Volkswagen Passat

New Skoda Superb Estate

Peugeot 308 SW

Skoda Octavia Estate

New Mercedes E-Class Estate

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports

Audi A6 Avant

Mercedes C-Class Estate

the-best-estate-cars-in-2023

best-estate-cars-2023

<p>Estate cars are great for shifting stuff, and can make fine family transport, because they tend to offer more boot space than the saloons and hatchbacks on which they're based.</p>

<p>However, the best examples of the breed are more than just big;&nbsp;the load area has to be a practical shape,&nbsp;allow easy access and make it possible&nbsp;to secure smaller items. Plus,&nbsp;the rear seats must be simple to fold flat.</p>

<p>Estate cars are often used for business as well as family motoring, so they also need to combine a spacious, comfortable and well-equipped interior with low running costs and an enjoyable drive. And they need to do all that for an affordable price.</p>

<p>Here we've named our top 10 recommendations – and the estate cars to avoid.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile</strong></em></p>


Best estate cars 2023

Estate

<p dir="ltr">Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.</p>

<p dir="ltr">BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.</p>

<p dir="ltr">All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.</p>


3 SERIES

<p dir="ltr">The latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a> is BMW's best-steering car of recent times, and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/estate/review/n108">BMW 3 Series Touring</a> estate and matches this with stellar body control and plenty of grip, yet still manages to serve up good ride comfort and relaxing refinement.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Add to all that a spacious interior – featuring one of the best infotainment systems you’ll find on any new car – and the tax-efficient<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars-2021/n22743">&nbsp;plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;tech of the 330e model, and there's an awful lot to like.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">True, plenty of other estate car rivals have bigger boots, but the 40/20/40 split rear seats and separately opening tailgate window of the 3 Series Touring are nifty practical touches.</p>


10: BMW 3 Series Touring

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Agile around corners</li>
	<li>Accurate steering</li>
	<li>Brilliant infotainment system</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as well finished inside as the Audi A4 Avant</li>
	<li>Boot isn't the biggest</li>
	<li>Firm ride on M Sport versions</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.</p>

<p dir="ltr">That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.</p>


TOYOTA

Corolla Touring Sports

<p dir="ltr">The Corolla Touring Sports’ rear seats are cramped for six-footers, but this&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrid</a>&nbsp;estate offers super-low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions that make it an excellent choice for both private and company car drivers.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">In addition, the Corolla's ride is cosseting and its standard spec is generous;&nbsp;even entry-level models come with automatic lights, dual-zone climate control and heated front seats.</p>

<p dir="ltr">There’s no need to look beyond the cheapest 1.8-litre version, either, because this offers all the performance you’re likely to need, while returning around 60mpg in real-world conditions. Although that’s not to say the more powerful 2.0-litre option is thirsty; it managed close to 50mpg in our hands.</p>


9: Toyota Corolla Touring Sports

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Impressively low CO2 emissions on hybrids</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Lots of standard kit</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Relatively small boot by estate car standards</li>
	<li>So-so infotainment system</li>
	<li>12.3in digital instrument cluster could be easier to use</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.</p>


MERCEDES-BENZ

E CLASS

<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/mercedes-benz">Mercedes</a> has a long history of building large family estate cars, and the latest E-Class Estate is its best yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">It offers more luggage space than most of its rivals, fitting eight carry-on suitcases in our tests, and there’s plenty of room for your passengers to stretch out.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The interior feels sophisticated and plush, and the E-Class’s infotainment system is responsive and features menus that are well laid out.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Our pick of the E-Class’s engine range is the 191bhp 2.0-litre diesel found in the E220d, but whichever version of the E-Class you go for, make sure you specify air suspension;&nbsp;it’s an expensive option, but it delivers a dramatic improvement in ride comfort.</p>


8: Mercedes E-Class Estate

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Massive boot</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
	<li>E300de plug-in hybrid fuel economy</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as fun to drive as some rivals</li>
	<li>Expensive to buy</li>
	<li>Unsettled low-speed ride</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.</p>

<p dir="ltr">After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.</p>

<p>The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.</p>


VOLVO

<p dir="ltr">The<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/v90/estate/used-review/n841">&nbsp;Volvo V90</a>&nbsp;may be the biggest estate in the Swedish brand's modern range, but it's the V60 that's the company's best.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">It's still a very roomy choice and feels every bit as classy as its larger sibling, yet it's cheaper to buy and run, as well as being&nbsp;more comfortable and better to drive.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Just bear in mind that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volvo">Volvo</a>&nbsp;recently announced&nbsp;plans to stop selling estate cars (and saloons) in the UK, so if you&nbsp;want a V60, you'll have to get in quick.</p>


7: Volvo V60

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Excellent passenger and boot space</li>
	<li>Smart and airy interior</li>
	<li>Well-judged ride and handling balance</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Hesitant automatic gearbox</li>
	<li>Some wind and road noise at speed</li>
	<li>Fiddly infotainment</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.</p>

<p dir="ltr">But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.</p>

<p dir="ltr">While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.</p>


SEAT

LEON

<p dir="ltr">The regular Seat Leon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-cars/n16996">family hatchback</a>&nbsp;is one of the best cars in its class to drive, and likewise, this Leon Estate handles very tidily indeed.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">While FR models feature&nbsp;sports&nbsp;suspension that can feel a little firm, most other versions get a softer set-up that does a good job of rounding off ruts and bumps in the road.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Elsewhere, the Leon offers loads of space for both passengers and luggage, and no matter which engine option you choose, you shouldn’t find it expensive to run.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Add in attractive pricing and running costs&nbsp;and the Leon Estate is an excellent choice that only just misses out on a podium place.</p>


