If you've got a sizable family, often transport lots of gear, or both, and you're not a fan of SUVs, steering toward an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) is a solid option. Also known as a people carrier, their often boxy, tall profiles prioritise interior space and comfort, while handling is generally more car-like than their van-based origins might suggest.
Practicality is king in the MPV segment, with much of the design focused on people transport and, in some cases, premium comfort. The van-like silhouette of many MPVs makes manoeuvrability and spatial awareness easier to manage, and even the largest MPVs can be surprisingly easy to drive in and around a city or other urban areas, where space is tighter.
Whether you're looking for a luxury MPV for long-distance family trips, or you're after a spacious van-based option for everyday driving, this guide takes a look at some of the best MPVs available in 2026, helping you narrow it down to the one that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
- Citroën SpaceTourer
- Ford Tourneo Connect
- Dacia Jogger
- BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
- Ford Tourneo Custom
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
- Volkswagen Multivan
- Kia PV5 Passenger
- Peugoet E-Rifter
- Mercedes-Benz V-Class
- Frequently Asked Questions
Citroën SpaceTourer
The Citroën SpaceTourer combines recognisable Citroën styling with a practical, spacious MPV that stretches itself to fit larger families. Citroën has always gone the extra mile to maximise space, with the more compact Citroën C3 Aircross SUV offering up to seven seats despite its smaller profile.
While previous SpaceTourer models offered three diesels, the latest has a single 175bhp option, alongside a zero-emission, 134bhp all-electric version called the e-SpaceTourer. The diesel is the perfect pick for large families, able to haul heavy loads along at pace, while the quiet, electric motor of the e-SpaceTourer makes city driving easy, with up to 216 miles of WLTP range on tap, depending on which battery size you opt for.
Arriving with two body lengths, the SpaceTourer excels in interior layout, with many seating configurations available to suit every requirement, from a family-focused nine-seater to a six-seat variant with a pair of middle-row captain's chairs for ride comfort. The interior also benefits from Citroën's 'Advanced Comfort® programme', designed to cocoon occupants in comfort and safety, offering a plush space that makes long journeys more relaxing and everyday family life a little easier.
For large families and those who want spacious, comfortable transport without the premium price tag of an executive MPV, the Citroën SpaceTourer makes a compelling choice.
Search New Citroën SpaceTourer Search Used Citroën SpaceTourerFord Tourneo Connect
When you need the practical layout of an MPV, but in a more compact design, the Ford Tourneo Connect should make your shortlist. With Ford's robust approach to design, the Tourneo Connect (and the slightly longer Grand Tourneo Connect) is an MPV that can serve multiple purposes in your life. From a practical work van during the week, to a family car at the weekends, it's hard to find an MPV that fits both roles so well.
It makes powertrain options simple, offering a petrol for everyday driving, a strong diesel for long-distance travel, or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for those who want lower emissions and better fuel economy. The latter also has a solid electric-only range of up to 73 miles, ideal for city driving, commuting and shorter journeys, without having to turn the engine on.
There are five- or seven-seater versions available, with a flexible interior that lets you fold seats to suit what you're transporting, whether that's people or cargo. It also comes with plenty of modern features that you'd find in a car, such as a central 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated seats throughout, and USB connectivity.
Not everyone needs a sizeable MPV; the Ford Tourneo Connect combines an MPV boxy profile in a more compact guise, giving you the flexibility of a modern MPV without the larger footprint. And if you're sure five seats is your staple, the even more compact Ford Tourneo Courier MPV might be an option, better suited to city driving and smaller loads.
Search New Ford Tourneo Connect Search Used Ford Tourneo ConnectDacia Jogger
Families can be expensive, so getting value for money when buying a car that's big enough for a large family, with everything that you need, can be a challenge. That's where the Dacia Jogger comes in: a seven-seat MPV with everyday usability, and a keen price that makes it attractive in both the new and used market.
