EstatesAmid fears that the jet fuel shortage caused by the Iran war may result in cancelled flights and disruption to summer getaways, it's no surprise that many Britons are considering a staycation this year.When upgrading to a roomier car, many will be tempted by a fashionable sports utility vehicle (SUV). Yet the reality is that large estate cars usually provide the greatest luggage space and also tend to achieve better fuel economy than taller, heavier SUVs.Below are our top choices in a variety of price brackets to suit all budgets.How we chose themLoad space is, of course, the key metric. We looked for the largest load volumes and the squarest, most useful cargo bays in every price bracket.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut it's no good having a capacious estate that you don't enjoy, or one that's going to be unreliable. So interior quality, driver involvement, ride comfort and reliability are also important considerations.There's also an estate car from a maker with a great reputation for reliability, but which we reckon is best avoided.Skip to:£2,000£5,000£10,000£15,000£20,000£30,000£50,000One to avoid£2,000Kia Ceed Sports WagonThe Kia Ceed Sports Wagon is spacious and comfortable, if not particularly aesthetically pleasing - David Rowland/AlamyAn often unsung compact estate, the first-generation Ceed probably wouldn't elicit a second glance from most buyers. But as a bargain-basement estate option it has lots to offer.The boot is roomy, with 534 litres of luggage space – more than some cars from the class above. It's well equipped, with cruise control and air-conditioning as standard even on mid-range models, with a choice of diesel and petrol engines (although the former is preferable, since the latter lacks low-down urge).AdvertisementAdvertisementAnd with simple mechanicals and low-cost parts, the Ceed is dependable, as well as cheap to keep going.Pros: Cheap to run, loads of room, usually surprisingly well equippedCons: Unexceptional to drive and to look atWe found: 2012 Ceed 2 1.6 CRDi, 100,000 miles, 12 months MOT, £1,995£5,000Ford Mondeo EstatePleasant to drive, a fourth-generation Ford Mondeo Estate has a stylish interiorNot so long ago the Mondeo estate would have been the de facto choice for anyone requiring lots of space, affordability and a modicum of driving pleasure. Sadly the load-lugging version of Ford's family favourite ended production in early 2022, but these fourth-generation examples still make great family haulers – roomy, with a wonderful ride and handling balance, great control weights, well-laid-out interiors and lots of equipment, especially in top-spec Ghia and Titanium form.AdvertisementAdvertisementDiesel models offer creditable fuel economy in these cash-strapped times, although any Mk4 Mondeo with the fragile Powershift automatic gearbox is to be avoided.Pros: Terrific to drive for such a large car, well-designed interior, space, comfortCons: Problematic automatic gearboxes, naturally-aspirated petrols can feel wheezyWe found: 2014 2.0 TDCI Titanium X Business, 97,000 miles, full service history, £4,995£10,000Seat Leon STThe Seat Leon ST is cost-effective and nimbleParsimonious diesel and petrol engines are a highlight, but its greatest asset is the combination of a large boot and loads of passenger space in a sharp-looking body. It's also terrific value, undercutting the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf on which it's based.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe ride is a touch on the firm side, although not uncomfortable, the trade-off being that the Leon is nimble on the road.All in all, an excellent all-rounder that looks the part and doesn't cost the earth.Pros: Handsome, easy to use, fun to drive, excellent value, impressively roomyCons: Interior plastics not quite a match for a GolfWe found: 2019 Leon 1.0 TSI SE Dynamic 49,000 miles, full service history, £9,988£15,000Skoda Superb EstateThe frugal Skoda Superb Estate has an ample 660 litre boot - Andy Morgan PhotographyThis has become the vehicle of choice for those who need a lot of space for a very reasonable price. At 660 litres, its boot is cavernous, while excellent leg room in the back means that kids can't kick the front seats.AdvertisementAdvertisementUnlike the Volkswagen Passat on which it's based, early examples of the third-generation Superb are available with petrol engines as well as diesel, while plug-in hybrids also fall within this budget.Whichever you choose, the Superb is very frugal for a car of its size, not to mention one of the most comfortable motorway cruisers.Pros: Smooth ride, well laid-out interior, vast boot, rear seat spaceCons: Slightly stodgy handling, automatic gearboxes can be costly to fixWe found: 2019 Superb 1.5 TSI SE, 55,000 miles, full service history, £13,990£20,000Suzuki SwaceThe bargainous Suzuki Swace might be a bit dull and dour, but it offers excellent value for moneyThe Swace is a fairly cursory rebadge of the hybrid-powered Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. What that means is that you can own one of the most dependable estate cars for a bit of a discount.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt is all but identical to the Corolla – yet its poorer residuals mean it will cost less to buy, like-for-like, on the used market. And Suzuki provides a very similar service-activated warranty to Toyota's, until the car is 10 years old. That makes the Swace a real bargain for savvy buyers.Pros: Reliable, long warranty, spacious boot, comfortable, well equipped, good valueCons: A bit dull to drive, dour interiorWe found: 2024 Swace 1.8h Motion, 14,000 miles, full service history, £18,999£30,000BMW 5-Series TouringThe BMW 5-Series Touring is a dependable high-performerThe inherent desirability of BMW's largest estate has always stemmed from its combination of sharp driving manners, a huge boot and a premium feel inside.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis previous-generation model is no different. For £30,000, you can buy one of the face-lifted models (from 2020), which have mild hybrid engines that achieve impressive real-world economy.What's more, BMW's position in reliability surveys has been climbing steadily in recent years, meaning a 5-Series should be pretty dependable. And it even looks great. What's not to like?Pros: Upmarket interior, great to drive, plush equipment levels, classy imageCons: M Sport models can be firm over rougher surfacesWe found: 2022 520d MHT M Sport, 31,000 miles, full service history, £29,995£50,000Mercedes-Benz E-Class EstateThe Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate offers decent fuel economyThe E-Class has been the ultimate luxury family hauler for years and this latest model does nothing to dispel that reputation.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 615-litre boot might no longer be the largest, but it's more than enough to fit all your holiday accoutrements and on your way to the seaside you'll cruise in isolated serenity thanks to the super-smooth suspension and top-notch sound deadening.Diesel mild hybrid models are some of the best modern cars in terms of real-world fuel economy, too, while the huge tank means you'll only rarely need to worry about stopping to fill up. It's a class act all round.Pros: Lavish interior, remarkable fuel economy, polished ride quality, large bootCons: Pricey to buy, some chintzy styling detailsWe found: 2025 E220dh AMG Line Premium, 5,000 miles, £45,799And one to avoid...Subaru OutbackThe Subaru Outback is fuel-inefficientThe Outback's go-anywhere ability makes it appealing, but the combination of not particularly efficient engines and four-wheel drive makes it a rather thirsty choice.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt isn't as roomy inside as you might think, either. It's great if you live in the sticks and regularly get snow in the winter, but otherwise it's hard to recommend.Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.