Mercedes B-Class

Citroën Berlingo MPV

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

Ford S-Max

Ford Galaxy

best-mpvs-and-people-carriers-2024-–-reviewed-and-rated

Family life isn't a walk in the park, but a practical MPV certainly makes things easier. These people carriers are specifically designed to make light work out of ferrying your kids around, with versatile interiors that give you plenty of space and practicality. They often come as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">7 seaters</a>, too.

But it's not all about the sensible stuff, because the best people carriers also have good-quality interiors, refined driving experiences and plenty of equipment, both in terms of creature comforts and safety.

Our team of expert testers have driven every MPV on sale, and crammed them full of people and luggage to deliver their verdicts. Read on to find out which MPVs are best, and&nbsp;which you should avoid.

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

Best MPVs and people carriers 2024

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

CADDY

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy/mpv/review/n24292">Volkswagen Caddy</a> is the sibling of the Ford Tourneo Connect we saw earlier on this list – so it should come as no surprise that it shares many of the same strengths. Its extremely practical, for example, with enough space for three adults to sit side-by-side on the rear bench, and a boot which should have no trouble in swallowing anything you might wish to throw at it.

Engine options are confined to a 112bhp 1.5-litre petrol, or a 2.0-litre diesel with 101bhp or 120bhp – and none get mild hybrid assistance to help with your fuel bills. It's the petrol option which we recommend for its reasonable pep, but make no mistake, this is not a quick MPV.

While the Caddy attempts to give you the feeling of the smaller&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">Volkswagen Golf</a>&nbsp;in the way it drives, it's only partially successful. There's accurate steering and strong brakes, yes, but the Caddy's sheer size and weight means it still feels like a very big car – the Volkswagen Touran is more composed.

"I found the Caddy's sliding rear doors handy for getting in and out in tight parking spaces, but there's a high sill to clamber over to actually get inside the car.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/darren-moss/n1005">Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor</a>

8: Volkswagen Caddy

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Five-star NCAP rating beats other MPVs</li>
	<li>Pleasant to drive</li>
	<li>Better warranty than most rivals</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Low-rent interior</li>
	<li>Rivals have better rear seat space</li>
	<li>Very expensive</li>
</ul>

Hatchback

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

B CLASS

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/b-class/hatchback/review/n18344">Mercedes B-Class</a> is even more comfortable over broken British roads than the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and contains noise better – meaning you can relax away the miles without needing to turn the stereo up.

It's not available with as many different power options as its BMW rival – there's no hybrid or plug-in hybrid version, for example – but we think the entry-level B200 1.3-litre petrol engine will be the best pick for most people. It offers plenty of performance, even with every seat filled, yet should also keep your running osts in check.

With fixtures and fittings more reminiscent of a luxury saloon than a family MPVs, the B-Class is a nice place to spend time, and two six-footers will find themselves with plenty of head and leg room in the rear seats. Any middle-seat rear passengers won't want to be there for long, though, beause the seat cushion is raised.

“With a wide range of plush materials and lots of ambient lighting, Mercedes hasn't forgotten to&nbsp;inject its spacious interior with a big dose of wow-factor.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/lawrence-cheung/n23691">Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor</a>

7: Mercedes B-Class

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Stunning interior</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Lots of passenger space</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>No seven-seat option</li>
	<li>Some road noise and the petrol engine could be quieter</li>
	<li>There are cheaper alternatives</li>
</ul>

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

2 SERIES

BMW's take on the MPV formula is a truly premium product. Indeed, its interior quality knocks the socks off of most other cars on this list, with plenty of dense, soft-touch materials in all the right places, and build quality which means it should stand up well to the rough and tumble of family life.

Although you can have your 2 Series with petrol, diesel or even&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;power – the latter being especially tempting for company car drivers –&nbsp;it's the entry-level 168bhp 220i petrol which we think will suit most buyers best. It's powerful yet efficient, and features&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild-hybrid</a>&nbsp;assistance to help keep your fuel bills low.

Rear passengers will find a touch more head and leg room than they'd get in the Volkswagen Touran, but mild hybrid versions lose out a little on boot space compared with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/b-class/hatchback/review/n18344">Mercedes B-Class</a>.

“It may miss out on a third row of seats, but at least the ones in the 2 Series Active Tourer are pleasantly flexible – they can split and fold in a plethora of different ways, and can be slid forwards and back, so you can prioritise boot space or leg room.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/stuart-milne/n25965">Stuart Milne, Digital Editor</a>

6: BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Plenty of rear space</li>
	<li>Good balance of ride and handling</li>
	<li>Class-leading infotainment system</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Firm ride for an MPV</li>
	<li>Tyre roar on coarse surfaces</li>
	<li>Expensive, especially top-end models</li>
</ul>

Estate

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

TOURNEO CONNECT

Although it's based on a van, don't go thinking that the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/tourneo-connect/estate/review/n17334">Ford Tourneo Connect</a> is more geared towards luggage than people. While it's true that whether you opt for the regular Tourneo, or the stretched&nbsp;Grand Tourneo Connect, both are absolutely cavernous inside, they're also comfortable, and even offer more leg room for third-row passengers than you'd find in the rival Seat Tarraco or Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.

