The best family sedans in the UK 2023

Choosing a car is not an easy task, especially when there are at least 4 people in the family. What if you choose a family sedan? As spacious and comfortable as a minivan or a station wagon, and just as durable as an SUV, it ensures a safe and relaxing drive. If you're looking for the best family sedan of the moment, check out our comparison.

Volkswagen Arteon shooting brake
9/10

Best value for money

Volkswagen Arteon

The best family sedan in 2021

The VW New Arteon has a chic look that is sure to please. Tough, comfortable and safe, it's over-equipped to help kids cope with travel and hours in traffic.

35 926 £ on Elite-Auto

You can doubt anything, but not your Volkswagen. There's a lot of truth in that statement, at least for the New Arteon. This sporty sedan has a rare elegance. Beyond its sporty lines, it is a dynamic and stable car on the road and on the track. It guarantees comfortable and safe family trips thanks to the Travel Assist option.

Passengers can enjoy streaming, music and other entertainment through the Arteon's 10.25-inch TFT high-function touch screen. A device that also doubles as a GPS screen or a classic speedometer. This car has very good handling and flexibility. A 4x4 version is also available.

Skoda Octavia
7/10

Best value for money

Skoda Octavia

Best entry-level family sedan

Released around 2020, the Skoda Octavia did not disappoint us. Just for its refined look and the quality of its finishes, it is really worth the detour, especially since it is offered at a very low price.

15 314 £ on Elite-Auto

The Skoda Octavia is one of the most popular family sedans for heavy drivers. Despite its inexpensive 110 hp gasoline engine, combined with a 6-speed manual transmission and 200 Nm of torque, it does not skimp on functionality or other equipment. The interior is very comfortable, as is the driving position. The chassis seduces with its supple suspension and the sexy front end.

The little Skoda Octavia, measuring 4.7 x 1.8 x 1.47 m, has a top speed of 208 km/h. Its performance is such that it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in only 10.8 seconds. Equipped with 3 cylinders, the family sedan weighs around 1300 kg. In terms of fuel consumption, it's a good example of what we're talking about, with a fuel consumption rate of 6.9 L/100 km in an urban environment. Of course, if you don't want to exceed your budget, you'll have to make do with its small engine and do without a few options.

berline familiale Peugeot 508 Hybrid
9/10

Best value for money

Peugeot 508 Hybrid

Best premium family sedan

Travel with peace of mind in your Peugeot 508 Hybrid family sedan! Safe, comfortable and with a hybrid engine, both gasoline and electric, it illustrates the know-how of the lion brand.

50 402 £ on Elite-Auto

Recently released, the Peugeot 508 Hybrid stands out with its cheeky snout and elegant silhouette. It is a plug-in sedan that offers great comfort to driver and passengers. This gasoline hybrid mimics the 100% electric car with an accommodating silence on board, and confident acceleration for ultra convenient and comfortable urban use.

Its 100% electric mode is usable up to 135 km/h, allowing you to drive on fast lanes without any problem. As a family sedan, it has a length of 4,750 m, a width of 1,859 m and a height of 1,403 m with all the latest options inside and out, including a host of pedestrian safety features and collision alerts.

Mercedes Classe A
8/10

Excellent selection

Mercedes A Class - 5 doors

Excellent compact family sedan

A legendary model, the Mercedes A-Class is very pleasant to drive. Its remarkable performance, elegant lines and on-board technologies will not leave you indifferent.

24 961 £ on Elite-Auto

The Mercedes A-Class is a true symbol of freedom in its beautiful black exterior. Impressed by the exterior design? Wait until you see what's inside. The enveloping effect of its interior, as well as the presence of its digital instrumentation with a 7-inch central screen, its folding rear seat, its front sport seat, its soft-touch Nappa leather sport steering wheel, its 100% programmable dual digital display and its TouchPad, will only increase your sense of comfort.

Driver safety is very important to Mercedes-Benz. That's why the Mercedes A-Class is equipped with an extensive driver assistance system. This includes the Mercedes-Benz navigation system, parametric steering, active emergency braking, automatic headlights, rearview camera and tire pressure monitoring.

Toyota Prius
8/10

Very good

Toyota Prius

Mixed fuel economy for more range

Ultra design, the Toyota Prius is certainly the most sympathetic family sedan. It's spacious and comfortable to drive. In practice, it only consumes between 3.2 and 4.2 L/100 km in the city.

