Estate cars have long been a go-to for UK drivers who want real-world practicality without giving up comfort or driving enjoyment. While SUVs and crossovers dominate the headlines, estate cars still make more sense for many people, especially when it comes to fuel economy, handling, and boot space.
In 2025, the best estate cars aren’t just about space anymore. You’ll find options that are quick off the mark, impressively fuel-efficient, or packed with the latest hybrid tech. They offer better value than ever, whether you’re after a reliable used model under £10,000 or a new plug-in hybrid for your daily commute.
This guide rounds up the best estate cars you can buy in the UK right now, new and used, focusing on what really matters: affordability, reliability, performance, and eco-friendliness.
10. Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer
The Astra Sports Tourer won’t win any design awards, but that’s part of its charm. It’s straightforward, practical, and built to handle daily life without fuss. For small families, commuters, or anyone who just needs space and reliability, it gets the job done.
The 1.5-litre Turbo D diesel is a great pick for high-mileage drivers, offering 105 PS and up to 64.2 mpg (combined). Petrol versions like the 1.2 Turbo (110–130 PS) return up to 51.4 mpg and feel smooth around town. On the used market, well-kept models often dip below £10,000; great value for what you get.
With 597 litres of boot space (expanding to 1,634 litres with the seats down), it’s surprisingly roomy for a compact estate. It may not turn heads, but the Astra Sports Tourer delivers where it counts.
9. Ford Focus Estate
The Ford Focus Estate doesn’t shout for attention, but it quietly nails the essentials: space, efficiency, and affordability. For many UK drivers, that’s exactly what matters.
Well-maintained used models regularly show up under £10,000, especially with the popular 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. It delivers 125 PS and up to 53.3 mpg (combined), making it ideal for urban drives and the odd motorway run. There’s also a 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel that pushes up to 61.4 mpg, great for longer commutes.
Boot space sits at 575 litres, expanding to 1,620 litres with the seats down. It’s not flashy, but if you need an estate that just works, with minimal fuss and decent kit, the Focus deserves a spot on your list.
8. Skoda Octavia Estate
The Skoda Octavia Estate consistently ranks among the best estate cars in the UK, and for good reason. It offers loads of space, real-world efficiency, and the kind of value that’s hard to beat.
Used models in good condition often fall under £15,000. The 1.6 TDI diesel (115 PS) is a top choice for economy, returning up to 70.6 mpg (combined). If you need a bit more grunt for the motorway, the 2.0 TDI (150 PS) still delivers 64.2 mpg while feeling more relaxed at higher speeds.
You get 640 litres of boot space, among the largest in its class, and over 1,700 litres with the seats down. Even entry-level trims feel well-specced, making the Octavia a smart pick if you want big-car practicality without the big price tag.
7. Subaru Levorg
The Subaru Levorg doesn’t make every estate shortlist, but maybe it should. With standard all-wheel drive and solid build quality, it’s an ideal pick for rural drivers or anyone facing unpredictable UK weather.
It’s powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 170 PS. Paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, it prioritises smoothness over urgency and returns up to 39.8 mpg (combined). It’s not the most efficient, but the added grip and confidence in poor conditions make up for it.
The boot offers 522 litres, rising to just under 1,500 litres with the seats down. Used examples typically range between £12,000 and £18,000, and you’ll often find plenty of kit; later models even include Subaru’s EyeSight safety tech.
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6. Volkswagen Passat Estate
The Volkswagen Passat Estate has long been a go-to for drivers who want saloon-like comfort with estate practicality. It’s spacious, quiet, and refined, ideal for families, business users, or long-distance commuters.
The 2.0 TDI diesel is the pick of the range, with 150 PS and up to 61.4 mpg (combined), making it a strong all-rounder for motorway miles. There’s also a 1.5 TSI petrol (150 PS) that’s smoother around town and perfectly capable on longer drives. Used examples start from around £12,000, depending on age and trim.
With 650 litres of boot space, among the biggest in its class, and a no-fuss cabin layout, the Passat delivers quiet confidence. It’s not flashy, but that’s exactly why so many UK buyers trust it.
5. Audi A4 Avant
If you’re after an estate car that feels a step above the everyday, the Audi A4 Avant is hard to ignore. With its refined cabin, sharp design, and smooth ride, it’s as comfortable on long motorway drives as it is on the school run.
