Best large family cars 2025
High quality cars for families from rated and reviewed dealers
Best big family cars of 2025
If your mornings are taken up with school runs, and your weekends shuttling people smaller than you, but related to you, from club to event to granny’s house, then you probably need a large family car.
Back when your dad was a lad, family cars were all Ford Cortinas. Well, it seemed that way anyway — big, sensible, four-door saloons with capacious boots and a back seat roomy enough for at least four kids, thanks to the fact that rear seatbelts and child safety seats were but twinkles in safety assessors’ eyes.
These days? Well now that you’re the parent, family cars come in all sorts of different shapes, sizes, and price points, from big and chunky seven-seat SUVs, to more conventional saloons and estates – and you can get electric cars, too.
Buying a family car is no longer the simple task of just buying the most recent Cortina you can afford — you now need to pick and choose carefully according to your needs. Thankfully, Carwow is here to help, and we’ve picked out the ten best family cars currently on sale in the UK.
Carwow intensively tests every new car on sale, whether they’re powered by diesel, petrol, electricity, or any combination thereof, so that we can give our expert recommendations. We drive cars on all sorts of roads and we look at the individual strengths of each model — from how many baby buggies you can fit in the boot, to how many quarrelling teens can be stashed in the back seat. The best large family cars are not only spacious, but also good to drive and easy to live with.
2025
Car of the Year Award
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: Convincing people you’re an adventurous family
The Hyundai Santa Fe is so upright, square-edged, and frankly butch to look at that you’d swear it rolled in from the set of some American television advert for camping gear, or a manly-smelling deodorant.
It’s all a bit of a bluff, of course, because although the Santa Fe looks like the chairperson and treasurer of the Land Rover Defender Cosplay Club, underneath it’s much more of a soft-roader, and not really capable of tackling anything more serious than the damp edges of the local football pitch, or maybe a gently undulating campsite perimeter track.
No matter, because while the looks of the Santa Fe draw you in with their cool, rugged appearance, what really sells you on the big Hyundai is just how useful it is when you’re inside. How well-made too, because although Hyundai has tried to give the cabin something of a rugged veneer too, it’s actually superbly well put together, and the big touchscreen is much easier to use than that of most of the competition.
There’s oodles of space too, and seats for seven even if you go for the plug-in hybrid model, something that not all competitors can manage. The rear-most seats are more kid-friendly than adult-suitable, but you can squeeze in seven well-sized people all the same, and the upright back end makes for a massive boot.
The regular hybrid model is probably slightly easier to live with all-round, and pretty good on fuel (not very quick though) but the more powerful plug-in hybrid is a better bet if you can charge up at home, and you do lots of short trips around town during the week. The Santa Fe is a big car for that kind of driving, but again the straight edges (and the excellent camera system) help with that, making it easy to place on the road.
It’s a comfy cruiser on the motorway too, although the PHEV version gets quite thirsty when you do that. The Santa Fe isn’t much fun on twisty roads, but it’s so practical and useful that you probably won’t mind.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is so upright, square-edged, and frankly butch to look at that you’d swear it rolled in from the set of some American television advert for camping gear, or a manly-smelling deodorant.
It’s all a bit of a bluff, of course, because although the Santa Fe looks like the chairperson and treasurer of the Land Rover Defender Cosplay Club, underneath it’s much more of a soft-roader, and not really capable of tackling anything more serious than the damp edges of the local football pitch, or maybe a gently undulating campsite perimeter track.
No matter, because while the looks of the Santa Fe draw you in with their cool, rugged appearance, what really sells you on the big Hyundai is just how useful it is when you’re inside. How well-made too, because although Hyundai has tried to give the cabin something of a rugged veneer too, it’s actually superbly well put together, and the big touchscreen is much easier to use than that of most of the competition.
There’s oodles of space too, and seats for seven even if you go for the plug-in hybrid model, something that not all competitors can manage. The rear-most seats are more kid-friendly than adult-suitable, but you can squeeze in seven well-sized people all the same, and the upright back end makes for a massive boot.
