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14/08/2025

Best estate cars in 2025

Written By Ivan Aistrop

Volkswagen Passat Estate Review 2024: Dynamic driving

Need to haul a lot of stuff in style? Then you simply can't beat an estate car, and these estates are the ones our experts rate most highly.

Whether you're looking to transport your dog, you need a car that can double up as a work van, or you simply have young kids and all their associated paraphernalia, these estate cars will make you think twice about buying an SUV.

We've included a mix of luxurious and more affordable estate cars here, as well as a wide range of car sizes. There should be something on our list to suit all buyers and budgets, then.

If you're ready to buy, we've got over 5,000 used estate cars for sale, while if you want more choice, we have over 90,000 used cars for sale. If you're looking to finance a new car, check out our guide to the best PCP car deals.


Best estate cars in 2025

  1. Skoda Superb Estate
  2. BMW 5 Series Touring
  3. Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
  4. Citroen C5 X
  5. Volvo V90
  6. Skoda Octavia Estate
  7. Audi A6 Avant e-tron
  8. Volkswagen Passat Estate
  9. Dacia Jogger
  10. Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

1. Skoda Superb Estate

One of the best estate cars you can buy

Skoda Superb Estate Review: driving dynamic
Skoda Superb Estate Review: boot space

Pros

  • Huge boot space

  • Refined and smooth driving experience

  • Wide range of engine options

Cons

  • Some interior elements could be better

  • Not particularly engaging to drive

  • Desirable options will see prices rise rapidly

The Skoda Superb Estate has always been a car that provides huge space and massive practicality in a package that offers incredible value for money in comparison to rivals, and the latest version, released in 2024, does the job even better than ever.

For starters, the huge space it offers is even bigger than it used to be, and it was pretty huge to begin with. We thought the previous version's 660-litre load bay could never be beaten, but the latest version ekes out another 30 litres for a gargantuan total of 690 litres.

That rises to 1920 litres if you fold down the rear seats. If you don't, you'll have five seats that are surrounded by a scarcely believable amount of space, making the Superb a hugely practical family car. The cabin is nicely trimmed, too.

Granted, it's not the most exciting car to drive, but who cares about that when it's so comfortable and refined? It's also offered with a broad range of engine options, and all versions come well equipped as standard.

"Superb by name and nature, this is the estate car benchmark"

Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor

Read our full Skoda Superb Estate review

2. BMW 5 Series Touring

Bigger, better, classier than ever

BMW 5 Series Touring Review: driving dynamic
BMW 5 Series Touring Review: boot space

Pros

  • Generous boot

  • Superb to drive

  • Effortlessly classy

Cons

  • Pricey

  • Boot not biggest in class

  • EV i5 Touring appeals more to company drivers

If you want to buy a car that really can do everything, look no further than a BMW 5 Series Touring. And we mean everything: there's now an i5 Touring, meaning you can spec the car as a full EV as well as a plug-in hybrid or a conventional petrol. 

In some ways, though, choice has reduced: there's only one petrol available (the 520i) and not a single diesel option. That's a shame, as while diesels are a little out of fashion now, an oil-burning 5 Series Touring has long been one of the most versatile cars around.

The latest model does at least bring with it lashings of very impressive tech, and a fantastic interior and incredible refinement. More than ever, it feels like a slightly downsized 7 Series. But the outgoing model is still so impressive that we'd heartily recommend going for a used one as an alternative to the latest Touring, which will give you more options in terms of combustion powertrains, while also saving you a fair few quid.  

Both the new and old examples provide an impressive 1700-litres of luggage space with the rear seats dropped, a figure only really beaten by load-luggers like the Skoda Superb Estate. Impressively, the 530e and 550e derivatives don't lose any boot space relative to the pure combustion 520i, and that's often not the case with PHEVs. 

