What are the most reliable family cars?

Topping the list of the Auto Express Driver Power survey, the Škoda Kodiaq has received rave reviews on its reliability and performance since its launch in 2016. This SUV is a great value buy that has an impressive interior with bags of space. You can seat up to seven when flipping up the flat-fold third seats and still fit your shopping in the boot, so it’s perfect for larger families. Keep the seats folded and you’ll get a whopping 2,065 litres of space, the largest boot capacity on our list. Offered in six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic, you’ll find the Kodiaq surprisingly agile given its large size, and great viewing angles make parking a breeze.

For those not keen on an SUV, the Hyundai i30 has lots going for it, including a strong reliability record. Buy a third generation model from 2017 onwards and you’ll benefit from updated looks that give it a much more sleek, low profile appeal. There are options for a hatchback, tourer estate, or saloon, and the i30 boasts a comfortable ride that’s easy to drive. When owners did experience issues, two thirds reported that they were fixed within a day. It also comes with a five-year warranty, which is better than the standard three-year offered by most manufacturers.

Solid and dependable, the Ford Focus has been gracing our streets for more than 20 years. This feature-filled, spacious family car is permanently popular, with over one million models sold each year. If you’re looking for fuel efficiency, then the Eco-Boost range would be the right choice, delivering up to 55 mpg in the petrol version and 67 mpg with the diesel. The Mk3 version (2011-2018) scored the best reliability rating among users in the What Car reliability survey – so there are great options if you’re after a reliable used family car. Owners reported that three quarters of faults were repaired within one day and repairs were very affordable too.

Škodas are known for their ample interior space and the Škoda Octavia is no exception. It’s become renowned for its reliability and practical design, making it one of the most reliable used family cars on the market. You can get the Octavia in hatchback and estate styling, with the latest model boasting the most premium features. If safety is a concern, then you’ll be pleased to hear the Octavia received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests. A wide range of engine options including a plug-in hybrid are available, so you’ll have lots of choice when it comes to power. In addition to fantastic legroom and headroom, you’ll also get a hefty 568 litres of boot space.

This family hatchback had a revamp in 2020 and has impressively stylish looks for its price point. The SEAT Leon has a solidly built interior that includes an infotainment system to keep you and the kids occupied on long journeys. New vehicles come with a two-year unlimited warranty and a third year up to 60,000 miles. This isn’t as generous as some manufacturers, so it’s something to bear in mind if you’re buying a new model. Owners surveyed by What Car reported that the petrol versions were the most reliable. Most faults were with non-engine electrics and the bodywork, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be stranded on the side of the road if something were to go wrong.

The Kia Sportage is an SUV crossover and a contender for the most reliable family car on the market. Sitting in a high position and with excellent drivability, the Sportage’s comfortable seating and lock-stock suspension are real plus points when driving with the family. Rear seats even have their own reclining backrest with enough room to stretch out – ideal for long journeys. The Sportage is praised for its safety tech, and features such as trailer stability and cruise control are offered as standard in the past two iterations. Kia’s market-leading seven-year warranty is also a big bonus.

This mid-size SUV feels upmarket and solid, with owners raving about its reliability credentials. The Mazda CX-5 handles well thanks to its responsive steering, and although it’s a firmer ride than some, it’s still comfortable to drive. Go for a sport trim and you get a powered tailgate (so there’s no messing about when trying to get buggies and bags in the boot). Updates from 2017 are well worth looking at, although older iterations of the model also achieved the maximum five stars in safety tests. New cars come with a three-year, 60,000 mile warranty.

This mid-size SUV feels upmarket and solid, with owners raving about its reliability credentials. The Mazda CX-5 handles well thanks to its responsive steering, and although it’s a firmer ride than some, it’s still comfortable to drive. Go for a sport trim and you get a powered tailgate (so there’s no messing about when trying to get buggies and bags in the boot). Updates from 2017 are well worth looking at, although older iterations of the model also achieved the maximum five stars in safety tests. New cars come with a three-year, 60,000 mile warranty.

As good reliable family cars go, this mid-size crossover might just be one of the most dependable, and it’s backed up by a five-year, 100,000 mile warranty. For owners looking for a greener alternative to a standard SUV, the Toyota Rav4‘s hybrid engines are more eco-friendly and efficient while still packing a punch on the road. The outstanding suite of safety tech on board, including a reversing camera and pedestrian detection, helped the Rav4 achieve the maximum five stars in safety tests. There’s plenty of space for three in the back, so there’ll be no complaints from the kids.

The Kia Ceed is an affordable, all-round family hatchback that’s got some impressive power and solid handling. Legroom and headroom are very generous given its dimensions, and it also benefits from a spacious boot. Another plus is fuel economy, with the diesel offering around 60 mpg and the hybrid an impressive 188 mpg. The Ceed’s seven-year warranty is one of the best on the market, making it a great choice for a family car, as any faults will usually be covered under the guarantee. If you were to have an issue, owners report the electrics being the most common cause, so this is worth keeping in mind when buying second hand.

Whether you’re looking for a hatchback, estate, or an SUV, our list shows there are plenty of options when deciding on the most reliable car for your family. You also don’t have to compromise on quality or style to get a cheap, reliable family car. Ready to learn more? Check out our guide on the most reliable used cars on the market.