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

Car Deal of the Day: Comfy Citroen C5 Aircross for a cool £188 a month
Citroen C5 Aircross - full front

Car Deal of the Day: Comfy Citroen C5 Aircross for a cool £188 a month

It may be brand new, but the Citroen C5 Aircross is currently the cheapest mid-sized family SUV on our marketplace. It’s our Deal of the Day for 20 J…
News
20 Jan 2026
Used Skoda Kodiaq (Mk1, 2017-2024) review
Skoda Kodiaq - static

Used Skoda Kodiaq (Mk1, 2017-2024) review

A full used buyer’s guide on the Skoda Kodiaq covering the Kodiaq Mk1 (2017-2024)
Used car tests
14 Jan 2026
Audi Q3 review
Audi Q3 - front tracking

Audi Q3 review

The latest Q3 is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but it’s an upmarket compact SUV that’s good to drive
In-depth reviews
14 Jan 2026
Best new car deals 2026: Wallet-pleasing offers available right now
Best new car deals January 2026

Best new car deals 2026: Wallet-pleasing offers available right now

Fancy a brand new car and want to pay for it monthly, but don’t know where to start? We’ve scoured the market for the very best offers available right…
Best cars & vans
6 Jan 2026

Most Popular

Vauxhall sales are up because it’s not greedy, unlike some of its rivals
Opinion - Vauxhall

Vauxhall sales are up because it’s not greedy, unlike some of its rivals

Mike Rutherford takes a closer look at the UK new car sales figures from 2025
Opinion
18 Jan 2026
New AUDI E5 Sportback 2026 review: the best car Audi has built in decades
AUDI E5 Sportback - front tracking

New AUDI E5 Sportback 2026 review: the best car Audi has built in decades

This is the first car from Audi's China-focused sub-brand, and it's a real shame that we won't be getting it
Road tests
16 Jan 2026
Tesla Model Y vs Kia EV5 vs Smart #5: is the new cut-price Tesla electric SUV king?
Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5, and Smart #5 - front angled

Tesla Model Y vs Kia EV5 vs Smart #5: is the new cut-price Tesla electric SUV king?

The electric SUV class is hotting up with new Kia EV5 and Smart #5, plus an entry-level version of Tesla’s Model Y
Car group tests
17 Jan 2026