Families looking for their next vehicle have been advised to consider alternatives to SUVs or risk bearing the costs of running a car that exceeds their requirements. SUVs have become a popular choice for parents needing space for child seats, pushchairs, shopping and holiday luggage. However, a used-car specialist suggests a hatchback or estate might provide equivalent practical capacity while being more manoeuvrable and potentially more economical to operate.
Expert urges families to assess real space needs
James Hosking, managing director of AA Cars, said purchasers should calculate how much space they utilise during a typical week rather than presuming a taller vehicle is inherently the superior family choice. He said: "An SUV can be a great family car, particularly if you need seven seats, tow regularly or simply prefer the higher driving position, but families shouldn't assume it is automatically the most practical option."
He added: "For many parents, most journeys are the school run, commuting, shopping and trips away at the weekend. If that sounds familiar, it is worth asking whether you really need the extra size of a large SUV or whether you could get everything you need from a smaller family car."
Larger vehicles are typically heavier and may consume more fuel, while their bigger tyres can prove more expensive to replace, James said. Their additional width and length can also render narrow streets and confined car parks more challenging to navigate.
Parking fees and practical advice
The caution arrives as certain local authorities consider implementing parking fees based on vehicle dimensions. Bath and North East Somerset Council brought in size-related residents' parking permits on August 25, coupled with an overall 20% increase in on-street permit costs. The council stated that larger vehicles occupy more road space and can have a more significant impact on visibility and safety.
James suggested that looks can be misleading when drivers compare different categories of family vehicles. He said: "Most importantly, a bigger-looking car does not always mean more usable space. There are some incredibly practical hatchbacks and estates on the used market with large, square boots and plenty of rear passenger room, so parents may be surprised by how little they have to compromise."
Purchasers should examine stated boot capacities, the configuration and loading height of the luggage compartment, rear passenger space and the quantity of Isofix mounting points, he advised. Parents conducting a test drive should bring along their child seats and pushchair to verify that both fit adequately. Those requiring additional luggage capacity only once or twice annually could contemplate a roof box rather than bearing the expense of operating a larger vehicle year-round.
Five family cars to consider instead of an SUV
James added: "Don't buy a car based on what you think a family car is supposed to look like. Think about what you actually carry and where you actually drive."
AA Cars expert's five family cars to consider instead of an SUV:
- Skoda Octavia – Available in both hatchback and estate configurations, the Octavia provides ample boot capacity and interior room. Hosking suggested the hatchback would prove adequate for numerous households, while the estate variant may better accommodate families transporting dogs, large pushchairs or sporting gear.
- Kia Ceed Sportswagon – The Ceed Sportswagon blends traditional family-car proportions with an extended cargo area. More recent used models may still benefit from portions of Kia's manufacturer warranty, though purchasers should verify the specific vehicle's age, mileage, service history and warranty status.
- Toyota Corolla Touring Sports – The estate configuration delivers greater versatility than a standard hatchback, while its hybrid drivetrain may prove ideal for families whose daily routine involves frequent stop-start driving in urban environments.
- Skoda Scala – For families wanting a genuinely more compact vehicle, the Scala utilises its hatchback proportions effectively and provides practical rear passenger and boot space without commanding as much road presence.
- Volkswagen Golf Estate – Its traditional estate design delivers an accessible loading area, while the folding rear seats offer adaptability for occasional bulkier cargo without the elevated stance and size of numerous SUVs.
James said: "Downsizing doesn't have to mean squeezing your family into a tiny car. It can simply mean choosing something that uses its space more efficiently and better suits the journeys you make every day."