31 068 £ on Elite-Auto

The Toyota Prius 5-door family sedan features a 98 hp, 4-cylinder hybrid engine with 5 hp of taxable power and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Its 142 Nm of torque is more than enough to ensure quick acceleration and a smooth ride. As for its performance, you need only 11.1 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h.

The Toyota Prius has no trouble reaching its top speed of 162 km/h. Its fuel consumption is average (4.6 L/100 km) for CO2 emissions of around 29 g/km. The family sedan also stands out for its traction and stability control system, leather-like door trim, fog lights (front and rear), cable with S/E Type 1 power outlet, electric windows and, above all, its Smart Entry & Start keyless entry and start system, which is conveniently located on the driver's, passenger's and trunk's sides.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best family sedan

Any specific needs?

The best family sedan in 2021

Best entry-level family sedan

Best premium family sedan

Excellent compact family sedan

Mixed fuel economy for more range

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best family sedans

TOP OF THE TOP NOT EXPENSIVE EXCELLENT Good
Volkswagen Arteon shooting brake
9/10
Skoda Octavia
7/10
berline familiale Peugeot 508 Hybrid
9/10
Mercedes Classe A
8/10
Toyota Prius
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Volkswagen Arteon
Skoda Octavia
Peugeot 508 Hybrid
Mercedes A Class - 5 doors
Toyota Prius
The VW New Arteon has a chic look that is sure to please. Tough, comfortable and safe, it's over-equipped to help kids cope with travel and hours in traffic.
Released around 2020, the Skoda Octavia did not disappoint us. Just for its refined look and the quality of its finishes, it is really worth the detour, especially since it is offered at a very low price.
Travel with peace of mind in your Peugeot 508 Hybrid family sedan! Safe, comfortable and with a hybrid engine, both gasoline and electric, it illustrates the know-how of the lion brand.
A legendary model, the Mercedes A-Class is very pleasant to drive. Its remarkable performance, elegant lines and on-board technologies will not leave you indifferent.
Ultra design, the Toyota Prius is certainly the most sympathetic family sedan. It's spacious and comfortable to drive. In practice, it only consumes between 3.2 and 4.2 L/100 km in the city.
Engine
Gasoline
Gasoline
Hybrid
Gasoline
Plug-in hybrid
Power
320 hp
110 hp
130 hp
109 hp
98 hp
Dimensions (L x W x H)
4.866 x 1.871 x 1.450 m
4,689 x 1,829 x 1,470 m
4,750 x 1,859 x 1,403 m
4.419 x 1.907 x 1.423 m
4.645 x 1.760 x 1.470 m
Fuel consumption
9.10 L/100 km
5 - 6 L/100 km
1.3 L/100 km depending on battery level
4.5 to 7.6 L/100 km
4.6 L/100 km
Electric range
-
-
54 km
-
50 km

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Buying guide - family sedan

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How to choose your family sedan

Since buying a car is a major investment, here are a few things to consider so you don't make a mistake when choosing your family sedan.

#1 - The number of children

For up to three children, the interior and trunk space of a family sedan will do more than enough to provide you and your family with a good level of comfort while traveling.

#2 - The size of the trunk

Choose your sedan based on the size of its trunk, as it should be able to accommodate all of your family's belongings when you go on a trip or vacation. If you have children, your luggage will be substantial, so make sure you have the option of installing a roof box or bike rack on your car.

#3 - Security

Safety is paramount when traveling with your family. So opt for a family sedan equipped with rear airbags and a child safety device that will allow you to block the opening of the rear doors and windows according to your preferences. Recent cars (since 2011) are equipped with the Isofix system that allows you to easily attach car seats for babies and children without error.

#4 - Consumption

Actually, gasoline is the most used fuel for light thermal cars because this fuel generates few polluting gases compared to diesel. The fuel consumption of electric sedans generally varies between 6 to 12 L per 100 km. Choose the economical models that consume less gasoline, but be aware that these cars are also less powerful, especially when overloaded. The best would be to turn to electric or hybrid models which are less expensive to use but expensive at the beginning.

#5 - Thermal or electric model?

The electric sedan is especially interesting on the consumption side because it costs less than 2 euros per 100km while a thermal model (gasoline or diesel) can cost in the 6 to 8 euros per 100km. However, electric models are still expensive to buy but if you have a sufficient budget, opt for these cars which are less polluting and quieter but whose range remains between 250 and 380 km.