"By far the best premium option, the 5 Series Touring's appeal is broadened further by the i5 Touring electric version"

Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor

Read our full BMW 5 Series review

3. Toyota Corolla Touring Sports

Smart-looking, fuel-sipping estate

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports Review Right Side View
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports Review Bootspace

Pros

  • Sharp looker

  • Quiet, comfy and well built

  • Head-scratching fuel economy

Cons

  • Limited engine range

  • Automatic gearbox dulls acceleration

  • It’s not as spacious in the back as some rivals

If you're more concerned about doing your bit for the environment than having a flash badge on your bonnet, take a look at the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. 

It's a hybrid estate car powered by a choice of 1.8- or 2.0-litre petrol engines, combined with an electric motor for maximum frugality.

The best thing about the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports? It actually isn't a compromise at all. You get a thoroughly acceptable interior, with a lot more clever features and soft-touch finishes than the old Auris it replaced.

It's also pretty good to drive. No, it's not going to be as fun as a BMW 3 Series, but it's impressively comfortable over broken British road surfaces. That petrol-electric drivetrain means it's incredibly refined, too, and the Toyota feels at home both around town and out on the motorway.

"It's far from the most exciting choice, but with the Corolla Touring Sports, you'll be saving too much money at the pumps to care"

Phil Hall, Senior Editor

Read our full Toyota Corolla Touring Sports review

4. Citroen C5 X

Comfortable and likeable French oddity

Citroen C5 X Review: front dynamic
Citroen C5 X Review: boot space

Pros

  • Characterful yet practical

  • Very comfortable and refined

  • Nice place to sit with accessible tech

Cons

  • Not fast or remotely sporty

  • Quirky looks won't be to all tastes

  • Hybrid's gearbox could be better 

Citroen is always at its finest when making cars that nobody else would, and the C5 X estate is a prime example of this

Its unusual styling may have similarities to the Audi A6 Allroad or Volvo V90 Cross Country, but the French car makes no claims to even the mildest of off-road pretensions.

Heck, this isn't even an estate car at first glance due to the way the rear end slopes. That does mean the Citroen C5 X is not the most spacious wagon you can bag for your buck, but it is one of the most intriguing and stylish. It's fair to say the C5 X is right up there with Citroen's best like the CX and, dare we say it, the DS Safari when it comes to oddball appeal.

It's not all science fiction looks, though, as the C5 X has a supremely smooth ride, is well equipped and roomy for people, and you have a choice of petrol, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.

Just bear in mind it'll have to be a used buy - Citroen discontinued the car in 2025 amidst slow sales, with the C5 X proving just a bit too quirky for the mainstream. But that just makes us love this oddball even more. Go on, dare to be different and try the Citroen C5 X.

"If you like something a bit different from the norm, the quirky C5 X will be right up your street"

Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor

Read our full Citroen C5 review

5. Volvo V90

Large and glorious Volvo wagon

Volvo V90 Review 2024: driving dynamic
Volvo V90 Review 2024: boot space

Pros

  • Clean, modern design

  • Attractive, spacious cabin

  • Clever hybrid tech

Cons

  • Not exciting to drive

  • Expensive top models

  • Bigger wheels hurt ride quality

Volvo has, for many years, been synonymous with large estate cars because it's built some of the best in the business over the years. A wee while ago, however, the Swedish firm did the unthinkable: it withdrew all of its saloon and estate cars from sale in the UK to concentrate on building and selling SUVs.

Predictably, that decision was met with a small public outcry and, not too long later, Volvo brought back its V60 and V90 estate cars (although not the S60 and S90 saloons they were based on, interestingly) 'by popular demand'. And the bigger V90 is more than worthy of inclusion here.

The V90 is effortlessly stylish inside and out, it has a comfortable and relaxed manner on the road, and its two plug-in hybrid powertrains offer you up to 54 miles of all-electric range, fuel economy of up to 353mpg, and power outputs of up to 455PS.

However, because it's now offered only as a PHEV, the boot capacity has shrunk to 488-litres, which some might consider defeats the point of a big estate car. However, it'll still be big enough for many, and it doesn't detract from the V90's other talents.

The V90 is set to be discontinued in 2025, but as a reasonably popular car, there are plenty of used examples to choose from. 

