10 best estate cars: our favourite load haulers, from fast to frugal
Ah, the trusty estate car. It’s been around for a lot longer than the family SUV, and hopefully it’ll stick around for a lot longer too. For all of an SUV’s stylish image and popularity, you just can’t beat this list of the best estate cars for a mix of comfort and prodigious boot space.
Where sensible estate cars of the past could often be found with equally sensible - but slightly clattery - diesel engines under the bonnet, the latest estate cars are often found in electric or hybrid forms, which are ideal for company car drivers or those of you with home chargers and city-based commutes.
That’s not to say that you can’t opt for a diesel model; some of the very best long-distance cruisers are diesel-powered estates and they will make the most sense to buy if you regularly go on family road trips.
The preconception for an estate car is often one of a big, boxy car with brutalist, square corners, but that’s far from the truth in this day and age. Most of the cars on this list are sleek-looking things, with sharp creases and rakish rear windows breaking up the added heft of their long rooflines.
Posh styling is one thing but luxurious interiors are another, and there’s a range of estate cars available from brands known for making some really rather fancy motors; full of leather, tech and with a badge on their tailgates that’ll make your neighbours green with envy.
And on that note, there are some properly high-performance options available if you want an estate car that’ll put a smile on your face as big as the hit on your bank account when you stop to fill up. Estate cars don’t have to be boring, after all.
But if all you need is a comfortable, practical, easy car to live with then there are plenty of estate cars that will fit the bill for a fraction of the price of the posher, faster options out there.
Every car on this list is absolutely brilliant, having been selected as the creme de la creme of estate cars after extensive testing by our expert reviews team. For all of their individual differences they’re all great at hauling cargo around, but we also have lists of the best SUVs on sale if you enjoy a high driving position, or the best seven-seater cars if you have a large family.
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Best for: being simply the best estate car, period
Skoda may have taken a gamble when naming a car the ‘Superb’, but the fact of the matter is the Superb Estate really lives up to its name - so much so that it’s the best estate car on sale in the UK. The Superb has an enormous boot, loads of space inside and a range of excellent engine choices, though it’s not much fun to drive and there are more comfortable options to drive around town.
On the outside, the Superb Estate avoids looking much frumpier than its saloon shaped counterpart. Okay so it’s not very exciting to look at, but the Superb’s crisp lines, broad grille and sharp taillights combine to create a fairly handsome car - in an ‘unmarked police car’ kind of way.
The interior is nice and plush, with a dashboard that curves below the 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, while the driver gets an equally-sized instrument display. Okay so it’s not quite as posh inside as its German alternatives, but the Superb Estate has a real sense of sturdiness about its fit and finish.
It’s remarkably spacious inside, with lots of interior storage for all passengers and plenty of headroom and legroom front and rear - especially with the panoramic sunroof fitted. The boot is absolutely cavernous at 690 litres, or 1,950 litres with the seats folded down, which is well ahead of any other estate car on this list - though it drops down to 510 litres for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model.
Still, the PHEV is a great engine choice as it can travel a useful 84 miles between charges, though if you regularly use maximum boot space or travel long distances then the petrol or diesel options are fantastic too.
And a diesel engine really does suit the Superb Estate’s character, as it feels most at home soaking up fast motorway miles in comfort. Driving around town is less relaxed; you’re conscious of the car’s size and rough roads can jiggle you about a little. The Superb feels sure-footed on a country lane, but it’s not very fun when the going gets twisty.
Nonetheless the Skoda Superb Estate is a phenomenal estate car with a huge breadth of ability, and it’s the one that we recommend the most.
Skoda may have taken a gamble when naming a car the ‘Superb’, but the fact of the matter is the Superb Estate really lives up to its name - so much so that it’s the best estate car on sale in the UK. The Superb has an enormous boot, loads of space inside and a range of excellent engine choices, though it’s not much fun to drive and there are more comfortable options to drive around town.
On the outside, the Superb Estate avoids looking much frumpier than its saloon shaped counterpart. Okay so it’s not very exciting to look at, but the Superb’s crisp lines, broad grille and sharp taillights combine to create a fairly handsome car - in an ‘unmarked police car’ kind of way.
The interior is nice and plush, with a dashboard that curves below the 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, while the driver gets an equally-sized instrument display. Okay so it’s not quite as posh inside as its German alternatives, but the Superb Estate has a real sense of sturdiness about its fit and finish.
