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Best family cars 2026: top choices for you and your children
What makes a great family car, and which models should you be considering? Here we count down the 10 best family car models – and name the one to avoid
Stuart Milne
Updated: 26 May 2026
Think of the traditional family car as being akin to a Swiss Army Knife. No, we don't mean that they're sharp and useful for opening a bottle of wine, but rather that they need to be versatile, adaptable and practical. These cars really do need to do it all, whether that's tackling the school run, handling your commute or packing in the weekly shop – or even all three in a single day. And to top it all off, the best family cars should be comfortable, frugal, and loaded with the latest technology designed to make your life easier.
To find the best family cars, our experienced team of road testers have spent thousands of hours behind the wheel of each one, driving them both on public roads, and back-to-back against key rivals at our private test track. The result of all that testing is the list you see here, where we've named the 10 best family cars on sale today – plus, we've shown how you can take advantage of the best PCP and leasing deals. You can also find out more about how we rate and test cars in our dedicated feature.
Best family cars to buy now – and how to get the best deal
Make and modelList price fromRatingPCP dealsLeasing dealsHonda Civic£34,3255Best PCP dealsBest leasing dealsToyota Corolla£30,8755Best PCP dealsBest leasing dealsSeat Leon£25,6705Best PCP dealsBest leasing dealsSkoda Octavia£28,5055Best PCP dealsBest leasing dealsSkoda Scala£24,0355Best PCP dealsBest leasing deals
The best family cars for you
The Honda Civic is a superb choice if you're looking for something practical in the family car class, because it's spacious no matter what seat you're sitting in, plus a larger boot than rivals. It's good to drive, too, with tidy handling and pleasingly low running costs thanks to its hybrid setup.
The Toyota Corolla is also a hybrid, and arguably an even more efficient one than the Civic. It's pleasantly spacious inside for adult passengers and those in child seats, and is backed up by a stellar warranty should anything go wrong.
For keen drivers, it's hard to look past the Seat Leon. Its peppy range of engines is matched by wonderfully agile handling and a well-controlled ride, meaning this is a family car which you'll want to take the long way home in.
The 2026 What Car? Reliability Survey is live, tell us about your car now
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Honda Civic
Best buy: 2.0 h i-MMD Sport eCVT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
0-62 mph: 7.9 sec
MPG/range: 56.5 mpg
C02 emissions: 113 g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 410 litres
Insurance group: 27E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning
Strengths
- Impressive fuel economy
- Big boot
- Great to drive
Weaknesses
- Fairly pricey
- Rear head room isn't great
- Tyre noise
The Honda Civic is a superb all-round family car , striking a wonderful balance between practicality, quality, efficiency and driving pleasure.
It feels refined and precise, thanks to a combination of good handling, a comfortable ride and excellent performance. In fact, during our testing we found it could sprint from 0-62mph in 6.8sec, which is quicker than its official figure – and faster than the Toyota Corolla can manage.
The hybrid set-up also allows it to drive using the electric motors alone at low speeds, and achieve impressive fuel economy figures (it returned 49.5mpg in our Real MPG test).
So much useful kit is included as standard that we recommend sticking with entry-level Elegance trim. This gets you dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats and privacy glass.
Every Civic comes with a three-year, 90,000-mile waranty, which is slightly better than the average in this class. The latest data from the annual What Car? Reliability Survey suggests that Honda models are typically reliable, too. Elsewhere, the Civic scored a full five stars for safety when it was tested in 2022.
