Best family cars to buy - UK Car Finance

Which is the best family car to buy 2025?

Families will need different requirements when looking for their next car. Things such as the size of your family, the space you need and how often you use your vehicle can all contribute to what sort of car you buy. SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai are top-rated for growing families, hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf have been loved for years and more luxurious electric family cars such as the Tesla Model 3 are becoming increasingly more common on the roads.

We’ve put together a list of the best family cars 2025 to help you find the one that’s right for you. We’ve included a range of different types for varying budgets so you can find your next car quicker than you thought! In no particular order (as we’d hate to be biased), here are the best family cars to buy in 2025…

1. Ford Focus.

The Ford Focus is one of those cars that just keeps on getting better. It’s a great choice if you want a family car which gives plenty of space throughout and a wide choice of efficient engines. You’ll no doubt be familiar with the Ford Focus as it’s one of the most popular cars in the UK and has been for over 20 years! The latest version of the Focus brings a newly revised body with a sculpted front end and a brand new EcoBoost Hybrid version! On the inside, the technology has been revised and brings some cool technological features such as cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping system and selective drive modes.

2. Skoda Superb Estate.

The Skoda Superb is a popular hatchback but if you want a large boot space and plenty of room for the full family, the Skoda Superb Estate is your best option. It’s also one of our best cars for your dog, thanks to its massive 660-litre boot and low-load lip. The Superb ticks many boxes when it comes to choosing a family car and is efficient, affordable and practical. Not only that but it’s fun-to-drive and comes with low running costs. We’re finding it hard to pick out a fault with the Skoda Superb Estate as a reliable family car.

3. Audi Q4 e-tron.

Another of the best electric family cars is the Audi Q4 e-tron. It’s a practical and capable SUV that can provide around 300 miles of emission-free driving. In typical Audi fashion, much of the design effort has been invested in the comfort of quality of this model. If you’re in a rush, you’ll be pleased to know the Q4 e-tron comes with rapid charging, no matter which model you choose. Not only is it practical and there’s enough room for everyone on board but it also looks great too. As an EV, it’s easy to use and would be a simple leap into the world of electric cars if it’s your first time.

4. Peugeot 3008.

The Peugeot 3008 is a reliable family car which also happens to be one of our best cars for child seats too! The latest version of the 3008 is more stylish and sophisticated than ever. There has been a well-needed facelift which really brought the 3008 into its own. The new fastback and roof spoiler help to cut aero drag and improve petrol consumption. We really like the mild hybrid version, granted it only has a small 48V battery but it should help you to use less fuel on the school run and when travelling at lower speeds.

5. BMW X3.

Style? Sophistication? Fit for the family? Say hello to the BMW X3! The BMW X3 is one of the best luxury family cars you can buy. Not only will it turn heads but it’s also rugged and very capable. The BMW X3 is ready for any family adventure at any opportunity and can handle a range of different terrains with ease. One of the great things about the BMW X3 is the range of fuel types to choose from, there’s petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and full EV capabilities and there should be a version which suits any driver. Choose the BMW X3 if you want a spacious and fashionable family car.

Related – Best cars for camping gear.

6. Tesla Model 3.

The popularity of Teslas is on the rise and the Model 3 is no exception. The Tesla Model 3 is one of our best cars for commuting and also one of the safest cars you can buy which makes it a great contender for the best electric family car. The Tesla Model 3 is an electric car that packs a punch! So much so, that it was one of the best-selling cars last year! There’s no need to worry about range anxiety as it has a range of around 341 miles on a full charge. The Tesla Model 3 benefits from a sleek, large touchscreen console, autopilot mode, a dedicated surcharger network, dog mode to keep your furry friend cool and much much more!

7. Hyundai Kona.

The Hyundai Kona is one of the best small family cars you can buy. Buying a smaller car like the Kona doesn’t mean you have to compromise on space but you can benefit from the lower running costs that a compact car would offer. The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that packs a punch. The latest version is longer and wider than the previous model to help make it a great family car. It also brings new, futuristic styling which looks cool and really modernises this model. There are plenty of family-friendly features on the inside such as handy storage compartments and safety features like smart cruise control and lane-keeping assistant.

8. Dacia Jogger.

The Dacia Jogger is the cheapest 7-seater car you can buy in the UK! No list of the best family cars would be complete without an MPV for your growing tribe. Whilst it’s not the most exciting car to drive, it’s really practical and comes with a range of versatile seating options. If you don’t need a 7-seater, it’s still worth looking into. You can easily fold down and remove the back states to create a five-seater car with a whopping 712 litres of space! Even with a low price tag, the Jogger still comes with plenty of tech such as an 8-inch display with Apple iPhone and Android connectivity.

If you’re a family, who likes adventure, check out our list of the best cars for carrying bikes where the Dacia Jogger takes 1st place!

9. Citroen C3 AirCross.

Crossover cars seem to be all the rage at the moment and one of our favourites is the Citreon C3 Aircross. It takes the small stature of a hatchback and mixes it with the styling of an SUV. The Citroen C3 Aircross is one of the best crossover SUVs you can buy. It is currently only available in petrol and diesel versions but a new mild hybrid option has been announced this year. The current version brings a meaner and more grown-up feel when compared to the previous model. On the inside, the Citreon C3 Aircross is comfortable and easy to drive. Rear parking senors, lane-keeping assistants and traffic sign recognition also all come as standard too.

10. Kia Sportage.

Last but not least, the Kia Sportage is one of the best family cars around! It’s a popular choice if you’re after a compact car with outstanding style and comfort. There’s plenty of room for a growing family and all the baggage that comes with every day life. There are also lots of features which can be added to help make family life easier and keep everyone safe, such as the integrated sidestep for smaller passengers to hop on board. Safety tech includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Vehicle Stability Management and Emergency Stop Signals. From new, the Kia Sportage also comes with Kia’s 7-year (or 100k mileage) warranty for extra peace of mind.

If you’re looking to buy a used Kia Sportage, it’s also one of the best cars for under £10k!

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