The regular hybrid model is probably slightly easier to live with all-round, and pretty good on fuel (not very quick though) but the more powerful plug-in hybrid is a better bet if you can charge up at home, and you do lots of short trips around town during the week. The Santa Fe is a big car for that kind of driving, but again the straight edges (and the excellent camera system) help with that, making it easy to place on the road.
It’s a comfy cruiser on the motorway too, although the PHEV version gets quite thirsty when you do that. The Santa Fe isn’t much fun on twisty roads, but it’s so practical and useful that you probably won’t mind.
2025
Adventurer's Choice Award
Battery range up to 45 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: Convincing your kids that you’re posh
The BMW X5 has been a staple of well-heeled suburban driveways (especially the ones with the automatic gates and the big shrubberies) since it was first launched way back in 1999. Who wouldn’t like a car with the space and usefulness of an SUV, four-wheel drive security for the winter, and yet the handling and responses of a proper BMW?
Well, in the quarter-century or so since then, and across four different generations, nothing much has changed. The X5 has become bigger, more luxurious, and more expensive than it was in 1999, but it’s essentially still the same car. It packs enough space for family life, and manages to look good doing it — not something you can necessarily say about the Mercedes GLE nor the Audi Q7. Squint a bit, and you can still convince yourself that the X5 is a slightly bigger 5 Series…
The cabin is gorgeous, with that big twin-screen TV-style dashboard layout, and quality levels are unimpeachable (although the touchscreen can be awkward at times). There’s huge comfort in the front, and those in row two won’t be complaining either, with decent legroom and plenty of headroom. Row three — yes, the X5 is a seven-seater — is a little tighter, but adults will fit, just about.
Boot space isn’t brilliant though, as although 650 litres sounds like a lot, it’s much less than you’d find in the Audi Q7. Or the Skoda Kodiaq for that matter. There’s a plug-in hybrid engine option, which is good for those that spend a lot of time in town, but while it has an impressive 60-mile-plus range on one charge, a diesel-engined X5 offers better all-round performance and superior long-run fuel economy.
The best thing about the X5 is just how deftly it manages to balance the comfort and refinement that you need for family life, with the driving fun that has long been a part of BMW’s creed. Yes, it’s a tall car and a big car, but the X5 is genuinely fun on a twisty road. Once you’ve done the school drop and the pony-club shuffle, you’ll find yourself taking the long way home…
The BMW X5 has been a staple of well-heeled suburban driveways (especially the ones with the automatic gates and the big shrubberies) since it was first launched way back in 1999. Who wouldn’t like a car with the space and usefulness of an SUV, four-wheel drive security for the winter, and yet the handling and responses of a proper BMW?
Well, in the quarter-century or so since then, and across four different generations, nothing much has changed. The X5 has become bigger, more luxurious, and more expensive than it was in 1999, but it’s essentially still the same car. It packs enough space for family life, and manages to look good doing it — not something you can necessarily say about the Mercedes GLE nor the Audi Q7. Squint a bit, and you can still convince yourself that the X5 is a slightly bigger 5 Series…
The cabin is gorgeous, with that big twin-screen TV-style dashboard layout, and quality levels are unimpeachable (although the touchscreen can be awkward at times). There’s huge comfort in the front, and those in row two won’t be complaining either, with decent legroom and plenty of headroom. Row three — yes, the X5 is a seven-seater — is a little tighter, but adults will fit, just about.
Boot space isn’t brilliant though, as although 650 litres sounds like a lot, it’s much less than you’d find in the Audi Q7. Or the Skoda Kodiaq for that matter. There’s a plug-in hybrid engine option, which is good for those that spend a lot of time in town, but while it has an impressive 60-mile-plus range on one charge, a diesel-engined X5 offers better all-round performance and superior long-run fuel economy.
The best thing about the X5 is just how deftly it manages to balance the comfort and refinement that you need for family life, with the driving fun that has long been a part of BMW’s creed. Yes, it’s a tall car and a big car, but the X5 is genuinely fun on a twisty road. Once you’ve done the school drop and the pony-club shuffle, you’ll find yourself taking the long way home…
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Best for: Convincing your kids that you’re bagged a bargain
Maybe it’s an age thing, but there comes a time when you start to realise that big, heavy SUVs are all a bit pointless (unless you really need the extra seats) and that a spacious estate car is actually what you need. Congratulations — you have arrived in the Land Of Sensibleness. Here’s your Skoda Superb Estate.