It’s remarkably spacious inside, with lots of interior storage for all passengers and plenty of headroom and legroom front and rear - especially with the panoramic sunroof fitted. The boot is absolutely cavernous at 690 litres, or 1,950 litres with the seats folded down, which is well ahead of any other estate car on this list - though it drops down to 510 litres for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model.
Still, the PHEV is a great engine choice as it can travel a useful 84 miles between charges, though if you regularly use maximum boot space or travel long distances then the petrol or diesel options are fantastic too.
And a diesel engine really does suit the Superb Estate’s character, as it feels most at home soaking up fast motorway miles in comfort. Driving around town is less relaxed; you’re conscious of the car’s size and rough roads can jiggle you about a little. The Superb feels sure-footed on a country lane, but it’s not very fun when the going gets twisty.
Nonetheless the Skoda Superb Estate is a phenomenal estate car with a huge breadth of ability, and it’s the one that we recommend the most.
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Best for: high-performance practicality
If money were no object, the marvel of engineering Audi RS6 Avant would be the best estate car on sale anywhere in the world. It’s staggeringly fast, shockingly comfortable and hugely practical, but with a starting price north of £100,000 it’s hard to justify the extra outlay for its performance when there are more practical estates on sale that won’t cost the Earth to run.
The RS6 Avant looks phenomenal; low and squat with enormous wheels in even more enormous wheel arches, and with an aggressive front end that gives off serious ‘get out of my way’ energy on the motorway.
The interior is equally as handsome in the RS6 Avant, as the rather lovely, if a little tech heavy, triple-screen dashboard is carried over from the A6. The crisp 12.0-inch driver’s display, 10.0-inch infotainment and 8.6-inch climate control touchscreens are overshadowed by the RS-specific red stitching, sports seats and steering wheel.
Another benefit of its A6 Avant roots is the RS6’s interior space, because there’s lots of it for all of your passengers. The front seats are hugely adjustable - and comfortable - while there’s plenty of storage for water bottles and the like on road trips.
The 565-litre boot means there’s loads of space for luggage to damage, shopping to squash or a dog to make vomit when you inevitably explore the RS6 Avant’s absurd performance. It extends out to 1,680 litres with the reach bench folded down.
With a 630hp 4.0-litre V8 engine under the bonnet, the RS6 is far quicker than any family estate car has any need to be, and you won’t struggle to get up to speed on the motorway. You’ll be beaming from ear-to-ear on a twisty road, but it’s around town where the RS6 Avant impresses the most thanks to a trick four-wheel steering system making tight turns easy to navigate and trick air suspension ironing out rough roads.
It’s definitely a purchase of the heart, but the Audi RS6 Avant ought to satisfy your head in the process. It’s just a shame about the colossal price tag.
If money were no object, the marvel of engineering Audi RS6 Avant would be the best estate car on sale anywhere in the world. It’s staggeringly fast, shockingly comfortable and hugely practical, but with a starting price north of £100,000 it’s hard to justify the extra outlay for its performance when there are more practical estates on sale that won’t cost the Earth to run.
The RS6 Avant looks phenomenal; low and squat with enormous wheels in even more enormous wheel arches, and with an aggressive front end that gives off serious ‘get out of my way’ energy on the motorway.
The interior is equally as handsome in the RS6 Avant, as the rather lovely, if a little tech heavy, triple-screen dashboard is carried over from the A6. The crisp 12.0-inch driver’s display, 10.0-inch infotainment and 8.6-inch climate control touchscreens are overshadowed by the RS-specific red stitching, sports seats and steering wheel.
Another benefit of its A6 Avant roots is the RS6’s interior space, because there’s lots of it for all of your passengers. The front seats are hugely adjustable - and comfortable - while there’s plenty of storage for water bottles and the like on road trips.
The 565-litre boot means there’s loads of space for luggage to damage, shopping to squash or a dog to make vomit when you inevitably explore the RS6 Avant’s absurd performance. It extends out to 1,680 litres with the reach bench folded down.
With a 630hp 4.0-litre V8 engine under the bonnet, the RS6 is far quicker than any family estate car has any need to be, and you won’t struggle to get up to speed on the motorway. You’ll be beaming from ear-to-ear on a twisty road, but it’s around town where the RS6 Avant impresses the most thanks to a trick four-wheel steering system making tight turns easy to navigate and trick air suspension ironing out rough roads.
