The Best Family Estate Cars

Are you looking for the perfect family car? Whether you need a vehicle that has space for all the kids, a boot full of suitcases, or your beloved pooch, it could be worth considering an estate. They might not be as fashionable as sporty SUVs, but estate cars still have a lot to offer, especially if you’re looking to maximise your budget.  

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best family estate cars, plus all the features you might want to think about when it comes to choosing. 

Why Choose a Family Estate Car?

Estate cars have always been associated with families. Not only can they offer more than enough cabin space for five passengers (without needing to argue over the middle seat!) but they also have some of the biggest boots on the market. 

No matter whether you choose to have the rear row of seats up or down, the best family estates offer more than enough space for your suitcases, weekly shopping bags, or large family dog. But let’s look into the perks in more detail and why they could be a great choice for families.

What Makes Estate Cars Great for Families?

First and foremost, it’s the extra space they offer. Estate cars closely resemble a classic saloon or hatchback but have extended rear bodywork to create a larger and more versatile boot. 

That means they can offer the best of both worlds: the ease and convenience of a smaller vehicle but the space and flexibility that you might only find in a van. But the best family estate cars boast much more than a big boot. They’re practical, easily accessible, straightforward to drive, and have plenty of head and legroom for all your passengers.

Plus, almost every manufacturer has an estate model in their fleet so there are also plenty to choose from. And, unlike an SUV, estates are modelled after saloons and hatchbacks so often feel much more familiar for drivers making the switch to a larger vehicle.  

They’re also sometimes a more cost-effective option. There are a wide range of used estate cars available, which means they could be more affordable to buy than more sought-after SUVs or 4x4s, while their light frame means they can often get a decent number of miles to the gallon too.  

Estate Cars vs. SUVs — Which Is Best for Your Family?

Estate cars may have slightly fallen out of favour in recent years as families start to choose sleek and sporty SUVs instead. But, that doesn’t mean estates should be overlooked. 

SUVs typically have desirable designs that are seen as more modern than boxy estates and can be more accessible to climb in and out of. They also provide a higher driving position as well as a raised suspension that can help them handle large bumps and rough road surfaces with ease.  

But, estate cars still have a lot going for them, and could be a good choice for your family. They are typically cheaper to buy than SUVs, especially used models, and are lighter too, which could make them more fuel efficient and cheaper to run.

The design of an estate car might split opinion, but as lower, leaner cars, they can also be more fun to drive. If you enjoy the process of driving and need to tackle a lot of bends or twisty country roads, then you might find you’ll have a better experience in an estate.

Ultimately, the best car type for you will depend on several factors including where and how you drive, how much space you need, and how much you can afford to spend on your monthly car finance repayments.

Top 5 Family Estate Cars on the Market

Volkswagen Passat Estate

When looking for a good family estate car, two things are often must-haves: a spacious interior and a fair price. The Volkswagen Passat Estate could offer both and was designed with families in mind. 

It has an impressive 650-litre boot, which means you’ll have more than enough space even with all the kids on board. There are a range of engines to choose from too, including petrol, diesel, and an eco-friendly plug-in hybrid, which have all been crafted to be as economical with fuel as possible.  

Apply for Volkswagen car finance today and see if you could get behind the wheel of a Passat Estate.

Mercedes E-Class Estate

One of the most luxurious family estate cars on the market, the refined Mercedes E-Class Estate attracts appreciative stares wherever it goes. With its elegant and restrained exterior and plush interior, the E-Class invites its passengers to sit back and relax in style. 

Every seat offers plenty of head and legroom while the air suspension smooths out bumps to make the ride even more comfortable. A 640-litre boot is combined with a whole host of tech but there’s no need to worry; the dashboard is laid-out in a way that makes using the controls effortless. When it comes to engines, you could choose between petrol, diesel, or plug-in hybrid models.  

Volvo V90

The Volvo V90 offers everything you would expect from the popular Scandinavian manufacturer. This family estate car has a sleek, minimalist sense of style, a quietly luxurious interior, and a robust build that feels reassuringly secure on all road types. It’s a good-looking car with distinctive rear light clusters and a comfortable cabin that’s dominated by a large portrait touchscreen. 

