The SUV has become the default choice for many families, but the humble MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) remains the undisputed champion of practicality. If you need maximum space, lots of seats and the ability to get kids or child seats in or out easily, an MPV – also known as a people carrier – is your friend.
Many MPVs have useful features such as fold-out tables and clever storage cubbies. Most give you the option to fold away or remove the rear seats if you want to prioritise load space and some have sliding side doors, which can be a game-changer in tight parking spaces. While there aren’t as many MPVs as there used to be, there are still plenty to choose from and options to suit various needs and budgets. Whether you prioritise outright space, a premium badge or low running costs there's an MPV that should fit the bill.
The recommendations in this guide are the result of a comprehensive selection process that combines three key areas. Our expert reviewers, with experience from some of the UK's most respected automotive publications, conduct thorough real-world testing on every car. We then analyse real owner reviews to understand long-term satisfaction. Finally, we incorporate CarGurus UK market data, which identifies the models that consistently offer the best deals. This three-pronged approach allows us to create a definitive list of the best MPVs that deliver on practicality, owner satisfaction, and value for money.
Best MPVs and People Carriers 2025
- 1. 2025 Volkswagen Touran
- 2. 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz
- 3. 2025 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
- 4. 2025 Peugeot E-Rifter
- 5. 2025 Toyota Proace Verso EV
- 6. 2025 Volkswagen Multivan
- 7. 2025 Ford Tourneo Connect
- 8. 2025 Dacia Jogger
- 9. 2025 Citroen Spacetourer
- 10. 2025 Volkswagen Caddy Life
1. 2025 Volkswagen Touran
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fantastically roomy interior | A Ford S-Max is more rewarding to drive |
| Plenty of seating flexibility | Dash layout starting to feel old |
| More car-like to drive than you might expect | Reliability issues on some models |
It might be long in the tooth, but the Volkswagen Touran is a masterclass in practicality and it's a top contender for families who need space and flexibility without the large footprint of a full-size MPV. Its clever packaging allows it to accommodate seven people thanks to a third row of seats that folds out of the boot floor. With all seven seats in use, boot space is a tight 137 litres, but fold them away and it expands to a huge 917 litres. For maximum carrying capacity, the middle row also folds flat, turning the Touran into a small van with 1,857 litres of space. The cabin is filled with thoughtful storage areas, including large door bins, a big glovebox, and even under-seat drawers on higher-spec models.
Although it’s a full seven-seater, the Touran is comparatively compact and easy to park. On faster roads it feels nimble and responsive – much more like a VW Golf than a van. The engine range offers a good balance of performance and fuel economy, with the 2.0-litre diesel being a highlight for its strong pulling power and fuel efficiency of up to 52.3mpg. For those who prefer petrol, the 1.5-litre TSI engines are excellent choices.
The CarGurus Verdict: "To accuse it of being boring or lacking style would be missing the point. This is a tool, a utilitarian machine that has a clear purpose and carries out its duties with resounding success." - Phill Tromans, contributor
Read our full Volkswagen Touran review
2. 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 26.1% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fantastic styling | Hugely expensive |
| Good to drive | Only longer version has seven seats |
| Beautifully finished interior | Two-tone paintwork is a pricey option |
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is the MPV to go for if you want maximum street cred (or whatever the kids call it nowadays) on the school run. There’s more to it than just achingly cool modern-retro design, though. It’s also hugely practical, as you’d expect for something that’s also sold (minus the side windows and rear seats) as a van. It’s roomier than similarly priced electric SUVs, with a whopping 1,121 litres of space with the five seats in place (opt for the long-wheelbase model and that grows to 1,340 litres). Sliding side doors are a massive plus, making it easy to get kids in and out in tight car park spaces. One thing to note: the standard model has five or six seats while the long-wheelbase version has either six or seven. The cost to upgrade to the longer version is surprisingly small, though.
