Five Used Family Cars Worth Considering

Five family cars that make good used buys are the Ford Puma for smaller families, the Toyota Corolla Cross and Honda CR-V for hybrid economy and reliability, the Volkswagen Tiguan for all-round quality, and the Kia Sorento if you need seven seats.

The right family car depends on how many children you have, how much you carry and how far you drive. These five cover most needs, from the school run to the summer holiday.

Which family cars are worth a look?

Ford Puma

A small SUV that is easy to park but has a surprisingly useful boot, including a deep, washable storage well under the floor that Ford calls the MegaBox. Most versions use a mild hybrid petrol engine. Best for families with one or two younger children.

Toyota Corolla Cross

A mid-size SUV built around Toyota's self-charging hybrid system, which is strong on fuel economy in town and has a good reliability record. It offers more rear space and a bigger boot than the Corolla hatchback.

Honda CR-V

A roomy five-seat SUV with a large boot and a reputation for reliability. Recent versions are hybrid or plug-in hybrid. It suits families who want space and comfort on longer trips.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Well built, comfortable and refined, with a wide choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines. The rear seats slide on many versions, which helps balance legroom against boot space. Our guide to the Tiguan, Karoq and Discovery Sport compares it with two rivals.

Kia Sorento

The pick here if you need seven seats. The third row is usable for children, and it folds flat when you need the boot. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are available. Check how much of Kia's manufacturer warranty remains on a used example.

What matters most in a family car?

• Child seats. Check the number of ISOFIX points and whether the seats you own fit. Our guide to cars that fit three child seats can help.

• Boot space. Bring your pushchair to the viewing and try it.

• Safety. Look up the car's rating on the Euro NCAP website.

• Running costs. Insurance group, fuel economy and tax all add up. Try our running cost calculator.

• Rear doors and access. Wide-opening rear doors make loading children much easier.

Common questions

Is an SUV better than an estate for a family?

Not always. An estate often has a longer, flatter boot and lower running costs. An SUV gives a higher seating position and makes lifting children into car seats easier.

Should a family buy a hybrid?

A self-charging hybrid suits lots of short, stop-start trips. If you mostly drive long motorway distances, an efficient petrol or diesel can make as much sense.

What mileage is too high for a used family car?

Condition and history matter more than the number alone. Read our guide to what mileage is too high.

Looking for a family car in Barnsley?

anycolourcar.com is based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Browse our cars in stock, get a value for your current car through sell your motor, or call sales on 01226 574410.

Updated October 2026.