Drivers will find it a pleasant vehicle to control, especially when cruising down the motorway, while the family can relax against vegan-friendly vinyl leather seats. Petrol, diesel and mild-hybrid engines are all on offer, but you could choose to upgrade to the cross-country model if you need something a little more rugged.

Audi A6 Avant

A high-end choice for families looking for a luxurious option, the Audi A6 Avant is one of the most comfortable and refined family estate cars on the market. It drives as well as you would expect from Audi and is appointed with the finest materials, inside and out. 

Despite its exclusive look and feel, the A6 could offer surprisingly good fuel economy as well as an easy-to-use dashboard with simple controls and clear displays. Thanks to its carefully crafted mechanics, the estate performs well in a range of different driving conditions as well as offering 495-litres of boot space.

Check your eligibility for Audi car finance today and see if you could take the next step toward driving the A6 Avant.

Skoda Superb Estate

The Skoda Superb Estate often takes the top spot in lists of the best family estate cars thanks to its practicality, comfort, low purchase price, and economical running costs. 

It’s the ideal all-rounder with an efficient engine that really comes into its own on long journeys down the motorway. You’ll have more than enough space for all your road trip essentials thanks to the substantial boot. In fact, it’s the estate car with the biggest boot on our list, increasing to 1950-litres when the rear seats are folded flat. The Superb’s interior isn’t the most luxurious, but it still features quality materials and has been ergonomically designed. Clever details include a folding front passenger seat with its own ISOFIX child seat anchorages and a variable height boot floor.  

Ford Focus Estate

The Ford Focus has been known to be one another reliable family hatchbacks on the market, so it’s not surprising that the Estate model is just as sought-after. The Focus family estate car offers excellent value for money, is practical, and available with a range of petrol and diesel engine options.

It’s 4.7m long in total with a 575-litre boot that can extend out to 1653-litres with the seats folded, while the lack of lip makes it easy to load bulky items. The drive is comfortable but if you tend to drive down rougher roads or encounter a lot of potholes on your journeys, you might want to try a model with adaptive dampers.  

Apply for Ford car finance today and see if you could get one step closer to driving home in a Focus Estate.

BMW 5 Series Touring 

Comfortable and quiet but still fun to drive, the BMW 5 Series Touring could be a great family estate car. This practical yet stylish estate car offers a touch of luxury that makes you look forward to taking a long journey, even if the kids won’t stop asking, “Are we there yet?”. 

It’s a midsize estate but has 570-litres of boot space as standard, which can extend to 1700-litres. As an added bonus, you can wave your foot under the back bumper to pop the boot open when your hands are full. Available in diesel, petrol, or plug-in hybrid versions, the 5 Series is enduringly popular with drivers thanks to its precise handling and self-levelling rear suspension designed to cope with heavy loads. 

Explore BMW car finance options today and see if you could make the 5 Series Touring yours.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Family Estate Car

When choosing the best used family estate car for your family, it’s also important to factor in the bells and whistles you might want. Here are some of the things you might want to keep in mind when making your choice.

Boot Space and Storage

One of the major perks of an estate car is the boot. Many offer more luggage space than similarly sized SUVs, which could make them ideal for getting around with the family in tow, especially if the kids have sports equipment or you take a weekend trip. 

Look out for practical extras like flat-folding rear seats, underfloor compartments, and hands-free boot access to make loading even easier. These sorts of things could come in handy for things like pushchairs and big shops!

Engine Types and Performance

Like most cars, estates come in petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric. The best family estate car engine for you comes down to the type of driving you’ll do. 

Diesel engines could be a good choice for long-distance drivers, while hybrids and EVs might be ideal for city driving and keeping running costs down. 

In general, estate cars have a decent performance. Thanks to their lower design, they’re more aerodynamic and often feel more stable and easier to drive than SUVs, especially on winding roads.

Safety Features

Safety is a major priority in any good family estate car. Most modern estates come equipped with all kinds of safety features nowadays, including things like:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keeping assistance
• Adaptive cruise control
• Multiple airbags throughout the car.