“The Civic corners very neatly — in fact, I found it nearly as much fun to drive as some hot hatchbacks.” – Chris Haining, Sub-editor
Read our in-depth Honda Civic review
New car deals
Best price from £29,999
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £29,999
RRP from: £34,325
Nearly new deals
From £28,491
Leasing deals
From £369
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Honda Civic
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 60 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £368.87 Initial payment £4,426.44
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£4,671 total upfront (£4,426 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 60 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Toyota Corolla
Best buy: 1.8 VVT-h Icon CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
0-62 mph: 9.1 sec
MPG/range: 65.7 mpg
C02 emissions: 97 g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 352 litres
Insurance group: 17E
Reliability
Safety
Costs
Quality
Performance
Strengths
- Low CO2 emissions and great fuel economy
- Comfortable ride
- Loads of standard kit
Weaknesses
- Cramped in the back
- So-so infotainment system
- 12.3in digital instrument cluster could be easier to use
The Toyota Corolla represents that rarest of propositions – a new car which can help to save you money. That's because the Corolla is a hybrid, meaning it has an electric motor to help supplement its petrol engine. And while the electric motor and battery aren't enough to let you run for long distances on electric power alone, they can contribute to high fuel economy – indeed, you should see upwards of 50mpg in real-world conditions.
There are two petrol engines on offer: a 1.8-litre unit and a more powerful 2.0-litre version. It's the 1.8-litre engine which we think will suit most buyers best, having enough pep for most situations while helping to keep your running costs sensible. It doesn't feel quite as urgent as the Honda Civic, though.
Elsewhere, you'll find competitive pricing and an interior that's pleasantly spacious, even if it isn't up to the same level of quality as an Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series. It's all backed up by Toyota's stellar reliability record, too, meaning nothing should go wrong.
Even if something does end up needing to be repaired or replaced, Toyota's warranty is among the best in the business. The Corolla can be covered for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, which is far longer than what is typically offered among rivals. To get that cover, however, you'll need to have your car serviced at a Toyota dealership.
Discounts on the Corolla make it especially tempting, with savings of up to £5635 available at the time of writing.
“I think the Corolla’s new 10.5in touchscreen marks a massive improvement on the previous model’s.” – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor
Read our in-depth Toyota Corolla review
New car deals
Best price from £30,845
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £33,895
RRP from: £30,845
Nearly new deals
From £22,497
Leasing deals
From £288
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Toyota Corolla
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 60 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £288.05 Initial payment £3,456.60
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£3,702 total upfront (£3,457 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 60 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
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Seat Leon
Best buy: 1.5 eTSI MHEV SE Dynamic DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
0-62 mph: 10.4 sec
MPG/range: 53.3 mpg
C02 emissions: 121 g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 380 litres
Insurance group: 14E
Reliability
Safety
Costs
Quality
Performance
Strengths
- Great to drive
- Loads of space in the back
- Well equipped
Weaknesses
- Firm ride on FR models
- Road noise
- Fiddly infotainment system
A former Family Car of the Year at our annual What Car? Car of the Year Awards, the Leon is a good buy for anyone looking for fun and practical family transport.
On the fun side, the steering is well-weighted and the suspension performs well on twisty roads. Plus, the 128bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine has plenty of punch, there's plenty of leg and head room in the rear, and the boot is a good size.
You sit higher up inside the Leon than you do in some other family cars, and that gives you a good view over the road ahead. While the materials used don't make the Leon feel as plush as, say, a BMW 1 Series, it's certainly a step up from mass-market rivals like the Ford Focus. We like that the buttons on the steering wheel feel nicely weighted and not at all cheap.
The Leon comes well equipped as standard, but we’d recommend upgrading to FR trim, which adds an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers and more.
You'll typically pay less to put a Leon on your driveway than you would for the rival Focus or Golf. The warranty isn't anything to write home about, being limited to just two years with unlimited mileage, with a third year of cover if you've not driven more than 60,000 miles. Slightly concerningly, the Leon came 25th out of 26 cars in our 2024 Reliability Survey.
“I found the Leon's soft-touch dash materials and some metal-effect trims really lift an otherwise sombre interior.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor
Read our in-depth Seat Leon review
New car deals
Best price from £18,990
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £18,990
RRP from: £25,995
Nearly new deals
From £17,998
Leasing deals
From £219
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Seat Leon
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 48 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £218.68 Initial payment £2,624.16
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£2,869 total upfront (£2,624 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 48 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Skoda Octavia
Best buy: 1.5 TSI e-TEC MHEV ACT SE L DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
0-62 mph: 8.5 sec
MPG/range: 57.3 mpg
C02 emissions: 112 g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 600 litres
Insurance group: 20E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning
Strengths
- Spacious interior
- Huge boot
- Frugal engines
Weaknesses
- Rivals are sharper to drive
- Touchscreen can be tricky to use on the move
- Currently no plug-in hybrid option
If practicality is your priority, look no further than the Skoda Octavia. Taller people will be comfortable in the front and rear thanks to generous leg and head room, and the back seat is wide, which makes carrying three back-seat passengers easier than in many rivals.