On the other hand, if you have a limited budget, stick to the thermal models which are currently more and more economical despite the continuous fluctuation of the price of fossil fuels. You can also turn to hybrid sedans (a good compromise between thermal and electric) if the autonomy of electric batteries does not seem satisfactory to you.

The regulations in force for the roof box

The conditions for loading a vehicle are regulated by the Highway Code:

- A car cannot circulate with an actual weight that exceeds the total weight authorized in load, indicated on the grey card (article R.312-2 of the Highway Code).

- The width of the vehicle's load must not exceed 2.55m (article R.312-20 of the Highway Code).

- At the rear, the load of a vehicle must not exceed more than 3 meters from the end of the vehicle (or its trailer) (article R.312-21 of the Highway Code).

In these three cases, you risk a fixed fine of 135 euros.

If you exceed the regulatory limits by more than 20%, you may be fined up to 1,500 euros.

- At the front, the load must not exceed the interior plumb line of the vehicle. At the rear, it must not drag on the ground (article R.312-22 of the Highway Code). Otherwise, the offender is liable to a fixed fine of 68 euros.

- Finally, article R.312-19 of the Highway Code specifies that "all useful precautions must be taken so that the load of a vehicle cannot be a cause of damage or danger". Any driver of a vehicle whose load is poorly secured is liable to a fixed fine of 68 euros.

Things to remember

Before taking a long trip in your family sedan, overinflate the tires by 0.30 to 0.50 bar, and scrupulously follow the instructions for use and safety mentioned in the manufacturer's manual for your car, which is generally found on a sticker on the doors. Also check your visibility when driving, especially in the rear-view mirrors, and adjust your low beams if they tend to light up the sky rather than the road.

The different types of family sedans

Family sedans come in many different types, and we're going to go through them one by one.

Compact sedans

The compact family sedan is one of the most represented models in the UK and Europe after the SUV and city cars. It is a versatile model offering good comfort, better interior space and a large boot. All this in a compact body of 4.20 m to 4.50 m allowing a non bulky use in urban environment. However, the trunk space of this car is quite limited. Compact sedans include the Peugeot 308, Renault Megane, Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes A-Class and Ford Focus.

Low cost sedans

The

low-cost sedan is a spacious family car for tight budgets. To this end, it offers the performance of a general-purpose sedan but at an affordable price because manufacturers have limited the options and finishes by using parts designed for other models. Thus, the design of this model is less expensive because it is produced in large volumes in a simplified way, especially at the R&D (Research and Development) level. Low-cost sedans include the Fiat Tipo, the Dacia Logan, the Dacia Sandero, the Citroën C-Élysée, and the Peugeot 301.

The road sedans

High-cost sedans include three-box models equipped with an engine powerful enough to travel a long distance while benefiting driver and passenger comfort. The road sedan is a car particularly appreciated by professionals who are forced to travel a lot as part of their work, as well as individuals who are looking for a good family vehicle with comfortable seats and elegant design. Some of these road-going sedans include the Peugeot 508, Renault Talisman, Skoda Superb, Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6.

Electric sedans

The

year 2020 has marked a turning point in the automotive market as more and more manufacturers join the world of electric vehicles. The electric sedan is more adaptable to electrification than SUVs from the aerodynamic point of view, and this allows it to enter the electric car market without difficulty via elegantly designed models with various innovative technologies integrated. These electric family sedans include the Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.3, Polestar 2, Nissan Leaf II and Hyundai Ioniq electric.

Hybrid sedans

If

you are not satisfied with the range of electric cars and prefer to stick with thermal models while being concerned about environmental preservation, then hybrid sedans can reconcile these criteria by offering you more environmentally friendly and compact models. Among these hybrid models, we can mention the Toyota Auris hybrid, the Hyundai Ioniq hybrid, the Lexus CT 200h or the Honda Insight.

Family sedan or station wagon?

Family sedan

Family sedans are elegant cars designed to carry a family of 5 in comfort. The rear legroom and cargo volume are therefore large, even though the family sedan is smaller than a large tourer. They also have a sufficiently large trunk or tailgate depending on the brand, are generally between 4.60 and 4.90 m long and have 5 seats.

Break

The station wagon is a two-seater car whose trunk cannot be separated from the body of the car. It has at least 5 seats but can go up to 7 seats in the same way as a minivan depending on the needs. Its body is more or less similar to that of a sedan but the difference is in the length of the roof of the station wagon which extends further. As a result, the cabin and trunk dimensions are wider, offering more space inside the car.

