The Best Estate Cars – Driven, Rated and Ranked (2025)
The Best Estate Cars – Driven, Rated and Ranked (2025)
Image: The Best Estate Cars – Driven, Rated and Ranked (2025) – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Why Estates Still Matter
When you glance at the latest new‑car registrations, it’s impossible to miss the SUV boom – two‑thirds of all new cars bought in 2025 were SUVs. Yet, tucked away in the shadows, the classic family wagon is quietly thriving. Estates, tourers or shooting brakes – whatever you call them – still dominate the UK market because they blend the load‑lugging capability of an SUV with a lower centre of gravity, better fuel economy and a driving feel that many enthusiasts prefer.
Whether you need a mileage‑munching diesel for long‑haul trips, a plush luxury shooting brake for weekend getaways, or a turbo‑petrol performer that hugs corners like a sports car, the estate segment has something to offer. In this guide we’ve driven, tested and ranked the ten best estate cars you can buy new today, with a special nod to the Skoda Superb Estate – our pick for the overall champion.
How We Tested the Wagons
Our evaluation process was a blend of objective data and real‑world experience:
- Full‑size boot measurements (litres) and practical loading tests.
- Dynamic driving impressions on both twisty country roads and motorway cruising.
- Assessment of advanced driver‑assist systems (ADAS) such as lane‑keep assist, adaptive cruise control and blind‑spot monitoring.
- Fuel consumption, emissions and ownership cost over a 12‑month period.
- Professional road‑test scores – a five‑star verdict from What Car? and Auto Express carried extra weight.
Top 10 Estate Cars in the UK (2025)
1. Skoda Superb Estate
The Skoda Superb Estate tops our list thanks to its massive 660‑litre boot, a choice of efficient 2.0 L TDI diesel, 2.0 L turbo‑petrol and a plug‑in hybrid variant. It feels composed on the highway, yet nimble enough for back‑road fun. Standard ADAS includes front‑assist, lane‑keeping assist and traffic‑jam assist, which earned it a five‑star road‑test rating.
2. Volvo V60
Volvo’s heritage of safety shines in the V60, with Pilot Assist, City Safety and a sumptuous interior. The T5 2.0 L turbo‑petrol delivers brisk acceleration, while the mild‑hybrid system keeps emissions low.
3. BMW 3 Series Touring
BMW blends sportiness with practicality. The 330i’s 2.0 L turbo‑petrol produces 258 hp, and the rear‑wheel‑drive chassis provides a lively driving experience. Optional Driving Assistant Professional adds lane‑centre assist and active cruise control.
4. Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class Estate
Elegance meets technology in the C‑Class Estate. The 2.0 L EQ Boost mild‑hybrid offers smooth power delivery, and the latest MBUX system works hand‑in‑hand with ADAS features like Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC.
5. Audi A4 Avant
Audi’s hallmark quattro all‑wheel‑drive is optional, giving the A4 Avant superb traction. The 2.0 L TFSI turbo‑petrol balances performance and efficiency, and the virtual cockpit keeps the driver informed.
6. Volkswagen Passat Estate
The Passat remains a solid all‑rounder with a 660‑litre boot and a range of efficient engines, including a 2.0 L TDI and a 2.0 L GTE plug‑in hybrid. Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Assist are standard.
7. Jaguar XF Sportbrake
For those craving a bit of British flair, the XF Sportbrake offers a refined interior, 2.0 L turbo‑petrol and a 3.0 L V6 option. Its Adaptive Dynamics suspension adapts to road conditions, while the driver‑monitoring system enhances safety.
8. Mazda 6 Tourer
Mazda’s KODO design language shines on the 6 Tourer. The 2.5 L SkyActiv‑G turbo‑petrol is lively, and the i‑ACTIVSENSE suite includes radar‑based cruise control and lane‑keep assist.
9. Kia Ceed Sportswagon
Budget‑friendly without compromise, the Ceed Sportswagon packs a 1.6 L turbo‑petrol and a generous 625‑litre boot. Kia’s Drive Wise package bundles lane‑following assist, blind‑spot detection and rear‑cross‑traffic alert.