On the move, the ID Buzz is a serene and comfortable way to travel. The high driving position gives a commanding view of the road and it’s surprisingly easy to drive in town thanks to a comparatively tight turning circle. The electric motor provides brisk enough performance for everyday driving, and the official maximum range is almost 300 miles for the larger-battery model – pretty good for such a large, heavy car. All this comes at a price, with new versions starting at about £60,000. That must-have two-tone exterior paintwork is a £2,800+ option, too, but running costs could be low if you can charge at home.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The ID.Buzz is unique in what it offers; the balance of common-sense, versatility and incredible coolness is unmatched by anything else." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Volkswagen ID.Buzz review
3. 2025 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 27.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Roomy and practical cabin | There are cheaper MPVs with even more space, if you can live with a humble badge |
| Tax-efficient plug-in hybrid | Not very exciting to drive |
| Comfortable ride | Plain-looking exterior |
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a posh, practical five-seater that’s more ‘tall hatchback’ than full-on MPV, but it makes a fine family car. Although it’s identical in length to the A-Class hatchback it shares many parts with, the B-Class is much roomier thanks to a higher roofline and sliding rear seat. There's plenty of headroom and legroom for even tall passengers and access and the large rear doors make it easy to get in and out. Boot space in non-hybrid models is a respectable 455 litres, but you can expand this to a massive 705 litres if you slide the seat forward. The interior is dominated by the spectacular MBUX infotainment system, giving the cabin an upmarket and high-tech feel that sets it apart from many rivals.
The B-Class gives a smooth and comfortable ride, and it’s available with a range of fuel-efficient engines. While no longer offered as a new car, the B250e plug-in hybrid could be an interesting used buy, with an official all-electric range of up to 42 miles. While it’s not the most exciting car to drive, its focus on comfort, practicality, and interior refinement makes the B-Class a good option for families who value substance and a premium badge.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you are looking for an upmarket, practical family car, but prefer understatement to ostentation, then the B-Class is for you." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Mercedes-Benz B-Class review
4. 2025 Peugeot E-Rifter
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 3.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 46.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hugely practical cabin | Entry-level models are a bit basic |
| Long model has space for seven | Lacks the image and style of an SUV |
| Excellent value for money | Connected services require a subscription after three years |
Van-based MPVs like the Peugeot E-Rifter (and its Citroen Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo Life cousins) don't appeal to the fashion-conscious. Peugeot has, however, tried to address this with some SUV styling cues. Full marks for trying, but really the Rifter is all about interior space and practicality. Being based on a small van is no bad thing if you want lots of space in a small package. There's lots of room for five passengers and a huge amount of luggage space.
The E-Rifter is a surprisingly pleasant car to drive and, as the name suggests, it’s a pure-electric model. Battery range fairly meagre, with a maximum of up to 213 miles depending on the model. If an electric car doesn’t work for you, though, there are plenty of older examples (called Rifter) available on the used market with a choice of fuel-efficient petrol or diesel engines, both of which suit the Rifter very well. As a broad guide for which to choose, the petrol plays the value-for-money card, but the diesels are better for high-mileage driving.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Rifter might not be the most luxurious people carrier on the market, or the best to drive, but it absolutely nails its core responsibility of fitting as many people as possible in comfort, with all of their stuff, too." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Peugeot Rifter review
5. 2025 Toyota Proace Verso EV
CarGurus expert rating: 4.3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enormously practical | Infotainment feels very out of date |
| Very solidly built | Not cheap |
| Comfortable and easy to drive | Entry model misses some important safety kit |
The Toyota Proace Verso EV is another big, van-based people carrier that offers vast interior space. It's available in Medium and Long body lengths with seating for up to nine, making it a great solution for very large families. Even with the seats in place, boot space is generous. An opening rear tailgate window on higher trims add to its everyday usability, making it a leftfield alternative to large SUVs.