Honestly, the Superb Estate is just the answer to so many questions that you’ll ask. How will I move this wardrobe to the recycling centre? How will I bring a new wardrobe home from IKEA to replace that one? How will we cruise comfortably and economically to the south of France for a holiday? The Superb Estate is the answer to all of these, and many more.
It’s even quite good looking these days, although you might have plenty of people mistaking you for a minicab. The cabin bears comparison with Audi in quality terms, even if there are still a few cheap bits around the place. The handy rotary controls on the dash make dealing with the big touchscreen much easier, and there’s so much legroom in the back that Peter Crouch could stretch out and get comfortable.
Then there’s the massive boot — 690 litres as standard, and still more than 500 litres if you get the plug-in hybrid model with its space-sapping battery. That plug-in version is worth having, though, as it’s one of the best PHEVs around. Skoda claims it can go for 70 miles on electric power; 55 miles is a bit more realistic, but the better news is that it doesn’t become colossally thirsty when you take it out on the motorway.
The downsides? The Superb has become really quite pricey, by Skoda standards, although it’s still better priced than the equivalent Volkswagen Passat Estate, and far more affordable than an Audi A6 Avant (which has a smaller boot). It’s also only average to drive on a twisty road, and there’s a touch too much tyre noise on motorways.
Maybe it’s an age thing, but there comes a time when you start to realise that big, heavy SUVs are all a bit pointless (unless you really need the extra seats) and that a spacious estate car is actually what you need. Congratulations — you have arrived in the Land Of Sensibleness. Here’s your Skoda Superb Estate.
Honestly, the Superb Estate is just the answer to so many questions that you’ll ask. How will I move this wardrobe to the recycling centre? How will I bring a new wardrobe home from IKEA to replace that one? How will we cruise comfortably and economically to the south of France for a holiday? The Superb Estate is the answer to all of these, and many more.
It’s even quite good looking these days, although you might have plenty of people mistaking you for a minicab. The cabin bears comparison with Audi in quality terms, even if there are still a few cheap bits around the place. The handy rotary controls on the dash make dealing with the big touchscreen much easier, and there’s so much legroom in the back that Peter Crouch could stretch out and get comfortable.
Then there’s the massive boot — 690 litres as standard, and still more than 500 litres if you get the plug-in hybrid model with its space-sapping battery. That plug-in version is worth having, though, as it’s one of the best PHEVs around. Skoda claims it can go for 70 miles on electric power; 55 miles is a bit more realistic, but the better news is that it doesn’t become colossally thirsty when you take it out on the motorway.
The downsides? The Superb has become really quite pricey, by Skoda standards, although it’s still better priced than the equivalent Volkswagen Passat Estate, and far more affordable than an Audi A6 Avant (which has a smaller boot). It’s also only average to drive on a twisty road, and there’s a touch too much tyre noise on motorways.
2025
Outstanding EV Award
Battery range up to 349 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: Convincing your kids that you’re an astronaut
There is definitely something space-agey about the way the Kia EV9 looks, and its sheer size — it’s darned near the size of a Range Rover — makes it look even more impressive. If you asked an alien to design you a family car, this is quite possibly what they’d come up with.
That space-age impression doesn’t go away when you climb inside, especially if you get the luxury-spec six-seat layout which might be less practical than the seven-seat version, but is certainly much cooler. The big screens on the dashboard are fairly easy to find your way around (as ever, we have to note that more buttons would be helpful) and quality is sky-high.
Speaking of space, there’s lots. Even the way-back seats are big enough for grown-ups, and if you fold them away, there’s an enormous 828 litres of boot volume, backed up by a front-boot in the nose that stretches to 90 litres in some models.
The EV9 gets a big battery, which allows it to stretch to a potential 349-mile range, although you lose a bit if you go for the four-wheel drive model. It’s a bit on the big side for towns, and not huge fun on twisty roads, but few cars are as comfy and quiet on a long drive, and you can charge up super-fast thanks to the EV9’s 800-volt charging system.