Like much of the Dacia range, the Jogger comes kitted out with rugged features such as chunky wheel arches and bumpers, roof bars, and a slightly raised ride height, which is as visually appealing as it is functional. That practical approach extends to the powertrains, too, with a 110bhp petrol engine delivering 47mpg, or a 155bhp hybrid (HEV) with improved fuel economy of up to 61mpg (combined) available.
Unlike some of its rivals, the Jogger is engineered to take seven tall adults in comfort, without any compromise. And while this impacts the modest boot space, it's worth it for passenger space. Drop the rear row and a functional 565 litres opens up, while the huge 1,807 litres with all the seats folded make it ideal for those who need to combine a work van with a family car.
Although the entry-level trim is basic by today's standards, it still comes with everything you need, making the Dacia Jogger an MPV for those who prioritise space and practicality without paying for unnecessary extras.
Search New Dacia Jogger Search Used Dacia JoggerBMW 2 Series Active Tourer
The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer comes with plenty of features that make an MPV practical, but with more car-like styling and handling. It isn't aimed at those who need huge amounts of space and nine seats; it's more of a crossover-style MPV that matches function with the premium look and ambience of a BMW.
It also comes with a range of solid BMW powertrains, including a couple of PHEV options, with the quickest able to go from 0 to 62mph in 5.5 seconds thanks to its 322bhp hybrid powertrain. Plus, you get up to 54 miles of all-electric range, so after you've taken it for a sporty spin on a country road, you can save fuel and pootle about town without using a drop.
As you'd expect, the inside feels much more upmarket, with an innovative dash layout, a curved display, and plush, inviting seating. Plus, lots of standard equipment that you'd expect in a car of this calibre. Thanks to a higher roofline, there is plenty of space in the back for three adults, while the boot space is a generous 470 litres.
The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is a gateway into the world of MPVs, offering practical touches of MPV design combined with the driving experience of a conventional car.
Search New BMW 2 Series Active Tourer Search Used BMW 2 Series Active TourerFord Tourneo Custom
It's big and incredibly versatile, but unlike many MPVs on the roads today, the Ford Tourneo Custom still feels like you're driving a car.
Space is the Tourneo Custom's biggest strength, with room for up to eight passengers in comfort, and all their luggage. However, it's the clever details that make the Tourneo Custom stand out, including a middle row that can face forwards or backwards, a central seat that folds into a table and removable seats for when you need to carry something larger than people. These touches make the Tourneo Custom useful far beyond simply transporting people around.
Ford has also put function first in its powertrains, with three options designed to suit different driving needs. There are torquey diesels with towing capacities of up to 2,500kg, a PHEV that balances fuel economy and power, and an all-electric version with a solid WLTP range of 236 miles and zero emissions. Whichever you choose, there's a Tourneo Custom to suit the way you use it.
Despite its van-based roots, the Tourneo Custom comes with plenty of features that you'd find in a modern car, such as heated seats, an infotainment touchscreen, and other familiar Ford technology. The commanding driving position is unmistakably van-like, but that's just a bonus, giving you a clear view of the road ahead and making this large MPV surprisingly easy to drive.
Search New Ford Tourneo Custom Search Used Ford Tourneo CustomVolkswagen ID. Buzz
With a nod to the Volkswagen split-screen buses of the 1950s, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz takes that inspiration and propels it into the modern age, adding a host of useful tech and electric powertrains in this hot-take on a retro-styled family MPV.
The ID. Buzz offers plenty of flexibility, with different wheelbase and seating configurations to suit everything from family life to carrying larger groups. While different powertrains were available at launch, the current lineup offers 282bhp with up to 294 miles of WLTP range, while the range topper delivers 335bhp thanks to dual motors and has up to 278 miles of WLTP range.
