Skip advert
Advertisement

Top 10 best cars for practicality and space

Driver Power asked UK new car buyers about their cars' practicality and boot space. These are the top ten highest rated

  • Covering: Flexibility and versatility of the seats, boot capacity and versatility, cabin storage space, child-friendly features
  • Winner: Lexus RX Mk4
  • Score: 95.15%

It’s probably no surprise to find a big SUV leading the practicality category, but the luxurious Lexus has really proved its mettle here by beating some more practical brands to the prize. It hasn’t done it by having the most satisfying luggage area though, because roomy as the RX’s boot is, it only ranks 14th for satisfaction. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

However, if you’re looking for a car with great cabin storage, superb child-friendly features and flexible, versatile seating, the RX is the SUV for you – it’s ranked in first position for the first two attributes, while placing second for the third.

More practical brands aren’t left out in the cold, though, because the Lexus only just beats the Subaru Outback and Skoda Kodiaq. The Kia Sorento makes another appearance at fourth followed by the Subaru Forester in fifth.

Of all the cars in the category, the Outback has the most pleasing luggage capacity, say owners, while the Kodiaq clinches the top spot for the most flexible and versatile seating.

Your view

“Wipe-clean upholstery is ideal with the grandchildren. Plenty of space for most people, and with the seats down, load capacity is great.”

Practicality and space top 10

ModelClassOverall PositionOverall ScoreCategory Score
1. Lexus RX Mk4Premium Mid to Large SUV3rd92.15%95.15%
2. Subaru Outback Mk6Mid to Large SUV5th91.73%95.06%
3. Skoda KodiaqMid to Large SUV14th91.05%94.98%
4. Kia Sorento Mk4Mid to Large SUV2nd92.44%94.86%
5. Subaru Forester Mk5Mid to Large SUV29th90.07%94.26%
6. Volkswagen T-CrossSmall SUV21st90.72%93.22%
7. Land Rover Discovery SportPremium Mid to Large SUV49th89.07%93.68%
8. Kia EV6Family Car7th91.50%93.68%
9. Audi Q3 Mk2Premium Small SUV27th90.36%93.24%
10. Citroen C5 AircrossMid to Large SUV56th88.46%92.86%
Driver Power car ownership

Now tell us about your car in the Driver Power survey...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best electric cars to buy 2024
Best electric cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Best electric cars to buy 2024

These are the EVs that should be on your shortlist if you’re thinking about making the switch
17 May 2024
Kia EV6 gets bigger battery, interior upgrades and EV9-inspired facelift
2024 Kia EV6 GT Line - front static
News

Kia EV6 gets bigger battery, interior upgrades and EV9-inspired facelift

The facelifted EV6 should arrive in UK showrooms before the end of the year
14 May 2024
First look at new look Kia EV6: full reveal just weeks away
KIA EV6 Teaser front light
News

First look at new look Kia EV6: full reveal just weeks away

The first official images of the facelifted EV6 confirm it will sport a fresh new look influenced by the seven-seat EV9
2 May 2024
Best 7-seater cars to buy 2024
Best 7-seater cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Best 7-seater cars to buy 2024

We pick the best seven-seater cars across a wide range of price points
1 May 2024

Most Popular

Mercedes says ‘no thank you’ to EQ: EV brand to be axed
Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 - EQS badge
News

Mercedes says ‘no thank you’ to EQ: EV brand to be axed

Mercedes will roll back EQ branding for its electric cars as the first generation of EV models reaches the end of its lifecycle.
15 May 2024
Ooh la la: new DS flagship to get inspiration from world’s coolest car
DS flagship - exclusive image
News

Ooh la la: new DS flagship to get inspiration from world’s coolest car

The iconic Citroen DS was voted the world’s coolest car by our readers and now DS is aiming for the same success with its new premium flagship
15 May 2024
UK faces “epidemic” of young uninsured drivers
Car crash
News

UK faces “epidemic” of young uninsured drivers

The number of young people convicted of driving without insurance has tripled since 2021, due to sky-rocketing premiums
17 May 2024