Today, we’re going to talk about a topic that’s close to the hearts of many families – finding the perfect car. With the ever-growing number of options available on the market, choosing the right family car can be quite a challenge, with the increasing availability and affordability of electric vehicles throwing a further spanner in the works.
Hopefully you won’t be needing that spanner anytime soon, though, as these family cars run like a dream. Indeed, we’ve taken on the miles and endured the best and worst of the UK’s service stations (shout out to Westermorland’s Tebay, by the way), to bring you these; the best family cars to buy for 2023.
The All-Electric Marvel: Tesla Model Y
If you’re looking for a family car that is both environmentally friendly and packed with cutting-edge technology, look no further than the Tesla Model Y. This all-electric SUV offers plenty of space for the entire family, with seating for up to seven passengers. The Model Y also boasts an impressive range of up to 315 miles on a single charge, making it perfect for long road trips. Plus, with Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, charging on the go has never been easier!
The Tesla Model Y’s RRP begins at just under £45’000.
Read: How to ensure your electric vehicle’s battery lasts
The Stylish & Spacious: Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq is a fantastic option for families who need ample space without compromising on style. This 7-seater SUV offers a comfortable and roomy interior, with a plethora of storage compartments to keep everything organised. Additionally, the Kodiaq comes with a range of safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and blind-spot detection, ensuring a safe journey for your loved ones.
Prices start at around £35’000.
The Versatile MPV: Ford S-MAX
For those who prefer the flexibility of an MPV, the Ford S-MAX is an excellent choice. With its sleek design and practical sliding doors, this vehicle can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. The S-MAX also offers an impressive array of safety features, including a pre-collision assist system and traffic sign recognition. Furthermore, the S-MAX’s EcoBoost engine provides both power and fuel efficiency, making it an economical option for families.
Prices for the Ford S-MAX begin at just over £30’000.
The Compact & Efficient: Honda Jazz
If you’re looking for a smaller, more efficient family car, the Honda Jazz might be just what you need. This compact hatchback offers a surprising amount of interior space, with Honda’s innovative Magic Seat system allowing for various seating configurations. The Jazz also boasts excellent fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions, making it an eco-friendly choice for city-dwelling families.
The Honda Jazz also comes with a range of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Additionally, the Jazz’s touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and offers seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With its efficient performance and practical design, the Honda Jazz is an excellent choice for families who prioritise affordability and versatility
The RRP range of The Honda Jazz is from roughly £22’000 to £28’000.
The Iconic Estate: Volvo V60
The Volvo V60 is a classic estate car that has been a favourite among families for years – and for good reason. With its spacious cabin, large boot, and top-notch safety features, the V60 is a reliable and practical choice for families on the go. Additionally, the V60 comes in both petrol and plug-in hybrid versions, catering to those who are environmentally conscious.
But that’s not all. The V60 also offers a sleek and stylish exterior, with Volvo’s signature “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a bold front grille. The interior is equally impressive, with luxurious materials and a range of high-tech features such as a large touchscreen display, voice control, and a premium sound system.
And with Volvo’s reputation for safety, alongside an advanced suspension system and responsive handling, you can be sure that the V60 will keep you and your family both comfortable and protected on the road. For those families living more rurally, consider the Volvo V60’s cross country cousin.
You’ll pay for the privilege here; prices range from £40’000 to £60’000, approximately.
The All-Rounder: Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke is a versatile family car that offers a unique blend of style and practicality. This compact SUV boasts a bold design, with its distinctive front grille and sleek lines. The Juke also offers a spacious cabin, with plenty of head and legroom for both the driver and passengers.
The vehicle’s rear seats can be folded down to create additional storage space, making it perfect for families who need to transport bulky items. In terms of safety, the Juke comes with a range of advanced features such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. With its impressive fuel efficiency and affordable price tag, the Nissan Juke is an excellent all-rounder for families who want a reliable and stylish car.
As the Nissan dealership at West Way tell us, the Nissan Juke averages around £25’000.
The Affordable Premium: Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is an affordable yet premium family car that offers a range of impressive features. This compact SUV boasts a sleek and modern design, with a spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates up to five passengers. The Tucson also comes with a wide range of safety features, including lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, and driver attention warning.
On top of that, the vehicle’s infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, making it perfect for families who want to stay connected on the go. In terms of performance, the Tucson offers a smooth and comfortable ride, with excellent fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions. Overall, the Hyundai Tucson is an excellent choice for families who want a high-quality vehicle without breaking the bank.
The Tuscon retails at just shy of £29’000.
The Practical & Spacious: Skoda Octavia
The Skoda Octavia is a practical and spacious family car that offers excellent value for money. With its large boot and roomy cabin, the Octavia can comfortably accommodate up to five passengers and all their luggage. The vehicle’s practicality is further enhanced by its numerous storage compartments, including a spacious glovebox and door pockets. In terms of safety, the Octavia features a range of advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection.
The car also comes with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Octavia’s performance is impressive too, with a range of petrol and diesel engines available, catering to different driving styles and needs.
True to Skoda’s affordable reputation, prices start at £22,390.
The Affordable EV Option: MG 4 EV
The MG 4 EV is an excellent option for eco-conscious families who are looking for an affordable electric vehicle. This compact SUV offers a range of impressive features, including a spacious and comfortable cabin that can accommodate up to five passengers. The ZS EV also comes with a decent-sized boot, making it perfect for families who love to go for a ‘big shop’ together each weekend.
In terms of safety, the 4 EV comes with a range of advanced features such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The car also features a user-friendly infotainment system with all the usual compatibility options.
With its all-electric powertrain, the 4 EV boasts excellent fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions, making it a great choice for families who want to reduce their carbon footprint. With a range of around 300 miles (wow), the MG 4 EV is a supremely affordable and eco-friendly family car that ticks all the boxes.
The latest MG EV model retail price begins at £25’995.
For A Tried & Tested Staple: Vauxhall Astra
If you’re looking for a tried and tested family car that has been around for decades, the Vauxhall Astra is definitely worth considering. This compact hatchback is known for its reliability, practicality, and affordability. The Astra can easily accommodate five passengers with plenty of room, making sure the kids sitting comfortably on longer journeys
The car features a sleek and modern exterior design, with a comfortable and well-designed cabin that includes a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. In terms of safety, the Astra comes with advanced features such as lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and automatic emergency braking.
Astras also boast excellent fuel efficiency, with a range of petrol and diesel engines available; ideal for those concerned about their energy consumption in 2023.
A new Vauxhall Astra starts at just over £23’000.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it – our top picks for the best family cars to buy in the UK for 2023. From all-electric SUVs to compact hatchbacks, there’s something for every family on this list. When choosing your next family car, consider factors such as size, safety features, fuel efficiency, and environmental impact. Ultimately, the best family car for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Happy car hunting, and here’s to many memorable family road trips in your new car!
Altogether now; are we there yet?