17/07/2026
Best estate cars in 2026
Written By Ivan Aistrop

Need to haul a lot of stuff in style? Then you simply can't beat an estate car, and these estates are the ones our experts rate most highly.
Whether you're looking to transport your dog, you need a car that can double up as a work van, or you simply have young kids and all their associated paraphernalia, these estate cars will make you think twice about buying an SUV.
We've included a mix of luxurious and more affordable estate cars here, as well as a wide range of car sizes. There should be something on our list to suit all buyers and budgets, then.
1. Skoda Superb Estate
One of the best estate cars you can buy


What we love
Huge boot space
Refined and smooth driving experience
Wide range of engine options
Things to consider
Some interior elements could be better
Not particularly engaging to drive
Desirable options will see prices rise rapidly
The Skoda Superb Estate has always been a car that provides huge space and massive practicality in a package that offers incredible value for money in comparison to rivals, and the latest version, released in 2024, does the job even better than ever.
For starters, the huge space it offers is even bigger than it used to be, and it was pretty huge to begin with. We thought the previous version's 660-litre load bay could never be beaten, but the latest version ekes out another 30 litres for a gargantuan total of 690 litres.
That rises to 1920 litres if you fold down the rear seats. If you don't, you'll have five seats that are surrounded by a scarcely believable amount of space, making the Superb a hugely practical family car. The cabin is nicely trimmed, too.
Granted, it's not the most exciting car to drive, but who cares about that when it's so comfortable and refined? It's also offered with a broad range of engine options, and all versions come well equipped as standard.
2. BMW 5 Series Touring
Bigger, better, classier than ever


What we love
Generous boot
Superb to drive
Effortlessly classy
Things to consider
Pricey
Boot not biggest in class
EV i5 Touring appeals more to company drivers
If you want to buy a car that really can do everything, look no further than a BMW 5 Series Touring. And we mean everything: there's now an i5 Touring, meaning you can spec the car as a full EV as well as a plug-in hybrid or a conventional petrol.
In some ways, though, choice has reduced: there's only one petrol available (the 520i) and not a single diesel option. That's a shame, as while diesels are a little out of fashion now, an oil-burning 5 Series Touring has long been one of the most versatile cars around.
The latest model does at least bring with it lashings of very impressive tech, and a fantastic interior and incredible refinement. More than ever, it feels like a slightly downsized 7 Series. But the outgoing model is still so impressive that we'd heartily recommend going for a used one as an alternative to the latest Touring, which will give you more options in terms of combustion powertrains, while also saving you a fair few quid.
Both the new and old examples provide an impressive 1700-litres of luggage space with the rear seats dropped, a figure only really beaten by load-luggers like the Skoda Superb Estate. Impressively, the 530e and 550e derivatives don't lose any boot space relative to the pure combustion 520i, and that's often not the case with PHEVs.
3. Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
Smart-looking, fuel-sipping estate
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What we love
Sharp looker
Quiet, comfy and well built
Head-scratching fuel economy
Things to consider
Limited engine range
Automatic gearbox dulls acceleration
It’s not as spacious in the back as some rivals
If you're more concerned about doing your bit for the environment than having a flash badge on your bonnet, take a look at the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports.
It's a hybrid estate car powered by a choice of 1.8- or 2.0-litre petrol engines, combined with an electric motor for maximum frugality.
The best thing about the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports? It actually isn't a compromise at all. You get a thoroughly acceptable interior, with a lot more clever features and soft-touch finishes than the old Auris it replaced.
It's also pretty good to drive. No, it's not going to be as fun as a BMW 3 Series, but it's impressively comfortable over broken British road surfaces. That petrol-electric drivetrain means it's incredibly refined, too, and the Toyota feels at home both around town and out on the motorway.
4. Citroen C5 X
Comfortable and likeable French oddity
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What we love
Characterful yet practical
Very comfortable and refined
Nice place to sit with accessible tech
Things to consider
Not fast or remotely sporty
Quirky looks won't be to all tastes
Hybrid's gearbox could be better
Citroen is always at its finest when making cars that nobody else would, and the C5 X estate is a prime example of this.
Its unusual styling may have similarities to the Audi A6 Allroad or Volvo V90 Cross Country, but the French car makes no claims to even the mildest of off-road pretensions.
Heck, this isn't even an estate car at first glance due to the way the rear end slopes. That does mean the Citroen C5 X is not the most spacious wagon you can bag for your buck, but it is one of the most intriguing and stylish. It's fair to say the C5 X is right up there with Citroen's best like the CX and, dare we say it, the DS Safari when it comes to oddball appeal.
It's not all science fiction looks, though, as the C5 X has a supremely smooth ride, is well equipped and roomy for people, and you have a choice of petrol, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
Just bear in mind it'll have to be a used buy - Citroen discontinued the car in 2025 amidst slow sales, with the C5 X proving just a bit too quirky for the mainstream. But that just makes us love this oddball even more. Go on, dare to be different and try the Citroen C5 X.
5. Volvo V90
Large and glorious Volvo wagon