There is definitely something space-agey about the way the Kia EV9 looks, and its sheer size — it’s darned near the size of a Range Rover — makes it look even more impressive. If you asked an alien to design you a family car, this is quite possibly what they’d come up with.
That space-age impression doesn’t go away when you climb inside, especially if you get the luxury-spec six-seat layout which might be less practical than the seven-seat version, but is certainly much cooler. The big screens on the dashboard are fairly easy to find your way around (as ever, we have to note that more buttons would be helpful) and quality is sky-high.
Speaking of space, there’s lots. Even the way-back seats are big enough for grown-ups, and if you fold them away, there’s an enormous 828 litres of boot volume, backed up by a front-boot in the nose that stretches to 90 litres in some models.
The EV9 gets a big battery, which allows it to stretch to a potential 349-mile range, although you lose a bit if you go for the four-wheel drive model. It’s a bit on the big side for towns, and not huge fun on twisty roads, but few cars are as comfy and quiet on a long drive, and you can charge up super-fast thanks to the EV9’s 800-volt charging system.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: Convincing your kids you can climb mountains
The big Discovery has kind of had its milkshake nicked by the pincer movement of its two Land Rover brothers — the Defender and the Range Rover. While the posh money (and you need at least £100,000) goes for the Range Rover, the family friendly market is increasingly looking to the seven-seat versions of the Defender, or even the massive eight-seat Defender 130, instead of the Discovery.
Which is a shame, as the Discovery still has a lot to offer, as long as you’re prepared to gamble with Land Rover’s usual reliability issues. It’s a sleeker looking car than the chunkier Defender, even if the offset numberplate at the back still looks wrong.
Inside you’ll find a high quality cabin with a touchscreen that’s much classier and easier to use than it ever used to be. You’ll also find seven truly sumptuous seats, each one big enough for a proper adult to get comfy, and lots and lots of space.
There’s a massive 922-litre boot if you fold the third row of seats away, and the Discovery is also a towing champ, able to haul as much as 3,500kg on a braked trailer.
It’s also incredibly smooth to drive, with great refinement and ride comfort, and yet has enough steering feel and feedback for it to be enjoyable when the road gets twisty. And when the road runs out entirely, the Discovery makes mincemeat of the likes of the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, both of which would be spinning their low-profile tyres uselessly in the mud long before the Discovery ran out of ability and agility.
The big Discovery has kind of had its milkshake nicked by the pincer movement of its two Land Rover brothers — the Defender and the Range Rover. While the posh money (and you need at least £100,000) goes for the Range Rover, the family friendly market is increasingly looking to the seven-seat versions of the Defender, or even the massive eight-seat Defender 130, instead of the Discovery.
Which is a shame, as the Discovery still has a lot to offer, as long as you’re prepared to gamble with Land Rover’s usual reliability issues. It’s a sleeker looking car than the chunkier Defender, even if the offset numberplate at the back still looks wrong.
Inside you’ll find a high quality cabin with a touchscreen that’s much classier and easier to use than it ever used to be. You’ll also find seven truly sumptuous seats, each one big enough for a proper adult to get comfy, and lots and lots of space.
There’s a massive 922-litre boot if you fold the third row of seats away, and the Discovery is also a towing champ, able to haul as much as 3,500kg on a braked trailer.
It’s also incredibly smooth to drive, with great refinement and ride comfort, and yet has enough steering feel and feedback for it to be enjoyable when the road gets twisty. And when the road runs out entirely, the Discovery makes mincemeat of the likes of the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, both of which would be spinning their low-profile tyres uselessly in the mud long before the Discovery ran out of ability and agility.
Battery range up to 424 miles
What's good
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Best for: Convincing your kids you’re saving the planet
Estate cars, unless you seriously need to use seven seats on a daily basis, have long been the best family cars around, and now the Volkswagen ID7 Tourer pulls that tradition into the electric car age. It might be based on the same basic box of bits as an ID3 hatchback or a Skoda Enyaq SUV, but the ID7 is big, long, low, and lean-looking.
That lowness really helps, too. Because it cuts through the air better, the ID7 with the same 77kWh battery will go for an extra 60 miles on one charge compared to the taller ID4 SUV. Go for the big-battery 86kWh version, and that stretches to a massive 424 miles, even if about 350 miles is a more realistic bet.