The boot capacity is 600 litres, which is colossal for the class – even though the rival Mercedes A-Class comes with seats which split and fold in a more useful 40/20/40 configuration, rather than the Octavia's 60/40 split.
The Octavia’s comfort and frugality make it an excellent car for covering long distances. Even in more expensive trim levels, it's cheaper than many rivals, whether you're a cash buyer or use a PCP finance deal.
Even entry-level versions of the Octavia come with all of the kit you're likely to need, including heated front seats, 16in alloy wheels, keyless ignition and dual-zone climate control. And while you can pay more to add even more luxury, we don't think there's much need to.
“Chrome-effect thumbwheel controls on the steering wheel look good but I found they felt a bit on the flimsy side when used.” – Mark Pearson, Used Cars Editor
Read our in-depth Skoda Octavia review
New car deals
Best price from £27,649
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £27,649
RRP from: £28,740
Nearly new deals
From £23,490
Leasing deals
From £303
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Skoda Octavia
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 24 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £302.68 Initial payment £3,632.16
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£3,877 total upfront (£3,632 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 24 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
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Skoda Scala
Best buy: 1.0 TSI SE Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
0-62 mph: 9.5 sec
MPG/range: 55.4 mpg
C02 emissions: 116 g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 467 litres
Insurance group: 15E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning
Strengths
- Comfortable ride and tidy handling
- Spacious rear seats and a big boot
- Cheap to buy and run
Weaknesses
- No hybrid or fully electric option
- So-so reliability record
- Some rivals are more fun to drive
The Scala represents one of the cheapest ways of getting behind the wheel of a great family car. It has a comfortable ride, precise steering and a highly adjustable driving position.
Head and leg room are impressive, whether you're in the front seats or the rear, and the boot is one of the biggest in the class. In fact, one of the only cars that can beat the Scala in those areas is the slightly more expensive Skoda Octavia.
Entry-level SE trim comes with all of the kit you’re likely to need, including cruise control, automatic lights and automatic wipers.
According to the real-world results of the What Car? Reliability Survey, the Scala should be a dependable choice among family cars. It finished in a strong ninth position out of 30 cars in the class in our most recent survey, with a rating of 95%. Skoda offers up to three years and 60,000 miles of cover for the Scala, which is about par for the course in this class, but some way behind what the likes of Kia and Toyota offer.
“There are a few squishy plastics and attractive trim pieces inside the Skoda Scala, but I think the overall quality is average for the class.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor
Read our in-depth Skoda Scala review
New car deals
Best price from £22,060
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £22,060
RRP from: £24,225
Nearly new deals
From £16,300
Leasing deals
From £266
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Skoda Scala
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 60 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £266.18 Initial payment £3,194.16
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£3,439 total upfront (£3,194 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 60 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Cupra Born
Best buy: 58kWh V1 Auto 5dr
0-62 mph: 8 sec
Range: 300 miles
Seats: 5
Boot: 385 litres
Insurance group: 25E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning
Strengths
- Good range between charges
- Relatively fun handling
- Quiet cruising manners
Weaknesses
- More expensive to buy than key rivals
- Interior could still do with more physical controls
- Slightly firmer ride than a VW ID 3
If you like the sound of the Volkswagen ID 3 (also on this list) you’ll probably love the Born electric car. It's based on the same underpinnings but gets more angular styling and a more polished interior.
The suspension has been lowered and stiffened for sportier handling, making it sharper and more engaging to drive than its Volkswagen sibling. An e-Boost option temporarily increases the power output from 201bhp to 228bhp, but its impact feels minor from behind the wheel.