Upfront, the ID. Buzz offers a strong driving position, with a neatly laid-out dashboard and an easy-to-use central infotainment screen that comes with useful features such as Discover Pro navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
In the back, whichever seating configuration you opt for, passengers get plenty of legroom and headroom, even when all seven seats are occupied, while the boot space still stands at a useful 306 litres in its seven-seat guise, with all the seats up.
With its cool-looking exterior and retro-inspired styling, the ID. Buzz does a convincing impression of a piece of automotive art. But beneath the head-turning design, it reveals its true nature: a practical MPV in disguise.
Search New Volkswagen ID.Buzz Search Used Volkswagen ID.BuzzVolkswagen Multivan
If you love the ethos of the Volkswagen brand but the ID. Buzz is just a little too out there, then check the Volkswagen Multivan. An MPV that thinks it's a car. Arriving with an updated version of the familiar Volkswagen van shape, the Multivan raises the bar and offers a premium MPV, with car-like driving manners.
Inside, there is enough room for seven people (including the driver) to ride in comfort, with seats you can move to suit your needs. There is even a pair of captain seats available for the middle row, if six seats are enough. It's cleverly thought out, with details such as electrical contacts on the seat runners, meaning the seats can remain heated wherever you position them, just like the front seats. You can even remove the seats altogether if you need the van during the week. And if you need a little extra boot space, go for the longer wheelbase.
The cabin feels plush, with buttons, a digital display, and a central infotainment screen to control all the Multivan's features. It all adds to the car-like experience, while the relatively compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and park. Plus, you get a choice of petrol, diesel, or PHEV powertrains, whether you want an MPV for everyday driving, long-distance journeys or a bit of both.
If you want the space and practicality of an MPV but want to feel like you're driving a Volkswagen, the Multivan sits in the perfect sweet spot.
Search New Volkswagen Multivan Search Used Volkswagen MultivanKia PV5 Passenger
On the flip side, if the ID. Buzz isn't futuristic enough for you, the Kia PV5 Passenger might tempt you with its sci-fi-inspired design and all-electric powertrain. Subtle, sleek lines and integrated lighting give it a futuristic edge, while its clever modular design makes it surprisingly practical for everyday life.
It also comes with plenty of useful tech, including V2L (vehicle-to-load), which lets you power camping gear or even a game console for the family when you're parked up. To keep it in tip-top condition, the PV5 Passenger supports OTA (over-the-air) updates, which can improve the powertrain and ADAS systems and fix issues without you having to visit an Evans Halshaw Kia retailer.
With all that tech and modern design DNA, Kia keeps things simple with two powertrain options. A 120bhp model with 183 miles of WLTP range, or a 161bhp long-range version offering up to 256 miles, allowing you to opt for the one that fits into your day-to-day life. It's also comfortable inside, fits five adults easily, and, for those with larger families, the seven-seat version is on its way.
If you love Kia's modern design language, the PV5 Passenger could be the MPV for you. With a contemporary silhouette that turns heads and practical MPV features, it's a fresh take on the family MPV, built for the way we live today.
Search New Kia PV5 Passenger Search Used Kia PV5 PassengerPeugeot E-Rifter
With its SUV-inspired styling, the Peugeot E-Rifter packs a punch, combining an electric powertrain with the option of up to seven seats, all in a smaller frame. Designed with pure practicality in mind, it's aimed at families who need the boxy proportions of an MPV but in a compact footprint.
Keeping things simple, the E-Rifter is powered by a single 134bhp motor, which won't break any records but will accelerate firmly and keep up with traffic when it needs to. It's also not bad on range, offering up to 205 miles of WLTP range, meaning you won't have to stop to charge as often on weekends away with the family.
Inside, you get Peugeot's innovative i-Cockpit, designed with ergonomics in mind to give the driver a more comfortable and intuitive driving experience. In the back, you get three individual seats with plenty of headroom, plus a large, boxy boot for luggage or outdoor gear when you're away for the weekend. If you opt for the longer-wheelbase, the five-seat layout becomes a seven-seater, adding two more seats at the rear, with the option to remove them to open up a more generous boot space when needed.
