
• Storage
• Fuel economy
• Value for money
• Safety

Every family is different, so having a good level of customisation to allow families to create their ideal family car is a must. Also, families take up a lot of room, so we'll be looking for cars that give you plenty of storage, both in the boot and in the cabin (handy cubby holes can be a life-saver on long family trips).

And while a family car with a 0-62mph of three seconds might be fun, speed isn't going to be much of a factor in this list. Rather, we'll be looking at fuel economy, making sure that you get the best value for money for every mile, and safety, so you and your family are kept safe even in the worst-case scenario.

So, in no particular order, here are our picks for the best family car of 2025.

Kia Sportage

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol, hybrid
• Prices can start around £29,000
• Fuel efficiency: 42-49mpg

Kia has a fantastic reputation for providing great-value, high-quality cars, and the Sportage is a perfect example of this. No wonder, then, that the Sportage is a regular sight on UK roads and opens our list for best family cars of 2025.

Available in a number of different trims, you can customise your Sportage to best suit your needs when purchased from new, making it ideal for busy and growing families. Not only that, the Sports variation offers some great storage solutions, a key consideration for any family.

The boot provides an impressive 591 litres of space with the seats up and a whopping 1,780 litres with the back seats down. If you opt for the hybrid version, this storage drops a little to accommodate the battery, but at 540 litres, there is still bags of space on offer.

Speaking of interiors, the Sportage offers one of the nicest cabins on the market, but for a fraction of the price of other more luxurious brands. With plush materials used throughout and an impressive twin-screen setup for the infotainment system, the Sportage is a great place to be in for any amount of time.

Now, previous models were known to be a little clunky on the road, but the latest edition of the Sportage offers a much-improved driving experience, with firmer handling and a much smoother ride.

There are still some queries surrounding its acceleration, but overall, the drive is much improved. Combined with its updated looks, which include some very stylish angular daytime running lights and an eye-catching front grille, and the 2025 Sportage is a winning combination for any family.

Kia EV9

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Electric
• Prices can start around £64,200
• Fuel efficiency: 110-132mpg

Following up the Sportage, we have another entry from Kia, but this time we're moving away from ICE options to fully electric. Regardless of fuel type, your family car should always be comfortable and spacious, but when we consider electric family cars, we are really focusing on their range and fuel economy.

Even though charging points are becoming more and more common across the UK (including Arnold Clark's very own Arnold Clark Charge network), range anxiety remains a key factor for many car buyers when making the switch to electric. This is doubly true for family cars, as you'll often be fully loading the car (lowering its range), and travelling long distances for those family holidays.

So, our chief reason for including the EV9 in this list is because of its fantastic range and charging time, offering over 300 miles* of range. The drive itself is quite firm, giving you plenty of feedback from the wheel.

Thanks to the model's impressive collection of driver assistance systems, you'll never feel unsupported in your journey, whether you are parking in town with its 360-degree camera system, or cruising on the motorway with its adaptive cruise control and lane following assist.

But that's not all the EV9 has to offer. It's also an impressive looking vehicle; large and in charge (or charging perhaps), the EV9 is sure to make an impression on the road with its assertive build and stylish looks.

Plus, the EV9 is one of those particularly rare creations: a seven-seater EV. This means that you have bags and bags of space for your family, the luggage, the dog, the cat, someone else's family, and anything else you can think to bring.

Now we were pretty impressed with the Sportage's twin screen setup, but the EV9 is a cut above, offering three screens for all your infotainment system needs. Combined with the luxurious materials used at every level of the interior, the amazing reclining and swivelling chairs, and the overall excellent build quality that gives a wonderful sense of reassurance, and the EV9 is a clear standout.

This all means that the EV9 offers a level of comfort you would more expect from first class in a plane (no one offering free peanuts though, you need to bring those yourself) and a clear contender for best family car of 2025.

Volkswagen Golf

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol, diesel, hybrid
• Prices can start around £25,000
• Fuel efficiency: 35 - 60mpg

When we talk about fundamentally great family cars, it's impossible not to include the iconic and bar-setting Volkswagen Golf.

