What are the best cars for a family: top 10 models

A good choice of a family car can depend on many factors. But the main requirement that all family cars have in common is the ability to cope with everyday challenges, such as traveling with children and cargo.

A good family car should combine comfort, space, and practicality to be versatile on any road. Whether you're transporting a newborn or a whole team of kids, there are plenty of models that can meet all the needs of a family.

Autocar experts have compiled a rating of the best family cars that meet the requirements of modern parents.

BMW 3 Series Touring

This is a station wagon that combines family comfort and driving pleasure. It offers a great balance between handling and performance, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy every ride. Models such as the 330e deliver super-efficiency thanks to a hybrid powertrain, which is ideal for those who value efficiency. Despite the lack of a diesel option, the vehicle still delivers an exceptional ride thanks to four-cylinder models such as the 320i and M340i.

Cargo capacity is somewhat limited due to the low roofline, but the 500 liters of luggage space still provides plenty of room for family trips.

Dacia Jogger

This is a family car that impresses with its excellent value for money, offering many features at an affordable price. With a seven-seater cabin and compact dimensions, it is ideal for large families looking for efficient and economical transportation without being overly expensive. Despite the fact that the car does not have luxury driver assistance features and some minor engine deficiencies, it still offers excellent handling and comfort on long trips. At half the price of its competitor, the model is as comfortable and practical as it gets, with hybrid power, Apple CarPlay, and efficient air conditioning. Safety is somewhat lacking due to the limited number of modern driver assistance systems, but passenger protection indicators remain at a good level.

Volkswagen Golf

This vehicle remains one of the most recognizable and well-known family cars thanks to its combination of quality, affordability, and versatility. The latest version of the Mk8.5 Golf continues to be a great choice, offering excellent performance, good handling,g and comfort, making it ideal for daily commuting and family travel. While the trunk is not the most spacious in its class, the car makes up for it with efficient use of cabin space, making it a great choice for medium-sized families.

Technological improvements introduced in the updated 2024 model have added even more convenience and functionality. The Volkswagen Golf is offered in a variety of variants, including sports and luxury models, allowing you to choose the best option for different needs and budgets. Despite some drawbacks, such as relatively high costs and a slightly smaller trunk, the Golf remains a solid choice for those looking for an elegant, comfortable, and practical family car.

Land Rover Defender 110

This powerful and versatile SUV is ideal for families looking for a reliable vehicle for traveling both off-road and on-road. Thanks to its unrivaled maneuverability and off-road capability, the Defender is one of the best vehicles for those who often encounter extreme conditions. Its impressive performance and ability to work in difficult conditions earn it a high rating, although drivers should be prepared for fairly high maintenance and fuel costs.

One of the downsides is the additional cost of the third row of seats, which is an option in the Defender 110, which increases its cost but adds versatility for large families. The cost of the entry-level model (in the range of £60,000, or UAH 3.13 million) may seem high, but for this level of comfort and capability, this vehicle justifies its price.

Skoda Kodiaq

This is a versatile family SUV that combines affordable price, efficiency, and proven quality. With seven seats and a spacious boot with a capacity of up to 910 liters, it is ideal for large families looking for a practical and comfortable car. For those looking for more economical options, five-seat models with hybrid engines are available, offering a great range on electric power.

Although the Kodiaq's handling is not overly sporty, it makes up for it with ride comfort, thanks to optional adaptive dampers and progressive steering. The classic gasoline and diesel versions offer power and drive options to suit every need.

Skoda Octavia Estate

This is a car that combines space and practicality without unnecessary luxuries. Over the years, this station wagon has gained popularity due to its exceptional versatility, in particular, thanks to its large interior space that does not overwhelm the exterior dimensions.

Driving the Octavia Estate makes you feel confident, even if the car seems very spacious inside, and it does not take up too much space in the parking lot. This is a good choice for families who want to avoid the cost of SUVs, but are not ready to sacrifice comfort and practicality. High efficiency, convenient features, and moderate maintenance costs make the Octavia Estate a great option for those looking for an efficient and affordable car for everyday travel.

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports

This is a station wagon that combines style, space, and economy. It is ideal for families looking for a reliable car with a high level of comfort and practicality. The model is equipped with hybrid engines that provide excellent fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. In terms of interior space, the Corolla Touring Sports offers great cargo capacity and comfort on long journeys. Its handling and balance on the road allow you to enjoy the ride, even if the car is filled with passengers and luggage.

Kia Sorento

This is a versatile family SUV with seating for up to seven people, making it a great choice for large families. The model is equipped with all-wheel drive on all variants, including hybrid versions, which ensures good off-road capability. However, although it has the ability to tow, hybrid models are limited in this aspect due to the small electric range. At the same time, the Kia Sorento offers an impressive interior with high quality materials and modern technology.

The design of the car has a futuristic look, with elements borrowed from the Kia EV9 electric model. However, despite its impressive equipment, it should be borne in mind that the cost of this model may be higher than some competitors, and the handling and off-road capability do not reach the level of more specialized SUVs.

MG HS

This is a budget five-seater SUV that offers good value for money. Its plug-in hybrid version is impressive with 295 hp and an electric range of up to 75 miles, making it attractive to families and company car drivers due to its favorable tax advantages. However, while the car has powerful performance and good technology, it is not quite perfect in terms of handling and interior materials. They may seem cheap, and the overall refinement and luxury is still not up to par with the competition.

Nevertheless, the MG HS remains one of the most affordable options among competitors on the market, with a good warranty and good specifications for the money (from 900 thousand UAH for the base model). It is a good choice for those looking for a large and technically advanced family car without spending a lot of money.

Peugeot 5008

This is a stylish and practical large family SUV that is distinguished by its excellent design and space. Its adaptive interior allows you to quickly transform the cabin into a seven-seater or even a mid-size van, making it very versatile for large families. However, although it looks impressive, its handling is not very exciting on the road, and hybrid versions have limited power.

The 134 hp hybrid gasoline engine provides sufficient efficiency but is not impressive, while the plug-in version offers low emissions and an economical option for urban use. Additionally, the electric Peugeot e-5008 offers even more power and range, which is an interesting alternative for those looking to electrify.

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