Most reliable family cars
Your whistle-stop tour of some of the most reliable family cars on the used and new market
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The most reliable family car is the one that’ll have your back in all situations.
Nobody wants a car that’s always in the garage, but things like fuel efficiency, boot space, and a hard-wearing build are also important for a reliable family car.
So, if you’re shopping for your next family vehicle, which models are worth considering?
We weigh up reliable hatchbacks, SUVs, saloons, and more to find your perfect match.
Get the details in our guide below.
Why reliability matters for family cars
Reliability is a non-negotiable for most car owners. But for families with packed schedules and precious cargo on board it can be a top priority.
Reliability extends further than just the quality of the car. A good range of safety features, a high safety rating, impressive fuel efficiency, and an interior that can withstand the kids (and maybe even pets) are also important to consider.
Boot and cabin space can also be important. Can you rely on the boot to fit everything your family needs, and will they all sit comfortably on long journeys?
Most reliable new family cars
Most reliable used family cars
Most reliable family SUVs
Most reliable small family cars
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Most reliable new family cars in the UK
Toyota Corolla
 "Toyota Corolla exterior")
Toyota is one of the most reliable car brands on the market, so the Corolla is a top contender for a reliable family car.
You’ll struggle to find a reliability survey that doesn’t feature the Toyota Corolla. It crops up on ‘most reliable car’ lists often and is hailed as one of the most dependable picks on the market.
Corolla buyers also tend to vouch for its reliability in forums, which can often mean more than the surveys because reports come straight from the people driving them.
And it earned a full five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2019, with safety tech like intelligent adaptive cruise control, pre-collision detection, and lane departure warning.
You’ll find a 261-litre boot at the rear that can fit a push chair, but the high boot lip can be annoying to lift over – if we’re being picky.
Impressively, Toyota claims the Corolla 1.8-litre hybrid can achieve up to 64.1mpg.
Ford Focus
 "Ford Focus driving")
It’s an icon on UK roads for good reason – the Ford Focus is a reliable family car, and it’s pretty compelling in all the other ways that matter.
It’s consistently placing high on reliability surveys, and it’s an easy model to maintain since parts are cheap and accessible.
The Focus was last rated by Euro NCAP in 2018 and pulled off a five-star rating. It can come with safety tech like the Pre-Collision Assist system that keeps an eye out for hazards.
It’s also an efficient choice, with Ford claiming you can achieve up to 57.6mpg from the 1.5-litre 116hp EcoBlue diesel (though you can only find these on the used market now).
Plus, you’ve got 375-litre boot in the hatchback model (just slightly smaller than the VW Golf) or 575 litres in the estate.
Most reliable used family cars in the UK
BMW 3 Series
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A great option for a used family car is the BMW 3 Series – particularly as you’re getting that premium BMW feeling for less than it would be brand-new.
The benefit of choosing a used example from a slightly pricier brand with a quality reputation is that you’re getting something built to last.
In other words, you and your family can depend on it.
The stats back this up, as well. The 3 Series is often topping reliability surveys and forums have good things to say.
But, while the 3 Series is seen as a reliable, luxurious option, it’s also practical for family life. Between the five-star Euro NCAP safety rating (2019) and the 480-litre boot – it ticks plenty of boxes.
The 320i gets up to 43.5mpg, but there’s an appealing 217.3mpg maximum claim if you spring for the 330e plug-in hybrid. And you’ll still get plenty of poke from both.
Hyundai i20
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The Hyundai i20 has a pretty stellar reputation as a car that’s reliable and built to last. Reliability reviews are positive, with chatter in forums praising the maintenance costs and overall finish.
Its interior feels comfortable but still hard-wearing, and it’s a box ticker for family life.
A 352-litre boot will suit plenty of families, especially as you can fold down the seats to reveal a 1,042-litre loading space when you need it.
Fuel efficiency doesn’t disappoint, as the i20 claims an impressive 54.3mpg from the 1.0 T-GDI engine.
Euro NCAP scored it a four-star rating in 2021, so slightly lower than others on the list but still bringing safety tech like blind spot monitoring and lane-keep assist.
Plus, since it’s a Hyundai, you get the excellent five-year, unlimited mileage warranty that stays with the car, so you can enjoy it with a used example until it’s five years old.
