For families, the car market is currently dominated by crossovers and small SUVs, but not so long ago the MPV was the vehicle of choice for these wanting to transport their family. Although their popularity is waning, there are still many options in the segment providing an option for these people who feel that crossovers don’t offer enough practicality for their family.
BMW, Ford and Volkswagen have always been capable of producing capable family cars, and their current MPV offerings are some of the very best available.
So what makes the top three options in the MPV segment so good and which one comes out on top?
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer
Although it doesn’t fit in with the normally sporty BMW range, the 2 Series Gran Tourer is one of the best family options out there.
As the largest model of the two 2 Series Tourer models – with the smaller Active model sitting underneath – the Gran Tourer comes with loads of space for passengers and luggage, with 560 litres of boot space in the standard five-seat configuration. As well as being available with a third row of seats to make it a seven-seater, customers can also fold down all the back seats to allow for 1,820 litres of storage.
Alongside the excellent space on offer, the Gran Tourer comes with an efficient and frugal range of petrol and diesel engines – and you can expect to return at least 45mpg even with the sole petrol unit fitted.
It also comes with plenty of equipment as standard in its base SE spec, with features such as air conditioning, the iDrive infotainment system with satellite navigation, Bluetooth, cruise control and an automatic tailgate included as part of the package – with much more besides.
With prices starting from £26,775, it is in the costlier segment of the market, but for that you get a quality finish, lots of equipment and a good all-round family vehicle.
Volkswagen Touran
If reliability, a nice finish and good equipment is what you need in your family vehicle, then the Touran could be a good option for you.
As the smaller of the two MPVs Volkswagen currently offer – with the larger Sharan also available – the Touran comes with space for seven and the interior is very adaptable to allow for lots of storage if needed. It has 344 litres of boot space in the five-seat configuration and that can be extended to 1,892 with all five rear seats folded flat.
As you would expect with Volkswagen, the features on offer are of a good quality. Cars come with a touchscreen infotainment system as standard – with more premium options able to be fitted – as well as multi-zone climate control, LED headlights and a hands-free tailgate. Driver assistance systems can also be added to the package, with options like park assist, adaptive cruise control and emergency braking all available.
Customers can choose from two petrol and two diesel units – all of which are capable of at least 49mpg and emit just 133g/km – with those paired to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic.
The Touran starts off at £23,565, which for a seven-seat model that offers lots of great equipment and space is not a bad offer at all. With five trim levels to choose from, you’ll be able to find the right Touran for you without many issues.
Ford Galaxy
Out of these three, the Galaxy has the richest history of the lot having been around since 1995. In the time since it’s been modernised and improved to allow for up to seven people, as well as being fitted with the latest tech.
As Ford’s largest offering in the family car segment, the Galaxy is built to accommodate all manner of items, with 300 litres of boot space in its five-seat configuration, growing to 2,339 litres with the rear seats folded down – making this the largest of the three.
The efficiency figures of the Galaxy aren’t as good as the other two, but you can still expect to return over 35mpg on all models – with the most powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost the least efficient of the range. Better diesel and petrol options return well over 45mpg.
Equipment-wise, the Galaxy comes with a lot as standard such as an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, daytime running lights and parking sensors. Higher spec options come with active park assist, leather upholstery and adaptive lighting to make it feel more premium. It does need an update though as it is starting to feel a little tired inside.
Prices for the Galaxy start from £28,000, making it the most expensive out of the three, but with that you get Ford reliability, plenty of space and family car pedigree that has helped this model last so long in the brand’s line-up.
Which one should you buy?
All three have plenty of great features that make them worthy options in their own right, but if you’re after a family car that combines efficient engines, a quality finish and lots of space to boot, then the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer is the best combination of all three. As the middle of the road option in terms of price and the best in terms of equipment available, your best bet in this segment is with the premium German model – even if the other two are very capable rivals.
