Choosing a family car isn’t just about something that will get you from A to B - it’s about finding a vehicle that can keep up with everyday life. From school runs and weekly shops to road trips and weekends away, the best large cars for families offer plenty of space, comfort, safety, and flexibility to handle whatever you throw at them.
With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Whether you need an SUV with three rows of seats or a roomy estate car with low running costs, this guide will help you find the right fit. And if you're considering spreading the cost, these models are all great choices if you’re exploring family car finance options.
When looking for the best large cars for families, there are a few key factors that should be kept in mind:
Boot space and storage flexibility: Can it fit your weekly shop, a pram, and sports kits with ease?
Passenger comfort: Legroom, adjustable seating, and climate control can make those long journeys a lot more pleasant.
Safety: Look for vehicles with a high Euro NCAP rating which provides a 5-star rating system indicating a car’s safety performance. Features like lane assist, blind spot detection, and autonomous emergency braking will also give good indicators of how safe the vehicle is.
Fuel efficiency vs performance: Choose a vehicle-type that suits your mileage - hybrid or electric models can be great options for city use, however if you regularly travel longer distances you might want to consider diesel or petrol.
Running costs: Consider insurance, tax, servicing and real-world mile-per-gallon (MPG) for measuring fuel-efficiency.
Finance suitability: Large cars can often have higher purchase prices, making car loans or options like PCP and HP suitable for managing the cost.
Skoda Kodiaq
A true all-rounder, the Skoda Kodiaq is a favourite among families who need serious space at a great price. This 7-seater SUV offers superior passenger comfort and an impressive boot capacity of up to 835 litres with five seats in use. It stands out as great value compared to rivals in its class, and for those wanting to go greener, plug-in hybrid versions are available (although these don’t include seven seats due to battery placement).
For new models, prices start from £38,000. Used models start at £14,000.Peugeot 5008
If you want a 7-seater that combines practicality with style, the Peugeot 5008 delivers. Its eye-catching design is matched with a spacious interior packed with the latest tech. The third-row seats can be folded flat or removed completely, opening up to 1,060 litres of boot space. Efficient petrol and diesel engines keep running costs low, while excellent safety ratings and advanced driver-assist features make it a strong family-friendly choice.
Prices start from £39,000. Used models start from £9,000.Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai has long been a firm family favourite in the UK - and for good reason. It offers a comfortable ride with the option of a mild-hybrid engine for improved efficiency. Safety is a priority, with features like blind spot warning, emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition included. Add to that good fuel economy, affordable maintenance, and user-friendly tech, and it’s easy to see why the Qashqai remains one of the most popular large family SUVs.
Starting price from new £30,000. Depending on condition you may be able to find used models for around £9,000.Hyundai Santa Fe
Looking for flexibility and fuel efficiency? The Hyundai Santa Fe ticks both boxes. It offers an optional 7-seat layout and a massive 725-litre boot, giving you plenty of space for family life. With plug-in hybrid and hybrid versions available, it’s a forward-thinking choice that also comes with Hyundai’s excellent warranty and a strong reputation for reliability. Premium features come as standard, but without the premium badge price.
New £47,000. You can find older used models from £8,000.Skoda Superb
The Skoda Superb estate is a masterclass in comfort and space, making it a great alternative to an SUV. It offers up to 690 litres of boot space, ideal for family holidays or heavy loads, alongside superb rear legroom and a saloon-style driving experience. A plug-in hybrid option is available for lower emissions and greater efficiency, and running costs are often lower than comparable large SUVs, making the Superb a practical yet premium choice.
Price new is approximately £35,000. High-mileage used models can be found from £9,000.Audi Q7
If you’re after a combination of luxury and practicality, the Audi Q7 is hard to beat. This spacious 7-seater SUV boasts a high-end finish and is packed with cutting-edge tech, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. A plug-in hybrid version is available for reduced CO₂ emissions, while its comfortable, composed handling makes it perfect for long family drives.
Prices start around £70,000. Used models can be found from around £18,000.Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail is a practical and family-friendly SUV that offers a great balance of space, efficiency, and modern tech. With the option of five or seven seats, it’s ideal for growing families, and the boot offers up to 585 litres of space with five seats in use. The latest models come with Nissan’s e-POWER hybrid system, delivering smooth, efficient performance without the need to plug in. Safety is a strong point too, with features like ProPILOT Assist, lane keep assist, and intelligent emergency braking.
