When choosing the best estate for your own personal needs, you need to consider factors beyond just range and price.
Here’s what to look for:
Interior space
Why it matters: Estates are some of the most practical cars on the market, so you must be maximising their capabilities.
• Boot space: how much can you fit in the back? Is there a load lip?
• Leg room: Can your family comfortably sit in the back?
• Storage: Are there any storage boxes or hidden compartments so you can safely store your personal items?
Powertrain
Why it matters: Estates are available with all types of powertrains: petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric.
• Petrol and diesel estates are often cheaper than electric models, and will sometimes be more efficient in day-to-day driving.
• Home charging (EV and PHEV only): Check if it supports 7kW or 11kW AC charging for overnight top-ups.
• Rapid charging (EV and PHEV only): Look for 150kW-plus DC charging to add significant range in 30 minutes.
Technology
Why it matters: A car is your second most expensive purchase and you will likely have it for at least three years, so you will want equipment and technology that keeps your car feeling modern.
• Navigation: Look for built-in route planners that include the ability to map charging stops.
• Assistance: Features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blindspot monitoring and a 360deg camera make large cars easier to handle.
• Entertainment: Rear-seat charging ports and screens can be valuable for families.
How to decide if you actually need an estate car
An estate car makes sense if:
• You need lots of passenger and boot space.
• You regularly carry lots of bags, cargo or sports equipment.
• You prefer a lighter, better-driving car compared with a large SUV.