Best electric family cars

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Last updated April 23, 2025 by Mario Christou

Best electric cars for families 2025

Silent, easy to drive and cheap to run - it’s little wonder that electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming such popular choices as family cars. They come in all shapes and sizes, with some prioritising boot space, others prioritising leg room and even some seven-seater options if you need to haul around your little ones and their friends.

Continually improving battery technology means that some EVs have properly usable range. Family road trips are a reality; range anxiety free and without the countless charging stops and bored kids causing havoc.

Electric cars are often more spacious inside than their combustion-engine counterparts as they don’t have loads of oily metal parts to fit into their bodies, so you get clever storage solutions and hidden cubbies in their place.

And while family cars of the past have traditionally been saloon cars, estates and MPVs, the rise of the electric car has coincided with the popularity of high-riding, big-boot SUVs. If you’re not keen on a big car, there are EVs available with all sorts of different body styles.

Varying budgets and degrees of poshness mean there should be an EV for everyone’s tastes, and our expert reviews team have extensively reviewed them all. We’ve put together this list of the very best family-friendly EVs you can buy, but if you're not convinced that an electric car suits your needs then have a look at the best family cars on sale - including petrol and hybrid examples.

Kia EV9
2025
Outstanding EV Award

1. Kia EV9

9/10
Kia EV9 review
Battery range up to 349 miles

What's good

  • Spacious interior
  • Super-fast charging
  • Electric seven-seater

What’s not so good

  • Not particularly quiet at high speeds
  • Baffling climate screen position
  • Badge snobbery a factor at this price
Best for: big, bold excellence

If you’d have said ten years ago that Kia would sell a posh electric SUV with reclining footrests and three screens across the dash, most people would have scoffed. But the Kia EV9 is so good that it won the Outstanding EV category in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.

This enormous seven-seater is a proper statement on wheels. It makes the smaller EV6 look like a compact runabout, and while alternatives such as the Volvo EX90 or Mercedes EQS SUV offer badge pedigree, more the EV9 offers just as much road presence. It looks brilliant – all sharp angles and futuristic flair – like an SUV that’s raided a sci-fi wardrobe.

Inside, it’s a mix of premium and practical. There’s a slick three-screen setup (though the central one, which controls the climate, is hidden behind the steering wheel), and top-spec models get front seats with footrests – perfect for a nap while charging. It may not be as posh as a BMW iX, but it’s notably cheaper and well equipped.

Space is where the EV9 really shines. It’s a bona fide seven-seater - there’s decent room in all three rows - and the boot still fits a few bags even with all seats up. The six-seat version even lets you spin the second row around for a back-seat chat, though it’s a bit tight doing so. Fold the rear seats down and the boot is positively enormous – with a bonus front boot for good measure.

All models get a big battery; the long-range, single-motor version claims up to 349 miles of range, while the dual-motor model brings extra oomph and hits 62mph in 5.3 seconds. Charging is quick too – just 24 minutes from 10 to 80% if you find a rapid charger.

On the move, it’s surprisingly easy to drive. Yes, it’s massive, but the light steering and quick acceleration help. It’s smooth at speed, a bit thumpy over potholes, and not built for real off-roading – but who’s mud-plugging in their family EV anyway?

Is it the best electric family car out there right now? Absolutely. Bold, comfy and clever – Kia has scored a home-run with the EV9.

What's good

  • Spacious interior
  • Super-fast charging
  • Electric seven-seater

What’s not so good

  • Not particularly quiet at high speeds
  • Baffling climate screen position
  • Badge snobbery a factor at this price
Volkswagen ID. Buzz

2. Volkswagen ID. Buzz

9/10
Volkswagen ID. Buzz review
Battery range up to 293 miles

What's good

  • Loads of space for people and luggage
  • Stand-out styling
  • Nice to drive

What’s not so good

  • Range isn’t the best
  • Infotainment is still annoying
  • Very expensive
Best for: a fun family bus

The Volkswagen ID Buzz might look like a futuristic van, but don’t be fooled – this isn’t your average box on wheels. It’s so charming, practical and packed with quirky details that it’s become one of our favourite electric family cars.