Synonymous with all-round excellence, the Golf has now reached its eighth generation, making it a familiar sight on the roads for over 40 years! And in that time, the Golf has gone from strength to strength, defining industry standards and improving on an already winning formula.

The Golf's reputation is built on a fantastic drive and powerful engine - and the Mk8 doesn't disappoint, giving the driver plenty of feedback and excellent handling, while providing enough zip in its acceleration to make overtaking a simple affair (this is especially true if you opt for the Golf R, which boasts a very nippy 0-62mph time of just 4.9 seconds!).

However, all this is well and good for a boy racer, but what makes the Golf a great family car? Well, when you consider that, despite being a hatchback, the Golf still offers over 381 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,237 litres with them down, fits a family of five comfortably, and is consistently ranked as one of the safest cars on the road (NCAP gave it a five-star rating for safety), and you can see why the Golf appeals families so much.

It's also important to note that the Golf isn't an outrageous price for such an excellent car - with prices starting at around £27,000. Not only that, but the sheer versatility of the Golf makes it an almost universally practical car, with a huge number of trim levels and engines available (including a hybrid version for eco-conscious drivers), meaning there simply isn't a situation where the Golf doesn't make an excellent addition.

Even better, the Mk8 Golf received a facelift in 2024 to address a few of the niggles with its infotainment system, meaning that it is now more comfortable than ever for those long journeys and family holidays.

The short and long of it is that the Golf is a great car - and a superb family car.

Peugeot 3008

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Hybrid
• Prices can start around £35,500
• Fuel efficiency: 51mpg

The Peugeot 3008 started off life as an MPV, or multi-purpose vehicle, all the way back in 1997, so has a rich history of having family at the core of its design. And while the modern 3008 is smaller as a SUV coupé, that focus on catering to families remains in every aspect of its design.

Peugeot have also been making a push to be a viable, but more affordable, premium option, especially in the electric market. This new focus can be felt throughout the entirety of the interior in the 3008, making it an extremely comfortable car to spend time in.

The first thing you'll notice once you enter the 3008 is the very impressive 21-inch infotainment screen that is placed front and centre. Almost all of the 3008's features are accessed through this screen, though there is a 'shortcut' touchpad to make accessing the menus and features you use frequently a bit easier. You'll then notice the plush trimmings and unique cockpit setup, making the whole space feel quite luxurious and high-end.

Of course, the 3008 also offers some top-of-the-line tech for you and your family to enjoy, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and more, but at a fraction of the price of some other premium manufacturers.

In terms of space and storage, the 3008 doesn't disappoint. The interior offers a plethora of handy hidey-holes to keep the cabin clear and clutter-free, and the seats all offer plenty of space for even taller passengers.

The boot is sizeable as well, starting at 520 litres and reaching 1,480 litres with the seats down - not the largest boot in the sector, but still more than enough for everything you need for a family holiday.

The engine is the familiar 134bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that has featured in a fair few other Peugeots, though it has been upgraded to better accommodate the hybrid system for the 3008, which, when combined with the 48V electric motor for a little extra kick, gives the 3008 a 0-62mph time of 10.2 seconds - very respectable. It is also available as a fully electric version, called the e-3008, for those who are looking for a great all-rounder to make the switch to electric.

Overall, the 3008 is an incredibly strong contender, offering something for everyone and making it a clear choice for our list of best family cars of 2025.

Škoda Karoq

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Prices can start around £30,000
• Fuel efficiency: 48mpg

In recent years, Škoda have cemented themselves as one of the best manufacturers of great value and reliable vehicles. This is clear as day with the Škoda Karoq, one of Škoda's most popular cars to date - and for good reason.

With a respectable entry-level 1.0 TSI 116 petrol engine that gives it plenty of power and a very impressive fuel economy of just 48mpg, the Karoq should be one of your first choices if you and your family are often on the road for long trips.

Not only that, but the Karoq offers one of the most comfortable rides in this entire list. Equally comfortable around town or cruising on the motorway, the Karoq's drive is smooth and effortless, with the engine giving you plenty of power at both low and high speeds.