Overall, the Born improves on the ID 3, but the volume and climate-control buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel are too fiddly.
As a brand, Cupra did reasonably well in our 2025 Reliability Survey, coming 13th out of 30 car makers. The Born itself finished mid-table in the family car class, which in itself was a big improvement on previous years. Cupra gives you five years or 90,000 miles of warranty cover, which is better than what many rivals offer.
“I can honestly say that I don’t know of a model that better suits the stressful business of city centre driving than the Cupra Born.” – Darren Moss, Deputy Editor
Read our in-depth Cupra Born review
New car deals
Best price from £27,990
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £27,990
RRP from: £35,995
Nearly new deals
From £23,995
Leasing deals
From £295
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Cupra Born
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 48 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £294.59 Initial payment £3,535.08
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£3,780 total upfront (£3,535 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 48 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
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Volkswagen Golf
Best buy: 2.0 TSI GTI Clubsport DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
0-62 mph: 5.6 sec
MPG/range: 38.7 mpg
C02 emissions: 167 g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 374 litres
Insurance group: 31E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning
Strengths
- Exceedingly comfortable ride with adaptive suspension
- Tidy handling
- Strong and frugal 1.5 TSI 150 engine
Weaknesses
- Automatic gearbox can be hesitant
- Interior quality could be better
- There are more spacious rivals
For many buyers, the Volkswagen Golf is the car they'll picture when thinking about a traditional family hatchback. And they'd be right to, because there's lots about the Golf which makes it thoroughly recommendable.
For one thing, there's a version to suit most people. You can have petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid power, with the latter making especially good sense for company car drivers, thanks to its long electric-only range of 88 miles – one of the longest of any plug-in hybrid car.
While the Golf can't match the high-speed comfort of the rival BMW 1 Series, it is nontheless comfortable, and around town does an especially good job of rounding off rough edges and potholes. The VW feels keen to change direction, but if you're looking for a family car that's genuinely fun to weave along a country road, you'd be bettter off looking at a Seat Leon.
“I can understand why plenty of people would be tempted by the Golf's entry-level Life trim, but Match doesn't cost much more and gets you lots more kit, including adaptive cruise control and larger alloy wheels.” – Oliver Young, Reviewer
Read our in-depth Volkswagen Golf review
New car deals
Best price from £23,390
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £23,390
RRP from: £29,040
Nearly new deals
From £20,990
Leasing deals
From £237
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Volkswagen Golf
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 24 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £237.32 Initial payment £2,847.84
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£3,093 total upfront (£2,848 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 24 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Audi A3
Best buy: 1.5 TFSI Sport Sportback S Tronic Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
0-62 mph: 8.1 sec
MPG/range: 53.3 mpg
C02 emissions: 120 g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 380 litres
Insurance group: 23E
Reliability
Safety
Costs
Quality
Performance
Strengths
- Sharp handling
- Excellent driving position
- Punchy but frugal engines
Weaknesses
- Audi's unimpressive reliability record
- BMW 1 Series has a better interior
- Expensive top trims and optional packages
The current A3 Sportback isn't as posh inside as the 2013-2020 Audi A3 but it’s still plush and well built, as well as great to drive. The driving position is fantastic, and the car handles well without sacrificing comfort.
Engines are plentiful, with diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options available. Our favourite is the 40 TFSIe PHEV, which can officially travel 40 miles on electric power alone. Its low CO2 output keeps company car tax rates low, too.
We recommend Sport trim for the PHEV, because it comes with smaller wheels that offer both the comfiest ride and the longest electric-only range of the bunch, further reducing the benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax for company car drivers. You get plenty of kit, too, including cruise control, three-zone air conditioning and heated front seats.
Audi gives you a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the A3, alongside three years of roadside assistance. In the A3 PHEV, the battery is covered for up to eight years or 100,000 miles.