What we love
Clean, modern design
Attractive, spacious cabin
Clever hybrid tech
Things to consider
Not exciting to drive
Expensive top models
Bigger wheels hurt ride quality
Volvo has, for many years, been synonymous with large estate cars because it's built some of the best in the business over the years. A wee while ago, however, the Swedish firm did the unthinkable: it withdrew all of its saloon and estate cars from sale in the UK to concentrate on building and selling SUVs.
Predictably, that decision was met with a small public outcry and, not too long later, Volvo brought back its V60 and V90 estate cars (although not the S60 and S90 saloons they were based on, interestingly) 'by popular demand'. And the bigger V90 is more than worthy of inclusion here.
The V90 is effortlessly stylish inside and out, it has a comfortable and relaxed manner on the road, and its two plug-in hybrid powertrains offer you up to 54 miles of all-electric range, fuel economy of up to 353mpg, and power outputs of up to 455PS.
However, because it's now offered only as a PHEV, the boot capacity has shrunk to 488-litres, which some might consider defeats the point of a big estate car. However, it'll still be big enough for many, and it doesn't detract from the V90's other talents.
The V90 is set to be discontinued in 2025, but as a reasonably popular car, there are plenty of used examples to choose from.
6. Skoda Octavia Estate
Affordable estate with astonishing practicality


What we love
The boot is even bigger than before
Interior feels surprisingly plush
Still represents decent value for money
Things to consider
Infotainment system isn't the most user-friendly
Not as fun to drive as the SEAT Leon Estate
There are more affordable alternatives
The latest Octavia Estate has grown in size versus its predecessor that was launched in 2013, giving you more space while still undercutting the competition in terms of price, including the related Volkswagen Golf Estate and SEAT Leon Estate. It looks fresher than ever, too, having been facelifted in 2024.
Comfortable and spacious on the inside, the family and dog will love it, as will those who drive for a living and find themselves behind the wheel most of the day (or night). The entry-level SE Technology is well equipped but we’d recommend opting for the SE L model to get nice extras including adaptive cruise control, keyless entry/start and heated front seats, along with a plusher interior finish. There’s a wide choice of diesel, petrol and hybrid engines, too, and even a vRS performance version.
By far the biggest selling point for the Skoda Octavia Estate, though, is the space on offer. There's generous passenger accommodation, which is great when your kids grow up faster than you thought (which they always do), while the massive - and we mean massive - 640-litre boot is great for swallowing tonnes of family detritus.
7. Audi A6 Avant e-tron
Sleek, big, and efficient


What we love
Premium appeal
Superb electric range and charge speed
Plenty of tech
Things to consider
Premium pricing
Too much shiny black plastic
Boot could be bigger
There's no getting away from the fact the Audi A6 Avant e-tron is a pricey car, whether you're buying new or one with just a few miles on the dials. What your considerable chunk of money, either up front or by monthly payment, gets you, however, is one of the finest estate cars you could hope for.
The A6 Avant has always been regarded for its huge load capacity and the latest model is no different even in this EV form. The only thing you might notice about the electric model is the floor is little higher set due to the battery that nestles underneath.
Otherwise, the Avant comes with a huge boot, classily understated looks, and a range of up to 463 miles between charges. Kiss goodbye to any worries about finding the nearest the charge point, then.
Also very welcome in this A6 Avant is a ride quality that is sumptuously controlled - not something you would say about many previous A6s. This alone makes the price tag justifiable, along with the deeply satisfying sense you have bought a car of great quality.
8. Volkswagen Passat
A great family-friendly estate