Mostly, the ID7 gets a rear-drive electric motor with 286hp, which is plenty, but there is a more powerful and sportier four-wheel drive 335hp GTX model. Worth the extra? Not really, and not least because the ID7’s best trick is the way it silently glides along, whooshing past recharging stations without a care in the world. This is a seriously comfortable car.
The big touchscreen is impressive, but still too fiddly and genuinely rage-inducing at times, but the overall cabin quality and space are both very good, and the boot holds an impressive 605 litres. The ID7 isn’t cheap, but it is impressive.
Estate cars, unless you seriously need to use seven seats on a daily basis, have long been the best family cars around, and now the Volkswagen ID7 Tourer pulls that tradition into the electric car age. It might be based on the same basic box of bits as an ID3 hatchback or a Skoda Enyaq SUV, but the ID7 is big, long, low, and lean-looking.
That lowness really helps, too. Because it cuts through the air better, the ID7 with the same 77kWh battery will go for an extra 60 miles on one charge compared to the taller ID4 SUV. Go for the big-battery 86kWh version, and that stretches to a massive 424 miles, even if about 350 miles is a more realistic bet.
Mostly, the ID7 gets a rear-drive electric motor with 286hp, which is plenty, but there is a more powerful and sportier four-wheel drive 335hp GTX model. Worth the extra? Not really, and not least because the ID7’s best trick is the way it silently glides along, whooshing past recharging stations without a care in the world. This is a seriously comfortable car.
The big touchscreen is impressive, but still too fiddly and genuinely rage-inducing at times, but the overall cabin quality and space are both very good, and the boot holds an impressive 605 litres. The ID7 isn’t cheap, but it is impressive.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: Convincing your kids you love driving
The BMW 5 Series looks more controversial now than it has done at any point in its existence. It looks chunky and lantern-jawed, lacking the grace and simplicity of previous models. Does that mean it’s not as good? Nope…
Under the controversial skin, a 5 Series is still a 5 Series, and so it’s still really enjoyable and engaging to drive, and still a hugely practical car especially if you get the Touring estate model with its roomy 570-litre boot.
There’s a huge number of engine options, from a simple 520i petrol, to the 530e plug-in hybrid with its 63-mile claimed electric range, to the fully electric i5 versions. The electric lineup consists of an eDrive40 with rear-wheel drive and a potential range of 357 miles (closer to 250 miles if you’re on the motorway) or a four-wheel drive M60, with more than 600hp and M-car acceleration. Speaking of M-car acceleration, there’s also a plug-in hybrid M5 which weighs (almost) as much as a planet, but which has a mighty V8 engine and more than 700hp.
The good news is that all 5 Series are pretty much equally fun to drive, with sharp steering and composed chassis. They’re not the roomiest car around — a Skoda Superb has way more legroom in the back — but capable enough for most. Here’s another family friendly BMW that will have you looking for the longest way home after the school drop.
The BMW 5 Series looks more controversial now than it has done at any point in its existence. It looks chunky and lantern-jawed, lacking the grace and simplicity of previous models. Does that mean it’s not as good? Nope…
Under the controversial skin, a 5 Series is still a 5 Series, and so it’s still really enjoyable and engaging to drive, and still a hugely practical car especially if you get the Touring estate model with its roomy 570-litre boot.
There’s a huge number of engine options, from a simple 520i petrol, to the 530e plug-in hybrid with its 63-mile claimed electric range, to the fully electric i5 versions. The electric lineup consists of an eDrive40 with rear-wheel drive and a potential range of 357 miles (closer to 250 miles if you’re on the motorway) or a four-wheel drive M60, with more than 600hp and M-car acceleration. Speaking of M-car acceleration, there’s also a plug-in hybrid M5 which weighs (almost) as much as a planet, but which has a mighty V8 engine and more than 700hp.
The good news is that all 5 Series are pretty much equally fun to drive, with sharp steering and composed chassis. They’re not the roomiest car around — a Skoda Superb has way more legroom in the back — but capable enough for most. Here’s another family friendly BMW that will have you looking for the longest way home after the school drop.