These are the sorts of features you may want to look out for. And it’s also worth checking Euro NCAP ratings to see how each model performs in crash tests.

Comfort and Quality

An estate family car should be comfortable as well as spacious, especially if you’re planning on spending long journeys in it. Look for seats that are supportive and well-cushioned, and little extras that can go a long way like cup holders and storage space for kids toys.

If you’ve got small children, wide-opening doors and easily accessible Isofix points can make it simpler to load child seats and pushchairs. And if you regularly travel with pets, a flat boot floor and optional dog guard can keep things safe and comfortable for them as well.

Small design features in a can make a big difference to the overall comfort of your car when you have a growing family.

Tech and Connectivity Features

Modern family estate cars come equipped with the latest technology, which can make a real difference to your overall driving experience. Many now feature touchscreen infotainment systems as standard, and you could also look out for models with built-in sat nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control to help you stay focused on the road.

Smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also pretty standard nowadays, so you could stream music directly from your phone and keep the kids entertained. It’s things like this that can make a big difference in a family car.

Reliability and Running Costs

Family estate cars are often a more cost-effective choice compared to SUVs. They have better fuel economy, particularly on motorway journeys. If you are planning on doing a lot of miles, a diesel estate might be the most efficient option, while hybrid and electric estates would be a better option for saving on fuel costs over time. 

Remember, it’s also worth thinking about long-term costs like insurance, servicing, road tax, when you factor in all your running costs, not just the fuel.

In terms of reliability, choosing a model from a brand with a strong reputation for reliability could also help reduce the likelihood of unexpected repair costs. It might be worth reading some owner reviews to see what you can expect.

Buying Guide for Family Estate Cars

Once you’ve decided on the car you want, the next step is to think about how you’re going to pay for it. That includes deciding on a new or used family estate car and whether you want to finance it.

New vs. Used Family Estate Cars

There are pros and cons to buying new and used, and the right choice will depend on your budget, needs, and preferences.

Buying new means you’re more likely to get up-to-date technology, plus the full manufacturer warranty. You could also customise it with all the optional extras to suit your family specifically. Plus, there’s peace of mind in knowing the car’s full history and that it hasn’t been driven by anyone else.

But, new cars do lose value quickly, with the biggest drop happening in the first couple of years. That’s one of the main reasons why used cars could offer better value for money. And, you might be able to get a higher-spec model for the same budget as a lower-spec new one when you opt for a used car. 

If you do opt for used, make sure to check the MOT history, service records, and do a full vehicle history check first.

Financing Options for Family Estate Cars

If you’re looking to buy a second-hand family estate car, you may be able to secure used car finance. At Car Finance 247, we work with a panel of lenders, which means we could find loans for people with a wide variety of circumstances, including those with bad credit, subject to status.

We could offer two different types of car finance:

Hire Purchase (HP) – With HP, you spread the cost of your car over fixed monthly payments, plus interest. You may pay a deposit, then make regular payments until the full cost of the car is covered. Once the last payment is made, the car is yours.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) – With PCP, you make monthly payments, but they’re usually lower than HP because you’re only paying off part of the car’s value. At the end of your loan term, you can either return the car, trade it in for a new one, or pay a final balloon payment to keep it.

With any car finance agreement, it’s important to understand that you are committing to repay the amount borrowed plus interest. Missing payments can lead to additional charges and may affect your credit score.

The right choice for you will depend on whether you want to keep the car at the end, and which option fits your budget both now and in the long term. Make sure you consider your budget and your ability to keep up with monthly payments before applying for car finance. If you are unsure, seek independent financial advice.

Find The Best Family Estate Car With Car Finance 247

Ready to get started? To start looking at your options, you can make a no-obligation application online and receive a decision in minutes. And if we’re able to find you an approval in principle, your dedicated account manager will be in touch to help guide you through the process, handle all the paperwork, and help you find the best family estate car for you.  

Disclaimer: Finance is subject to status, affordability checks, and terms and conditions apply. Car Finance 247 Limited is a credit broker, not a lender. Finance is a commitment, so please ensure you can afford the repayments before applying. Missing payments could seriously affect your credit rating and may result in the vehicle being repossessed.