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

Citroen e-C5 Aircross: long-term test review
Citroen e-C5 Aircross - header with daughter

Citroen e-C5 Aircross: long-term test review

Second fleetwatch report: the e-C5 Aircross surprised me by proving a bright cabin doesn’t need a glass roof
Long-term tests
27 Jul 2026
Best cars to own: Driver Power 2026 results
Driver Power 2026 header

Best cars to own: Driver Power 2026 results

The winners and losers in the UK's biggest automotive consumer survey. It’s the 2026 Driver Power results
News
23 Jul 2026
Best hybrid SUVs to buy 2026
Best hybrid SUVs - March 2026 header image

Best hybrid SUVs to buy 2026

Plenty of SUVs now come with hybrid power, and we’ve picked out the very best buys on today’s market
Best cars & vans
20 Jul 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Kodiaq vRS is a fast car for all the family at only £336 a month
Skoda Kodiaq vRS cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Kodiaq vRS is a fast car for all the family at only £336 a month

Powerful and practical, the muscular Czech SUV is our Deal of the Day for July 17
News
17 Jul 2026

Most Popular

Tesla Model 3 vs Mazda 6e: Japanese newcomer takes on EV royalty
Tesla Model 3 vs Mazda 6e - front tracking

Tesla Model 3 vs Mazda 6e: Japanese newcomer takes on EV royalty

Can Mazda’s link-up with Changan Automobile see the brand’s new 6e challenge Tesla’s popular Model 3 EV?
Car group tests
25 Jul 2026
I love electric cars, but I won’t buy one until they get cheaper
Opinion - EV charging

I love electric cars, but I won’t buy one until they get cheaper

Mike Rutherford is a big fan of electric cars, but still thinks they're just too expensive to buy, insure and run
Opinion
26 Jul 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Form an orderly queue – Audi Q7 for under £550 a month
Audi Q7 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Form an orderly queue – Audi Q7 for under £550 a month

With big SUV set for imminent replacement, now’s a good time to secure Audi’s outgoing Q7 – our Deal of the Day for 24 July.
News
24 Jul 2026