The most economical family cars in 2022

This upmarket family hatchback has one of the most luxurious interiors you’ll find in this class and plenty of room for a small family. The A-Class is available as a saloon or hatchback, and we’d recommend buying the plug-in hybrid A250e model for an impressive electric-only range of 44 miles.

A firm family favourite for more than 25 years, the Audi A3 has a wide range of fuel-efficient engines in its lineup. The most impressive of them all is its petrol-electric plug-in hybrid option. The TFSI e can do 41 miles on its electric-only power, making it ideal for nipping around urban streets.

If you’d prefer a diesel family car, then the Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBlue is well worth a look. Its affordable pricing and forever popular styling mean you’ll be getting a practical, spacious ride with all the mod cons and great fuel economy.

If you’re looking for an estate model, you might be worried that you’ll have to sacrifice fuel efficiency for the more spacious boot. Thankfully, that’s not the case with the Astra Sports Tourer 1.5 litre diesel. It offers great value, decent practicality and there are lots of trim levels to choose from, making it an all-around economical family car.

This premium compact SUV boasts a comfortable and practical interior that’s spacious and high quality, with special touches like leather seats and finishing adding to its luxury appeal. For the best fuel economy, we’d choose the Volvo XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid.

Well known for its green credentials and impressive efficiency, the Toyota Prius is one of the best eco family cars on the market. This agile hatchback is responsive and super quiet on the road. Designed for city use, the petrol engine only kicks in on high-speed roads so you’ll really benefit during the urban commute. The 1.8-litre petrol engine and electric motor combo can do more than 68 mpg, and if you go for the plug-in variant, this can increase to a staggering 235 mpg.

Big, bold and packing powerful engines, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is a luxury SUV that makes a real statement when out and about. For a good economical family car, go for the diesel-electric plug-in hybrid model, as it has a massive 66 miles of electric-only range. Keep in mind, though, that are only five seats in this version because of the space needed for the battery. If it’s a seven-seater you’re after, go for one of the other models – they’re still able to manage a respectable mpg and have that valuable third row of seats.

Another of our top picks for a hybrid SUV is the Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 PHEV Juro. This big, seven-seater, fuel-efficient family car offers great practicality and convenience, making it perfect for larger families. It’s competitively priced and comes with four-wheel drive for improved off-road handling.

With its market-leading seven-year warranty, the Kia Niro is a compact SUV that’s both affordable and practical. Ideal for families with a lower budget, it’s one of the best-value used family cars. Its model line-up includes mild hybrid options like the 1.6 GDi, a plug-in PHEV that has an all electric range of 36 miles and a fully electric version, the e-Niro.

Proving that family cars don’t have to be sluggish to be efficient, the Honda Civic rounds off our list of the best economical family cars. The latest model has an updated chassis and offers a smooth, comfortable ride. The distinctive styling also sets it apart from others in its class. We’d opt for the 1.6-litre diesel engine for the best mpg.

Affordable running costs are a big plus when shopping for your next family motor. There are lots of great options on our list, ranging from sleek hatchbacks to beefy SUVs. So, you’ll be able to choose an economical family car that ticks all the boxes without breaking the bank.