It’s definitely a purchase of the heart, but the Audi RS6 Avant ought to satisfy your head in the process. It’s just a shame about the colossal price tag.
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2025
Comfortable Cruiser Award
Highly Commended
Battery range up to 359 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: luxurious electric cruising
The BMW i5 Touring sits in the middle ground between a ‘typical’ family estate car and the posh, uber fast Audi RS6 Avant and the like. It’s very comfortable and posh inside, plus the faster motor options are rapid - good enough to have been highly commended in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards. Just a shame about its price tag.
The interior is much easier on the eye, with a futuristic design and BMW’s sleek, curved dual-screen infotainment/driver display combo on the dashboard. The ambient lighting may be a bit night clubby and the crystal control knob is a bit chintzy, but the build quality is solid and materials are plush.
It’s spacious inside, with loads of headroom and legroom in the back and plenty of adjustability in the comfortable front seats. The door bins and hidden centre console storage are useful - though the lack of a cubby around the wireless charging pad is a bit frustrating.
You get one of the biggest boots of any electric estate car at 570 litres, and it’s a usefully square shape. It expands to 1,700 litres with the seats folded down, too.
Cruising is the i5 Touring’s forte, and it soaks up motorway dips and bumps in quiet comfort; you’re well insulated from road and wind noise too. Town driving is a bit less relaxing, as low-speed ruts and potholes can jiggle you around a bit.
The top-spec M60 model has 601hp and all-wheel drive, so it grips its way through bends on a twisty road and you can shoot out the other side at great speed, but the regular version feels a bit more cumbersome when the going gets twisty.
As a silent cruiser, the i5 is a fantastic car to take on road trips. It’s just a shame the longest-range version can only go up to 343 miles on a charge, as you’ll be stopping more than you might want to.
The BMW i5 Touring sits in the middle ground between a ‘typical’ family estate car and the posh, uber fast Audi RS6 Avant and the like. It’s very comfortable and posh inside, plus the faster motor options are rapid - good enough to have been highly commended in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards. Just a shame about its price tag.
The interior is much easier on the eye, with a futuristic design and BMW’s sleek, curved dual-screen infotainment/driver display combo on the dashboard. The ambient lighting may be a bit night clubby and the crystal control knob is a bit chintzy, but the build quality is solid and materials are plush.
It’s spacious inside, with loads of headroom and legroom in the back and plenty of adjustability in the comfortable front seats. The door bins and hidden centre console storage are useful - though the lack of a cubby around the wireless charging pad is a bit frustrating.
You get one of the biggest boots of any electric estate car at 570 litres, and it’s a usefully square shape. It expands to 1,700 litres with the seats folded down, too.
Cruising is the i5 Touring’s forte, and it soaks up motorway dips and bumps in quiet comfort; you’re well insulated from road and wind noise too. Town driving is a bit less relaxing, as low-speed ruts and potholes can jiggle you around a bit.
The top-spec M60 model has 601hp and all-wheel drive, so it grips its way through bends on a twisty road and you can shoot out the other side at great speed, but the regular version feels a bit more cumbersome when the going gets twisty.
As a silent cruiser, the i5 is a fantastic car to take on road trips. It’s just a shame the longest-range version can only go up to 343 miles on a charge, as you’ll be stopping more than you might want to.
Battery range up to 424 miles
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Best for: a spacious electric estate
The ID7 Tourer has a fantastic family tree, because decades of building the excellent Passat means that Volkswagen knows a thing or two about building large estates. It’s incredibly spacious and comfortable to drive, but the interior has a few annoying quirks and it’s not fun on a twisty road.
It looks fantastic, managing to be both classy and futuristic (the BMW i5 Touring could learn from it) without looking boring. A broad front light bar, crisp shoulder line and the optional two-tone paint all add some personality to the big estate car.
The interior looks good too, though Volkswagen has hit it a bit too hard with the minimalism stick. The ‘floating’ central infotainment touchscreen has crisp graphics and it’s responsive to the touch, but the touch-sensitive climate controls are a faff and there are still too many menus to navigate.
Still, it’s a high quality cabin with loads of nice materials and plenty of room both front and rear. The ID7 has the largest boot of any electric estate car at 605 litres, expanding to a generous 1,705 litres with the seats folded away - and they go almost entirely flat, too.