With some trims adding wheel-arch cladding and roof bars, along with a slightly raised ride height, the E-Rifter certainly leans into its SUV-inspired styling. But beneath the rugged looks, it's still very much an MPV at heart, offering the space and practicality that make it well suited to family life and weekend adventures.
Search New Peugeot E-Rifter Search Used Peugeot E-RifterMercedes-Benz V-Class
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class proves that not all MPVs have to be utilitarian workhorses. Its large frame is designed to carry up to eight people in executive-style surroundings, along with plenty of luggage. With the usual Mercedes-Benz design DNA on the outside, this smartly styled MPV not only delivers on looks, but underneath has the practicality of a regular MPV, just with a little more luxury.
Mercedes-Benz has gone all out with the standard features, and not just for passengers. The driver gets two seamlessly integrated 12.3-inch widescreen displays with the Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system, while a heated steering wheel and commanding driving position make driving duties easier, especially on longer trips.
In the back, different seating configurations match your lifestyle, with the option of captain's chairs throughout. All passenger seats are heated, while other touches include electric sliding doors and 64-colour ambient lighting, with Mercedes-Benz clearly focusing on a relaxed passenger experience. Higher trims also add plush details such as memory seats and a rear table, really leaning into the executive role the V-Class takes on. There's also an extra-long version if you need more luggage space.
With two strong diesel engines and an electric powertrain available with a WLTP range of up to 222 miles, the V-Class offers plenty of choice while delivering a refined drive. So, whether you want to keep your family happy by transporting them in pure comfort, or you're a business looking to offer a VIP shuttle service, the Mercedes V-Class delivers the space and refinement that make every journey feel a little more special.
Search New Mercedes-Benz V-Class Search Used Mercedes-Benz V-ClassFrequently asked questions
An MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) is a car or van designed to prioritise passenger space, practicality and versatility. It typically offers flexible seating arrangements and plenty of room for people and luggage. Also known as a people carrier, MPVs are ideal for families or anyone who regularly needs to transport several passengers. The first popular MPV was the Renault Espace, launched in the mid-1980s, while modern options include the Volkswagen Multivan and Ford Tourneo Custom.
An SUV is designed to combine practicality and passenger space with a more rugged, versatile look, often resembling an off-road vehicle. An MPV, meanwhile, focuses more heavily on passenger and luggage space, often accommodating up to nine passengers, while many are based on vans. They're particularly suited to families and those who regularly need to carry multiple passengers.
The Lexus LM is widely regarded as one of the most luxurious MPVs available. Designed primarily as an executive people carrier, it offers an exceptionally plush interior, reclining rear seats with massage functions, and a 48-inch screen. For those wanting maximum luxury and comfort from an MPV, the Lexus LM is a standout choice.
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is a similarly luxurious option, with plenty of executive touches. It offers greater practicality than the Lexus, with more seating configurations and greater luggage capacity.
While MPVs offer excellent practicality and space, they do have some drawbacks. Some MPVs are larger and less agile than a typical car, making them harder to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces, such as city streets and country lanes. They can also be more expensive to run, particularly with larger models with powerful engines.
While their van-like appearance might not appeal to everyone, the extra space and versatility can outweigh the disadvantages for families and those who regularly carry passengers. Plus, more manufacturers are introducing PHEV and all-electric powertrains, which reduce the running costs.
Which MPV suits your lifestyle?
If space and comfort are a priority when transporting your family and friends, and SUVs simply aren't suitable, a solid MPV is worth considering. With choices ranging from compact EVs right through to luxurious executive transport, the options are more varied than ever, so there’s likely to be an MPV to suit your budget and lifestyle.
If an MPV sounds like the right choice for your household, visit your local Evans Halshaw dealership to explore new and used options in person. Our team can help you find the right model for your needs and answer any questions you may have.