“I was told that the Lamborghini Huracán influenced the interior design of the Audi A3 Sportback, but it's a shame the quality isn’t as good as that of the BMW 1 Series.” – Stuart Milne, Digital Editor
Read our in-depth Audi A3 review
New car deals
Best price from £25,698
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £25,698
RRP from: £30,300
Nearly new deals
From £23,358
Leasing deals
From £316
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Audi A3
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 60 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £315.69 Initial payment £3,788.28
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£4,033 total upfront (£3,788 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 60 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
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Renault Megane
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning
Strengths
- Strong performance
- Comfortable ride – even on 20in alloys
- Great driving position
Weaknesses
- Relatively heavy depreciation
- Rivals have more rear space
- Grabby brake pedal response
Despite a switch to electric power, the Renault Megane keeps all of the attributes which made its predecessor's such a big name in the world of family cars. All versions come with front-wheel drive and the same 215bhp electric motor, which provides nippy acceleration. In fact, in our tests, the Megane managed the 0-60mph sprint in less time than the equivalent Cupra Born and MG4 EV.
Inside, you'll find it easy to get comfortable behind the wheel, and your front passenger will have lots of room to stretch out. The same isn't true of the rear, where a couple of tall passengers will be fine for short journeys, but knee room is especially disappointing by the standards of other electric cars. At least the boot is big – it managed to swallow seven carry-on suitcases in our tests.
The Megane gets lots of helpful parking aids as standard, including front and rear sensors and a reversing camera. Go for range-topping Esprit Alpine trim and you also get a 360-degree camera and digital rear-view mirror.
“There’ are plenty of potholes down my way, and the Renault Megane deals with these better than in the MG4 company car I ran, with no pronounced aftershocks.” – Claire Evans, Consumer Editor
Read our in-depth Renault Megane review
New car deals
Best price from £30,499
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £30,499
RRP from: £32,795
Nearly new deals
From £20,900
Leasing deals
From £317
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
Renault Megane
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 48 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £317.35 Initial payment £3,808.20
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£4,053 total upfront (£3,808 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 48 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Volkswagen ID 3
Reliability
Safety
Costs
Quality
Performance
Strengths
- Strong safety rating
- Good ride and handling balance
- Roomy interior and a decent boot
Weaknesses
- Poor reliability record
- Fiddly touch-sensitive controls
- Range and performance aren't the best
For those who want their next family car to be electric, the ID 3 might still be worth considering. It’s as practical as many petrol-powered models, and has roughly similar dimensions to the big-selling Volkswagen Golf.
Well-weighted steering and fantastic body control help make it genuinely fun to drive too – something that can’t be said of all its electric car rivals. Performance is good, with 148bhp or 201bhp motors available, and the larger of the two battery options gives you an official range of up to 347 miles.
Unfortunately, the ID 3 is let down by a cheap-feeling interior and a fiddly, laggy infotainment system.
“I think the ID Light at the base of the VW ID 3's windscreen is a neat touch; it's an animated light strip helps with things like sat-nav guidance.” – Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer
Read our in-depth Volkswagen ID 3 review
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New car deals
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And the family car to avoid...
Jaecoo 7
There might be plenty of them on UK roads, but the Jaecoo 7 lags behind most rivals when it comes to ride, handling, and infotainment.
Read our review
How to choose the best family car
Choosing the best family car for you is an extremely tough decision – not just because there’s a long list of criteria they need to fit, but also because of the sheer number of models on the market. Every brand has its own version of the family hatchback, which is why it’s important to know exactly what to look out for.
So, is a family car right for you? Here we explain all the things you should take into account before buying one.
Choosing between a hatchback and SUV
If you’re in the market for a new family car, there’s a chance you’re not just looking at traditional hatchbacks, but also family SUVs, which make up a hugely popular section of the market. But what’s the difference, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of both?
As a general rule, hatchbacks tend to offer less space inside than SUVs, instead prioritising low running costs and driving simplicity. However, that’s not to say that hatchbacks aren’t plenty spacious for you and your family – after all, they’ve been designed to transport five passengers in comfort – but you might find that there’s less legroom and headroom for taller occupants than in an SUV counterpart.