Battery range up to 435 miles
What's good
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Best for: Convincing your kids you care about style
You’d think that buying an Audi A6 Avant estate, especially this all-electric e-tron version, would be an instant passport to one of the most practical cars around. And yet… with only 502 litres of boot space, it’s actually less roomy than a BMW i5 Touring, and is absolutely murdered by the 690-litre boot of a Skoda Superb. So why have you bought it?
Possibly because the A6 Avant e-tron is just so darned good looking. Compared to the overly-chunky BMW 5 Series and the too-plain Mercedes E-Class, the A6 Avant looks incredibly handsome, with sleek lines (helpful for aerodynamics that stretch out the range) and slim headlights that give it almost a fighter-jet face. It’s really handsome.
It’s pretty nice inside too, although that big, sweeping touchscreen can be too fiddly for comfort when you’re on the move. Audi’s quality has never really been in doubt, although it’s fair to say that BMW might have stolen a march on it as there are a few cheap bits in the A6’s cabin. There’s decent space in the back seats though, and if the boot isn’t massive then at least it’s flat, square, and useful.
Go for the big battery, rear-wheel drive (yes, a rear-wheel drive Audi!) and you get a massive 435-mile range, which isn’t entirely unrealistic to achieve in the real world. You’ll be paying through the nose for it, but this is a very stylish way to go electric.
You’d think that buying an Audi A6 Avant estate, especially this all-electric e-tron version, would be an instant passport to one of the most practical cars around. And yet… with only 502 litres of boot space, it’s actually less roomy than a BMW i5 Touring, and is absolutely murdered by the 690-litre boot of a Skoda Superb. So why have you bought it?
Possibly because the A6 Avant e-tron is just so darned good looking. Compared to the overly-chunky BMW 5 Series and the too-plain Mercedes E-Class, the A6 Avant looks incredibly handsome, with sleek lines (helpful for aerodynamics that stretch out the range) and slim headlights that give it almost a fighter-jet face. It’s really handsome.
It’s pretty nice inside too, although that big, sweeping touchscreen can be too fiddly for comfort when you’re on the move. Audi’s quality has never really been in doubt, although it’s fair to say that BMW might have stolen a march on it as there are a few cheap bits in the A6’s cabin. There’s decent space in the back seats though, and if the boot isn’t massive then at least it’s flat, square, and useful.
Go for the big battery, rear-wheel drive (yes, a rear-wheel drive Audi!) and you get a massive 435-mile range, which isn’t entirely unrealistic to achieve in the real world. You’ll be paying through the nose for it, but this is a very stylish way to go electric.
2025
Adventurer's Choice Award
Highly Commended
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: Convincing your kids you want more kids
Just be aware – if you have any fewer than three children, and you buy a big, roomy, seven-seat Skoda Kodiaq, they’re going to be instantly suspicious that you have plans for at least one baby brother or sister. Maybe even twins. That’s because, almost by default these days, the Kodiaq is the car you buy when you have a growing family.
It’s an expensive car, by Skoda’s traditional standard, but it has kind of slotted into that classless slot left vacant by the upwardly-mobile Volvo XC90.
Like the XC90, the Kodiaq majors on space. There’s tonnes up front, and not just for heads and legs but for storage too. There are no fewer than two gloveboxes, and acres of storage between the seats. There’s ample legroom in the back, but you’ll need to sacrifice at least some of that if you want to fit anyone larger than a small child in row three.
If you don’t need to fit anyone in row three, you can fold those seats flat to open out a massive 845-litre boot. In fact, if you don’t need third row seats at all, there’s the option of a basic five-seat model with a huge 910-litre boot. Or you can get the plug-in hybrid model with its useful 70-mile electric range (more like 55 miles in real-world conditions) but that has (a) a smaller boot and (b) can’t be had as a seven-seater.
The Superb looks smart, and has a lovely dash design, but it’s not much fun to drive. Smooth, comfy, and competent, though.
Just be aware – if you have any fewer than three children, and you buy a big, roomy, seven-seat Skoda Kodiaq, they’re going to be instantly suspicious that you have plans for at least one baby brother or sister. Maybe even twins. That’s because, almost by default these days, the Kodiaq is the car you buy when you have a growing family.
