CompleteCar
Ask Us Anything

Which big car for a growing family?

Hi guys,

I love your website and the reviews are great.

I have a family of two girls under three with third child due in two months! We have a Kia Sportage that is full with two baby car seats and have no space for a third. We have the need to upgrade. Currently considering the Volvo XC90 as it seems to have the best third-row option - I really can't see myself driving a Galaxy... We have been looking at 2016/2018 models.

Are we better off waiting and seeing what happens? Any advice on what you would recommend would be great - open to suggestions.

Thanks

Colm Fuller (Dublin)

Apr 2020 Filed under: family car


Expert answer

Hi Colm,

Well, in terms of ’seeing what happens’, how long have you got? The first thing I’d say is that you shouldn’t rule out cars like the Galaxy, the SEAT Alhambra, the VW Sharan and especially the Ford S-Max. I know MPVs are not as fashionable as SUVs, but when you’ve got kids to haul around, they really do make a huge amount of sense. Plus, if you were to go for the S-Max, you’d be getting a car that’s brilliant to drive, too. Get it in a smart metallic colour with nice alloys and it looks good, as well.

If you’re determined to get an SUV, then yes — the XC90 is probably the best of them, and reliable too. The Hyundai Santa Fe is well worth a look as well (although its third row isn’t as roomy as that of the Volvo’s) as is the Kia Sportage (one of our favourite SUVs, actually).

But seriously, go for the S-Max.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe


Read all questions...