However, hatchbacks have the edge on SUVs with their lower running costs. This is because they generally have smaller engines and lighter bodies, which makes them more efficient. This is especially true when you opt for a hatchback with mild hybrid or full hybrid assistance, since the petrol engine doesn’t have to do all the work by itself. Of course, you can also opt for a fully electric family car – the longer the range, the better.
Hatchbacks also tend to be more compact than SUVs, making them easier to park and often more enjoyable to drive because of their lightweight stature. So, if agility and driving fun mean a lot to you, then a hatchback might be the style to go for.
How safe should it be?
If you’re regularly carting around family members or other passengers, it’s likely that safety is a top priority for your next car.
Nowadays, new models are put through rigorous safety testing to see how effectively they protect both adults and children in the event of a crash. It’s recommended that you check the Euro NCAP score for any model you’re looking at – this is one of the easiest ways to check a car’s safety rating, and it’s included in all of our reviews where possible.
If you’ve got young children, it’s worth taking a closer look at how well each car scored for child protection in its safety testing.
Many new cars now come generously equipped with safety features like automatic emergency braking (AEB), which detects a potential collision and stops the car if the driver hasn’t done so already, parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Before you buy, look carefully at what driving assist systems are included with the model you’re looking at, and consider if there are any specific features you’d want to add.
How much tech do you want?
For a lot of buyers, it’s important for a family car to have modern in-car technology and entertainment to keep passengers occupied and to make everyday driving as simple as possible.
Lots of new cars come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, which allow you to hook your phone up to the infotainment system so that you can stream your own music, use your own navigation apps and access your contacts.
Some newer or higher-spec models allow multiple occupants to connect their phones, and even offer games, streaming services and karaoke through their infotainment systems.
It’s worth considering if these would work for your family – and if you’re willing to spend the extra cash to get them, because they’re often only available on very new cars, and even then you might have to splash out on the range-topping trim.
How practical does it need to be?
Family cars need to be proper workhorses – not only should they be able to transport your tribe from A to B, but they also need to transport all your belongings and any furry friends.
For that reason, it’s important to look for a model with plenty of boot space and interior storage. The best family cars have ample space for a big weekly shop, a buggy or a couple of large suitcases – but some offer more room than others, so it’s important to consider how much space you need.
If you regularly carry lots of luggage, or transport large pets, it might be worth looking at a bigger SUV, MPV or an estate car, which tend to offer the biggest boot spaces on the market.
Should I buy a family car?
Buy one if:
- You need space for multiple passengers
- You want lower running costs (compared with an SUV)
- You need decent practicality
Don’t buy one if:
- You need regularly need space for tall adult passengers – they may be more comfortable in a bigger car
- You need a very big boot for lots of luggage
- You want something with lots of performance
How we choose the best family cars
When we put a new family car through our comprehensive testing regime, we assess it in dozens of areas, with a particular focus on those which family car buyers consider most important when looking for a new car.
To find out what these are, we conduct an annual survey of more than 20,000 readers, in which we ask them to list the things they look for in a new model. Here are the top three:
Reliability – a key attribute for 71% of family car buyers
In our annual Reliability Survey, we ask thousands of owners if their cars have let them down, how serious the faults were and how much they cost to put right. We then use this exclusive data to produce an overall reliability score for hundreds of models aged up to five years old.
Comfortable driving position – a key attribute for 55% of family car buyers
A wide range of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel is important, because it increases the odds that everyone can get comfy behind the wheel; that consideration becomes all the more important in a family car which often needs to be driven by multiple family members. Plus, a supportive driver’s seat – ideally one with adjustable lumbar support – can make a huge difference on a long family road trip.
Standard equipment – a key attribute for 55% of family car buyers
From the basics like electric windows to nice-to-haves such as adaptive cruise control or a panoramic glas roof, our expert road testers pore over manufacturers’ sales brochures to work out which models give you the most kit for your money.
We don’t stop there, though. Every car undergoes a rigorous programme of testing, and you can read more about that in our how we test cars feature.
FAQs
What's the best family car to get?
Currently, we think the Honda Civic is the best all-round family car you can get. It’s not cheap, starting at £34k, but in return you’re getting a hybrid hatchback that’s practical, spacious, good to drive and cheap to run.
