Family Cars That Won't End in Arguments

Top Tips,Used Cars,SERE Group News

17 April 2025

Choosing a family car can be a headache, especially if you aren’t sure what you need and what will make life that bit easier. Will it be reliable? Will it keep everyone safe? Will the kids fit post growth-spurt? Will everyone be comfortable? Will the cupholders fit my Stanley? These are all equally reasonable questions to ask, and it might seem impossible to have it all, but we’re here to tell you that there are cars out there that will tick all your boxes. 

We’re all about finding you a car that you love that suits your budget and works with your family and their needs. So, let’s talk about what to look for in a family car and which models would suit different families (and help avoid tantrums) ... Or you can bypass all the reading and contact us now

FIND YOUR PERFECT FAMILY CAR

What Makes a Great Family Car?

When you’ve got a car full of kid, pets, buggies, bikes, kit, and everything in between, your car needs to work with you and pull its weight. Look out for: 

  • Boot space: if you know you’re going to need a lot of room for school bags, big weekly shops, sports kits, or prams and buggies, then you’ll need a car with a big boot. Make sure to test this out when taking a test drive (pop the buggy in the boot!) 
  • Legroom and headspace: whether your children are young and tiny or grown and tall already, making sure they have space to grow into or stretch out is vital, especially if they’re squished in the back with siblings. 
  • Safety features: ISOFIX, lane assist, auto emergency braking, pedestrian detection systems, park assist... Modern cars have a huge range of different safety features to make your journey that bit easier.  
  • In car technology: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, rear seat USB ports, and a decent infotainment system goes a long way in long family trips. 
  • Fuel efficiency and tax: If you’re going to be doing a lot of driving then it’s worth looking into fuel efficiency and how much you’ll get for your buck. Smaller engines, hybrids, and electrics: big savings.  
  • Affordability: You don’t need to be buying brand new to get everything you want! Our used car stock gives you top models and we always work to find you the best deal possible.  

Top Family Cars Worth Shouting About (Without Anyone Actually Shouting)

SEAT Tarraco

If you're after a big SUV that doesn’t feel like steering a barge, the SEAT Tarraco is your mate, plus it’s a 7-seater, which means no more arguing over who sits where. It’s loaded with smart tech, handles like a dream, and it’s actually stylish. Plus, it’s won Best Used Large Family Car from CarBuyer Best Car Awards 2025 so you know it's not just a pretty face. 

  • ✅ 5⭐ safety rating 
  • ✅ Multiple ISOFIX points 
  • ✅ Smooth drive and easy to park 
  • ✅ Loads of cubbies and rear air vents 
  • ✅ Boot size is 700+ litres with the third row folded 

SEAT Leon

Don’t be fooled by its sleek looks - the SEAT Leon is a proper all-rounder for families who want practicality and personality without jumping on the SUV bandwagon. It’s comfortable, efficient, and surprisingly spacious for a hatchback. Whether you're doing the school run or the supermarket sweep, it handles it all without breaking a sweat (or the bank). Plus, it’s packed with clever tech and safety features that make it feel more like a premium car than a practical one. 

  • ✅ Big 380L boot (up to 1,300L with seats down) 
  • ✅ ISOFIX in the rear + wide door opening for car seats 
  • ✅ Super fuel-efficient (especially the hybrid and diesel versions) 
  • ✅ Smart, intuitive infotainment system 
  • ✅ 5⭐ Euro NCAP safety rating 
  • ✅ Stylish but understated  

KGM Torres

Looking for something fresh and full of clever design? The KGM Torres is for you - KGM’s bold, practical, and value-packed SUV. It’s family-first with rugged looks, generous interior space, and smart storage solutions that genuinely work. If you’ve never considered KGM before, this is the one to start with. 

  • ✅ 703L boot space 
  • ✅ Rear USB ports and clever cabin storage 
  • ✅ 12.3” digital display and touchscreen 
  • ✅ Strong safety spec across the range 

*Brand new and still affordable, plus you get KGM’s 5-year warranty for extra peace of mind. Also available as an electric.  

Peugeot 5008 

Stylish and versatile, the 5008 feels a bit more premium than you'd expect. It’s a proper 7-seater but drives like a hatchback and looks like something from the future. 

  • ✅ Fully independent rear seats 
  • ✅ Over 1,000L of boot space (with rear seats down) 
  • ✅ Efficient petrol and diesel options 
  • ✅ Minimalist digital dash 
  • ✅ Lots of family-friendly storage 

Skoda Kodiaq 

One of the most practical large SUVs out there. Super spacious, reliable, and often cheaper than its VW cousin, the Tiguan Allspace. 

  • ✅ Huge boot + optional 7 seats 
  • ✅ Great safety features + crash test results 
  • ✅ Solid resale value 
  • ✅ Comfortable ride even when fully loaded 
  • ✅ Loads of storage and thoughtful touches 

Hyundai IONIQ 5 

The IONIQ 5 isn’t just an electric car; it’s a spaceship in disguise. With SUV levels of space inside, ultra-fast charging, and back-seat legroom that rivals some luxury saloons, it’s made for modern families on the move. It's also packed with clever tech, safety systems, and creature comforts that make life behind the wheel feel effortless - even when the kids aren’t. 

  • ✅ Massive rear legroom - teenagers won't complain 
  • ✅ 5⭐ Euro NCAP safety rating 
  • ✅ 527L boot space (plus front boot for cables/essentials!) 
  • ✅ Sliding centre console and rear seats for flexible layout 
  • ✅ Multiple USB ports and V2L (vehicle-to-load) function to power devices 

Volkswagen Tiguan

The VW Tiguan is like the calm, capable parent in the car park. It’s solid, safe, and surprisingly spacious, with VW’s signature no-nonsense build quality. Whether you're hauling kids to football practice or heading off on a family road trip, the Tiguan feels refined and reassuring. It’s not flashy, but it’s seriously dependable—and that’s exactly what many families are after.

  • ✅ 5⭐ Euro NCAP safety rating
  • ✅ Flexible rear seating and sliding bench for extra legroom or boot space
  • ✅ 615L boot (with seats slid forward)
  • ✅ ISOFIX on outer rear seats
  • ✅ Comfortable, quiet ride
  • ✅ Clean, easy-to-use infotainment system

Want to Save While You Upgrade? 

You don’t need to break the bank to upgrade your family’s wheels. Our used cars are available on finance with transparent pricing, and full-service history where available. Whether you’re shopping with a £15k budget or going up to £25k and beyond, we’ll help you find a car that won’t leave you skint - or stuck at the side of the road. 

Pop in, Have a Look, Bring the Kids (or Don’t) 

We get that choosing a family car is a big decision, so we encourage you to come have a look around, ask loads of questions, and try a few out for size. We’re not pushy at SERE Motors, we’re just your used car dealer in Belfast and Lisburn here to help you find a car that makes your life easier. 

Visit us at SERE Motors in Belfast or Lisburn or browse our used car stock online anytime. 

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*T&Cs apply. Spec may not apply to every model

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