But most importantly, the Karoq oozes space and storage, especially if you go for the VarioFlex seats, which offer next-level flexibility. With a boot space of 588 litres (or 521 litres if you don't opt for the VarioFlex), the Karoq is head and shoulders above its rivals for storage. Combined with the multitude of options to shift, move, and outright remove seats, the Karoq is the ultimate luggage-fitting SUV.

The only problem? VarioFlex isn't standard (though in previous generations it was), but we reckon it's worth investing in, especially if there are plenty of long road trips in your future.

Overall, the Karoq is an amazing family car for cruising down the motorway thanks to its excellent fuel economy, incredible flexible space options and first-class safety rating.

Nissan Qashqai

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Mild hybrid, hybrid
• Prices can start around £27,000
• Fuel efficiency: 40 - 50mpg

The Nissan Qashqai is considered by many to be the model that started the entire family SUV craze. It's clear to see why the Qashqai started such a trend, and why rivals scrambled to capitalise on the game-changing formula that Nissan developed. The Qashqai has always been an excellent car, giving families the space and utility they need at a price that makes sense, and this latest generation builds on this in all the right ways.

With it's stylish new looks and additional engine options, this face-lifted Qashqai is the best it's ever been, now equipped with some extra technology and safety features, such as the impressive 12.3-inch infotainment system, keyless ignition, a five-star NCAP safety rating, blind spot detection and more.

Of course, there are multiple trims to pick from as well to best suit your needs, with the top trims adding even more tech, like a head-up display and Nissan's ProPilot driver assistance system.

The interior is as comfortable as you would expect from veterans in the family SUV market, with lots of nice soft touches to create a more luxurious feel and useful cubby holes, cupholders, and USB ports to keep the family happy. This latest edition also features some improvements to the infotainment system, upgrading the whole experience.

Most importantly, the Qashqai is a fun car to drive, nippy where you need it to be (especially if you go for the powerful e-Power version) and offering great feedback in the steering - you'll be smiling as you zoom around the bends.

It's boot space isn't the best in class, though still very much serviceable, offering between 455 to 504 litres depending on your trim, and 1,379 to 1,447 litres with the seats down.

The Qashqai remains at the forefront of family SUV innovation and shows that it is well and truly up to the task of adapting with the times to ensure that it always provides a premium experience.

Dacia Jogger

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol, hybrid
• Prices can start around £18,700
• Fuel efficiency: 48 - 59 mpg

Dacia is known for being a more budget-friendly option for families, offering their customers top-of-the-line technology and luxury at a fraction of the price of their competitors. And what makes them so impressive is that they seem able to do this without compromising in any area of the driving experience.

This absurdly good value for money becomes especially relevant for those with larger families, making the Dacia Jogger, one of the cheapest seven-seaters in the market, an incredibly tempting investment for anyone with four or more children. However, the Jogger isn't just an excellent choice because of its price - as with almost every Dacia model, the technology and comfort you get with it is far more than what you pay for, making it a good option regardless of your budget.

Starting with available space, the Jogger, as a seven-seater, absolutely excels. Heralded as a practical seven-seater, the comfort of every row is fantastic, giving every passenger plenty of head and leg room and making longer journeys an absolute breeze. What is quite interesting is that, unlike many other seven-seaters, the Jogger remains quite narrow - the same width as the Sandero. This makes the Jogger still reasonably easy to manoeuvre about town despite being a larger car. The interior of the Jogger also hits something of a sweet spot. There are certainly hard plastics found around the trims, but these are cushioned somewhat by the addition of some softer materials to give a more pleasant overall feel. The infotainment system as well is extremely high-quality, offering a range of features to make your trips all the more comfortable.

Of course, if you need some boot space, the Jogger has got you covered. Quoted at a very modest 160 litres of boot space when at full capacity, that number goes up to 2,085 litres with all the seats down. If that isn't enough space for you, you're going to need to hire a van.

