Best family cars in 2025
Choosing a car for your family can be tricky. It needs to be able to handle all the challenges and journeys that a family faces on a day-to-day basis, be economical to run, be comfortable for each person, and keep everyone safe while still looking good.
Plus, if you’re thinking about selling your vehicle for a family car, Motorway can help! A network of 75,000 certified dealers is ready to bid to purchase your vehicle, so you’re sure to get their best price. 84% of our customers get more money with us.
- Top recommended family cars for 2024
- The key features to look for in a family car
- The different uses of a family car
- FAQs
Top recommended family cars for 2025
Skoda Superb
Superb by name. Superb by nature.
Price
RRP £34,875 – £46,345
Pros
👍 Really practical
👍 Good on the motorway
👍 Interior is well-made
Cons
👎 Firm suspension at lower speeds
👎 Engine’s a bit gutless
Summary
For those seeking a reliable and comfortable family SUV, the Lexus NX is worth considering. Its spacious, well-crafted interior ensures plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making family trips a breeze.
The advanced safety features provide peace of mind, while the smooth ride adds comfort on a quick school run or a long road trip. The NX is practical for daily use with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain and strong predicted reliability.
It seamlessly combines luxury and everyday usability, making it a standout option in the 2025 family SUV market. It’s perfect for families who want both style and substance.
Tesla Model Y
The future of family cars
Price
RRP £44,990 – £59,990
Pros
👍 Lots of interior space
👍 Excellent driving range
👍 Good acceleration
Cons
👎 Not that comfortable
👎 Rubbish rear visibility
Summary
The Tesla Model Y is an excellent family car choice for 2025. Its spacious interior and large boot provide ample room for passengers and luggage, while optional third-row seating makes it even more versatile.
As a fully-electric SUV, the Model Y is eco-friendly and packed with advanced safety features like autopilot and collision avoidance, offering peace of mind on the road. The smooth, quiet ride ensures excellent comfort for all, and its electric powertrain helps keep running costs low.
For families looking for innovation, efficiency, and practicality, the Tesla Model Y is a fantastic option that ticks all the boxes.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Style plus space
Price
RRP £46,775 – £58,635
Pros
👍 Lots of space inside
👍 Amazing looks
👍 Economical to run
Cons
👎 Not the most exciting of drives
👎 Boot is a touch on the small side
Summary
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a practical and reliable family car that’s hard to beat. Its spacious interior and optional third-row seating make it perfect for larger families or those who like to bring everything along for the ride.
The Santa Fe has solid safety features, including forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist, giving you peace of mind on every journey. It offers a smooth, comfortable ride and plenty of modern conveniences for everyday ease.
With efficient engine options that balance performance and fuel economy, the Hyundai Santa Fe is an innovative, cost-effective choice for families.
Volkswagen Golf
Fun on four wheels
Price
RRP £27,035 – £37,135
Pros
👍 Great infotainment
👍 Good build quality
👍 Fun to drive
Cons
👎 Simple suspension
👎 Not a super engaging drive
Summary
If you’re looking for a family car in 2025, the Volkswagen Golf should be on your list. Its compact design still feels spacious inside, making it perfect for everyday use.
Known for its excellent safety features, including multiple airbags and stability control, the Golf ensures peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Whether a quick school run or a weekend getaway, the Golf provides comfort on short and long trips.
With efficient engine options, it also keeps running costs low, offering families a perfect balance of comfort, safety, and economy.
BMW X3
An enjoyable drive
Price
RRP £48,385 – £66,990
Pros
👍 Delight to drive
👍 Spacious cabin and good boot
👍 Smooth, powerful engine
Cons
👎 Bit of a firm ride
👎 Expensive top-spec models
Summary
The BMW X3 is a fantastic family car that ticks all the right boxes. Its spacious interior and large boot make it perfect for carrying kids, gear, and everything else that comes with family life.
The X3 also features advanced safety systems like collision warning and lane departure assist, offering extra protection for your loved ones. The SUV’s smooth, comfortable ride makes it ideal for long journeys, while the efficient engines ensure you won’t break the bank on fuel.
Stylish, practical, and family-friendly, the BMW X3 is a well-rounded choice for families who want a reliable, high-performing SUV.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
For family adventures
Price
RRP £43,445 – £57,920
Pros
👍 An ocean of space inside
👍 Handles bumps with ease
👍 Impressive performance
Cons
👎 Noisy engine
👎 Third row cramped for taller people
Summary
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a top pick for families who need space and versatility. Its flexible seven-seat option and generous boot are ideal for family trips, adventures, or hauling gear.
Safety is a priority, and advanced features like emergency braking and lane-keeping assist give you peace of mind on the road. The Discovery Sport offers a smooth, comfortable ride while driving around city streets or exploring off-road.
While it may not be the most economical SUV, its versatility, comfort, and safety make it an excellent choice for families looking for a reliable and capable vehicle.
Kia Sorento
The practical option
Price
RRP £41,995 – £57,025
Pros
👍 Well-equipped
👍 Spacious interior
👍 Four wheel drive as standard
Cons
👎 Touch boring to drive
👎 On the pricey side
Summary
When it comes to practical family cars, the Kia Sorento is a fantastic option. Offering spacious seating for up to seven passengers and plenty of boot space for luggage, shopping, or sports gear, it’s perfect for busy families on the go.