Engine options are confined to a 112bhp 1.5-litre petrol or a 120bhp 2.0-litre diesel, and it's the latter we recommend for its low down pulling power – useful if you plan on loading the car to the rafters regularly.

While much of the Tourneo Connect's interior is built from hard plastics – even the cheaper Dacia Jogger feels a bit more premium, with its cloth and satin chrome trim pieces – it does feel well put together. The lack of physical controls for the climate is infuriating, though, because it means you need to go venturing into the touchscreen infotainment system.

“The Tourneo Connect was built alongside another van-based MPV, the Volkswagen Caddy, but ultimately represents better value for money when you consider all the extra kit it comes with as standard.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/steve-huntingford/n1018">Steve Huntingford, Editor</a>

5: Ford Tourneo Connect

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Five-star NCAP rating beats other MPVs</li>
	<li>Pleasant to drive</li>
	<li>Better value than the closely related VW Caddy</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Slightly low-rent interior</li>
	<li>Rivals have better rear seat space</li>
	<li>Infotainment could be better</li>
</ul>

MULTIVAN

While the smaller, electric ID Buzz is a more sophisticated package, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/multivan/mpv/review/n24442">Volkswagen&nbsp;Multivan</a> is the more practical machine, plus it remains better to drive&nbsp;than many of its van-based MPV rivals.

It&nbsp;comes with an extensive range of engine options to suit all needs, too, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;(PHEV). For the vast majority of buyers, though, it's the 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel which will be most well suited to most needs. It offers lots of low-down grunt, so is a great choice if you plan on regularly filling your car to the brim with people and luggage.

Speaking of space, long-wheelbase versions of the Multivan offer seemingly infinite amounts of space, but it's not like standard-wheelbase models are diminuitive. With all seven seats in place, though, you're unlikely to get a pushchair in the boot.

While much of the Multivan's interior is made from hard plastics, these are at least formed into different textures, which makes the Multivan a bit more premium than some rivals.

“With its digital dials and matrix LED lights, the Volkswagen Multivan feels that bit more modern than some old-fashioned MPVs.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a>

4: Volkswagen Multivan

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Exceptionally good predicted residual values</li>
	<li>Good value against van-based MPV rivals</li>
	<li>Lots of safety tech</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Infotainment not the best</li>
	<li>No rear air-con as standard</li>
</ul>

TOURAN

Just because you're wearing your sensible trousers when buying a new MPV, it doesn’t mean you have to slum it. Opt for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/touran/mpv/review/n17348">Volkswagen Touran</a> and you’ll find the same level of plushness that you’d get in the big-selling <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">Volkswagen&nbsp;Golf</a>, but with far greater practicality.

All five of the Touran's&nbsp;rear seats feature&nbsp;Isofix child seat mounting points and enough space for adults. Indeed, average-sized adults will be more comfortable in the Touran's rearmost seats than they would be in some rivals, and the boot is a deep, wide shape, so it's easy to load your luggage into.

The only engine on offer in the Touran is a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol. While it's not the last word in performance – the 0-60mph sprint takes 8.9sec – it feels plenty quick enough even if you've got seven people on board and a boot full of luggage. The ride is generally good, too, and the Touran keeps its composure better through corners than in van-based MPV rivals such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/berlingo/estate/review/n17319">Citroën&nbsp;Berlingo</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/rifter/estate/review/n17558">Peugeot Rifter</a>.

“Usually we'd advise against going for a panoramic sunroof, because these tend to lower the height of the roof lining, thus impacting headroom. In the Touran, however, two adults can sit comfortable with plenty of head room, even with one fitted.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/doug-revolta/n1031">Doug Revolta, Head of Video</a>

3: Volkswagen Touran

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Superb space and practicality</li>
	<li>Strong level of standard equipment</li>
	<li>Great to drive by MPV standards</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Rivals offer more economical diesel or hybrid engines</li>
	<li>Costly to buy on PCP finance</li>
	<li>Automatic gearbox can be hesitant</li>
</ul>

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

Jogger

Offering lots of practicality for not a lot of money is nothing new, but few stick the landing and avoid harsh compromise&nbsp;like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/jogger/mpv/review/n24141">Dacia Jogger</a>.

It's cheaper to buy than a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris/hatchback/review/n31">Toyota Yaris</a>&nbsp;small car, yet it's&nbsp;a very accomplished&nbsp;seven-seater and one that's decent to drive and comes with&nbsp;a good amount of kit.&nbsp;For the best value, we think the 109bhp petrol engine (badged 110 TCe) is the one to go for – over&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrid</a>&nbsp;version.