What we love
Huge passenger space and boot
Strong on interior quality
Very well equipped
Things to consider
Massively over-complicated infotainment system
Some ergonomic quirks
Not cheap to buy
It's not much of a surprise, given that both are made by the same group of companies, that the latest Volkswagen Passat is very similar to the Skoda Superb we mentioned earlier.
As a result, nor is it much of a surprise that the Passat - which is now available exclusively in estate car-form - has its stablemate equalled when it comes to boot space: it has the same 690-litre figure, so it's truly massive.
If anything, it's even more impressive for passenger space than it is for boot space, because whichever of the five seats you end up in, you have simply loads of headroom and legroom. This is a car that's very roomy and very practical, making it perfect for families with older children. The interior is also well equipped and pleasantly finished, and it's an easy car to drive, too.
The Passat features quite a bit further down our list than the Superb does, and there are a few reasons for that. Firstly, it costs a bit more, and secondly, it doesn't have as broad a range of engines to choose from as the Skoda. It's infotainment screen isn't as easy to navigate, either. However, this is still one very appealing and capable family car.
9. Dacia Jogger
Cheap and cheery family car
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What we love
A rare new car bargain
Removable third row of seats
Hybrid model is impressive
Things to consider
1.0-litre petrol low on refinement
Third row of seats only really for occasional use
Questionable safety record
Eyebrows were firmly raised at the price of the Dacia Jogger when it was launched. Today, it's still a massive bargain, starting at around £19,000. Opt for a used example, and the value for money becomes astonishing.
No other estate car comes close on price, then, and there isn't a single other new wagon that comes as a seven-seater. You can also easily remove the third row of seats and fold the second row flat, opening up an incredible 2094-litres of boot space to play with.
There are some downsides, however, and not just that your mates might call you up whenever they need help bringing home their latest Ikea haul. For one thing, the interior feels basic, and for another, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine in the 110 version is not very refined.
The 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine in the 140 Hybrid is smoother, but you'll need to pay quite a bit more if you want that: it isn't available with the base Essential trim, so the cheapest option is an Expression Hybrid coming in at over £23,000.
10. Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate
Beautifully built comfortable family wagon
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What we love
Incredibly comfortable and refined
68-mile battery range from C 300 e PHEV
Modern tech and infotainment
Things to consider
Not the most practical estate
BMW 3 Series Touring is still more enjoyable to drive
Poor reliability score
Just like the bigger Mercedes E-Class, any thoughts that estate cars are boring will vanish from your mind the moment you take a seat in the Mercedes C-Class.
It has a lavish interior, full of the kind of surprise-and-delight features that’ll make you feel good about owning a Mercedes-Benz. You’ll be hard-pushed to find a rough edge, and standard equipment levels are generous across the range: even entry-level cars will feel anything but basic.
It might be a premium car, but don’t expect a C-Class Estate to cost a fortune to run. The C300e is a plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of 68 miles, which is one of the best figures on the market, and that gives it an official fuel economy figure that spirals into the hundreds. Keep it topped up with electricity and there's a very decent chance you'll go long periods without using a single drop of petrol.
The best estate car on sale depends on your requirements. If you're after something posh, we rate the BMW 5 Series Touring as the best estate car you can buy right now: it's the perfect blend of comfort, class, space and performance. If you're not fussed about a premium car, the Skoda Superb (or smaller Octavia) represents incredible value for money.
If outright space is what you're after, nothing offers more bang for your buck than the Skoda Superb Estate. It's got a cavernous 690-litre boot, while luggage space increases to 1920 litres with the rear seats dropped. Forget SUVs – you're not going to find anything more practical this side of a Ford Transit van.
There are now a few to choose from. You've got the MG 5 – a bargain electric estate car with a 464-litre boot and 214-mile range, while there's the relatively new Peugeot e-308 SW and Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric to consider as well.
At the other end of the spectrum, there's the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo. That's a rapid performance wagon, capable of covering 0-62mph in as little as 2.9 seconds in Turbo S form. More importantly, its boot can haul 446 litres of luggage, or 1212 litres with the rear seats dropped. Somewhere in the middle is the BMW i5 Touring, which is the electric version of the 5 Series Touring.
SUVs have rapidly increased in popularity due to the space they offer, along with a high seating position and surprisingly affordable running costs. There's a lot going for SUVs, but there's nothing wrong with the traditional estate car, either. Estates often represent better value for money and could be more enjoyable to drive.
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Whether you're looking for advice on what family car to buy or looking to find your next family car, we've got the answer
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WR25HPSkoda Superb Estate2.0 TDI CR SE L 5dr DSG
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202514,255 milesDiesel£347 p/m (PCP)*£27,000
ME80SWSkoda Superb Estate2.0 TDI 193 Sportline 4X4 5dr DSG
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CB41SRSkoda Superb Estate1.5 TSI iV Sportline 5dr DSG
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MK100BNVolvo V902.0 T4 Momentum Plus 5dr Geartronic
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NN39HX
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£1,000 offIV11UF