While most modern family cars are distinctly SUV-flavoured, the ID Buzz embraces its van-like roots with flat sides, a bluff front end and retro design cues that nod to the classic Volkswagen Type 2 camper. But this isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s a genuinely clever bit of kit.

Inside the Buzz is a bright, spacious interior full of clever touches. You get matching interior colours to go with the exterior (the two-tone options look fantastic), USB ports in the doors, and a sliding rear bench to adjust boot space or legroom. Shame there are no rear air vents or electric windows though, which can get annoying on long trips.

Boot space? Enormous. With a 1121-litre capacity, it makes alternatives like the Tesla Model Y or Kia EV6 look like they’ve come to the fight with a lunchbox. Fold the seats and it’s basically a rolling storage unit – ideal for active families, road trips or just carrying lots of stuff.

It’s powered by a 77kWh battery with up to 258 miles of range, though we saw closer to 203 miles in the real world. Charging is quick enough with 20-80% range taking 29 minutes on a rapid charger, and a home charger filling the battery overnight.

On the road, the Buzz is surprisingly fun. Rear-wheel drive makes it feel more car-like than it looks, and it’s quiet, comfy and great around town thanks to its tight turning circle and quick acceleration. It’s not a thrill ride but it’s smooth, responsive and feels very stable in turns.

If you often find yourself ferrying lots of passengers about, there’s now a long wheelbase ID Buzz available in six or seven seater guise too. As a practical, stylish and seriously likeable family EV that stands out from the SUV crowd, the ID Buzz is hard to beat.

What's good

  • Loads of space for people and luggage
  • Stand-out styling
  • Nice to drive

What’s not so good

  • Range isn’t the best
  • Infotainment is still annoying
  • Very expensive
Kia EV6

3. Kia EV6

9/10
Kia EV6 review
Battery range up to 361 miles

What's good

  • Stylish design inside and out
  • Good to drive
  • Fast charging and clever vehicle-to-load tech

What’s not so good

  • Firmer ride than some alternatives
  • Rear visibility isn't great
  • The boot could be larger
Best for: swish, futuristic looks

The Kia EV6 impressed from the day it was launched, and it’s still one of the best electric cars you can buy. It shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60, but the EV6 stands out thanks to its spaceship silhouette and crisp styling.

A 2024 update gave it an even bolder look, with an angular new front end, slim LED daytime running lights and a full-width light bar on some trims. It’s the kind of car that gets attention without shouting about it; cool without trying too hard.

The interior is spacious and cleverly laid out. Rear legroom is limo-like, though headroom is only average due to the battery raising the floor. It’s still roomy enough for adults to sit in comfort. The boot, at 490 litres, is a smidge smaller than alternatives like the Volkswagen ID5, but it’s still family-sized. Up front there are loads of clever cubbies, including one in between the seats which is ideal for a small bag.

The tech’s bang up to date, too. Two 12.3-inch screens dominate the dash, and top models get a snazzy head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now come as standard - saving you from faffing with cables - while over-the-air updates keep everything fresh behind the scenes.

Kia has also fitted a new 84kWh battery pack for up to 361 miles of range. And with a 258kW charging capability you can go from 10–80% in just 18 minutes – ideal for motorway trips. Even an 80% charge gives around 250 miles of real-world range.

It’s excellent to drive too. Whether you go for the 225hp rear-wheel drive or the punchier 320hp all-wheel drive, the EV6 feels quick, comfortable and composed. It’s smooth over bumpy roads, stable on the motorway and even a bit of fun when the road gets twisty.

The EV6 makes for a stylish, clever and genuinely usable family EV.