Range is another ID7 strong point, as even the entry-level model can go over 300 miles on a charge. The Pro S Match model can go as far as 424 miles which is very impressive.
You can really feel the ID7’s size; it can be a bit disconcerting on a tight city road or on a narrow country lane. Potholes around town do jolt you a little, but motorways are a breeze, with almost no intrusive wind and road noise. None of the ID7 models are very fun to drive though, not even in sporty GTX trim.
The ID7 Tourer has a fantastic family tree, because decades of building the excellent Passat means that Volkswagen knows a thing or two about building large estates. It’s incredibly spacious and comfortable to drive, but the interior has a few annoying quirks and it’s not fun on a twisty road.
It looks fantastic, managing to be both classy and futuristic (the BMW i5 Touring could learn from it) without looking boring. A broad front light bar, crisp shoulder line and the optional two-tone paint all add some personality to the big estate car.
The interior looks good too, though Volkswagen has hit it a bit too hard with the minimalism stick. The ‘floating’ central infotainment touchscreen has crisp graphics and it’s responsive to the touch, but the touch-sensitive climate controls are a faff and there are still too many menus to navigate.
Still, it’s a high quality cabin with loads of nice materials and plenty of room both front and rear. The ID7 has the largest boot of any electric estate car at 605 litres, expanding to a generous 1,705 litres with the seats folded away - and they go almost entirely flat, too.
Range is another ID7 strong point, as even the entry-level model can go over 300 miles on a charge. The Pro S Match model can go as far as 424 miles which is very impressive.
You can really feel the ID7’s size; it can be a bit disconcerting on a tight city road or on a narrow country lane. Potholes around town do jolt you a little, but motorways are a breeze, with almost no intrusive wind and road noise. None of the ID7 models are very fun to drive though, not even in sporty GTX trim.
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Best for: a fun estate car to drive
As far as compact estate cars go, the BMW 3 Series has long been the one you buy if you want a car that’s not only practical and a little posh, but fun to drive too. The latest version follows the tried and tested recipe, with a nicer interior than ever before.
It’s a looker, with sleek, aggressive headlights and a well-proportioned blend of sharp angles and curves. The 3 Series Touring is one of those rare cars that actually looks better as an estate than it does as a saloon.
The interior is mostly excellent, with BMW’s sleek dual-screen curved display on the dashboard and loads of soft-touch materials all around you. It’s a shame that the climate controls are on the infotainment screen though, as they’re fiddly to use.
A sporty, low-slung driving position is unique to the 3 Series Touring on this list, though the cabin is still spacious with a lot of room in the front. However, there’s not quite as much legroom in the back as in some alternatives.
You get a 500-litre boot in the 3 Series Touring, opening up to 1,510 litres with the seats folded down. Plug-in hybrid models lose 90 litres to the under-floor batteries though, which is a shame.
Save for the outrageous Audi RS6, the 3 Series is the most fun car to drive on this list, without compromising on the drive comfort around town or on the motorway. If you want to nip at the big Audi’s heels though, you can always opt for an M3 Touring instead, with its supercar-baiting performance.
As far as compact estate cars go, the BMW 3 Series has long been the one you buy if you want a car that’s not only practical and a little posh, but fun to drive too. The latest version follows the tried and tested recipe, with a nicer interior than ever before.
It’s a looker, with sleek, aggressive headlights and a well-proportioned blend of sharp angles and curves. The 3 Series Touring is one of those rare cars that actually looks better as an estate than it does as a saloon.
The interior is mostly excellent, with BMW’s sleek dual-screen curved display on the dashboard and loads of soft-touch materials all around you. It’s a shame that the climate controls are on the infotainment screen though, as they’re fiddly to use.
A sporty, low-slung driving position is unique to the 3 Series Touring on this list, though the cabin is still spacious with a lot of room in the front. However, there’s not quite as much legroom in the back as in some alternatives.
You get a 500-litre boot in the 3 Series Touring, opening up to 1,510 litres with the seats folded down. Plug-in hybrid models lose 90 litres to the under-floor batteries though, which is a shame.
Save for the outrageous Audi RS6, the 3 Series is the most fun car to drive on this list, without compromising on the drive comfort around town or on the motorway. If you want to nip at the big Audi’s heels though, you can always opt for an M3 Touring instead, with its supercar-baiting performance.
