The core of the car market
- Best mid-sized family cars at a glance
- Audi Q3
- BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
- Ford Puma
- Hyundai Tucson
- Mazda CX-5
- Mini Countryman
- Seat Ateca
- Skoda Octavia
- Toyota Corolla
- Volkswagen Tiguan
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IF YOU’RE in need of the best family car to cope with the challenges of daily life, then there are plenty of options available to you.
Whether it’s a traditional hatchback or estate, an SUV or even an MPV, here we list 11 of our favourite medium-sized family cars.
Best mid-sized family cars at a glance
Car | Price from | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Boot space | Power options |
---|---|---|---|---|
Audi Q3 | £31,265 | 4,484mm x 1,849mm x 1,616mm | 530 litres | 1.5-2.5 petrol, 2.0 diesel, 1.4 PHEV |
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer | £30,265 | 4,386mm x 1,824mm x 1,576mm | 415 litres | 1.5-2.0 petrol, 2.0 diesel, 1.5 PHEV |
Ford Puma | £23,135 | 4,207mm x 1,805mm x 1,537mm | 456 litres | 1.0-1.5 petrol |
Hyundai Tucson | £28,760 | 4,500mm x 1,865mm x 1,651mm | 620 litres | 1.6 petrol, 1.6 hybrid, 1.6 PHEV |
Mazda CX-5 | £28,145 | 4,575mm x 1,845mm x 1,675mm | 522 litres | 2.0-2.5 petrol, 2.2 diesel |
Mini Countryman | £25,305 | 4,297mm x 2,001mm x 1,557mm | 450 litres | 1.5-2.0 petrol, 1.5 PHEV |
Peugeot 3008 | £27,905 | 4,447mm x 1,841mm x 1,620mm | 520 litres | 1.2 petrol, 1.5 diesel, 1.6 PHEV |
Seat Ateca | £25,140 | 4,381mm x 1,841mm x 1,615mm | 510 litres | 1.0-2.0 petrol, 2.0 diesel |
Skoda Octavia | £22,270 | 4,689mm x 1,829mm x 1,470mm | 600 litres | 1.0-2.0 petrol, 2.0 diesel, 1.4 PHEV |
Toyota Corolla | £24,855 | 4,380mm x 1,790mm x 1,460mm | 361 litres | 1.8-2.0 hybrid |
Volkswagen Tiguan | £28,585 | 4,509mm x 1,839mm x 1,675mm | 615 litres | 1.5-2.0 petrol, 2.0 diesel, 1.4 PHEV |
Audi Q3
If you’re after a premium SUV with space for family life, but which doesn’t skimp on technology, the Q3 is a safe bet. You can choose from regular or Sportback body styles, while a range of efficient engines seal the deal.
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
The Active Tourer stands out from other BMWs thanks to its MPV body. Under the skin it has the same front-wheel-drive layout as the 1 Series, so you get fine handling to go along with a versatile interior. There’s an efficient plug-in hybrid available, too.
Ford Puma
Compact dimensions belie the Puma‘s versatile interior. There’s enough space for five inside, while the boot can swallow far more than you might expect thanks to the versatile ‘Megabox’ under the boot floor. It’s a great-handling car to drive, too
Hyundai Tucson
Time has seen the Tucson evolve from a good-value compact SUV to a tech-filled family car, and the current model is a front runner in the class. User-friendly infotainment and a range of efficient hybrid engines mean it’s a car with multiple talents.
Mazda CX-5
Here’s proof that you don’t need to sacrifice fun when driving your family. Mazda has managed to distil some of the fun of the MX-5 into the CX-5, yet this SUV has plenty of space for family life.
Mini Countryman
If there’s one thing that appeals with a Mini, it’s the retro-inspired styling. The Countryman takes these design cues and super-sizes them to create funky family transport. The plug-in hybrid model offers super-low running costs, too.
Peugeot 3008
The second generation 3008 has thoroughly modern SUV styling, while the car’s upmarket interior matches Audi for a premium feel. It’s one family SUV that delivers a surprising amount of luxury.
Seat Ateca
Another compact SUV with a sporty edge is the Ateca, which was Seat’s first SUV. It looks sharp, while the range of engines spans from efficient to powerful. Check out the Cupra Ateca for a real family thrill ride.
Skoda Octavia
If space is your primary requirement, then you can’t go wrong with the Octavia. The current version maximises space like no other hatchback, including the VW Golf with which it shares its platform. And there’s a plug-in hybrid, too.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota has refined its hybrid technology with years of development, and the set-up in the Corolla is the most accomplished yet. Available in two guises, and in hatch or Touring Sports estate body styles, the Corolla is a great all-round family car with efficiency a particular highlight. Though it’s not best for interior space.
Volkswagen Tiguan
It’s the number-one best seller for VW worldwide, and the Tiguan excels as dependable and practical family transport. It won’t excite or wow with its tech, but if you need a car that can take all the punishment a family can dish out, it’s well worth a look.
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