What's good

  • Stylish design inside and out
  • Good to drive
  • Fast charging and clever vehicle-to-load tech

What’s not so good

  • Firmer ride than some alternatives
  • Rear visibility isn't great
  • The boot could be larger

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Hyundai Ioniq 5

4. Hyundai Ioniq 5

9/10
Hyundai Ioniq 5 review
Battery range up to 354 miles

What's good

  • Retro-futuristic styling looks fantastic
  • Super spacious interior
  • Feels impressively posh

What’s not so good

  • Alternatives offer greater range…
  • ...and have larger boots
  • Steering column needs more reach adjustment
Best for: retro-futuristic styling

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a head-turner and one of the most striking electric cars around. It combines a retro 1970s-inspired design with the practicality - and size - of a modern SUV. Offering loads of space inside, it's a solid alternative to cars like the Volkswagen ID4 and Tesla Model Y, though its boot, at 520 litres, is a bit smaller than some similarly-sized alternatives.

The interior is spacious and well-thought-out, with a minimalist design featuring two large screens on the dashboard. Hyundai’s wise decision to keep physical buttons means the infotainment system is easier to use than many other EVs.

Front-seats occupants have plenty of headroom and loads of storage although some quirks, such as the chunky gear selector, take some getting used to. The rear seats are spacious, and the wide-opening doors make it easy to load kids and child seats.

The Ioniq 5 now boasts up to 354 miles of range with its 84kWh battery, making it competitive compared to its alternatives. Hyundai also improved its charging speed in a 2024 update, with a 10-80% recharge possible in just 18 minutes on a 260kW charger - among the fastest available.

On the road, the Ioniq 5 offers light, responsive steering and a comfortable ride. While it’s not as fun on twisty roads as some alternatives, it’s perfectly capable for long-distance drives thanks to its driver assistance systems. Overall, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a stylish, practical, and tech-laden EV which is a great proposition for families.

What's good

  • Retro-futuristic styling looks fantastic
  • Super spacious interior
  • Feels impressively posh

What’s not so good

  • Alternatives offer greater range…
  • ...and have larger boots
  • Steering column needs more reach adjustment
BMW iX

5. BMW iX

9/10
BMW iX review
Battery range up to 426 miles

What's good

  • Heaps of very clever technology
  • Stunning interior design
  • Excellent surround-view camera

What’s not so good

  • It's a really heavy car
  • No storage in the front...
  • ...and alternatives offer more space in the boot
Best for: practical poshness

The BMW iX blends EV running costs with comfort, space and a bit of premium flair. It’s BMW’s biggest electric SUV and an alternative to the Audi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes EQE SUV, or the more practical but less plush Kia EV9.

On the outside the iX is a love-it-or-loathe-it job, with its big grille, bold lines and squinty headlights. Whatever your opinion, you won’t miss it in a car park. It’s similar in size to a BMW X5, but there’s a surprising amount of space inside – more like an X7, only without the option of seven seats.

The interior feels properly upmarket, with quality materials and loads of tech. The curved twin-screen setup merges a 12.3-inch digital dash with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen, and there’s wireless charging, loads of USB-C ports, and a good dose of clever connectivity.

There’s plenty of room for five adults, and while the boot isn’t massive at 500 litres, it’s big enough for most family duties. It’s great to drive too – calm and comfy on the motorway, easy to manoeuvre in town, and surprisingly capable down a country road. All models come with all-wheel drive and they’re all strong performers, whether you go for the 408hp xDrive45 or the 659hp xDrive M70 with up to 365 miles of range.

It charges fairly quickly, too – a 10-80% top-up can take less than 40 minutes. The iX is a family EV that’s as relaxing as it is refined.

What's good

  • Heaps of very clever technology
  • Stunning interior design
  • Excellent surround-view camera

What’s not so good

  • It's a really heavy car
  • No storage in the front...
  • ...and alternatives offer more space in the boot
BMW i5 Touring
2025
Comfortable Cruiser Award
Highly Commended

6. BMW i5 Touring

9/10
BMW i5 Touring review
Battery range up to 359 miles

What's good

  • Lovely interior
  • Incredibly comfortable
  • Tonnes of tech

What’s not so good

  • Can get very, very expensive
  • Alternatives offer better range
  • Confusing infotainment system
Best for: classic BMW refinement

The BMW i5 Touring is a prime example of an electric BMW that still looks and feels like a classic BMW behind the wheel. It’s the all-electric version of the 5 Series estate, and it’s a seriously tempting option for families after something premium, practical and affordable to run.