The driving experience is geared towards comfort, with soft suspension that does a good job of soaking up bumps. Diesel engines were previously available but as of 2024 the Proace has been available only as a pure-electric model. Maximum battery range is 214 miles, which isn’t much compared with the latest electric SUVs but isn’t too bad considering the Proace’s size and bulk. Prices are rather high and the Proace’s infotainment system feels dated, but you might decide that Toyota's legendary reputation for reliability (and a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty if serviced at a Toyota dealer) is enough to make you overlook this. Bear in mind, too, that the Citroen Spacetourer is essentially the same car, with some styling and spec differences.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Practicality and versatility are the two areas in which any MPV needs to dazzle, and the Toyota Proace does just that. It’s also solidly made, pleasant to drive and comes with a cracking warranty." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Toyota Proace Verso review
6. 2025 Volkswagen Multivan
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 21.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Magnificently flexible interior | Relatively pricey |
| About as cool-looking as a van-shaped vehicle can get | Plug-in hybrid is heavy – which makes it thirsty |
| Car-like driving experience | Infotainment system is flawed |
The Volkswagen Multivan successfully blends the worlds of cars and vans, replacing the old Caravelle by using the same engineering platform as the VW Golf. This results in a much-improved driving experience that feels more like an SUV than a commercial vehicle. The real magic, however, is inside. Its interior flexibility includes a new modular system with up to seven seats that are 25% lighter, making them easier to slide, reconfigure, or remove completely. This allows for a multitude of passenger and luggage combinations, from a conference-style layout to a cavernous load-hauler. Huge sliding side doors and a vast boot opening make getting people or luggage in or out a doddle.
Power options include petrol engines and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version that offers up to 31 miles of electric-only driving, making it ideal for keeping running costs down on shorter trips. The Multivan is pricey to buy and has a fussy infotainment system but if you’re looking for a classy MPV that's immensely practical it’s a good option.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Multivan has the space, practicality and flexibility of a van, like the Caravelle before it. But now it’s got extra car-like appeal, with swisher looks and options, a nicer interior and a much improved driving experience." - Phill Tromans, contributor
Read our full Volkswagen Multivan review
7. 2025 Ford Tourneo Connect
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 26.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hugely spacious | Not as good to drive as most Fords |
| Economical diesels great for high-mileage drivers | Interior feels a bit utilitarian |
| Well equipped | No hybrid or electric version as yet |
The Ford Tourneo Connect is another supremely sensible, van-based MPV. It’s the result of a collaboration with Volkswagen, meaning it’s heavily based on the VW Caddy and shares its underpinnings with the VW Golf. This gives it more sophisticated road manners than you might expect.
Practicality is its greatest strength, though; the boot is simply cavernous, especially in the seven-seat Grand Tourneo Connect version. Even with all seats in place there's ample luggage room, but fold the third row down and you get a massive 1,720 litres of space. Access is easy thanks to sliding rear doors, and even adults can fit in the third row, making it a truly versatile family hauler. While it’s better value and better equipped than its VW Caddy cousin, the Tourneo has a similarly fiddly touchscreen infotainment system and a rather more utilitarian feel inside.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The practical, boxy Tourneo Connect is family motoring in thoroughly sensible shoes: it does a great job of hauling a family and all its stuff around effectively and without fuss." - Matt Rigby, contributor
Read our full Ford Tourneo Connect review
8. 2025 Dacia Jogger
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 39.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding value | Seats lack support |
| Willing engine | Poor safety rating |
| Seven seats as standard | Lots of engine and tyre noise |
The Dacia Jogger’s biggest selling point is its incredible value, offering seven seats for the price of a supermini. Based on the same platform as the Sandero, Dacia has stretched the wheelbase and body to create a genuinely spacious and practical family car. Is it an MPV, an SUV or an estate car? In truth it looks like a mash-up of all three, but it works.
All models come with seven seats, and while the 212-litre boot with all seats in place is modest, the rearmost seats can be folded or removed entirely. Weighing only 10kg each, removing them is a simple task and opens up a van-like load area. Passenger space is impressive in all three rows, with enough headroom and legroom for adults to travel in the back without feeling cramped. You can opt for petrol power or there’s a hybrid that gives almost 60mpg, according to official figures. The Jogger drives well enough but engine, wind, and tyre noise are all noticeable due to minimal sound deadening. Likewise, the interior technology is basic. Entry-level models use a smartphone app for infotainment, although higher trims have an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety equipment is rudimentary too, hence a one-star (out of five) rating from Euro NCAP.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Given its incredibly low price, the Dacia Jogger would find an audience even if it wasn’t very good. The fact it actually performs well in terms of practicality, engine performance, equipment and running costs could make it a surprise hit with families who previously thought a used seven-seater was the only option." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Dacia Jogger review
9. 2025 Citroen Spacetourer
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hugely roomy and versatile | Seats don't fold into the floor |
| Up to nine seats inside | Wallowy cornering |
| Good value for money | Short range of electric model |
The Citroen Spacetourer is unapologetically a van with seats. Its core purpose is to move lots of people, so if you're after an MPV that’s basically a minibus this could be the car for you. There’s seating for up to nine passengers depending on the configuration. The interior is a masterclass in practicality, with two rows of rear seats that can slide on rails or be removed entirely, allowing for a multitude of passenger and cargo combinations. Be warned, however, that – unlike in many rivals – the seats don't fold into the floor. They're heavy, cumbersome and if you take them out you'll need a place to store them.
