Best MPVs for Family Outings

With its combination of commercial-van space and everyday practicality, we couldn’t leave the Citroen Berlingo off this list. Boasting almost 800 litres of cargo space, it can easily accommodate the whole family, while the rear sliding doors make it easy to get in and out. You’ll love the powerful engine and the great handling, but do bear in mind the Berlingo lacks some of the more advanced safety features currently available.

A larger upgrade from the popular Renault Megane Scenic, the Grand Scenic was first launched in 2004. As one of the trendiest MPVs on the market, it’s a car that had to make this list. Its modern, sophisticated design includes 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, and its style is matched by great practicality. There may be roomier MPVs available, but the Grand Scenic can seat seven people with plenty of legroom, and also offers excellent fuel economy to cut down on running costs and carbon emissions.

The SEAT Alhambra deserves a place on this list mostly due to its incredibly spacious interior, which makes it one of the comfiest seven-seater people carriers available. It has rear sliding doors and a lever-adjustable seating arrangement for maximum practicality and convenience and also boasts a whopping 2,297 litres of cargo space when the rear seats are down. You’ll enjoy how easy it is to transport the whole family in the Alhambra, with the added bonus that it’s also excellent value for money.

A rival to the Citroen Berlingo, the Ford Tourneo Connect is a nine-seater van-style people carrier that’s ideal for both commercial and leisure purposes. Its versatility makes it one of the very best MPVs, with convenient rear sliding doors and an impressive variety of different seating arrangements depending on your needs. The Tourneo Connect also has a sophisticated and charming design, particularly when compared to many competing vehicles in its class.

First launched in 2003, the Ford C-Max is a compact and stylish MPV with bundles to offer. We’ve put it on the list due to its modern, eco-friendly appeal – it was one of the first hybrid-only range of cars offered by the American manufacturer. It’s also a lot of fun to tear around city streets in for such a large and practical people carrier. While it’s a little pricier than some MPVs, you’ll definitely notice the difference in the comfortable, luxury interior.

Kia’s largest people carrier, the Carens (known elsewhere as the Rondo) first hit the market back in 1999, and its minimal, elegant aesthetic makes it an essential inclusion on our list. The Carens offers a lot more space than the majority of seven-seater MPVs, plus its smooth steering and well-balanced suspension make it an even more comfortable ride. Whether you’re taking it for a spin around town or transporting the whole family on a long trip out to the country, it’s a car that you’ll be proud to own.

Formerly known as the C4 Picasso, Citroen’s compact, hatchback-style C4 Space Tourer is available in both five-seater and seven-seater versions. We’ve put it on the list as it’s one of the most distinctive people carriers out there, with a unique aesthetic defined by large windows that give the cabin a bright and airy feel. Boot space is plentiful, and the interior’s stylish and practical design makes it a comfy and enjoyable car for the whole family to ride around in.

The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer is the upmarket version of the British manufacturer’s popular people carrier. It comes in a broad range of different trims, all of which offer elegant design and convenient practicality that make it one of the most luxurious MPVs on our list. The entry-level model has 17-inch alloy wheels, and the interior is decked out with air-con and a variety of other neat features to keep your whole family comfy and happy on long drives. You’ll also love the great fuel economy and the effortlessly smooth handling.

Launched in 2003, the Volkswagen Touran is a compact people carrier that blends elements of an SUV with the German manufacturer’s larger MPV, the Sharan. Every element of this seven-seater family car is calibrated for the most convenient and comfortable ride possible, and this focus on functionality is what qualifies it for our list of the absolute best MPVs available. The car’s interior is spacious and luxuriously equipped – you’ll be sure to appreciate the subtle sophistication and great build quality that VW is known for.

If you’re on a tight budget but you still want to drive the family around in as much comfort as possible, then you should take the Peugeot Rifter for spin. It’s on our list as it’s perhaps the best value MPV available on the market, with its van-like design offering a huge interior cabin, lots of cargo space and convenient sliding rear doors. This all comes at a very low price point and the impressive fuel economy makes the Rifter as affordable to run as it is to buy.

Any one of these ten MPVs would be an ideal choice for family jaunts and everyday errands, especially if you’ve got a large family. If you want to see used models or check out what else is available, take a look at our listings.