The design is restrained…for a modern BMW. There’s no oversized grille drama here – just a sleek shape without too many unnecessary creases and angles down its flanks. Inside, the twin-screen setup looks smart, and the material quality is premium.

There’s loads of space in the front, and the back seats offer generous legroom too, although the chunky transmission tunnel pinched from the petrol version makes the middle seat a bit of a squeeze.

You’ve got two versions to pick from. The i5 eDrive40 has a single motor with 340hp and drives the rear wheels, while the M60 brings twin motors, all-wheel drive and a wild 601hp. That’s enough to launch it from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, if you feel like being a hooligan.

Both come with an 81.2kWh battery – good for up to 357 miles in the eDrive40 and up to 315 in the heavier M60. Real-world figures will vary, especially if your right foot gets a bit enthusiastic.

It’s comfy, quiet, and packed with clever tech; the i5 Touring blends refinement, performance and everyday usability in a way that makes it one of the most convincing estate cars on sale - and you can even have it as a saloon.

What's good

  • Lovely interior
  • Incredibly comfortable
  • Tonnes of tech

What’s not so good

  • Can get very, very expensive
  • Alternatives offer better range
  • Confusing infotainment system
Kia EV3

7. Kia EV3

9/10
Kia EV3 review
Battery range up to 375 miles

What's good

  • Up to 375-mile range
  • Comfortable to drive
  • Roomy back seats and boot

What’s not so good

  • Heat pump only available on most expensive model
  • Some cheap-feeling interior parts
  • Lots of annoying bongs and chimes
Best for: quirky, compact comfort

The Kia EV3 is a small electric SUV that doesn't feel small at all. It’s packed with quirky touches, clever design, and just enough practicality to make it a genuinely useful everyday family car. Sitting below the EV6 and EV9 in Kia’s lineup, the EV3 brings a lot of what makes its bigger siblings great, just in a more compact and affordable package.

For starters, the design is anything but bland. With chunky wheel arches and vertical LED lights at the corners, it’s bold, boxy and full of character. GT-Line trims dial up the funk with gloss black trims, while even base ‘Air’ models look butch with their plastic cladding. There’s no all-wheel drive or off-road ambitions here, but it certainly looks the part.

Inside, there’s space for four adults to stretch out comfortably — just don’t expect miracles for whoever draws the short straw in the middle seat. GT-Line models get a clever sliding tray up front, while the Air makes do with a bigger storage cubby. Materials feel a bit more upmarket in higher trims, but even the basic version gets a light and airy cabin.

A triple-screen setup sounds swish — and mostly is — but the climate control display is obscured by the steering wheel and frustrating to use. Still, you’ll forgive it once you see the boot: 460 litres out back, plus a 25-litre front boot for stray shopping bags; great for a car this compact.

Comfort is where the EV3 really shines. It glides over rough roads like a much larger car, though it’s not exactly built for backroad thrills. Entry models manage around 270 miles per charge, but the big-battery version goes up to a very impressive 375. All-in-all it’s a top-notch family EV.

What's good

  • Up to 375-mile range
  • Comfortable to drive
  • Roomy back seats and boot

What’s not so good

  • Heat pump only available on most expensive model
  • Some cheap-feeling interior parts
  • Lots of annoying bongs and chimes
Skoda Enyaq

8. Skoda Enyaq

8/10
Skoda Enyaq review
Battery range up to 359 miles

What's good

  • Spacious cabin and huge boot
  • Decent to drive and good range too
  • Very good all-rounder

What’s not so good

  • Won't set your pulse racing
  • Laggy infotainment
  • Options should be cheaper in a Skoda
Best for: flying under the radar

The Skoda Enyaq might not turn heads like a Kia EV9 or wear a posh badge like a BMW i5, but with its understated looks and sensible charm, it’s like the dependable friend who always remembers your birthday and sends you a Christmas card.

Step inside and things get more interesting. The cabin is well thought-out, with quality materials and a swoopy dashboard design. The infotainment system was given an update in 2024 and it’s less sluggish than before, though it’s still not the slickest out there.

