Best MPVs and People Carriers to Buy in 2025
Searching for the perfect family car? We've rounded up the best MPVs and people carriers, focusing on the space, comfort, and value you need. Find your ideal ride.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 08 September 2025 | 3 mins read
Once upon a time, if you had a growing family, the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) was the obvious choice. These practical people carriers were designed to make life easier, with versatile interiors, plenty of seats, and enough space for everything from the weekly shop to holiday luggage.
But then, the SUV came along. Suddenly, everyone wanted a car with a high driving position and a rugged look, and the humble MPV started to feel a bit... unfashionable. Big names like the Ford S-Max and Volkswagen Sharan have disappeared from showrooms, leaving many to wonder if the MPV has had its day.
Well, we're here to tell you that it hasn't. For those who prioritise space, comfort, and sheer practicality over chunky styling, an MPV is still the smartest choice. They often offer better value and more clever features than an SUV of a similar size. So, if you're ready to look beyond the SUV trend, we've rounded up the best MPVs and people carriers on the market to help you find the perfect fit for your family.
Our top MPVs and people carriers for 2025
1. Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Best for: Style and electric driving
It’s hard not to fall for the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. It perfectly captures the charm of the classic VW Type 2 camper van and updates it for the electric age. It’s not just about looks, though. The ID. Buzz is incredibly practical, with a massive interior that makes it one of the most versatile electric cars you can buy.
Originally launched as a five-seater, it’s now available as a long-wheelbase version with seven seats, making it even more family-friendly. The powerful electric motor provides a punchy, quiet drive, and while the official range is up to 260 miles, you can expect a more realistic 236 miles in everyday conditions. The biggest hurdles are its high price and some fiddly infotainment controls, but if you want an electric MPV that’s bursting with character, the ID. Buzz is a clear winner.
2. Dacia Jogger
Best for: Unbeatable value
If you think a new seven-seater is out of your budget, the Dacia Jogger is here to prove you wrong. It offers incredible value, costing less than many small hatchbacks. But don't let the low price fool you; this is a seriously capable family car.
The Jogger provides genuine space for seven, although the rearmost seats are best for kids. It’s also available as a hybrid, which is great for keeping running costs down. The interior feels a bit basic and the petrol engine can feel sluggish when fully loaded, but these are minor complaints when you consider the price. Its one-star safety rating from Euro NCAP might give some pause, but it’s worth noting that testing standards have become much stricter, and the Jogger still comes with essential safety features like six airbags and automatic emergency braking. For sheer practicality on a budget, nothing comes close.
3. Volkswagen Multivan
Best for: Van-like space, car-like driving
Don’t let the name fool you. While the Volkswagen Multivan looks like a van, it’s built on the same platform as the VW Golf, which means it drives with the comfort and refinement of a car. It offers a smooth ride, accurate steering, and a range of punchy engines, including petrol, diesel, and a plug-in hybrid.
Inside, the Multivan is simply enormous. It comes with seven individual seats that can slide, swivel, or be removed entirely, offering incredible flexibility. Long-wheelbase versions provide almost limitless space, although you might struggle to fit a pushchair in the boot of the standard model when all seven seats are in use. The interior is a step up from typical van-based MPVs, with a modern digital dashboard. It's a pricey option, but for large families needing maximum versatility, it’s hard to beat.
4. Volkswagen Touran
Best for: A high-quality all-rounder
The Volkswagen Touran is the sensible, reliable friend of the MPV world. It might not be the most exciting car on this list, but it does everything you ask of it exceptionally well. It combines the premium feel of a VW Golf with the practicality of a seven-seater.
All five rear seats have ISOFIX points, and there’s enough room for adults to sit comfortably in the third row. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is smooth and powerful enough for a fully loaded car, and the Touran handles corners with more composure than many van-based rivals. It’s a bit like the Swiss Army knife of family cars—functional, well-made, and ready for anything.
5. Ford Galaxy
Best for: Maximum space and comfort
The Ford Galaxy is made for families who need real room to spread out. Adults can actually relax in all three rows, which makes longer journeys far more pleasant. There’s loads of flexibility in the seating, so you can easily switch from carrying the whole crew to loading up shopping, sports gear, or flat-pack furniture.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine is both strong and smooth, handling busy days and motorway trips with ease. It’s not flashy, but the Galaxy shines at making life simpler for busy families. Built for comfort and practicality, it’s like taking your living room on the road—relaxed, reliable, and ready for whatever the week brings.
6. BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
Best for: A premium, fun-to-drive option
Who says an MPV can’t be fun to drive? The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer proves that you can have practicality without sacrificing driver enjoyment. It offers a classy, well-built interior and the agile handling you’d expect from a BMW.
It’s only a five-seater, but there’s generous space for passengers, especially in the rear. A sliding rear bench allows you to prioritise legroom or boot space, adding a layer of flexibility. The engine range includes smooth mild-hybrid petrols, a diesel, and two impressive plug-in hybrids that offer up to 56 miles of electric range. It’s a premium choice, but it delivers a polished and engaging experience.