The Spacetourer is a big car and you’re aware of the its bulk on a country road or when negotiating a tightly-packed car park, but its soft ride and elevated driving position make it a generally easygoing companion. The pure-electric e-Spacetourer model offers a smooth and near-silent drive that adds to the laid-back vibe, although an official range of 215 miles is on the short side. Alternatively, there a range of diesel engines, and each gives decent performance. While the interior plastics feel basic, all models have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support; higher trims add desirable features such as keyless entry and heated seats.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Volkswagen, Mercedes, and Ford all make their own versions of this sort of thing that feel a little classier and are better to drive. But if you don’t care too much about that, the Spacetourer is a good-value option that’s surprisingly relaxing to drive and very comfortable." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Citroen Spacetourer review
10. 2025 Volkswagen Caddy Life
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 13.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Practical no-nonsense motoring | Entry-level model a bit spartan |
| Feels very car-like to drive | No hybrid or electric options |
| Huge boot, even in seven-seat models | Seating layout not as flexible as some equivalent SUVs |
Look familiar? It ought to, since the Volkswagen Caddy Life is the basis for the Ford Tourneo Connect we mentioned earlier. Based on the same underpinnings as the VW Golf, it’s available in standard and long-wheelbase 'Maxi' forms, with either five or seven seats. Its greatest strength is practicality, highlighted by family-friendly sliding side doors and a massive boot, which offers a cavernous 1,213 litres of space in the standard five-seat model. While the rear seats don't fold flat into the floor as they do in some rivals, they can be removed entirely, transforming the Caddy into a proper van for maximum carrying capacity.
Despite its van-based origins, the Caddy Life is surprisingly good to drive, with stable handling and a comfortable ride that feels more like a car than a commercial vehicle. Buyers can choose between a 112bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine or a 2.0-litre diesel, with the latter being the better option for those regularly carrying heavy loads. Running costs are reasonable, with the diesel engines capable of returning between 55mpg and 58mpg, while the petrol offers up to 44mpg.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you want the most space possible, without getting something massive (or an SUV), then the Volkswagen Caddy is well worth a look." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Volkswagen Caddy Life review
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most practical MPV for a large family?
For very large families, van-based MPVs offer the most space and flexibility. The Citroen Spacetourer and Toyota Proace Verso are top choices, offering configurations with up to nine seats. Their huge interiors and sliding doors are designed to handle the demands of a big family with ease.
Are there any good electric MPVs?
Yes, the electric MPV market is growing. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a standout choice, combining unique retro styling with a spacious, high-quality interior and a respectable electric range. For a more budget-conscious option, the Peugeot E-Rifter provides great practicality and low running costs, though its electric range is better suited to shorter journeys.
I'm on a tight budget. What is the best value MPV?
The Dacia Jogger is unbeatable for value. It offers seven seats as standard for the price of many city cars. While it's basic in some areas, it delivers on the core MPV promises of space, practicality, and low running costs, making it an excellent choice for families who need a new seven-seater without a large financial outlay.
Should I buy a van-based MPV?
Van-based MPVs like the Ford Tourneo Connect, Volkswagen Caddy Life, and Peugeot Rifter are among the most practical cars on the market. They offer enormous boot space, family-friendly sliding doors, and roomy cabins. The trade-off is often a more utilitarian interior and a less refined driving experience compared with car-based MPVs or SUVs. If maximum space for your money is the top priority, they are an excellent and sensible choice.
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To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners - people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in December 2025. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.