"It's great to see Volvo's tradition of making great estate cars continue with the V90"

Phill Tromans, Contributor

Read our full Volvo V90 review

6. Skoda Octavia Estate

Affordable estate with astonishing practicality

Skoda Octavia Estate Review: front three quarters
Skoda Octavia Estate Review: interior

Pros

  • The boot is even bigger than before

  • Interior feels surprisingly plush

  • Still represents decent value for money

Cons

  • Infotainment system isn't the most user-friendly

  • Not as fun to drive as the SEAT Leon Estate

  • There are more affordable alternatives

The latest Octavia Estate has grown in size versus its predecessor that was launched in 2013, giving you more space while still undercutting the competition in terms of price, including the related Volkswagen Golf Estate and SEAT Leon Estate. It looks fresher than ever, too, having been facelifted in 2024.

Comfortable and spacious on the inside, the family and dog will love it, as will those who drive for a living and find themselves behind the wheel most of the day (or night). The entry-level SE Technology is well equipped but we’d recommend opting for the SE L model to get nice extras including adaptive cruise control, keyless entry/start and heated front seats, along with a plusher interior finish. There’s a wide choice of diesel, petrol and hybrid engines, too, and even a vRS performance version. 

By far the biggest selling point for the Skoda Octavia Estate, though, is the space on offer. There's generous passenger accommodation, which is great when your kids grow up faster than you thought (which they always do), while the massive - and we mean massive - 640-litre boot is great for swallowing tonnes of family detritus. 

"Bigger and better than ever, and yes, you can still have it as a powerful vRS"

Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor

Read our full Skoda Octavia Estate review

7. Audi A6 Avant e-tron

Sleek, big, and efficient 

Pros

  • Premium appeal

  • Superb electric range and charge speed

  • Plenty of tech

Cons

  • Premium pricing

  • Too much shiny black plastic

  • Boot could be bigger 

There's no getting away from the fact the Audi A6 Avant e-tron is a pricey car, whether you're buying new or one with just a few miles on the dials. What your considerable chunk of money, either up front or by monthly payment, gets you, however, is one of the finest estate cars you could hope for.

The A6 Avant has always been regarded for its huge load capacity and the latest model is no different even in this EV form. The only thing you might notice about the electric model is the floor is little higher set due to the battery that nestles underneath.

Otherwise, the Avant comes with a huge boot, classily understated looks, and a range of up to 463 miles between charges. Kiss goodbye to any worries about finding the nearest the charge point, then.

Also very welcome in this A6 Avant is a ride quality that is sumptuously controlled - not something you would say about many previous A6s. This alone makes the price tag justifiable, along with the deeply satisfying sense you have bought a car of great quality.

"A very classy way to avoid using the UK's public charging network"

Ivan Aistrop, Contributor

Read our full Audi A6 Avant e-tron review

8. Volkswagen Passat 

A great family-friendly estate

Volkswagen Passat Estate Review 2024: Dynamic driving
Volkswagen Passat Estate Review 2024: Boot space

Pros

  • Huge passenger space and boot

  • Strong on interior quality

  • Very well equipped

Cons

  • Massively over-complicated infotainment system

  • Some ergonomic quirks

  • Not cheap to buy

It's not much of a surprise, given that both are made by the same group of companies, that the latest Volkswagen Passat is very similar to the Skoda Superb we mentioned earlier. 

As a result, nor is it much of a surprise that the Passat - which is now available exclusively in estate car-form - has its stablemate equalled when it comes to boot space: it has the same 690-litre figure, so it's truly massive.

If anything, it's even more impressive for passenger space than it is for boot space, because whichever of the five seats you end up in, you have simply loads of headroom and legroom. This is a car that's very roomy and very practical, making it perfect for families with older children. The interior is also well equipped and pleasantly finished, and it's an easy car to drive, too.

The Passat features quite a bit further down our list than the Superb does, and there are a few reasons for that. Firstly, it costs a bit more, and secondly, it doesn't have as broad a range of engines to choose from as the Skoda. It's infotainment screen isn't as easy to navigate, either. However, this is still one very appealing and capable family car.

