If practicality and versatility are your priorities, then MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles, but also known as people carriers) are among the best cars out there.
With roomy interiors, clever storage solutions, and flexible seating options, people carriers are just about the most family-friendly cars around. They are perhaps less fashion-friendly than the more trendy SUV bodystyle (though admirers of the funky VW ID Buzz might disagree there), but they’re generally cheaper to run, often cheaper to buy, and tend to offer more space for five, six, seven or even more occupants.
And to help you on your car-buying journey, here's our rundown of the best people carriers on the new car market today, plus a couple of discontinued models from Citroen and Ford that we think are still worth considering as a used buy.
Best MPVs and People Carriers 2025
- BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (2022-)
- Dacia Jogger (2021-)
- Ford Tourneo Connect (2021-)
- Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2019-)
- Peugeot Rifter (2018-)
- Toyota Proace Verso (2017-)
- Volkswagen ID Buzz (2022-)
- Volkswagen Touran (2015-)
- Used Buy: Citroen Grand C4 Picasso / Grand C4 Spacetourer (2013-2022)
- Used Buy: Ford S-Max (2015-2023)
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (2022-)
The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer very much upset the purists. This model sends power to the front wheels, whereas BMW is renowned for the handling of its rear-wheel-drive cars. But if you're more interested in practicality than steering feel and hard cornering, whether the Active Tourer is front-, rear-, or even four-wheel drive won't make a blind bit of difference to your everyday driving experience.
And although the Active Tourer doesn't please BMW fanatics, it still handles well despite driving the 'wrong' wheels. What's more, the 2 Series rides quite comfortably so long as you avoid examples with really large alloy wheels. In fact, as far as MPV cars go, this is one of the best for driver enjoyment.
There's a broad range of plug-in hybrid models with surprisingly lengthy electric-only ranges, as well as more conventional turbocharged petrol and mild hybrid versions. There was even a diesel option early in the model’s life, though that has since been dropped.
It’s worth pointing out, too, that the Active Tourer is only available as a five-seater, although BMW offered a seven-seater version of the previous-generation car, known as the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.
Dacia Jogger (2021-)
By our reckoning, the Dacia Jogger MPV must be one of the cheapest ways to transport seven human beings around in reasonable comfort. Dacia first established itself in the UK market as a maker of no-nonsense budget vehicles, largely using outdated tech and platforms from Renault, which is the Dacia brand’s mothership.
However, the more recent Dacias – including the Jogger – have been based on completely up-to-date technology, so it no longer feels like a hand-me-down brand. Sure, the hard-feeling plastics and abundance of painted metal areas on the interior makes you aware you’re in a budget-conscious car, and there’s a sense that Dacia may have skimped a little on sound-deadening to help save money, but you get plenty of creature comforts. These include Bluetooth connectivity, air-con and even sat-nav and Apple CarPlay providing you steer clear of base trim levels.
You’ll also get a throughly decent 565 litres of boot space with seats six and seven folded down, plus a choice of petrol or hybrid power, both of which power the surprisingly light Jogger along with plenty of verve and delivering decent fuel economy in the process.
And the real kicker? The price. Whether you’re buying new or used, the Jogger is going to cost you several thousand pounds less than its nearest seven-seat rivals.
Dacia Jogger review
Ford Tourneo Connect (2021-)
The Ford Tourneo Connect is about as practical as family cars get. Based on the Transit Connect van, this pragmatic people carrier is big, boxy, and comes in two wheelbase lengths. Both body lengths come with the option of seven seats (indeed the longer model can only be had as a seven-seater) and passengers will get as much headroom, legroom, and oddment storage room as any reasonable person could need.
And event though the Tourneo is a van-based-car, that van itself is actually the near-identical twin of the Volkswagen Caddy – and that’s based on the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen Golf. The upshot of that is the Caddy MPV (and by extension the Tourneo Connect) delivers a far more car-like driving experience.
It’s perhaps not the most exciting thing to drive, and its petrol and diesel engines are a tad sluggish, but it is comfortable, sensible and thoroughly practical.
Ford Tourneo Connect review
Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2019-)
Is the Mercedes B-Class a true MPV? Or is it a really practical family hatchback? Well, the rear seats don't necessarily perform as many tricks as those in other people carriers like the bigger (and vastly more expensive) V-Class, but the latest B-Class is certainly a very fine family car. You can buy MPVs with roomier cabins for less, but they won't have the stunning design or plush finish of the B-Class. It really is a very pleasant place to spend time, whether you are a driver or passenger. The dashboard is dominated by the twin-screen MBUX touchscreen infotainment system. It can be a bit daunting at first, but it's worth persevering with as it's a very clever bit of kit. In the back of the car, there's enough space for adults and the seats split 40/20/40. Boot space is good rather than great, though.
The B-Class is one of the safest MPVs you can buy. It has a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, with an excellent score of 96% for adult occupant protection. Which engine is best? If the budget stretches far enough, the B250e plug-in hybrid is very economical, but otherwise we'd choose the B200d diesel.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class Review
Peugeot Rifter (2018-)
Van-based MPVs like the Peugeot Rifter (and its Citroen Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo Life cousins) don't appeal to the fashion-conscious. Peugeot has, however, tried to address this with some SUV styling cues. Full marks for trying, but really the Rifter is all about interior space and practicality. Being based on a small van is no bad thing if you want lots of space in a small package. There's lots of room for five passengers and huge amount of luggage capacity.
