Finding the best car for a family of six doesn’t mean you have to settle for the bulkiest model on the market – there are plenty of large cars that are still sleek and on-trend.
Whether you want an electric car for a family of six, a hybrid, an SUV or an MPV, there are some seriously impressive options on the used car market.
Take a look at our top picks for the best car for a family of six:
Mercedes EQB
Tesla Model X
Dacia Jogger
Kia Sorento
Volvo XC90
Hyundai Santa Fe
Volkswagen Touran
Ford S-Max
Best electric car for a family of six
Large cars with seven seats can often cost more to run, as that extra weight needs more fuel to get moving.
You can cut ditch fuel costs completely by switching to a fully electric car.
Mercedes EQB
A used Mercedes-Benz EQB is an electric seven-seater SUV that feels as luxurious as it does practical.
It offers a spacious interior that’ll mean even adult-sized passengers will be comfortable in the rear, and a roomy 465-litre boot.
The 66.5kWh battery can achieve up to 253 miles of range, so it’ll do you just fine for the weekly commute and school run.
The 11.4m turning circle is perfect if you live in an urban area and need to navigate around car parks, and the twin 10-inch infotainment screens ramp up the premium feel inside the cabin and make it easy to keep up with the car’s functions.
What's the best electric Mercedes?
Tesla Model X
If you want a seven-seater electric SUV that’s one of the most premium models on the market, the Tesla Model X is where you want to be.
The flashy features that come with a Tesla can actually be useful in daily family life. The upwards-opening rear doors offer plenty of space to get little ones in and out of the car, and there’s loads of safety tech to give you peace of mind.
You’ll also love the massive 17-inch touchscreen unit that handles most of the car's functions, and your tech-loving kids will be impressed as well.
Plus, you can achieve up to 358 miles on a single charge.
Tesla Model Y vs. Tesla Model X: which is better?
Best hybrid car for a family of six
If you’re not quite ready for a fully electric car, take a look at some of our top picks for the best hybrid car for a family of six.
These can still help you cut back on fuel costs without ditching petrol or diesel entirely.
Dacia Jogger
Don’t overlook a Dacia when it comes to family life. A used Jogger can be seriously affordable and great value for money, and it feels much pricier when it comes to quality.
This seven-seater hybrid is supremely spacious – all passengers will have plenty of room and will still feel comfortable on the longest of journeys.
Plus, there’s a 160-litre boot even when all seven seats are in use, but this can increase if you start folding seats.
That hybrid engine allows you to achieve up to 56.5mpg – seriously impressive for a car of this size.
Read our Dacia Jogger review
Kia Sorento
If you fancy something chunky that has a Range Rover-esque feel about it, a used Kia Sorento might be right up your street.
It’s a seven-seater hybrid that offers tech like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and plenty of USB charging ports to make life easier.
The plug-in hybrid model offers up to 176.6mpg, while the full hybrid can achieve up to 38.2mpg. These are both sensible choices for saving money on your daily drives, but we still wouldn’t sniff at the diesel options if you’re on the fence.
Read our Kia Sorento review
Best SUV for a family of six
SUVs are the biggest trend on the road right now and there’s one to suit all occasions. The best SUV for a family of six will be spacious, comfortable and reliable – luckily, there are plenty to pick from.
Volvo XC90
One of our all-time favourite SUVs is the classy Volvo XC90. It’s handsome and suave, but it still has a rugged edge that’s ideal for families who enjoy heading off the beaten track.
Rivalling big players like the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, the XC90 comes with a classic interior that includes features like a nine-inch touchscreen, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera on mid-level models.
With seven seats, a 302-litre boot and up to 40.9mpg from the diesel engines, it’s the perfect SUV to slip into family life.
Read our Volvo XC90 review
Hyundai Santa Fe
Another modern SUV that’s glamorous as well as practical, a used Hyundai Sante Fe is one of the best SUVs for a family of six.
With seven seats and a boot that can extend to 1,625 litres if you fold the rear seats, the Santa Fe is spacious in a way that knocks back most of its competitors. Even the seats at the very back are comfortable and don’t feel cramped.
Inside, two 12.3-inch screens are used for infotainment and the driver’s display. These include features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there’s even an extra 6.6-inch screen for climate controls.
Read our Hyundai Santa Fe review
Best MPV for a family of six
The classic option for large families, an MPV is often considered the best option if you need six or more seats.
There are plenty of other bodystyles to explore, but the MPV is a classic for a reason. They’re spacious, practical and reliable.
Volkswagen Touran
The Volkswagen Touran is a classic MPV and a perfect pick for a family of six. It offers seven seats, a spacious interior, and a build quality that will stand up against rough family usage.
Based on the VW Golf, the Touran is easy to drive and doesn’t feel much bigger than the car it’s based on. It gets handy tech inside, like an eight-inch touchscreen, plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and sat-nav included in higher-trim models.
The wide-opening doors are perfect for fitting child car seats, and the 137-litre boot can extend to 927 litres if you fold the rear seats.
Read our Volkswagen Touran review
Ford S-Max
The Ford S-Max is another classic MPV that’s been much loved for years. With seven seats, a roomy interior and a 285-litre boot, it’s perfect for families that need extra seats and extra storage.
Fuel efficiency is pretty impressive as well, with the diesel models offering up to 47.1mpg. That’s ideal for daily family missions like the school run and commute.
It’s a comfortable car to drive, and it even feels pretty sporty. Suspension is firm and irons out the road, and the ST-Line model ramps that up with stiffer suspension, unique interior touches and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Read our Ford S-Max review
Read more about the best cars for families:
Best family SUVs
Best BMW family cars
Best Audi family cars
