Got a family? You’ll need some decent wheels to ferry them all around then. But you might also like a bit of performance, or need an extra two seats, or an electric version. There are lots of new and used models to choose from for Britain’s families – here are 10 of our favourites, to consider for 2025.
The modern family car needs to have a bit of everything going for it these days. Space, comfort, versatility, power, economy – you name it, the family wagon should be offering it.
It’s one of the most competitive and lucrative sectors of the motor industry and almost all of the world’s car manufacturers will have a range of models designed to satisfy the needs of the UK’s families.
The most common form of family car today is the SUV (sport utility vehicle) which has become the go-to for many family man (or woman) buyers. They are joined by Crossovers, which are more car-like compared with their van-style SUV cousins, but with increased ride height and more rugged features than a pure saloon or estate car.
As a family, you can still find one of those estates or a hatchback if an SUV is just not for you. These were more common 10 or 15 years ago but they still appeal to some families, perhaps those with only one or two children.
But it is the SUV that is king today and here in our round-up of some of the best family cars for 2025, it’s the ‘sport ute’ that features most prominently among the list of hopefuls.
Family car manufacturers have, between them, produced a vast range of vehicles, coming in petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric form and in varying shapes, sizes, and sticker prices.
So are you looking for a family motor, either new or as a used vehicle? Here are 10 to consider this year:
Kia Sportage – it’s not just the space-age looks that make the Sportage stand out from the crowd – it’s the space, full stop. There’s simply loads of room in the cabin for driver, passenger and three rear occupants along with a huge boot that will swallow three or four suitcases, some golf clubs or a pushchair. Its petrol engines are nippy and lively, and come with hybrid assistance to keep fuel bills in check. Price guide: £26,000
BMW iX3 – it’s big, bold and makes a bit of a statement, particularly on the school run with a carload of kids. The German firm’s iX3 is similar to its petrol X3 SUV cousin but is powered only by battery. A smart and modern example, its roomy interior has a host of high-tech wizardry to keep the family entertained and bags of space in the boot area. The 280 hp motor has a very decent 280 mile range, so there’s less distance stress on a long run. Price guide: £60,000
Ford Puma – Ford’s popular Puma took over where the evergreen Fiesta left off and its lovable looks, hatchback versatility, split five-seat convenience and range of engines have won it many fans. Now the car giant has updated the line-up and made some changes, starting with the fact that it only comes with a 1.0-litre hybrid engine now, regardless of whether it’s an entry-level Titanium or the mighty ST. Price guide: £27,000
MG 5 EV – don’t be fooled into thinking the MG is a budget option when it comes to electric vehicle (EV) family cars. At over £30K it’s hardly in bargain basement territory. And nor should it be: the inside of this latest version is plush and luxurious, build quality is first class, there’s plenty of room in both cabin and boot area and the battery will give 250 miles or so of range. Price guide: £32,000
Peugeot 508 SW – another solid entry in the estate car stakes, the Peugeot underwent a facelift last year and still looks good in the ever-changing world of road transport. The SW (station wagon) drags itself into the style arena with a stunning grille and neat, sloping rear end which masks a massive 1,700 litre boot. There’s a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version. Plus a modern, sporty interior to reflect its decent handling. Price guide: £34,000
Citroen C4 – there’s no mistaking the C4 as it passes you in the street – the French maker’s styling is certainly unique. Nobody else does it like Citroen, with the thin side lights, low-down LED headlamps and bold door cladding. From the side it’s stylish thanks to a sloping roofline and tall rear end. The whole car is tall, actually, which makes it almost an SUV, but not quite. It’s a comfortable family hatchback even so. Price guide: £25,000
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer – the name suggests some sort of high performance, mile-munching continental touring machine but actually the Astra is a good, old-fashioned family estate. But it has got great looks, a spacious interior, smart dashboard with the usual display and phone pairings, and a 600 litre boot space – more if you fold the rear bench down. There’s petrol, hybrid and full-electric power to choose from. Price guide: £28,000
Honda Civic – it’s ‘only’ a hatchback, but the Honda is a spacious and versatile car that’s ideal for small families. A smart cabin, good leg and headroom and a cavernous boot are all plus points for this attractive model. The Civic has been around for nearly half a century so it has certainly got form, and the most recent iteration carries the iconic and respected model name proudly into the future. Price guide: £35,000
Volvo XC40 – the Swedish firm used to be famous for its chunky estate cars – now it does a good job of small SUVS, such as the XC40. The family car has a sharp, modern look with a stylish and high-tech interior. There’s a great blend of boot space, economy, safety and reliability. Choose from two petrol engines, both connected to a seven-speed automatic gearbox only. The driver and front passenger get a bright, open view of the road while rear passengers won’t be short of head space. Price guide: £40,000
Mercedes GLB – although the small SUV is related to its B-class hatchback cousin, there’s a world of difference between the two Germans. The GLB is such a clever car in that it offers tons of space and versatility – and seven seats to boot – in a neat and compact package. Throw in Mercedes’ legendary techno-wizardry and gadgets, a quick and comfortable drive, and a choice of petrol and diesel engines and it’s a serious family contender. Price guide: £40,000
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