Best for: practicality on a budget
You might think that there’s no need for the Skoda Octavia Estate with the Superb Estate being around, but it’s much cheaper than its bigger stablemate whilst offering almost the same practicality - it’s just not quite as refined.
There’s more than a hint of baby-Superb about its design. The Octavia Estate doesn’t look as grand, but it’s still a fairly handsome car with sharp creases down its flanks and slender LED headlights.
The interior feels more upmarket than Octavias of old, with soft-touch plastics in key places and a standard-fit infotainment touchscreen in the middle of the dash. You get a digital driver display as standard too.
You’ve got buckets of space, comfortable seats and loads of storage solutions all around the Octavia Estate’s cabin. The boot is an enormous 640-litre affair, and with the seats folded down becomes a very practical 1,700-litre space. You can even opt for an adjustable boot floor that gets rid of the boot lip, which is useful when loading heavy items.
It’s not terribly comfortable around town though, even on the entry-level model with the smallest wheels. At least it’s easy to manoeuvre, comfortable on the motorway and highly efficient in whichever engine guise you choose.
Go for the vRS model if you want to have some fun on a twisty lane, because the rest of the range won’t set your heart alight on a good road.
You might think that there’s no need for the Skoda Octavia Estate with the Superb Estate being around, but it’s much cheaper than its bigger stablemate whilst offering almost the same practicality - it’s just not quite as refined.
There’s more than a hint of baby-Superb about its design. The Octavia Estate doesn’t look as grand, but it’s still a fairly handsome car with sharp creases down its flanks and slender LED headlights.
The interior feels more upmarket than Octavias of old, with soft-touch plastics in key places and a standard-fit infotainment touchscreen in the middle of the dash. You get a digital driver display as standard too.
You’ve got buckets of space, comfortable seats and loads of storage solutions all around the Octavia Estate’s cabin. The boot is an enormous 640-litre affair, and with the seats folded down becomes a very practical 1,700-litre space. You can even opt for an adjustable boot floor that gets rid of the boot lip, which is useful when loading heavy items.
It’s not terribly comfortable around town though, even on the entry-level model with the smallest wheels. At least it’s easy to manoeuvre, comfortable on the motorway and highly efficient in whichever engine guise you choose.
Go for the vRS model if you want to have some fun on a twisty lane, because the rest of the range won’t set your heart alight on a good road.
Battery range up to 435 miles
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Best for: stylish long-range commuting
The Audi A6 Avant e-tron gives the Volkswagen ID7 Tourer a proper run for its money when it comes to being the rangiest electric estate. It’s handsome, has a fairly plush interior and is very comfortable, though alternatives have bigger boots.
It’s a slinky-looking thing, with a shape optimised to slip through the air at motorway speeds and to be as efficient as possible. You still get the classic Audi grille shape at the front, though it’s blanked off - because aerodynamics.
The interior looks striking, with a big, curved infotainment screen and driver’s display taking pride of place on the dashboard. There’s an optional third display just for the passenger but it’s a bit of a gimmick, and it makes the dash seem cluttered.
Material quality is high, and there’s lots of space in the front. The back is a bit of a squeeze compared to its alternatives such as the BMW i5 Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate though, and there isn’t a great deal of storage space around the cabin.
The 500-litre boot is smaller than in the BMW and the Volkswagen ID7 Tourer, and the 27-litre front boot is only really good for cable storage. The rear seats fold down, but even then you only get 1,422 litres - less than in its alternatives.
The A6 Avant e-tron claws back points when you get behind the wheel though, because it’s comfortable to drive around town and feels as though you’re gliding down the motorway. Country lanes aren’t very fun, because the Audi’s size and weight do take away from any sporty sensation down a twisty road.
The Audi A6 Avant e-tron gives the Volkswagen ID7 Tourer a proper run for its money when it comes to being the rangiest electric estate. It’s handsome, has a fairly plush interior and is very comfortable, though alternatives have bigger boots.
It’s a slinky-looking thing, with a shape optimised to slip through the air at motorway speeds and to be as efficient as possible. You still get the classic Audi grille shape at the front, though it’s blanked off - because aerodynamics.
The interior looks striking, with a big, curved infotainment screen and driver’s display taking pride of place on the dashboard. There’s an optional third display just for the passenger but it’s a bit of a gimmick, and it makes the dash seem cluttered.