There’s loads of room for adults front and back, and the boot is massive—bigger than almost any alternative bar the Tesla Model Y (which also adds a front boot the Enyaq lacks).

Range is a real strong point. The updated ‘85’ models can now go up to 348 miles on a full charge, comfortably matching or going further than most alternatives. Charging is quick too, ranging between 24-28 minutes to get from 20-80% charge on a rapid charger.

On the road, it’s quiet, smooth, and perfectly pleasant, though don’t expect hot hatch thrills. The steering is light and the Skoda doesn’t have buckets of grip for enthusiastic cornering, but the ride is comfy and the electric motor gives you enough shove for motorway merges and overtakes.

So, no fireworks - but if you want a calm, roomy and understated family EV, the Enyaq’s hard to beat.

What's good

  • Spacious cabin and huge boot
  • Decent to drive and good range too
  • Very good all-rounder

What’s not so good

  • Won't set your pulse racing
  • Laggy infotainment
  • Options should be cheaper in a Skoda
MG S5 EV

9. MG S5 EV

8/10
MG S5 EV review
Battery range up to 298 miles

What's good

  • MG’s poshest-feeling interior to date
  • Surprisingly fun to drive
  • Roomy back seats and boot

What’s not so good

  • Dull styling
  • Firm suspension
  • No Extended Range model
Best for: surprisingly fun cornering

Don’t let its bland looks fool you – the S5 EV is MG’s most convincing electric car yet. It ditches the usual "great but…" caveats of previous models and instead really is rather great.

While alternatives like the Volvo EX30 and Kia EV3 bring the style, the S5 EV blends in so well it could win hide-and-seek in a supermarket car park. Its design is forgettable, with a front end so plain it makes a white T-shirt look loud. But once you get inside, things take a definite turn for the better.

MG has stepped up its interior game massively here. Soft-touch materials are everywhere, and you’ll have to go on a serious hunt to find anything that feels cheap. Unlike in the MG 4, the S5’s cabin feels grown up. There are even proper buttons for the climate controls and a handy shortcut to silence the over-eager driver assists – small touches that make a big difference day to day.

It’s spacious, with loads of room in the back for kids, teens, or tall adults. The 453-litre boot is nearly as big as the one you get in the more expensive Kia EV3.

Range is decent: up to 211 miles in the standard version, or 298 miles in the Long Range model. Sure, it won’t go as far as some alternatives, but for most families, it’ll do the job nicely.

What's good

  • MG’s poshest-feeling interior to date
  • Surprisingly fun to drive
  • Roomy back seats and boot

What’s not so good

  • Dull styling
  • Firm suspension
  • No Extended Range model
Cupra Born

10. CUPRA Born

8/10
Cupra Born review
Battery range up to 366 miles

What's good

  • Practical, spacious interior
  • Strong electric range
  • Sporty looks

What’s not so good

  • Not all that fun to drive
  • Laggy infotainment system
  • Lack of physical switchgear frustrates
Best for: hatchback sensibility

The CUPRA Born is an example of a great family car without the SUV bulk. With up to 335 miles of range, it’s an alternative to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia Niro EV, and it’s more fun to drive than the average electric family car.

Though it shares a lot in common with the Volkswagen ID3, the Born brings some extra spice to the table with sharper, sportier styling and some copper coloured trims.

The cabin is spacious with comfortable sports seats made from recycled ocean plastic, but some tech issues take the shine off the experience. The 12-inch touchscreen looks great but it can lag and crash, and the lack of physical air conditioning controls is annoying. On the plus side, the 385-litre boot offers adequate room for your family’s gear.

The Born is comfortable and quick enough for city commutes and motorway trips. It handles bumps decently, and while it’s better than most it’s not quite the agile, fun electric hot hatch you might hope for with the CUPRA badge. Still, it’s easy to drive, with accurate steering and good grip, making it a practical and comfortable choice for everyday family needs.

In short, the CUPRA Born is a great alternative to larger SUVs, offering space, range, and enough style to stand out – even if it’s not quite the sporty thrill ride some might expect.