The Rifter is a surprisingly pleasant car to drive. Clearly, it's not going to be fun or nippy like a Mini or a Fiat 500, but if you value a comfortable ride there's plenty to like. The Rifter comes with a zero-emissions electric motor (badged e-Rifter; a Citroen e-Berlingo is offered as well) and a range of up to 213 miles, depending on the model. If you’re one of those people for whom electric cars won’t work, the closely related Citroen Berlingo is still available as a petrol or diesel model, or there are plenty of older examples available on the used market with a choice of efficient PureTech petrol engines and frugal BlueHDi diesels, both of which suit the Rifter very well. As a broad guide for which to choose, the petrol plays the value-for-money card, but the diesels are better for high-mileage driving.
Safety isn't always a strong point for this style of people carrier, but the Rifter has a respectable four-star rating from Euro NCAP. And whether you are considering the Rifter as a new or a used car, it's keenly priced. In fact, if you don't mind a car that's covered a lot of miles you can pick one up for less than the cost of a brand-new supermini.
Peugeot Rifter Review
Toyota Proace Verso (2017-)
There are large MPVs, and then there's the Toyota Proace Verso. It makes the likes of the Ford Galaxy and Volkswagen Sharan look small. Like the Citroen SpaceTourer and Peugeot Traveller, which are similar vehicles under the skin, the Proace Verso is all about space and practicality. It's based on a commercial vehicle, and you can tell that from its upright shape and slab-sided appearance. But while the Verso won't win any beauty pageants, it's a very practical people carrier.
Inside, the massive cabin has space for up to nine in three rows, depending on the seating configuration specified. Those seats can't be folded away though; you'll have to remove them completely to maximise luggage space. However, as there's generous luggage space even with all three rows in place, that shouldn't really be a problem. And don't think the spec is stingy just because the Proace Verso is based on a van. Pick the VIP trim and standard equipment includes a head-up display, sat-nav, adaptive cruise control and massaging front seats.
Diesel power is only available in used versions, however, since the model is now all-electric, with an official WLTP driving range of 213 miles.
Toyota Proace Verso Review
Volkswagen ID Buzz (2022-)
Cheap the all-electric Volkswagen ID Buzz most certainly isn’t, but it’s definitely cool – a rare trait in a people carrier. What makes the big VW so funky, of course is that it channels the classic 1960s surfing Vibes of the old air-cooled Volkswagen Busses and Campers – known in VW-speak as the Type 2.
Yet instead of a wheezing air-cooled petrol engine slung out back, the ID.Buzz is a hyper-modern electric family car that will be just the ticket for those who want something fun and different and are tired of the big SUV norm. Perhaps one of these might even tempt you away from a Land Rover Defender – the twin sliding rear doors alone are bound to be a big draw for some.
Early versions were five-seaters only, but a seven-seat long-wheelbase version arrived in 2024. Your driving range will depend on the specific model, but it could be up to 291 miles theoretically – though of course expect it to be somewhat less than that in real-world conditions.
Volkswagen ID Buzz review
Volkswagen Touran (2015-)
The Volkswagen Touran is one of those cars that does almost everything well and nothing badly. You want practicality and space for seven? The Touran has you covered. It's very roomy in the first two rows, and seats six and seven aren't too cramped considering the Touran's compact size, so you can carry seven people without having to upgrade to the bigger and more expensive Volkswagen Multivan. Boot space is predictably meagre with all three rows of seats upright, but much more family-friendly with the rearmost seats folded away.
You want a people carrier that's good to drive? Well, you'll have more fun in a Ford S-Max, but the Touran strikes a well-judged balance between taut handling and ride comfort. It certainly doesn't feel at all cumbersome; it drives much like a VW Golf.
You want an MPV that's affordable to buy and run? Well, you often pay a bit more for a car with a VW badge, but since MPVs aren't as popular as they used to be you can pick up a Touran at a keen price on the used market. Ignore fashion a second time, and go for a diesel rather than a petrol, and you'll benefit from excellent MPG figures.
Volkswagen Touran Review
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso / Grand C4 Spacetourer (2013-2022)
The French know a thing or two about people carriers. Cars like the Renault Espace were around at the beginning of the MPV trend, and the Citroen Picasso wasn't far behind. The Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer (formerly known as the Grand C4 Picasso) may have gone off sale as a new car a few years ago, so even the newest used examples are out of manufacturer-back warranty, but few people carriers look as good inside and out as the Citroen.
There's real substance behind the style, with lots of storage, a flexible cabin layout, and plenty of space. Seven can travel comfortably so long as the rearmost seats are reserved for children, and five adults can be accommodated with ease. With every seat upright, boot space is on the tight side, but with five seats in place the boot is huge, easily large enough for a family holiday.
A broad choice of petrol and diesel engines have been offered over the years. For a low daily mileage we'd go for a petrol, but for regular long drives a diesel is better, especially if the car is fully loaded with passengers and bags.
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso Review
Ford S-Max (2015-2023)
Bringing up a family can be tough. You owe it to yourself to have a little fun sometimes, and if you enjoy driving, the Ford S-Max obliges. Yes, you can buy people carriers with roomier third-row seating, and there are MPVs with more luggage space, but none are as much fun to drive as the S-Max. The steering is accurate, the suspension firmly controlled, and the S-Max is more agile than any rival.
That wouldn't count for a lot if the S-Max didn't deliver the practicality and functionality you'd expect of a seven-seat MPV, but this is a spacious and versatile family car. All three of the individual middle-row seats have Isofix mounting points for child seats, and all five of the second- and third-row seats can fold away into the floor when not needed, so there are lots of seating configurations to choose from.
It's tempting to recommend the 237bhp twin-turbo diesel, which makes the S-Max a very swift car. But the 178bhp diesel is more than adequate in performance terms, but with better mpg figures than the twin-turbo. From 2021 only a 187bhp hybrid powertrain was available, and the whole model was withdrawn from sale in 2023, but there are still plenty available on the secondhand market – and the S-Max remains one of the best used MPVs to drive.
Ford S-Max Review