Most reliable family SUVs
Volvo XC40
 "Volvo XC40 exterior")
It feels like every family in the UK fancies themselves an SUV at this point, and the Volvo XC40 is a reliable option that doesn’t cut corners anywhere.
Volvos are the thinking person’s choice in the premium SUV segment – not always the most obvious, but the XC40 is stylish, spacious, and it’ll always have your back.
Discussion in the forums has the XC40 pegged as a once-a-year wonder, needing little more than a regular service to keep it happy.
It easily pulled off a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2018, no less than we’d expect from the brand that brought us the seatbelt.
And the entry-level B3 will give you us up to 42.7mpg – not bad at all for such a solid SUV.
Lexus NX
 "Lexus NX side")
Not only is it a good-looking car, but the Lexus NX SUV has a reliability reputation that’s hard to beat. If you didn’t know, Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand, so that might explain things.
It regularly tops reliability surveys, and you’ll find plenty of praise in reviews. That also makes sense when you learn it comes from Toyota RAV4 underpinnings.
It seems that upkeep is minimal and there are rarely issues outside of normal wear and tear, so it’s one of the most reliable family cars you could ask for.
The NX was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2022 and includes safety features like risk avoidance emergency steering and road sign assist displays.
Boot space is impressive for its class as well, with a 521-litre gap to fill with pushchairs and luggage.
Most reliable small family cars
Kia Picanto
 "Kia Picanto exterior")
If you want something smaller than an SUV, one of the best reliable family cars on the market is the perky Kia Picanto.
All Kia cars come with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty that’s transferable to new owners – so you could still reap the benefits if you buy used.
You’ll spot the Picanto on reliability leaderboards often, though its Euro NCAP safety rating was only three-stars before it expired. The rating increases to four stars if you pick a model with the extra safety kit. This was an optional extra on the ‘2’ trim, or standard on the ‘3’.
Fuel efficiency is impressive, with the 1.0-litre engine getting up to 58.9mpg.
Toyota Yaris
 "Toyota Yaris exterior")
We know the Toyota brand does well for reliability, so it’s likely no surprise to see the quirky little Yaris as a contender for the best small reliable family car.
It only takes a quick search to see that the Yaris is no stranger to a high score in reliability surveys, and their popularity means parts are easy to come by and not too expensive.
Owners also tend to be happy with their Yaris (Yarises? Yarii?) and rave about their reliability in forums.
Maybe the 286-litre boot leaves a bit to be desired if you compare it to SUVs on this list, but it stands up well among cars in its own class.
There’s no debate when it comes to efficiency, though. The official stats claim a 1.5-litre hybrid Yaris can get up to 68.9mpg.
What’s the most reliable family car?
The most reliable car is going to be the one that’s dependable for your needs. We can recommend cars that have great reliability reputations, but there are other things to keep in mind.
Whether you want something with great fuel efficiency, impressive safety credentials, or ease of upkeep, put your needs first when searching for the right fit.
We’d also recommend looking at other running costs, like tax and car insurance.
Hopefully, since our list covers hatchbacks, saloons, and SUVs, you’ve got a good starting point to find your perfect reliable family car.
FAQs about reliable family cars
Are SUVs more reliable than smaller family cars?
This depends on the SUV you choose, as some do tend to have a better reliability reputation. There’s no hard rule here, so it depends on the family hatchbacks and SUVs you’re comparing.
What are the best reliable used family cars?
Two examples include the BMW 3 Series and Hyundai i20, as we mentioned in this list, but the best reliable used family cars are the ones that suit your needs. Consider safety, space, fuel efficiency, and tech to decide the best model for you.
How can I check a car's reliability rating?
A quick search for the reliability of any car you’re looking at should bring up some surveys and forums that give you an idea of the general consensus. There isn’t an official ruling though.
Euro NCAP safety ratings can also be a useful measure of how safe your car is, and usually, how well it’s built.
Find a reliable family car at cinch
Buying a reliable used car is a good way to save some money upfront, and during your ownership, thanks to costly repair bills.
We have plenty of used and nearly new models to choose from. Take a look at our full range of reliable used cars.
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