Best family cars 2022
What makes a good family hatchback and which models should you be considering? Here we count down the top 10 – and reveal the ones to avoid...

Many people who previously would have chosen a traditional 'family car' are now buying SUVs instead. However, that doesn’t mean the family hatchback market is dead; it still accounts for a huge number of sales and is very competitive, so there are some great buys out there.
But what makes a good family hatchback? Well, it has to be practical, cheap to run, enjoyable to drive and well equipped; in other words, it needs to be good at pretty much everything.
Here we count down the top 10 – and reveal the models that are best to steer clear of. And remember, if you decide any of the cars on our list are right for your needs, you could potentially save thousands without the hassle of haggling by using our New Car Buying service.
Toyota Corolla
While the Corolla's rear seats are cramped for six-footers, this hybrid family car offers super-low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions that make it an excellent choice for both private buyers and company car drivers. In addition, the Corolla's ride is cosseting and its standard spec generous.
Pros
- Low CO2 emissions and great fuel economy
- Comfortable ride
- Loads of standard kit
Cons
- Cramped in the back
- So-so infotainment system
- 12.3in digital instrument cluster could be easier to use
Volkswagen Golf
For many, the Golf is the definitive family hatchback and, much like its predecessors, this latest version offers buyers many of the premium features they'd expect to only get in a more expensive car. The Golf is exceedingly comfortable, too – especially if you opt for adaptive suspension. Only distracting controls and the quality of some interior plastics disappoint.
Pros
- Exceedingly comfortable ride with adaptive suspension
- Tidy handling
- Strong and frugal 1.5 TSI 150 engine
Cons
- Frustratingly fiddly infotainment system is full of software bugs
- Interior quality could be better
- There are more spacious rivals
BMW 1 Series
Among today's premium family cars, the 1 Series is great if you're looking for entertaining handling blended with decent ride quality. You also get a classy if understated interior and the most intuitive infotainment system around. The boot is on the small side, though.
Pros
- Superb build quality
- Sporty handling
- Class-leading infotainment system
Cons
- Mercedes A-Class is safer
- SE trim not that well equipped
- Road noise at speed
Ford Focus
The Focus is even better to drive than the BMW 1 Series; it's truly great fun. What's more, this entertainment is complemented by a fine ride and spacious interior. However, the iffy plastics and slightly lacklustre performance stop it finishing higher on this list.
Pros
- Great handling
- Well equipped
- Roomy rear seats
Cons
- Not that cheap to buy
- Low-rent interior
- Octavia has a much bigger boot
Volkswagen ID.3
The practicality of the ID.3 is up with the roomiest family hatchbacks, plus predicted resale values are superb and it’ll be cheap to run – particularly if you're a company car driver or can charge at home. Like the Golf it's let down by its fiddly infotainment system, though.
Pros
- Good electric range
- Sprightly performance
- Decent to drive
Cons
- Iffy interior quality, especially for the pricier versions
- Charging network weaker than Tesla’s
- Infotainment system needs some upgrades
Cupra Born
Cupra's Born takes all the good bits from the Volkswagen ID.3 and adds a slightly more polished interior and an upgraded infotainment system. If you go for a mid-range V2 58kWh version it’s also very well priced against an ID.3, so the Born is certainly worth a place on your shortlist.
Pros
- Good electric range
- Sprightly performance
- Decent to drive
Cons
- Charging network weaker than Tesla’s
- Touch-sensitive buttons are awkward to use
- Slightly firmer ride than ID.3
Skoda Scala
The Scala ticks almost every box for a family car, with low pricing, a smooth ride, decent handling, a good infotainment system, amazing rear seat space and an excellent boot. If you're looking for a great all-rounder, few cars can beat it.
Pros
- Comfortable ride and tidy handling
- Spacious rear seats and a big boot
- Cheap to buy and run
Cons
- Noisier at speed than the quietest rivals
- Poorer resale values than its main rivals
- Interior feels a little cheap
Skoda Octavia
First and foremost, the latest Octavia offers generous space for occupants and a massive boot that dwarfs most competitors from the class above. It's far more than just a big box on wheels, though; its plush interior, cosseting ride and frugal engines make it a fantastic car for covering big distances in.
Pros
- Plush interior
- Huge boot
- Low BIK rates for plug-in 1.4 TSI iV 204
Cons
- Heating controls are in the touchscreen
- Rivals sharper to drive
- Touchscreen can be tricky to use on the move
Audi A3
While the latest A3 isn't as well finished inside as the previous model, it still rates well against the premium competition of the day. What's more, the A3 offers a comfortable, enjoyable drive, has space for the family and a range of punchy petrol, diesel and hybrid engines. We're particularly keen on the 40 TFSIe model for its long electric range, low company car tax and gutsy performance. It’s one of the best plug-in hybrids out there and a fine car in its own right.
Pros
- Sharp handling
- Excellent driving position
- Strong and frugal engines, including the excellent plug-in hybrid
Cons
- Interior quality is good but could be better
- Fiddly infotainment system
- Audi's unimpressive reliability record
Seat Leon
As good as the A3 is, though, it's beaten by the latest Seat Leon. This five-star family hatchback is great to drive, offers loads of space for both passengers and luggage, and is well equipped, too. Add in attractive pricing and running costs, a smartly finished interior and a strong range of engines, and it's a brilliant choice. If you want the best family car around, look no further.
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Pros
- Great to drive
- Loads of space in the back
- Well equipped
Cons
- Firm ride on FR models
- Road noise
- Barely any optional extras available
And the family car to avoid...
The Tipo is a spacious choice, but it's let down by poor resale values values and a cheap feeling interior, plus many rivals are both better to drive and more comfortable. Read our review
The safety kit on the Impreza is impressive, but it's expensive to buy and run, despite being less practical than plenty of rivals and worse to drive. Read our review

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