Here’s some of our other favourite family cars on sale right now:
Make and model
List price from
Rating
PCP deals
Leasing deals
£30,875
5
£25,670
5
£28,505
5
£24,035
5
£35,690
4
For the full list, check out our best family cars 2026 guide.
What is the most reliable car for a family?
Our research indicates the most reliable family car is the now discontinued Kia Ceed (2018-2026), which drew an incredible reliability rating of 98.8% in our annual What Car? Reliability Survey. Just 8% of owners told us that they’ve had any issues at all with their Ceed; and of the cars that did develop faults, around 50% were back on the road within a week
Some of the other most reliable family cars are as follows:
Make and model
Reliability rating
Vehicle rating
97.4%
3
97.3%
5
97.2%
4
96.8%
4
96.5%
4
96.5%
5
For more details, read our comprehensive list of the most reliable family cars.
What is the least reliable car for a family?
As per research from our annual What Car Reliability Survey, the least reliable family car is the Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2016-2022). It drew a reliability rating of just 80.1%, with 29% of owners citing issues with the 12-volt battery, and 18% claiming faults with the battery pack itself. Around 70% of respondents also said their Ioniq Electric would spend over a week off the road when something needed fixing.
Make and model
Reliability rating
Vehicle rating
80.7%
4
Volkswagen Golf (2020-present)
82.2%
4
83.3%
5
87.3%
3
Volkswagen ID 3 (2020-present)
87.7%
4
To see what else is on the list, check out our list of most and least reliable family cars.
What are family cars called?
Family cars are not limited to one specific body style, but are more broadly defined as vehicles that are versatile and designed to transport multiple passengers and luggage. Some key characteristics of any family car include:
- At least five seats
- Practical boot that can accommodate generous loads
- Foldable rear seats
- High Euro NCAP crash safety rating
- Isofix child seat anchor points
Examples of family cars could therefore include anything from an Audi A3 hatchback to a Skoda Octavia, or a Kia Sportage.
What is the best family car for the money?
The Skoda Scala was crowned value family car of the year at the 2026 What Car? awards. We think you get a lot of car for a very reasonable asking price; our recommended version – the 1.0-litre TSI engine paired with the SE Edition trim – can be had for a smidge over £24k. In return, you’re getting a smart, practical, frugal and even slightly fun hatchback that outshines big-hitters, like the Toyota Corolla, in several areas. As for the kit list, Skoda will throw in a 10.25in display, rear-view camera, and smartphone connectivity from standard.
What's a good seven seater family car?
Most seven seater cars these days are SUVs, and that automatically means most of them are cut out to serve as family cars. As such, we think the best seven-seat family car on sale would be the Hyundai Santa Fe for its outstanding practicality (628 litres of boot space), massively comfortable interior and hushed cruising manners. Its high-set driving position and accurate steering help take the edge of its colossal size too, and means it’s easier to navigate than you’d initially think.
Some of our other favourite seven-seat family cars are as follows:
Make and model
Rating
PCP deals
Leasing deals
5
5
4
4
4
For the full list, check out our list of the best 7-seat cars.
What is the cheapest family car?
The cheapest new family car you can currently buy is the Dacia Sandero, which starts at under £15k. We rate it highly for offering lots of passenger and luggage space, plus a comfortable ride. However, compromises include its poor safety rating, average driving dynamics and noisy engine.
Some other notable examples of cheap family cars are:
Make and model
Rating
PCP deals
Leasing deals
2
4
3
4
5
And if you’re in the market for a used family car, the following can be had for under £10k:
Make and model
Rating
Example model
Expected price
5
2019 Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI SE Technology, 45,797 miles
£9500
5
2019 Seat Leon 1.0 TSI SE Dynamic 5dr, 50,001 miles
£9000
5
2017 Audi A3 1.0 TFSI SE 5dr, 56,690 miles
£9000
5
2017 BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i Sport, 55,500 miles
£8000
5
2021 Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI SE, 60,000 miles
£9500
Top 10
Best family cars
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