The Best Family Cars In The UK

👉 Skoda Octavia
👉 Kia Sportage
👉 Nissan Qashqai
👉 Skoda Superb Estate
👉 Ford Kuga 
👉 Summary

It’s back-to-school time, and for many parents, the first school run. Getting the school run right is an art, and your choice of car goes a long way towards getting it right. You’re going to be sat in traffic, so you need something comfortable and economical. You need plenty of space, and a car that is exceptionally safe. With these factors in mind, we have put together our top family cars for 2024.

Skoda Octavia

The Skoda Octavia lacks frills but, in its place, provides a solid family car. With plenty of space, your little ones will be comfortable during the school runs. In the front, newer Octavias house a large infotainment touchscreen, but older used Skodas Octavias are less likely to have this. Known for its efficient engine, the Octavia has a classic front grille with Octavia accents. It doesn’t stop you in your tracks, but it certainly isn’t unappealing to look at. With steady cornering and steering, the Octavia is great for steady drives to school and back, and longer distance journeys. The two most popular versions of the Skoda Octavia are the Skoda Octavia VRS and the Skoda Octavia Estate. Let’s take a closer look at each.

      Skoda Octavia VRS

The sportier option in the Octavia range, the VRS gives you that extra bit of fun you might be looking for, whilst still providing plenty of space for passengers. The latest VRS model can reach 62mph in 6.5 seconds, an impressive feat considering the size of the car and the weight it carries. A new Skoda Octavia VRS starts from £37,000, whereas a used option can be anywhere from £5,000 to £30,000, with more limited-edition options potentially going past the £30,000 mark.

Skoda Octavia Estate

The Skoda Octavia Estate is the more likely option you will choose if you are looking for a family car. With space for both passengers and luggage, the Estate is perfect for the school run. A soft suspension gives the Estate a comfortable ride. In newer options, parking tech is present, which can be a game changer when squeezing into a space near the school. According to CarWow, a new Estate starts from £25,000, and a used model starts around the £10,000 mark.

Kia Sportage

The first SUV on our list, the Kia Sportage is one of the most popular SUVs in the UK. This is mainly down to their solid handling, vast range of engine options, space and a clean interior. The Kia Sportage is a reliable option that performs as you’d expect it to. The Kia Sportage has moved into the eco-space, offering plug-in-hybrid options that could save you plenty of fuel as you navigate school runs five days a week. A challenger to the Ford Kuga, the Sportage is an established family SUV that is well-equipped to navigate a school run with ease. Regarding price, a new Kia Sportage starts at £29,000, rising to £45,000 if you opt for a hybrid option. When it comes to a used Kia Sportage, prices start around £5,000 for the older models and rise to £40,000, if you choose to go with a top-of-the-range option.

Nissan Qashqai

Continuing with the trend of SUVs, the Nissan Qashqai has been one of the best-sellers in the UK market in recent years. The winner of the 2022 WhatCar? safety category, the Qashqai gives you the safety you might be craving for your children. A reliable vehicle with slick looks, the Qashqai comes in three distinct variants: Visia, Acenta Premium and N-Connecta. Let’s break down each.

      Nissan Qashqai Visia

The original entry-level Qashqai, the Visia has plenty to shout about. With LED headlights and rear parking sensors, the Visia is well-equipped to handle the demands of everyday driving. With air conditioning and blind spot monitoring, the Visia provides a sophisticated, high-quality driving experience for a relatively moderate price. A used Visia could cost anywhere from £2,000 to upwards of £16,000, depending on how old it is. Unfortunately, the Visia trim has been discontinued, so a new purchase isn’t possible. The Visia has been replaced by the Acenta Premium.

Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium

The new entry-level Qashqai, the Acenta Premium provides you with cruise control, a speed limiter and speed assist, to allow you to cruise long-distances with ease. For school runs in particular, traffic sign recognition, auto lighting and driver alert can give you complete awareness of the road at all times. A new Acenta Premium starts from £30,000, with used models starting from around £10,000.

Nissan Qashqai N-Connecta

One of the most premium options in the range, the N-Connecta has a large touchscreen infotainment system with built-in-navigation. Continuing with tech, 360-degree parking sensors ensure you park with ease. A premium option, with e-POWER and hybrid powertrains available, the N-Connecta is up there with the very best a Nissan Qashqai has to offer. A new N-Connecta starts from £32,000, with used models starting from £14,000.

Looking for a Nissan Qashqai as your next car? Visit our dedicated Nissan Qashqai car finance page, and discover the different finance options available.

Skoda Superb Estate

The Skoda Superb Estate is another consistent car on our roads. A reliable option with three different engine options (in newer models), the Skoda Superb is clean and reliable. With ample space for drivers and passengers, the Superb has what it takes to champion the daily school commute. New Skoda Superbs start from £34,000, whereas used models start from £10,000.

Ford Kuga

Last on the list is the Ford Kuga. Ford is a popular option, and one that has likely completed the school run more than a few times! The Ford Kuga is perhaps one of the best-looking cars on this list, with a clean interior and a comfortable feel. Built in the reliable Ford style, the Kuga is safe and practical, and a great choice for making the school run. Newer models come with improved tech, but in reality, the Kuga has always been in line with its time. If you choose to put your trust in a Ford Kuga, it won’t let you down. New Kugas start from £31,000, with used models starting from £5,000.

Summary

To summarise, there are plenty of great options for navigating the school run, but the five in this list are sure to get you there in style. Interested in any of these options? Explore the Skoda Octavia, Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Skoda Superb and Ford Kuga via our exclusive car marketplace. Filter with over 20 different options and find the perfect model for you, and get your finance quote all in one place, with no impact on your credit score.