6: Seat Leon Estate

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Surprisingly good fun – especially in FR form</li>
	<li>Big boot and roomy rear seats</li>
	<li>Well priced</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not quite as capacious as Skoda Octavia Estate</li>
	<li>FR models have a fairly firm ride</li>
	<li>TSI 130 engine could be smoother</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition, featuring paintwork-protecting ‘Airbumps’ and eschewing the sporty looks favoured by most rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Indeed, Citroën tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from small hatchbacks (such as the C1 and C3) to big, family-friendly seven-seaters (the Spacetourer and Grand C4 Spacetourer).</p>

<p dir="ltr">The C3 Aircross SUV is another of its popular models, while a larger C5 Aircross is planned.</p>


CITROEN

C5 X

<p dir="ltr">The Citroën C5 X will cost more to run as a<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/company-cars">&nbsp;company car</a>&nbsp;than some rival estates, even if you choose the fuel-saving plug-in hybrid version, because its official electric-only range of 39&nbsp;miles places it in a higher tax band.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Still, the C5 X is impressively comfortable, and it's hard to beat in terms of refinement, with engine&nbsp;noise fading&nbsp;away at motorway speeds and wind and road noise being suppressed better than most rivals can manage.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The boot is smaller than some others here, but if you’re looking for an estate car with a slightly raised, SUV-like driving position, the C5 X has you covered.</p>


5: Citroën C5 X

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Competitively priced</li>
	<li>Plush ride</li>
	<li>Upmarket interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Roly-poly handling</li>
	<li>Boot could be larger</li>
	<li>PHEV sits in a higher tax band than some rivals</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.</p>

<p dir="ltr">While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.</p>


MG MOTOR UK

<p dir="ltr">There aren’t currently many fully electric estate cars to choose from, but the MG5 EV is the best of the breed. It combines a respectable range (officially up to 250 miles)&nbsp;with a comfortable ride and serenity at speed.</p>

<p dir="ltr">True, most combustion-engined estate car rivals can carry more, but the MG5 EV still has enough space to handle your weekly shop, holiday luggage or a large child’s buggy.</p>

<p dir="ltr">You get a lot of kit for your money with the MG5, too;&nbsp;even entry-level SE models come with 16in alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control&nbsp;and keyless entry and start.</p>


4: MG5 EV

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Relatively good electric range</li>
	<li>Low cash price</li>
	<li>Sprightly performance and comfy</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Infotainment system could be easier to use</li>
	<li>Rivals can charge up a little quicker</li>
	<li>Not much fun to drive</li>
</ul>


5 SERIES

<p dir="ltr">The latest 5 Series Touring shows BMW at the top of its game. This is a hugely appealing executive estate car because it's comfortable, quiet and enjoyable to drive, with an interior that feels very classy.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Standard self-levelling rear suspension helps it to cope with the heftiest of loads. And in our test, the 5 Series Touring swallowed a very respectable eight carry-on suitcases.</p>

<p dir="ltr">There’s a range of petrol and diesel engines to choose from, plus a frugal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;with an official electric&nbsp;range of up to 35 miles.</p>


3: BMW 5 Series Touring

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Frugal diesel and PHEV engine options</li>
	<li>Excellent infotainment system</li>
	<li>Beautifully made, high-quality interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Volvo V90 has more rear-seat space</li>
	<li>Mercedes E-Class Estate has an even bigger boot</li>
	<li>Unsettled ride with M Sport suspension and bigger alloy wheels</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.</p>


SKODA

OCTAVIA

<p dir="ltr">Taking second place on this list is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/octavia/estate/review/n40">Skoda&nbsp;Octavia Estate</a>.</p>

<p dir="ltr">All Octavias give you loads of standard equipment and generous&nbsp;interior space, but the estate version adds a whopping boot for even greater practicality.</p>

<p dir="ltr">We managed to fit nine carry-on suitcases in the boot; that’s two shy of what the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/superb/estate/review/n17344">Skoda Superb Estate</a>&nbsp;can hold,&nbsp;but still enough to ensure that none of your passengers&nbsp;will need to pack light.</p>


2: Skoda Octavia Estate

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Supple ride most of the time</li>
	<li>Huge boot</li>
	<li>Low tax rates for plug-in 1.4 TSI iV 204</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Rivals are more fun to drive</li>
	<li>A bit floaty over big undulations</li>
	<li>Heating controls are in the touchscreen</li>
</ul>


SUPERB

<p dir="ltr">The Superb Estate is the best car of its kind, striking the&nbsp;sweet spot between&nbsp;practicality, comfort, low running costs and value more accurately than any rival.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In fact, with masses of load space for flat-pack furniture or suitcases and limo-like leg room for passengers, it's one of the most impressive family holdalls in any class of car.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Finally, unlike an increasing number of rivals, the Superb is still available with both petrol and diesel engines. So, whether you do mostly short journeys or spend half your life on the motorway, there's a version to suit your needs. And&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild hybrid</a>&nbsp;technology boosts efficiency.</p>


1: Skoda Superb Estate

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great value and well equipped</li>
	<li>Limo-like passenger space</li>
	<li>Huge boot with lots of additional practical touches</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Other rivals are more fun to drive</li>
	<li>Some premium rivals have better resale values</li>
	<li>The driving position isn't perfect</li>
</ul>


GENESIS

<p>While it comes well equipped, most of the the G70 Shooting Brake's key rivals are more practical, quieter, better to drive and cheaper to run.</p>

<hr />
<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html"><strong>here</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">Best family SUVs</a> &gt;&gt;</strong></h2>


And the estate car to avoid: Genesis G70 Shooting Brake

The best estate cars in 2023

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

<p>If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.</p>

<p>Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.</p>

Above all, an estate car needs to be practical, but the best models are also comfortable, well equipped and affordable to run. Here we reveal our top 10 buys – and the estates to steer clear of

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