What's good

  • Practical, spacious interior
  • Strong electric range
  • Sporty looks

What’s not so good

  • Not all that fun to drive
  • Laggy infotainment system
  • Lack of physical switchgear frustrates

Electric family cars to avoid

Omoda E5

If all you need from an electric car is the ability to navigate traffic in silence then the Omoda E5 will do the job well. If, however, you need a car that’s comfortable, practical and has slick infotainment - the Omoda offers none of that. It’s also very bland to look at; easily mistakeable for other cars on sale.

Honda e:Ny1

Honda has a track record for producing fantastic, practical and comfortable cars and while the e:Ny1 adds good comfort into the mix, it’s let down by its electric drivetrain. The range is comically poor and it only charges at 78kW - so you’d better get friendly with your local forecourt attendant - plus it’s far, far, far too expensive. Poor effort from such a renowned brand.

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How to choose the best electric family car for you?

Saloon, estate, SUV or hatchback?

The bodystyle you opt for will depend largely on your lifestyle, and they all have their pros and cons. If you regularly have lots of luggage to haul around then an estate will make the most sense, or if you want the option of carrying seven people around then the Kia EV9 will tick the most boxes. City-dwellers might find a hatchback or small SUV the most convenient for small roads and tight parking spaces.

Budget

Electric cars are almost always more expensive than their petrol counterparts, but there are still a wide range of options available from sensible hatchbacks to big, expensive, posh SUVs. Expect to spend up to six figures for the most luxurious choices, but there are also more affordable models available from companies such as MG and Kia.

Range

If you regularly do motorway trips and cross-country drives then a bigger model with a large battery might be best, though that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more efficient than smaller alternatives and you might spend more on electricity than you bargain for. Living in should negate the need for a big battery, opening up the field to smaller hatchbacks - especially if you have easy access to a charger.

Everything you need to know about going electric

Electric family cars FAQs

The Government removed the £1,500 plug-in car grant for EVs in June 2022, though an extension was put in place until March 2023 for orders that had already been placed due to delays in supplying new cars.

Other than that, company car drivers will be able to make use of super-low Benefit-in-Kind tax rates for electric cars, while EVs are exempt from road tax until 2025.

This depends entirely on how much the electricity you're filling it up with is. Some smart home energy tariffs offer discounted electricity overnight, charging around 7 pence per kiloWatt hour, while public charging can cost around 75p/kWh. Once you know the price of electricity, working out how much it costs to charge an EV comes down to knowing how large its battery pack is. A car with a 100kWh battery will cost £75 to charge from full to empty at 75p/kWh, or £7 at 7p/kWh. Naturally, costs over time vary wildly depending on the model and the type of driving you do, but if you have an EV-friendly tariff you can expect to pay £5 for around 250-300 miles of range.

Again, this entirely depends on the speed of the charger you are using, and the speed at which an EV can take a charge. A home 'wallbox' charger will typically deliver electricity at seven kiloWatts, taking 14.2 hours to charge a 100kWh battery pack. Find a 100kW rapid public charger and it will theoretically take just an hour to charge the same battery - though note that EVs tend to slow down their rate of charge as they near full, while charging can also be slower when the ambient temperature is very high or low. A good rule of thumb for fast chargers is that they will typically top up your car from 10-80% in around half an hour.

Any car can be a family car depending on the size and needs of your family, but the MG4, which starts at around £27,000, is a strong contender for this honour. The Citroen e-C3 is even cheaper, but it will be too small for most families.

The Kia EV9 is the best compromise of space, cost and range. However, it's still far from cheap, so the Kia EV6 and MG4 EV are more affordable alternatives.

Unless you want to go for a vast seven-seater like the Kia EV9, the Kia EV6, Skoda Enyaq and BMW i5 are all spacious options for big families.

You should apply the same principles for making this decision as you would for a new or used petrol or diesel car, considering issues like depreciation, service history and specification - although if you're buying an older second-hand EV, it is worth asking whether the battery has suffered any degradation - even if this has proven to be far less serious a problem than was once feared.