It’s an expensive car, by Skoda’s traditional standard, but it has kind of slotted into that classless slot left vacant by the upwardly-mobile Volvo XC90.
Like the XC90, the Kodiaq majors on space. There’s tonnes up front, and not just for heads and legs but for storage too. There are no fewer than two gloveboxes, and acres of storage between the seats. There’s ample legroom in the back, but you’ll need to sacrifice at least some of that if you want to fit anyone larger than a small child in row three.
If you don’t need to fit anyone in row three, you can fold those seats flat to open out a massive 845-litre boot. In fact, if you don’t need third row seats at all, there’s the option of a basic five-seat model with a huge 910-litre boot. Or you can get the plug-in hybrid model with its useful 70-mile electric range (more like 55 miles in real-world conditions) but that has (a) a smaller boot and (b) can’t be had as a seven-seater.
The Superb looks smart, and has a lovely dash design, but it’s not much fun to drive. Smooth, comfy, and competent, though.
Battery range up to 414 miles
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Best for: Convincing your kids that you’re actually French
French cars often make for the best family cars – just ask anyone who used to have a Peugeot 505 estate. That could be had with seven seats, as it happens, and so can this big E-5008, which mixes lots of room for the family with an ultra-long electric range so that you can get them all home while they're still asleep…
In fact, go for the big-battery model and the E-5008’s range stretches to a massive 414 miles. If you don’t fancy spending that big, then the regular 73kWh model can manage up to 310 miles, or about 280 miles in real-world conditions. There’s also a more powerful four-wheel drive model, but with 210hp even in the basic E-5008, there’s not much need to upgrade.
Inside, there’s wall-to-wall carpeting on the dashboard, and a pretty slick infotainment screen. More importantly, there’s comfy seats front and rear, although you’ll need to slide the middle row forward a touch if you want to squeeze people into the slightly small third row. Fold those back seats down and there’s a massive 916-litre boot.
In the French tradition, the E-5008 is comfy to drive, smooth over bumps (most of the time) and very refined on a motorway cruise. It’s also well-made and quite stylish, but not a huge amount of fun on a twisty road.
French cars often make for the best family cars – just ask anyone who used to have a Peugeot 505 estate. That could be had with seven seats, as it happens, and so can this big E-5008, which mixes lots of room for the family with an ultra-long electric range so that you can get them all home while they're still asleep…
In fact, go for the big-battery model and the E-5008’s range stretches to a massive 414 miles. If you don’t fancy spending that big, then the regular 73kWh model can manage up to 310 miles, or about 280 miles in real-world conditions. There’s also a more powerful four-wheel drive model, but with 210hp even in the basic E-5008, there’s not much need to upgrade.
Inside, there’s wall-to-wall carpeting on the dashboard, and a pretty slick infotainment screen. More importantly, there’s comfy seats front and rear, although you’ll need to slide the middle row forward a touch if you want to squeeze people into the slightly small third row. Fold those back seats down and there’s a massive 916-litre boot.
In the French tradition, the E-5008 is comfy to drive, smooth over bumps (most of the time) and very refined on a motorway cruise. It’s also well-made and quite stylish, but not a huge amount of fun on a twisty road.
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How to choose the best large family car for you
Picking a family car is about taking your time to set your priorities. Do you need seat space or boot space? Because not all big cars can provide both at the same time. Do you need comfort and silence, or a bit of sporty driving because you’re not THAT old just yet? Is fuel economy, or electric range, more important than performance?
You also need to carefully watch your budget. Obviously, a larger car means a larger price tag, but it’s slightly scary how easily some of the cars on this list will reach past £60,000. You can save money by picking from the less-premium likes of Skoda or Peugeot, but even then higher-spec models can become very expensive, very quickly.
You’ll also want to know that the car you’re choosing is safe. Check out the Euro NCAP crash test results — they’re not perfect, and they don’t necessarily tell the full safety story, but they’re the best independent crash and safety tests. Make sure you check out the specific ratings for child occupant safety as those can sometimes be considerably less impressive than the adult occupant safety ratings.
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