The 2.0 TDI (150 PS) is the sweet spot, balancing punchy performance with up to 60.1 mpg (combined). Petrol versions like the 2.0 TFSI are equally refined, especially when paired with Audi’s slick S tronic gearbox.
Boot space is 495 litres, expanding to 1,495 litres with the seats down. While not the largest in this class, the flat loading floor and wide opening make it genuinely usable. Used A4 Avants start from around £14,000, with low-mileage, high-spec models pushing closer to £25,000.
4. Cupra Leon Sportstourer
Want an estate with real attitude? The Cupra Leon Sportstourer combines everyday practicality with serious performance, it’s a proper driver’s car that just happens to have a big boot.
The 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine puts out 310 PS and powers all four wheels, getting from 0–62 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Despite the pace, it still returns up to 34.4 mpg (combined), which is reasonable for a car this quick.
There’s also a 245 PS plug-in hybrid version that offers up to 38 miles of electric-only driving, making it ideal for short commutes or city runs. Boot space stands at a roomy 620 litres, so there’s no need to compromise on practicality for performance.
3. BMW 3 Series Touring
The BMW 3 Series Touring hits a rare sweet spot; it’s practical enough for daily life, but still delivers the kind of driving experience you’d expect from a proper BMW. For many UK buyers, it’s the do-it-all estate that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
The 320d remains the standout, with 190 PS and up to 58.9 mpg (combined) in rear-wheel drive form. It’s quick, smooth, and efficient. Petrol options like the 320i (184 PS) are a good shout if you don’t rack up motorway miles. Used models from recent years typically range between £16,000 and £25,000.
Boot space sits at 500 litres, enough for weekend luggage or the weekly shop, with premium materials and tech throughout the cabin. It’s a top choice if you want your estate to feel as sharp as it looks.
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2. Volvo V60 Recharge
If you want an estate that’s smart, efficient, and stylish, the Volvo V60 Recharge should be on your radar. It blends clean Scandinavian design with strong electric performance and all the space you’d expect from a family wagon.
The T6 and T8 plug-in hybrid models pair a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering up to 335 PS and up to 54 miles of pure electric range; enough to cover most commutes without using petrol. With regular charging, you can see over 150 mpg (WLTP).
Boot space is 519 litres, slightly down on the regular V60 due to the batteries, but still roomy enough for family trips or bulky gear. Used models start around £28,000, with newer, higher-spec versions pushing into the £40k range.
1. Audi RS4 Avant
The Audi RS4 Avant is what happens when a family estate goes full performance mode. It’s fast, seriously fast, but still fits the kids, the dog, and the weekend luggage without breaking a sweat.
A 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 sits under the bonnet, pushing out 450 PS through Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive. It hits 0–62 mph in just 4.1 seconds, yet still manages 29.1 mpg (combined); not bad for something with this much punch.
Boot space is a respectable 495 litres, growing to 1,495 litres with the seats down. So while it’s every bit the performance car, it doesn’t forget it’s still an estate. Used RS4s start around £35,000, with newer models stretching well past £70,000 depending on the trim.
Why Estate Cars Still Matter in 2025
Even in a market dominated by crossovers and SUVs, estate cars still earn their place, especially in the UK. They offer a unique mix of space, efficiency, and everyday usability that other vehicle types often struggle to match.
Here’s why estates still make a lot of sense in 2025:
- More space, less bulk: Estate cars often offer more usable boot space than SUVs without the extra height or weight, making them easier to live with in town and on narrow roads.
- Better fuel economy: Thanks to their lower stance and sleeker profile, most estates are more aerodynamic and fuel-efficient than taller alternatives.
- Sharper handling: With a lower centre of gravity, estates tend to feel more stable and responsive, especially on winding UK B-roads.
- Plenty of variety: Whether you’re after a plug-in hybrid, a rugged all-rounder, or a fast family car, there’s an estate to match your style and budget.
- Real-world value: Many estate cars, new or used, offer excellent value. You get more car for your money, more space, more flexibility, and often lower running costs than an SUV.
Estates aren’t flashy. But for a lot of UK drivers, they still do the job better than anything else.