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 C5 Aircross review
Citroen C5 Aircross - front tracking

Citroen C5 Aircross review

The Citroen C5 Aircross is a comfortable, practical and great-value family SUV that’s well worth considering
In-depth reviews
23 Oct 2026
Best used electric cars to buy 2026
Best used electric cars - header image

Best used electric cars to buy 2026

Looking to join the EV revolution but have a smaller budget? Here are the best used electric cars to buy
Best cars & vans
22 Oct 2026
Citroen e-C5 Aircross: long-term test review
Citroen e-C5 Aircross - pothole header

Citroen e-C5 Aircross: long-term test review

Final report: Brand is going beyond to make life a little more comfortable
Long-term tests
21 Oct 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Citroen C5 Aircross offers tons of comfort for £210 a month
Citroen C5 Aircross - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Citroen C5 Aircross offers tons of comfort for £210 a month

The Citroen C5 Aircross is an excellent family SUV – and very affordable. It’s our Deal of the Day for 19 October.
News
19 Oct 2026

Most Popular

Used Car of the Year 2026 is the Hyundai Ioniq 5
Used Car of the Year 2026 - Hyundai Ioniq 5

Used Car of the Year 2026 is the Hyundai Ioniq 5

While you can’t go wrong with any of our Used Car Awards winners for 2026, the Hyundai rose above the rest
News
21 Oct 2026
New Chery Tiggo X7 revealed: who knew a Tiggo could get so tough?
Chery Tiggo X7 - front 3/4

New Chery Tiggo X7 revealed: who knew a Tiggo could get so tough?

Chery's new Tiggo X7 SUV promises greater off-road ability than the standard Tiggo 7, but UK launch plans remain unclear
News
21 Oct 2026
Tories spark rumours of 'heavy car tax' in Labour budget - here’s what it could cost
Land Rover Defender V8 - front cornering

Tories spark rumours of 'heavy car tax' in Labour budget - here’s what it could cost

The Conservative Party is claiming that Chancellor John Healey may bring a weight-based car tax supplement in with the next budget
News
23 Oct 2026