Verdict

The elegance of the sedan comes at a high price, but if you're looking for comfort and elegance and there aren't many of you in the family, look to the family sedan. But if you're looking for a spacious, economical family car, go for the station wagon.

Good to know

Remember to remove your roof box when you don't need it because it slows down your car due to its air resistance and thus contributes to over-consumption of fuel.

Why buy a family sedan?

For its comfort

Unlike a conventional sedan, a family sedan offers more comfort. Its many options, its interior that adapts to all your needs, and the well-designed seats, make it a real asset for long trips. This class of car has undergone many makeovers since its inception. But what seduces the most is its low noise level.

For its motorization

All car manufacturers offering this model of car have equipped it with a 6 or 8 cylinder engine; diesel or gasoline, so that it has the necessary strength to tackle the most difficult climbs. This engine is also perfect for driving on highways and in the city. It easily reaches a good cruising speed and reveals its power in the straight lines. But despite this type of motorization, a sedan is very autonomous and has a relatively correct consumption.

For its interior space

It's always nice to travel in a spacious car! For a long time criticized because of its space, the sedan has managed to rebound by offering a family version adapted to large families. Today, it offers space for all requirements, with wider rear seats and removable front seats. The trunk also offers a generous amount of space to accommodate a large volume of luggage.

For its handling

Unlike SUVs or conventional sedans, the wagon is characterized by its low height, allowing it to offer users a good driving experience. It holds up well in curves and other difficult bends and is particularly stable, regardless of the weather and track conditions.

For its various technologies

All the onboard technologies are designed to make the hours you spend inside more enjoyable. You will be able to benefit from the advantages of having a rearview camera, cruise control, and numerous connectivity features on board the vehicle.

Tips

Distribute your luggage properly in the family sedan's cabin.

There are a few basic rules to follow before placing objects in the passenger compartment of your sedan. For example, you should not place a water bottle on the rear deck, as it could become a projectile in case of impact or sudden stop. The same applies to handbags. They should be placed on the ground so that they do not hit the passengers. A net is also necessary if the cargo in the sedan's trunk extends beyond the headrest.

The clever accessories of a family sedan.

To

limit damage in the event of hard braking or an accident and make your car trips more enjoyable, get some useful accessories to use in your car. These include a tablet holder, a bottle holder, or a cooler compartment that saves you from having to open the trunk every time the car stops.

Make the most of the space in your family sedan.

When

you go on vacation, your car may not have enough space. Install roof racks or a roof box if your car doesn't have them to gain more space. You can also install a bicycle rack on the back of the car to carry your bikes. You can even attach a small trailer if you need to.

Important things to check before embarking on a long trip.

If

you're not an expert or don't have time to check your car, have it checked by a mechanic. To do this, have him or her diagnose your vehicle and insist on the following: wheel tightness, coolant and brake fluid levels, and the condition of the engine oil.

Mount your roof box correctly.

To

avoid accidents, install your sedan's roof box correctly. To do this, center it on the roof rails lengthwise and widthwise while leaving the tailgate opening clear. Avoid tilting it too far forward to limit the effect of wind that could tip your roof box over. If you're not sure, you can either assemble the roof box in pairs or contact a professional who will do it for you.

FAQ

What is the best family sedan?

The best family sedan depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out what's best right now.

How do you know if a family sedan is versatile?

A family sedan is versatile when it's reliable, especially on long trips. It combines comfort, performance and dynamism on the road.

How often should I change the oil in my family sedan?

Like any other car, the family sedan must be changed every 10,000 km or once a year at least in order to preserve the engine, but this also depends on the manufacturer's instructions.

How do I know the maximum weight my family sedan can carry?

The GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) on the vehicle registration document determines the total weight that your car can carry when you travel with your family.

Does the addition of a trailer require special authorization?

If the trailer has a GVW of 500kg or less, a vehicle registration document is not required. A simple manufacturer's plate will suffice to show the empty weight, the GVW and the dimensions of the trailer. In this case, the registration of the trailer will be identical to that of the towing car. On the other hand, it will have to be braked if its GVW is higher than 750kg or exceeds half the unladen weight of the saloon car.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Volkswagen Arteon shooting brake
Volkswagen Arteon
Skoda Octavia
Skoda Octavia
berline familiale Peugeot 508 Hybrid
Peugeot 508 Hybrid
Mercedes Classe A
Mercedes A Class - 5 doors
Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius

Lecteurs

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