The 10 Best Mid-Sized Cars

First launched back in 1974, the Golf has been one of Volkswagen’s biggest success stories, and it’s steadily become the standard-bearer for practical, reliable family cars. The latest models benefit from decades of subtle but effective tweaks from the German manufacturer, creating a car that’s as stylish as it is comfortable. The on-board tech is particularly impressive, and the interior cabin has the elegant simplicity of most VW cars. You’ll also love the newer mild-hybrid engines, cutting down on fuel costs to make the Golf an even more dependable choice than ever before. King of the medium-sized cars? It just might be.

Since being relaunched in the UK in 2019, the Toyota Corolla has staked a claim for itself as one of the most forward-thinking mid-sized hatchbacks available. Its modern aesthetic is minimal but stylish, and it also has one of the plushest interiors in its class. But its most distinctive characteristic is probably its great performance. Borrowing the eco-friendly tech of Toyota’s ground-breaking Prius, the hybrid engine provides an impressive amount of power, and the Corolla is a supremely smooth, whisper-quiet ride. Drive sensibly and it’ll manage over 60 mpg, making it easy to keep those fuel costs down.

If you enjoy the sophistication and simple style of a Volkswagen but you need a little more space than the Golf can provide, the VW Tiguan is the best of both worlds. As well as offering an impressively roomy cabin, it’s comfy, reliable and extremely safe. The refined performance of its engines also adds to the overall feeling of an executive, classy ride. The Tiguan has both diesel and petrol options available, and either one of them will get you to 60 mph from standing in around 9 seconds.

A popular vehicle in the UK since its launch back in 1979, the Vauxhall Astra is one of the most affordable cars on this list. This lower price point provides great value, as every aspect of the car is perfectly balanced between quality and economy. Its engines offer impressive fuel efficiency as well as plenty of power, allowing you to do 0-60 in under 10 seconds. It’s a smooth, comfortable car to drive, and passengers will also enjoy its ample legroom and stylish interior cabin. If a no-fuss, practical experience is what you’re looking for in a mid-sized car, give the Astra a serious look.

There are plenty of elegant, refined vehicles on our list, but none of them can compete with the desirability of the Mercedes A-Class. From the outside, it boasts a sharp, sculpted aesthetic that matches the iconic logo, but it’s the interior where the A-Class really shows off the prestigious German brand’s luxury. The cabin exudes quality, with an impeccable layout, premium soft-touch plastics, and a hi-tech infotainment system that has few rivals on the market. Plus, thanks to the responsive steering and great suspension, the peerless comfort also extends to the car’s handling. If you’re looking at the executive end of the market, this is the best medium-sized car around.

First launched back in 2010, the Dacia Duster is probably the most unique car on this list. It has a bold aesthetic that really stands out from the crowd, and it also boasts surprisingly strong off-roading abilities. Most importantly, if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll love how much practicality it offers for such a low price point, with one of the largest cargo areas in its class. The excellent fuel efficiency of its varied range of diesel and petrol engines will contribute even further to your savings.

A great all-rounder, Skoda’s Kodiaq performs well in so many areas that it was impossible to leave off this list. The fuel efficiency of its petrol engines is almost unrivalled in its class, and it’s also a nimble mover, with sharp steering and great grip. For such an affordable car, it’s also decent to look at, both inside and out. But probably its biggest selling-point is how spacious it is, with plenty of headroom and legroom and over 800 litres of cargo capacity in the five-seater model. That’s the family’s luggage going in no problem, then.

First launched back in April 2009, the Peugeot 3008 is one of the best-looking mid-sized cars on the market. Big and muscular, it also has a sleekness to it that’s sure to turn heads. The interior cabin is no less impressive, with comfy seating and particularly advanced equipment in the newer models. There’s also a wide variety of engines. Alongside the efficient petrol and diesel units, there are two plug-in hybrids that make the 3008 one of the most economical SUVs available.

If you’re regularly ferrying a big family across town with lots of luggage in tow, the Skoda Superb Estate might be your go-to car from this list. One of the most spacious mid-sized options on the market, it offers 650 litres of cargo space with seven highly-adjustable seats, and there’s plenty of legroom and headroom too. The available petrol and diesel engines are also extremely efficient, and they’re all refined and quiet enough to make the Superb Estate a truly comfortable ride.

Since succeeding the Escort back in 1998, the Focus has been a huge success story for Ford, offering a great blend of practicality, elegant looks and engaging handling. It continues to be one of the smoothest and most enjoyable family cars to drive, with the sharp steering making twistier roads a joy to navigate. There’s also a real ‘focus’ on efficiency in later models, with two separate diesel engines available to help you cut down on fuel costs. You’d struggle to find a car that combines quality and affordability more effectively than this bestseller.

Designed specifically for urban roads, micro cars are agile, petite and highly efficient. Our top ten picks don’t scrimp on space so can be used when driving solo or as a young family. If you’re regularly driving in built-up areas, they’re well worth considering. To learn more about individual models, check out our in-depth reviews.