Material quality is high, and there’s lots of space in the front. The back is a bit of a squeeze compared to its alternatives such as the BMW i5 Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate though, and there isn’t a great deal of storage space around the cabin.
The 500-litre boot is smaller than in the BMW and the Volkswagen ID7 Tourer, and the 27-litre front boot is only really good for cable storage. The rear seats fold down, but even then you only get 1,422 litres - less than in its alternatives.
The A6 Avant e-tron claws back points when you get behind the wheel though, because it’s comfortable to drive around town and feels as though you’re gliding down the motorway. Country lanes aren’t very fun, because the Audi’s size and weight do take away from any sporty sensation down a twisty road.
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Best for: hugely comfortable wafting
The Mercedes E-Class is a venerable example of a posh family estate that soaks up the miles on big, family road trips. It’s extremely comfortable, has a posh interior and a huge boot, but it’s very expensive.
While the latest E-Class is the sleekest looking one so far, it’s still very recognisably a Mercedes. It’s got an upright front end with an enormous three-pointed star (as well as loads of little stars) in its grille, smooth flanks and buckets of road presence.
The interior is the most futuristic-looking part of the E-Class Estate, with an enormous ‘superscreen’ dashboard which combines the large central infotainment screen with a secondary passenger display. You get a digital driver display behind the wheel, but all of the screens are a bit much; a proper tech overload.
There’s a lot of space inside though, both front and rear, and ample storage cubbies all around. The boot is a huge 615 litres, though where Mercedes was once king of boot space, alternatives can now carry more junk in their trunks. With the seats down you have 1,830 litres at your disposal - and the seats fold totally flat.
On the road the E-Class is one of the most comfortable cars you can buy, full stop, as it soaks up lumps and bumps with no fuss at all. All of the engine options feel at home at motorway cruising pace, and while it’s not fun on a twisty road the E-Class does feel stable and composed.
The Mercedes E-Class is a venerable example of a posh family estate that soaks up the miles on big, family road trips. It’s extremely comfortable, has a posh interior and a huge boot, but it’s very expensive.
While the latest E-Class is the sleekest looking one so far, it’s still very recognisably a Mercedes. It’s got an upright front end with an enormous three-pointed star (as well as loads of little stars) in its grille, smooth flanks and buckets of road presence.
The interior is the most futuristic-looking part of the E-Class Estate, with an enormous ‘superscreen’ dashboard which combines the large central infotainment screen with a secondary passenger display. You get a digital driver display behind the wheel, but all of the screens are a bit much; a proper tech overload.
There’s a lot of space inside though, both front and rear, and ample storage cubbies all around. The boot is a huge 615 litres, though where Mercedes was once king of boot space, alternatives can now carry more junk in their trunks. With the seats down you have 1,830 litres at your disposal - and the seats fold totally flat.
On the road the E-Class is one of the most comfortable cars you can buy, full stop, as it soaks up lumps and bumps with no fuss at all. All of the engine options feel at home at motorway cruising pace, and while it’s not fun on a twisty road the E-Class does feel stable and composed.
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Best for: an economical estate
While it’s not an exciting proposition, the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is one of the most fuel efficient estate cars on sale. It’s well equipped and easy to drive, but alternatives are cheaper and it’s not that spacious inside.
The Corolla Touring Sports has some neat design features such as the pointy headlights and broad grille, but otherwise it’s quite boring to look at. You’d easily lose it in a car park, even if it wasn’t busy.
The interior is much the same, where you feel lost in a sea of black and dark grey plastic without much in the way of interesting design. The build quality, however, is fantastic, and GR Sport models get a pair of part-leather sports seats which look and feel nice.
Rear passenger space is tight though, and while headroom isn’t bad there’s really not much room for your legs in the back of the Corolla. Boot space is better, but still not amazing. You get 598 litres of cargo space, but the Skoda Octavia offers much more volume at a lower price. The 2.0-litre version of the Corolla Touring Sports loses a further 17 litres, too.
But it’s on the road where the Corolla’s strengths lie, because it really is a very easy car to drive. It’s got great visibility and manoeuvrability, plus it’s rather comfortable on the motorway. The Corolla’s fuel economy really impresses, thanks to its hybrid engine options; 60mpg is easily achievable in the real world.