"The Passat is back for an all-new generation, but this time, it's an estate car only. That's just fine by us"

Matt MacConnell, Contributor

Read our full Volkswagen Passat review

9. Dacia Jogger

Cheap and cheery family car

Dacia Jogger 2023 UK
Dacia Jogger Review 2023: rear seats

Pros

  • A rare new car bargain

  • Removable third row of seats

  • Hybrid model is impressive

Cons

  • 1.0-litre petrol low on refinement

  • Third row of seats only really for occasional use

  • Questionable safety record

Eyebrows were firmly raised at the price of the Dacia Jogger when it was launched. Today, it's still a massive bargain, starting at around £19,000. Opt for a used example, and the value for money becomes astonishing. 

No other estate car comes close on price, then, and there isn't a single other new wagon that comes as a seven-seater. You can also easily remove the third row of seats and fold the second row flat, opening up an incredible 2094-litres of boot space to play with.

There are some downsides, however, and not just that your mates might call you up whenever they need help bringing home their latest Ikea haul. For one thing, the interior feels basic, and for another, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine in the 110 version is not very refined. 

The 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine in the 140 Hybrid is smoother, but you'll need to pay quite a bit more if you want that: it isn't available with the base Essential trim, so the cheapest option is an Expression Hybrid coming in at over £23,000. 

"If you need to carry more than five people without spending a lot of money, the Jogger is unbeatable"

Ivan Aistrop, Contributor

Read our full Dacia Jogger review

10. Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

Beautifully built comfortable family wagon

Mercedes C-Class Estate Review: driving dynamic
Mercedes C-Class Estate Review: boot space

Pros

  • Incredibly comfortable and refined

  • 68-mile battery range from C 300 e PHEV

  • Modern tech and infotainment

Cons

  • Not the most practical estate

  • BMW 3 Series Touring is still more enjoyable to drive

  • Poor reliability score

Just like the bigger Mercedes E-Class, any thoughts that estate cars are boring will vanish from your mind the moment you take a seat in the Mercedes C-Class.

It has a lavish interior, full of the kind of surprise-and-delight features that’ll make you feel good about owning a Mercedes-Benz. You’ll be hard-pushed to find a rough edge, and standard equipment levels are generous across the range: even entry-level cars will feel anything but basic.

It might be a premium car, but don’t expect a C-Class Estate to cost a fortune to run. The C300e is a plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of 68 miles, which is one of the best figures on the market, and that gives it an official fuel economy figure that spirals into the hundreds. Keep it topped up with electricity and there's a very decent chance you'll go long periods without using a single drop of petrol.

"A great option for premium load-lugging, and the PHEV has an excellent electric-only range"

Ivan Aistrop, Contributor

Read our full Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate review

The best estate car on sale depends on your requirements. If you're after something posh, we rate the BMW 5 Series Touring as the best estate car you can buy right now: it's the perfect blend of comfort, class, space and performance. If you're not fussed about a premium car, the Skoda Superb (or smaller Octavia) represents incredible value for money.

If outright space is what you're after, nothing offers more bang for your buck than the Skoda Superb Estate. It's got a cavernous 690-litre boot, while luggage space increases to 1920 litres with the rear seats dropped. Forget SUVs – you're not going to find anything more practical this side of a Ford Transit van.

There are now a few to choose from. You've got the MG 5 – a bargain electric estate car with a 464-litre boot and 214-mile range, while there's the relatively new Peugeot e-308 SW and Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric to consider as well. 

At the other end of the spectrum, there's the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo. That's a rapid performance wagon, capable of covering 0-62mph in as little as 2.9 seconds in Turbo S form. More importantly, its boot can haul 446 litres of luggage, or 1212 litres with the rear seats dropped. Somewhere in the middle is the BMW i5 Touring, which is the electric version of the 5 Series Touring.

SUVs have rapidly increased in popularity due to the space they offer, along with a high seating position and surprisingly affordable running costs. There's a lot going for SUVs, but there's nothing wrong with the traditional estate car, either. Estates often represent better value for money and could be more enjoyable to drive.

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