Used Car Buyer’s Guide: Best Family Saloons

When purchasing a family car, one of the biggest considerations is how much boot space is available given the additional kit that comes as part of the package when you have children.

With that in mind, many people will veer towards SUVs or hatchbacks but there are also a number of saloon cars that provide plenty of space for families.

We’ve taken a look through our stock of more than 7,000 used cars to pick out some of our favourite saloons that are perfect for a family buyer.

Audi A4

The Audi A4 was a best-seller in the Audi range from 1994 through to 2025 when the model was rebranded as the A5 – even though the A5 already existed in its own right.

That’s a story for another day however…

The ‘final’ version of the A4 was introduced in 2015 but remains one of the very best saloon cars you can buy on the used market having won a myriad of awards through the years.

A major selling point is the fact that the A4 range is so expansive, which means there are cars out there to cater for all budgets. Some of the diesel engines in particular may appeal to family buyers who want to keep running costs down given how economical they can be – reducing the number of times you’ll need to visit the local petrol station.

The A4 has always scored highly when it comes to comfort for those onboard and you’ll get an impressive amount of equipment as standard across the board in keeping with the Audi’s position as a premium, executive saloon.

Crucially, there is a solid 480 litres of boot space that should be more than enough for the needs of most family buyers.

BMW 3 Series

Ask anyone to name a saloon car on the roads and there is a good chance that the BMW 3 Series will be close to the top of the list.

First launched in the 1970s, the 3 Series is the best-selling model in the BMW line-up with the most recent incarnation having been on a sight on UK roads since 2018. 

Like the Audi, the 3 Series has won numerous awards through the years and is a fantastic buy on the used market with a huge number of cars available on the market that will cater for all budgets.

Alongside a combination of petrol and diesel powertrains, there is also a hybrid option whilst there are countless trim levels that bring with them tonnes of equipment as standard.

The 3 Series scores highly when it comes to the driving experience, has better space for rear passengers than many of the opposition and also has a decent sized boot in which to carry everything you need alongside your family.

If a saloon is going to be your family car of choice, the 3 Series will be difficult to beat…

Hyundai IONIQ 6

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is the perfect choice for those families who want the practicality that comes from an executive saloon, but who also want to stand out from the crowds.

Launched in 2022 as the second EV from Hyundai’s IONIQ sub-brand, the IONIQ 6 looks unlike any other saloon on the market having been designed to be as aerodynamically efficient as possible – thereby maximising range from the electric motor.

The Hyundai scores well in that respect which means range of more than 300 miles and also has fast charging that will minimise how long you have to keep the kids occupied during a quick recharge when stopping on longer trips.

Inside, there is plenty of space in both the front and rear with various places to store your bits and pieces, although the boot isn’t as big as some of its rivals.

Given how new the IONIQ 6 is, there aren’t a huge number on the used market but those that are available provide great value for a family who wants to do something different.

Mazda6

The Mazda6 is returning to the UK as a full-blown EV, but the previous version of the car that was on sale until 2022 continues to make be a cracking option for used car buyers who are looking for a saloon family car.

It might not have the premium badge of a BMW or an Audi, but the Mazda6 provides a strong all-round package with a strong engine line-up. The 2.2 litre diesel is particularly impressive with a blend of performance and efficiency, although the petrol powertrains are also well worth considering when compared to rivals elsewhere.

Generous equipment levels and a spacious interior are perfect for families, as is a large boot that comes in at 483 litres – making it bigger than a number of the options we have listed here.

The final generation of the ICE-powered Mazda6 was introduced more than a decade ago – with a mid-life facelift – so there are there are options available for those families who are working to a tighter budget.

It might not be a market leader, but it’s a solid all-rounder that is certainly worth considering for a family saloon.

Mercedes Benz A Class

There are plenty of models within the Mercedes range that could have been included on a list of top family saloons but we’ve elected to go with the most affordable in the shape of the A Class.

Although it was initially launched only as a hatchback, the A Class spawned a saloon variant when the fourth generation model was revealed in 2018, offering an alternative option for those looking to get behind the wheel of a subcompact car with a more executive feel.

The A Class saloon has proven to be a popular addition to the range and is a solid option for families who want a premium car but perhaps don’t need something as large as other Mercedes models.

The A Class provides ample space on the inside and actually benefits from having a larger boot than the hatchback, although the size of the car means it’s the smallest boot of the five cars we have selected here.

A range of engine options cater for differing budgets and as a smaller family saloon that is comfortable, good to drive and well equipped, it’s a hard one to beat.