Prices for new models start from around £32,000, while used versions can be found from approximately £10,000BMW 5-Series Touring
If you’re after a car that blends family practicality with a smooth and fun driving experience, the BMW 5-Series Touring is a standout choice. The estate body provides significantly more boot space than the saloon, while the car itself feels comfortable and dynamic on long journeys. With a high-quality interior and a choice of efficient diesel or hybrid engines, the 5-Series Touring delivers luxury and practicality in equal measure.
Prices for new models begin at around £54,000. If you shop around you may be able to locate older used models from £8,000Audi A6 Avant
The Audi A6 Avant is a family estate that delivers premium practicality with understated confidence. It offers a refined driving experience, strong safety ratings and advanced driver-assistance technology. Inside, the A6 Avant combines generous boot space with adaptable storage solutions, making it ideal for families who do plenty of motorway miles and value both comfort and efficiency.
Starting price for new models is around £53,000. Used vehicles can be found from £9,000.Volkswagen Tiguan
Rounding out our list is the ever-popular Volkswagen Tiguan, a top seller for good reason. Its spacious interior features a smart, minimalist design, while the 652-litre boot expands to a huge 1,650 litres with the rear seats folded. The Tiguan is safe, dependable, and comfortable for families of all sizes, offering excellent fuel economy and low running costs to keep ownership affordable.
Starting price new - £37,000. Older used models available from £10,000.
Large family cars tend to have a higher purchase price, which is why car finance is often the most affordable way to get on the road. By spreading the cost over fixed monthly payments, you can access newer, safer and more practical cars without the upfront burden.
Here are a few finance options worth considering:
Car Loans
A car loan, sometimes called an Unsecured Personal Loan (UPL), is a financing option where you borrow a lump sum of money to buy a car and repay it through monthly instalments, but you’ll own the vehicle from the start. While no upfront deposit is required, it’s important to note that the interest rate and monthly payments can be higher than with other car finance options, depending on your credit score.
Hire Purchase (HP)
Hire purchase (HP) is where you make a regular monthly payment for a car with a fixed interest rate – meaning you know exactly how much you are paying every month. The deposit can be flexible or even not required at all. The car is owned by the lender until you pay the last monthly instalment and the option to purchase fee.
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)
Personal contract purchase (PCP) allows you to buy a car through fixed monthly instalments, like hire purchase. PCP tends to have lower monthly payments as you don't have to pay the car's total value. But should you decide to keep the car at the end of the agreement you will need to pay a substantial ‘balloon payment’ to purchase it outright.
Personal contract hire (PCH)
Personal Contract Hire (PCH) is a flexible leasing option that lets you hire a car for a fixed term with manageable monthly payments and an upfront rental fee. You get full use of the vehicle during the lease, but keep in mind you'll be responsible for upkeep costs. You then return it at the end - there’s no option to buy, making it ideal if you prefer driving the latest models without long-term ownership.
Choosing the best large cars for families is all about finding the right balance. You’ll want space without compromise, safety without stress, and value without cutting corners. Whether you prefer an SUV, an estate, or a saloon, there's a model out there to suit your needs and budget.
What is the most spacious family car in the UK?
The Skoda Superb and Audi Q7 are among the most spacious family cars on the market. The Skoda Superb is renowned for its exceptional rear legroom, making it comfortable even for taller passengers, while also offering up to 690 litres of boot space in the estate version making it ideal for luggage-heavy trips. Both models balance passenger comfort with practical storage, making them standout choices for families who need room to spare.
Are SUVs or Estates better for families?
If you prefer a high driving position then SUVs, like the Skoda Kodiaq, are ideal as they provide a commanding view of the road. In addition, they offer optional versatile layouts and plenty of ground clearance for different driving conditions. They also tend to have a more upright design, which makes it easier to get children in and out of car seats and provides extra headroom.
Estates, like the Audi A6 Avant, on the other hand, usually deliver better fuel economy and smoother handling, especially on longer motorway journeys. Their lower ride height makes loading bulky items into the boot easier, and they often provide comparable, if not greater, boot space than some SUVs. For families who want comfort, efficiency, and a smooth driving experience, estates can be the smarter choice.
Can I get a family car on finance with bad credit?
You don’t necessarily have to have a good credit score to be approved for family car finance. Some lenders are willing to help borrowers with a poor credit score, and a few even specialise in poor credit history finance.
So, if your credit score isn’t great, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to finance your car. It just means that you might have to shop around to find the right lender for you. Keep in mind that borrowing with bad credit may come with higher interest rates and monthly payments, so the overall cost of finance could be more.
Be careful though: if you’re struggling to pay off your existing debts it’s always best to get on top of these first before borrowing more. Talk to your lenders to make a plan to get your finances back on track. This will help to improve your credit score.
There are charities and organisations who can offer advice, help and support if you're in difficult circumstances. Find out more here.