On top of this, the Jogger is also available with two engines: a 1.0-litre TCe turbo petrol engine (that has featured in a few other Dacia models) and a 1.6-litre petrol hybrid powertrain. Neither engine is going to especially knock your socks off, but they both perform well enough. Both engines also offer reasonable mpg, with the petrol claiming a WLTP of around 48mpg and the hybrid boasting a very impressive 59mph - just another reason why the Jogger is such good value for money.

Overall, the Jogger is a top choice for any family - regardless of size or budget. But if you happen to have a larger family, the Jogger needs to be in your consideration as one of the best family cars around.

BMW X5

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol, diesel, hybrid, PHEV
• Prices can start around £72,355
• Fuel efficiency: 22 - 40mpg

When you think of best family cars, your first thought is likely to be the BMW X5. Having set the benchmark for 26 years, the X5 continues to develop and evolve, as seen in this latest generation, which builds on the winning formula that made the X5 so popular in the first place and helped shift the entire automotive landscape.

Of course, as it comes from a premium manufacturer, the price mark for the X5 is a little higher than some of the other options on the list, but the X5 earns that premium price tag with its premium features.

Across the board, the model excels, offering a lavish interior filled with cutting-edge tech, including adaptive cruise control, parking cameras and much, much more. You get a driving experience that will make you fall in love with driving all over again, and an engine that has the muscle to knock your socks off if you need it to.

It also makes great use of its interior to provide you and your passengers with plenty of space, with the option to expand into a seven-seater available on every version except the plug-in hybrid.

This adds a huge range of flexibility to your options and really helps emphasise just how much space the X5 offers: a massive 650 litres with the seats up and 1,870 litres with them down!

Best of all, the X5 comes in a fantastic range of different trims and engines, from petrol to diesel to hybrid, allowing you to personalise your options to best suit the needs of you and your family.

However, even the entry-level petrol engine is a force to be reckoned with; the xDrive40d, as it is known, pushes out 347bhp and clocks an impressive 0-62 in just 5.5 seconds.

Now, at the start, we did mention that sprinting times weren't going to be an important factor of consideration on our list of the best family cars, but if you do want something with a bit of zip to it with the practicality needed for family life, then the X5 is the obvious choice.

Renault Scenic E-Tech

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Electric
• Prices can start around £37,500
• Fuel efficiency: 3.5-3.7 miles per kWh

As its name might suggest, the Renault Scenic E-Tech is a very good-looking car, but good looks aren't enough to stand out in this over-populated market nowadays; you've got to have brains and brawn. Luckily, this all-electric addition to the Renault line-up is as clever as it is pretty, making it one of the best family cars you can find in the market at the moment.

Every part of the Scenic shows a clear focus on making life easier for families and maximising the Scenic's practicality. The interior is riddled with useful cubby holes and storage spaces, perfect for those useful bits and bobs that can smooth out long journeys with youngsters.

he seats all offer a good amount of room as well, with plenty of space in the front and the back comfortably seating three. On top of this, the boot is sizeable, though admittedly not the largest we've seen on this list. With the seats up, you'll get 545 litres - that jumps to 1,670 litres with the seats down.

The engine also highlights the Scenic's overall practicality. As you might have guessed from the name, it makes use of Renault's E-TECH platform, making it a fully electric option for those looking for an environmentally friendly choice.

With a range of different trims and batteries to choose from, you'll be able to customise your Scenic to suit your family's needs. Even the entry-level trim, the Techno, offers fantastic range, 260 miles (though this soars to 370 miles if you opt for the Long Range trim) and makes the Scenic overall very good value for money. Of course, as with most EVs, the Scenic really shines with city driving; the quiet engine and smooth ride means you can glide through the streets in absolute comfort.

In terms of tech, you have all the usual suspects to make your journeys as pleasant as possible, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, but you also get some impressive additions, such as automatic high/low beams, active driver assist, and a speed limiter, all on top of class-leading safety features.

So, while the Scenic doesn't excel in every aspect of motoring, it is a fantastic all-rounder EV that comes at a very reasonable price, making it a clear contender for best family car of 2025 - especially for those looking for an electric vehicle.