Best automatic family cars in the UK
High-quality automatic family cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Best automatic family cars of 2025
Family cars need to be able to tackle a diverse range of tasks and the last thing you need is to be fumbling around with a gear stick while stuck in heavy traffic. Below are some of the very best automatic family cars for you to pick from.
It’s long been the benchmark sporty saloon and the BMW 3 Series still offers a class-leading mix of performance, luxury and tech. Options can get pricey quickly but thankfully a quick and smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard on all but the base trim.
The Model 3 has quickly become one of the most popular EVs on sale, thanks to its impressive range, performance and interior space. The boot is decent and there is additional storage space under the bonnet, too. It can get expensive though, and build quality is not as good as some rivals.
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From its chunky exterior to the cool minimalist interior, the Volvo XC40 is refreshingly different from its SUV competitors. The infotainment can be finicky but aside from that it is a great family-friendly vehicle. The standard fitment 8-speed automatic transmission makes city driving a pleasure.
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For a solid family SUV capable of taking seven occupants and plenty of luggage, the Skoda Kodiaq is a great option. It doesn’t have the most advanced tech but it's spacious and relaxing to drive, particularly when you pick the optional seven-speed DSG transmission.
Electric family cars offer smooth and unflustered performance and the Kia EV6 adds some advanced tech and plenty of interior space into the mix. It can get a bit bumpy over bad roads and some rivals have larger boots, but that hardly detracts from what is a very accomplished family-friendly EV.
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The Peugeot 2008 combines a smart exterior design with a refreshingly different interior layout. It can be had with an eight-speed automatic on petrol models which really makes it easy to navigate through morning traffic. It’s a bit tight in the rear for adults, but it has a big boot.
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With oodles of passenger space, plenty of equipment and good pricing, the Skoda Superb really lives up to its name. Seven-speed dual-clutch DSG models are a perfect match for this comfy cruiser, although some alternatives are better to drive and have plusher interiors.
Battery range up to 35 miles
Well-built and fun to drive, the BMW X1 also offers decent interior space for a family of four. Seven-speed dual-clutch or 8-speed automatic transmissions are available, depending on the trim, and the infotainment system is great, too. It can get pricey with too many options and the boot isn’t the biggest in its class.
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The Karoq is spacious and comfortable with very attractive pricing, although it lacks the design flair of some rivals. The optional seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox is great, and it’s nice to drive as long as you avoid the slow base models.
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The Focus has always been sporty to drive with decent engines, it also comes with plenty of kit while still being affordable. The automatic versions make for a very competent family car, although some rivals have higher quality interiors and larger boots.
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