While it’s not an exciting proposition, the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is one of the most fuel efficient estate cars on sale. It’s well equipped and easy to drive, but alternatives are cheaper and it’s not that spacious inside.
The Corolla Touring Sports has some neat design features such as the pointy headlights and broad grille, but otherwise it’s quite boring to look at. You’d easily lose it in a car park, even if it wasn’t busy.
The interior is much the same, where you feel lost in a sea of black and dark grey plastic without much in the way of interesting design. The build quality, however, is fantastic, and GR Sport models get a pair of part-leather sports seats which look and feel nice.
Rear passenger space is tight though, and while headroom isn’t bad there’s really not much room for your legs in the back of the Corolla. Boot space is better, but still not amazing. You get 598 litres of cargo space, but the Skoda Octavia offers much more volume at a lower price. The 2.0-litre version of the Corolla Touring Sports loses a further 17 litres, too.
But it’s on the road where the Corolla’s strengths lie, because it really is a very easy car to drive. It’s got great visibility and manoeuvrability, plus it’s rather comfortable on the motorway. The Corolla’s fuel economy really impresses, thanks to its hybrid engine options; 60mpg is easily achievable in the real world.
Battery range up to 35 miles
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Best for: good looks on a budget
Rounding off the list, the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer shares its basic recipe with the Toyota Corolla Sports Tourer and the Skoda Octavia; take a family hatchback and give it a bit more room in the back. It looks good and it’s very comfortable, but it’s a bit boring inside.
A sharp front end design gives the Vauxhall genuine good looks, and it gives off the vibe of being more expensive than it is as a result. The sharp lines and optional two-tone colour scheme give it some real character.
The interior is similar in that it looks crisp and clean, with a minimalist vibe. It’s a shame there isn’t really much colour in there; even some small red accents don’t do much to lift the cabin’s atmosphere. It’s just a bit dull.
There’s plenty of room up front, but taller rear passengers will struggle for headroom and legroom on longer journeys. Boot space is almost on par with the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, just a litre down at 597 litres, but the plug-in hybrid version drops significantly down to 517 litres instead.
The Astra Sports Tourer is most comfortable on the motorway, where you’ll barely notice any wind noise at higher speeds. Even around town the Vauxhall is barely fazed by potholes and speedbumps, and it feels surprisingly agile down a twisty road.
Rounding off the list, the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer shares its basic recipe with the Toyota Corolla Sports Tourer and the Skoda Octavia; take a family hatchback and give it a bit more room in the back. It looks good and it’s very comfortable, but it’s a bit boring inside.
A sharp front end design gives the Vauxhall genuine good looks, and it gives off the vibe of being more expensive than it is as a result. The sharp lines and optional two-tone colour scheme give it some real character.
The interior is similar in that it looks crisp and clean, with a minimalist vibe. It’s a shame there isn’t really much colour in there; even some small red accents don’t do much to lift the cabin’s atmosphere. It’s just a bit dull.
There’s plenty of room up front, but taller rear passengers will struggle for headroom and legroom on longer journeys. Boot space is almost on par with the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, just a litre down at 597 litres, but the plug-in hybrid version drops significantly down to 517 litres instead.
The Astra Sports Tourer is most comfortable on the motorway, where you’ll barely notice any wind noise at higher speeds. Even around town the Vauxhall is barely fazed by potholes and speedbumps, and it feels surprisingly agile down a twisty road.
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How to choose the best hybrid car for you
Size:
While bigger might often be seen as better when it comes to boot size, if you don’t regularly fill your boot to its entirety or need to carry items so large that you need to fold the seats, then you’re better off with a slightly smaller option that’s easier to park and thread through tight streets.
Budget:
The price of the estate cars on sale varies so much these days it’s staggering, and more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. As a money-no-object treat then the Audi RS6 Avant is an excellent bit of extravagance to have on your driveway, but the truth is a Skoda Superb Estate offers more space inside for a fraction of the cost.
Fuel economy and efficiency:
If you’re on the hunt for a car that can keep up with a Ferrari but carry as much cargo as a Range Rover, then you should expect to pay a pretty penny at the pump - or make regular trips to the charging station. If you’ve got a home charger and spend most of your time in town then an EV choice will be the cheapest to run, but on longer trips a diesel or hybrid option will be friendliest on your wallet.
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