The Sorento has modern safety features like blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning to give you extra peace of mind on the road. Whether heading out for a weekend getaway or running daily errands, the Sorento offers a comfortable ride.
Its efficient engine options help keep running costs low, making it a reliable, economical choice for families in 2025.
Ford Kuga
Affordable fun
Price
RRP £32,095 – £42,455
Pros
👍 Good fun to drive
👍 Great price for what it offers
👍 Relatively cheap to run
Cons
👎 Smallish boot
👎 Interior could be plusher
Summary
As family cars go, the Ford Kuga is a great one. It offers a lot of space inside and a generous boot for all your gear, whether it’s groceries or sports equipment. It’s perfect for those everyday family adventures.
The Kuga is packed with advanced safety features, like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking, so you can feel secure on the road. Its comfortable, well-designed cabin makes long journeys a breeze.
With efficient engine options, including hybrids, the Kuga strikes an outstanding balance between performance and fuel economy, making it a practical, economical choice for families in 2025.
Nissan X-Trail
Safe and spacious
Price
RRP £32,925 – £44,480
Pros
👍 Quiet engine
👍 Quality driving dynamics
👍 Robust safety features
Cons
👎 Less boot space than competitors
👎 Tight on space in the third row
Summary
The Nissan X-Trail is a fantastic family car. It offers loads of space and flexibility, including an optional third row of seats, making it perfect for larger families.
It also comes equipped with advanced safety features like lane-departure warning and emergency braking, ensuring peace of mind on the road. The X-Trail delivers a smooth, comfortable ride for extended trips or daily commutes.
With efficient engine options and good fuel economy for its size, the Nissan X-Trail is a practical and economical choice for everyday family adventures. Overall, it’s a reliable, family-friendly SUV, perfect for 2025.
Peugeot 3008
Big on space
Price
RRP £34,660 – £38,160
Pros
👍 Easy to drive
👍 Excellent interior
👍 Very practical
Cons
👎 Not that quick
👎 Some may find the seats uncomfortable
Summary
The Peugeot 3008 is a top pick for families looking for space, style, and practicality. Its roomy interior and generous boot space make it perfect for everything from daily errands to family outings.
The 3008 comes with advanced safety features like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking, helping to keep everyone secure on the road. Inside, you’ll enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride with a modern, well-designed cabin.
The efficient engine options keep running costs low, making it economical. To sum up, the Peugeot 3008 is a reliable, family-friendly SUV that combines comfort, safety, and value for money.
The key features to look for in your next family car
Innovative safety technologies
Innovative safety technologies are essential when choosing a family car. Look for features like automatic emergency braking, which helps prevent collisions, and lane-keeping assist to ensure the vehicle stays on track. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control add extra layers of safety.
These technologies provide peace of mind, making driving safer and easier, especially with kids on board.
Comfort and space considerations
Comfort and space are essential when selecting the best family car. Look for:
👉 Roomy interiors with plenty of legroom and headroom, especially if you have growing children.
👉 Adjustable seating and flexible boot space make long journeys more comfortable and practical.
👉 Climate control, comfortable upholstery, and quiet cabins enhance the overall driving experience, ensuring the whole family enjoys the ride.
Fuel efficiency and economic value
Fuel efficiency and economic value are crucial factors when choosing a new family car. Look for vehicles with high miles per gallon (MPG) ratings to keep fuel costs low, especially if you frequently drive long distances.
Also, consider the overall cost of ownership, including:
💷 Resale value
A car that balances good fuel economy with decent running costs will offer long-term savings while meeting your family’s needs.
The different uses of a family car
A family certainly puts their vehicle through its paces! We’re talking:
🎒 Doing the school run twice a day.
🏢 Driving to and from work.
🛒 The big weekly shop at the supermarket.
🩰 Getting to and from kids’ activities at the weekend.
🍦 Day trips to the beach and the like.
🧓 Going to see extended family.
🤷 And so on!
A family car certainly has to be able to handle all it’s asked to do.
The importance of safety, comfort, and economy
Safety, comfort, and economy are essential when choosing a family car. Robust safety features, such as airbags and driver-assistance systems, provide peace of mind. Comfort ensures everyone enjoys the ride, especially on long trips, while good fuel economy keeps running costs manageable for the whole family.
FAQs
What’s a good family car brand?
A good family car brand typically offers reliability, safety, and practicality. Brands like Toyota, Honda, and Ford are known for their durable, family-friendly vehicles, providing ample space and advanced safety features. Look for models with solid safety ratings and positive reviews from other families for a dependable choice.
What’s the best type of car for doing the school run?
A compact SUV or a spacious hatchback is ideal for the daily school run. Look for features like easy access to the back seats, ample bag storage, and good fuel efficiency. Models with high safety ratings and user-friendly technology can make daily trips smoother and more convenient.
Is it time to sell your car?
Ready to learn more about valuing, maintaining, and selling your car? Check out our other guides here, covering everything from hybrid and electric car depreciation to converting your vehicle to dual-LPG fuel.
- Sell my car
- Track your car value
- What to look for when buying a used car
- How many different car brands are there
- Is there a cooling-off period when buying a car?
- Car depreciation – the ultimate guide
- How to get the best price for my car
- Can you lease a used car?
- What documents should I get when buying a used car?
- Best cars for teens