Its one-star safety rating (earned during safety testing by Euro NCAP) stops it from taking the win, but remember that every Jogger still comes with six airbags, Isofix child-seat mounts for the outermost seats in the second row, and automatic emergency braking. It's also worth remembering that if the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/galaxy/mpv/review/n142">Ford Galaxy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/touran/mpv/review/n17348">Volkswagen Touran</a>&nbsp;were tested under these stricter conditions, they likely would score poorly compared with newer models.

Where the Galaxy and Touran score extra points over the Jogger is with their engines, which are altogether smoother, and have much better power delivery when you've loaded them to the gunwhales. That being said, those models also cost more than the Jogger to buy, and the Galaxy is only available from dealer stock. Indeed, its low price helped secured the Jogger the title of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-best-7-seater-for-value/n25410">Best Seven-Seater for Value</a>&nbsp;at the most recent What Car? Car of the Year Awards.

“While many modern cars force you to use their touchscreens to change temperature, I liked that the Jogger takes a back-to-basics approach, with big physical dials which make keeping comfortable on the move a doddle.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/lawrence-cheung/n23691">Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor</a>

2: Dacia Jogger

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Extremely well priced</li>
	<li>Genuine seven-seat usability</li>
	<li>Easy to drive</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Very poor safety rating</li>
	<li>More engine noise than rivals</li>
	<li>Middle row seats don’t slide back and forth</li>
</ul>

ID. BUZZ

A former&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/new-car-awards">What Car? Car of the Year</a>&nbsp;winner, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id-buzz/mpv/review/n24946">Volkswagen&nbsp;ID Buzz</a> very successfully updates the MPV formula for the age of the electric car, yet it still loveably tips its hat to the past.

In other words,&nbsp;it's a modern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car</a>, though&nbsp;one with some retro&nbsp;styling&nbsp;inspired by&nbsp;classic VW Type 2 campers. The ID Buzz is powered by the same punchy, 201bhp electric&nbsp;motor found in the other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a>&nbsp;ID models, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">VW ID 3</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id4/estate/review/n22789">VW ID 4</a>&nbsp;– it has the same&nbsp;77kWh (usable capacity) battery pack as well. That battery officially gives the Buzz a range of up to 260 miles, depending on which trim you choose, but we found around 236 miles is more acheivable in real-world conditions.

Its enormous footprint makes the ID Buzz one of the most spacious and versatile electric cars you can buy. Plus, it&nbsp;drives well and is cheaper than you might think if you're buying on finance.

“I found the physical switches below the Buzz's touchscreen and to the right of the steering column (for functions such as deactivating the lane-keeping assistance) much easier to operate than touch-sensitive equivalents.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a>

1: Volkswagen ID Buzz

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Pleasant to drive with a comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Hugely practical</li>
	<li>Strong resale values</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not available as a seven-seater - yet</li>
	<li>Fiddly air-con controls and infotainment</li>
	<li>Efficiency could be better</li>
</ul>

For VIP transportation at large events, a lot of companies will rightly think the EQV makes a lot of sense. Private buyers won't find much of value here, though, because it's very expensive, yet will officially travel just 213 miles on a single charge.

And the MPV to avoid: Mercedes EQV

Best MPVs and people carriers 2024 – reviewed and rated

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all the family and their paraphernalia</li> <li>Comfortable ride for everyone inside</li> <li>Seats with plenty of adjustment and versatility of layout</li> <li>Engine that can cope with a full load of people and luggage</li> <li>Excellent efficiency to avoid big fuel bills</li></ul>

Practicality is king in the MPV market, which has taken a hit as buyers have turned towards trendier SUVs. There are still plenty of decent offerings to suit most budgets, though, with Citroën fielding a particularly strong line-up. The French manufacturer’s Berlingo offers bags of space for not much money and you can easily haggle off thousands of extra pounds in discounts, too.

Citroën also scores with the larger Grand C4 Spacetourer, which offers seven seats, lots of oddment space and appealing running costs for something so large. A similarly priced and even better option is the Volkswagen Touran. Meanwhile, if you prefer a premium badge, there's always the BMW 2 Series Active and Gran Tourers or Mercedes B-Class and V-Class.

But for something sizeable that's still decent to drive, we’d recommend you check out the Ford Galaxy, which can offer three rows of seats and decent luggage space at the same time. It’s not that much pricier than the smaller S-Max.

Practicality reigns supreme in the MPV class, but the best options are also affordable, comfortable and fuel efficient. These are the top 10 MPVs we recommend, plus one you should avoid

NEW REVIEWS:

Best MPVs and people carriers 2024 – reviewed and rated

Practicality reigns supreme in the MPV class, but the best options are also affordable, comfortable and fuel efficient. These are the top 10 MPVs we recommend, plus one you should avoid...

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