Best Used MPVs
With the recent surge in popularity of SUVs and crossovers, MPVs can often go overlooked, along with the benefits that come with owning one.
These Multi-Purpose Vehicles, often referred to as 'people carriers', are able to transport families of up to seven comfortably with their spacious interiors, endless storage options, and large boots for swallowing up buggies, bags, and more.
With a wide selection of used MPVs to choose from, we've selected the most affordable, comfortable, and stylish used options on the market below.
- Citroën C4 Picasso
- BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
- Vauxhall Zafira
- Ford C-Max
- Renault Scenic
- Mercedes-Benz B-Class
- SEAT Alhambra
- Ford Galaxy
- Toyota Verso
- Vauxhall Meriva
Citroën C4 Picasso
For those looking for value for money, the Citroën C4 Picasso is a great choice, as running costs are highly impressive for a car in this class.
It's available with five seats as standard, but larger families who require the extra seats and luggage space may want to opt for the C4 Grand Picasso model, which seats up to seven with plenty of room. The standard C4 Picasso is still an impressive MPV though, with an attractive exterior and a well-built, spacious cabin.
The most efficient engine will return over 70mpg and benefits from low CO2 emissions, meaning very little road tax to pay. The C4 Picasso also scores highly in terms of safety, with ISOFIX child-seat mounting points and a fantastic five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Search Used Citroën C4 PicassoBMW 2 Series Active Tourer
Providing a refined, up-market feel in the MPV class, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is popular amongst drivers looking to transport their family in luxury with no forfeit of practicality.
Comfort and refinement are never compromised in a BMW, and this model is no different, with a high-quality and rugged interior that provides the driver and passengers with an enjoyable driving experience no matter how long the journey may be.
The 1.5-litre diesel will be suitable for those running around town, but for longer journeys, the 218d 2.0-litre is a top choice, providing more torque and power, whilst still returning a very respectable 51mpg on average.
Search Used BMW 2 Series Active TourerVauxhall Zafira
The Zafira has been one of Vauxhall's most popular models amongst families since its initial launch in 1990, and that's down to its dependability and a surprisingly low price tag.
The third-generation model, released in 2011, brings impressive equipment levels as standard and efficient EcoFLEX petrol and diesel engines, both of which come with Start/Stop systems to improve fuel economy.
The Zafira was awarded five stars by Euro NCAP for safety and has won a number of European car awards, thanks to its top build quality. The interior is durable but still feels like a quality product, with various nooks and crannies suitable for storing all manner of family paraphernalia.
Search Used Vauxhall ZafiraFord C-Max
The Ford C-Max is a 5-seater that stands out from other MPVs on the market with its stylish looks and dynamic, car-like handling.
On sale since 2010, the C-Max resembles a large Ford Fiesta and isn't dissimilar driving-wise either, taking on corners superbly for an MPV. There's plenty of choice in terms of engines, with a great selection of petrol and diesel options. Highlights include the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines and the economical 1.5-litre TDCi diesel.
With only two trim levels - Zetec and Titanium, the standard list of features is generous. You get Bluetooth with voice control, air conditioning, heated windscreen, and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Search Used Ford C-MaxRenault Scenic
The Renault Scenic boasts a stylish, sweeping appearance both inside and out, resembling the popular Captur SUV. All fourth-generation Scenic models come with 20-inch alloy wheels, which is impressive to say the least, while the rear seats can be lowered at the touch of a button, expanding the huge 572-litre boot.
Higher spec models come with a range of driver assistance systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Emergency Braking and Traffic Sign Recognition.
If you want something more affordable, third-generation models are available at low prices and still offer great practicality with a similar-sized boot and, like the fourth-generation models, have a five-star safety rating.
Search Used Renault ScenicMercedes-Benz B-Class
Another luxury edition to the MPV segment, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class' impressive length, height, and spacious interior means it earns a place on our list.
The third generation was released in 2018, though second generation models offer a more attractive price tag on the used market. These can be found with a number of petrol and diesel engines, many of which feature BlueEFFICIENCY technology with Start/Stop functionality to lower CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
Available with five seats and a decent amount of head and legroom, the B-Class is ideal for smaller families who are looking for a practical but stylish car.
Search Used Mercedes-Benz B-ClassSEAT Alhambra
The SEAT Alhambra has been a huge success amongst families since its launch in 2010. It has plenty to offer in terms of practicality, with seven seats as standard that would seat even the tallest of adults comfortably. There's also heaps of storage space, and it still represents great value for money.
You won't have to worry about staying safe and entertained while driving, as even entry-level models come with an abundance of equipment and safety features, including a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, sliding rear doors, and a hill hold feature.
Search Used SEAT AlhambraFord Galaxy
The Ford Galaxy is one of the staples of the MPV segment, having been around since 1995. It remains a class leader, being a long, tall vehicle with enough room for all seven passengers to sit in comfort.
The Galaxy's looks have been brought up-to-date with the rest of the Ford range too, with the distinctive 'kinetic design' resembling the Focus and Fiesta.
As a driver’s car, the Galaxy is an enjoyable place to be too, thanks to its 2.0-litre diesel engines which return impressive fuel economy figures of up to 56mpg and low CO2 emissions of 129g/km.
Search Used Ford GalaxyToyota Verso
For smaller families, the Toyota Verso is a great choice. This compact and attractive MPV is very easy to drive around town, while reliability will never be an issue thanks to Toyota’s legendary build quality.
Whilst there's space for seven people, the compact nature of the Verso means that space and comfort for rear passengers is at a premium, so it's better suited to carrying five passengers most of the time.
When the two rear rows aren’t occupied, they can be folded down to create a large load area for luggage. The Verso’s engines may not be as economical as some rivals, but low maintenance costs and trouble-free motoring will negate this for many buyers. It also has great safety credentials, as shown by its five-star crash rating.
Search Used Toyota VersoVauxhall Meriva
The most striking feature of the second-generation Vauxhall Meriva built between 2010 and 2017 is the rear-hinged side doors, a unique but extremely useful feature. They make the rear of the car much more accessible, and are particularly beneficial to families who need to fit child seats in the back.
The five-star safety rating will also appeal to families, as will the 400-litre boot, and the rear seats slide back and forward, so luggage room can be increased if needed.
MPVs aren't always synonymous with interior quality, but the Meriva has a nice finish with plenty of room for four passengers to travel in comfort. Ride quality is refined and ideal for long journeys too, and there are some impressive features such as an electric handbrake and panoramic roof on some models.
Search Used Vauxhall MerivaFrequently Asked Questions
MPV stands for Multi-Purpose Vehicle and pertains to large cars with seating for up to seven and plenty of boot space.
While SUVs and MPVs both make great family cars, MPVs are typically built with practicality in mind, catering for larger families and offering very large load spaces. SUVs share similar characteristics, but are often more attractive in design and offer enhanced driving dynamics and off-roading capabilities.
MPVs share many similar characteristics with vans such as large load spaces and superb practicality, however they're technically classed as cars due to being built on a car-based platform.
Although MPVs can differ in size and style, they are typically large hatchbacks, offering enough space for up to seven.
