What Do Families Want from Their Cars in 2025?

Choosing the perfect family car is more than a practical decision - it’s about finding a reliable, comfortable, and spacious vehicle that fits seamlessly into your family’s life. From the school run to road trips, today’s family cars are built to handle it all. Our guide will help you discover the best family cars for 2025, so you can make the right choice with ease.

The Family Car Checklist

Families need cars that do it all. Practicality, safety, and comfort are essential, but space is also crucial. With kids, pets, and luggage to consider, having a roomy cabin and a large boot can make a big difference. Safety features like autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and advanced driver assistance systems provide peace of mind, while entertainment options keep little ones happy on long journeys.

Modern cars offer all this and more. Advances in design have made vehicles more versatile than ever, with many models boasting hybrid or fully electric options for eco-conscious families.

So Much Choice, Where Do You Start?

The sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. Audi alone offers 23 models, including 35 variants of SUVs and several hatchbacks. Brands like Škoda, SEAT, Volkswagen, and Cupra, which are all part of the same parent company, add even more to the mix, with SUVs, estates, and hybrids.

But don’t worry. We’ve done the hard work for you, narrowing it down to the best cars in five key categories: small family cars, medium family cars, large family cars, estate cars, and 7-seaters you can find the most suitable car for you and your family.

1. Best Small Family Car: Peugeot 2008

Compact yet mighty, the Peugeot 2008 is perfect for smaller families. With a striking design, excellent practicality, and a range of high-tech features, this small SUV ticks all the boxes. Standard equipment includes automatic lights, cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking, ensuring safety and ease of use. Add in a five-year warranty and a well-sized boot, and it’s easy to see why the 2008 is a top choice.

2. Best Medium Family Car: Škoda Octavia

The Škoda Octavia stands out as one of the largest hatchbacks on the market. Its elegant design, roomy interior, and excellent engine choices make it a versatile option. Whether you opt for a plug-in hybrid or a traditional engine, the Octavia offers a smooth ride, plenty of cabin space, and family-friendly features. For families needing a balance of practicality and style, this car delivers on all fronts.

3. Best Large Family Car: Audi Q7

Luxury meets practicality in the Audi Q7. This premium SUV offers ample room for passengers and luggage, making it ideal for larger families. With a choice of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines, as well as two- or four-wheel drive, the Q7 adapts to your needs. Its advanced technology, comfortable interior, and safety features ensure every journey is enjoyable and stress-free.

4. Best Family Estate Car: BMW 3 Series Touring

For families who need extra boot space without sacrificing style, the BMW 3 Series Touring is a standout choice. The 330e Sport combines plug-in hybrid efficiency with a spacious and practical design. With sleek lines, cutting-edge technology, and impressive load capacity, it’s perfect for busy families who want to travel in style.

5. Best 7-Seater Family Car: Kia EV9

Revolutionising the 7-seater category, the Kia EV9 is the future of family transport. This all-electric SUV offers up to 349 miles of range on a single charge, making it perfect for eco-conscious families. Spacious and luxurious, the EV9 provides comfortable seating for seven, advanced technology, and impressive safety features. It’s a modern solution for large families.

What’s Important to You?

Choosing a family car ultimately comes down to your priorities. Do you need extra boot space for prams and luggage? An estate car like the BMW 3 Series Touring could be the answer. Prefer something rugged? Check out Ford’s Active range or Škoda’s Scout models for added versatility.

If you’re after a compact yet practical option, the timeless hatchback is hard to beat. Models like the Škoda Octavia offer flexibility, comfort, and efficiency, making them ideal for everyday family life.

For families transitioning to electric vehicles, models like the Kia EV9 lead the way. With ample space and zero emissions, they’re a great choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on practicality.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Family Car?

With so many options available, finding the perfect car for your family can feel daunting. But rest assured, there’s a vehicle out there to suit every lifestyle and budget.

Discover how leasing a car works, whether you’re leasing for personal use, looking to lease with maintenance included, or even just searching for the best car leasing deals, our team is here to help you make the right choice.

Start your journey today and find the car that’s ready to take your family wherever you need to go, in comfort, style, and safety.