10. Ford Focus Estate
The Focus Estate remains a favourite for its engaging chassis and efficient 1.5 L EcoBoost engine. Ford’s Co‑Pilot Assist offers hands‑free lane centering and adaptive cruise control.
Design & Dimensions
| Model | Length (mm) | Boot Capacity (litres) |
|---|---|---|
| Skoda Superb Estate | 4,923 | 660 |
| Volvo V60 | 4,761 | 529 |
| BMW 3 Series Touring | 4,709 | 500 |
| Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class Estate | 4,695 | 530 |
Feature Comparison
| Model | Standard ADAS | Infotainment | Upholstery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Superb Estate | Lane‑Keep, Adaptive Cruise | 13.2″ touchscreen | Cloth / Optional leather |
| Volvo V60 | Pilot Assist, City Safety | 9″ Sensus | Leather |
| BMW 3 Series Touring | Driving Assistant Pro | 10.25″ iDrive | Leather |
| Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class Estate | Active Distance Assist | 10.25″ MBUX | Leather |
Engine Specifications
| Model | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Superb Estate | 2.0 L TDI | 190 | 400 |
| Volvo V60 T5 | 2.0 L Turbo‑Petrol | 250 | 350 |
| BMW 330i | 2.0 L Turbo‑Petrol | 258 | 400 |
| Mercedes‑Benz C‑300 | 2.0 L EQ Boost | 258 | 370 |
Price Comparison (Starting MSRP)
| Model | £ (UK) | Fuel Type | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Superb Estate | £30,995 | Diesel / Petrol / PHEV | 5 years |
| Volvo V60 | £38,500 | Petrol / Hybrid | 5 years |
| BMW 3 Series Touring | £41,200 | Petrol / Diesel | 5 years |
| Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class Estate | £42,700 | Petrol / Hybrid | 5 years |
What Makes an Estate the Smart Choice?
Beyond the numbers, an estate offers a lower centre of gravity than most SUVs, translating into sharper handling and less body roll. The roofline stays aerodynamic, helping the engine stay efficient at highway speeds. And because the rear doors are lower than SUV lifts, loading bulky items – from garden furniture to sports gear – feels effortless.
Modern estates also come packed with the latest safety tech. From adaptive cruise control that automatically adjusts speed to traffic flow, to blind‑spot monitoring that alerts you of vehicles hidden in your side mirrors, the cabin feels like a moving safety bubble.
Conclusion – The Estate That Wins the Race
If you’re hunting a car that can haul the family, the kids’ sports equipment, a weekend surfboard, and still deliver an engaging drive, the estate segment deserves your attention. Our testing shows that the Skoda Superb Estate hits the sweet spot of space, efficiency, technology and price, making it the best overall choice for 2025. However, the diversity of the market means there’s a perfect wagon for every taste – from the Swedish safety‑first Volvo V60 to the German‑engineered thrill of the BMW 3 Series Touring.
So, next time you think of buying an SUV, remember the humble estate – it might just be the smarter, more enjoyable, and often cheaper alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average boot capacity of a modern estate?
- Most new estates offer between 500 – 660 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up, providing more room than many compact SUVs.
- Are estates cheaper to run than SUVs?
- Generally, yes. Lower weight and better aerodynamics mean better fuel economy and lower CO₂ emissions.
- Do estate cars come with all‑wheel‑drive?
- Some models, like the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring, offer optional quattro or xDrive systems for extra traction.
- What ADAS features are standard on most new estates?
- Lane‑keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and traffic‑sign recognition are becoming standard across the segment.
- Is a diesel still a good choice for an estate?
- Diesel engines remain popular for high‑mileage owners thanks to their torque and fuel efficiency, though turbo‑petrol and hybrid options are catching up fast.
- Can I tow a trailer with an estate?
- Yes. Most modern estates have a towing capacity of 1,500 – 2,000 kg, but always check the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Which estate offers the most luxurious interior?
- The Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class Estate and Jaguar XF Sportbrake lead the pack with premium leather, wood‑grain trims and ambient lighting.
- Do estates have good resale value?
- Yes, especially models from Skoda, Volvo and BMW, which tend to retain value thanks to their practicality and brand reputation.
- Are there any plug‑in hybrid estates?
- Indeed – the Skoda Superb GTE, Volvo V60 Recharge and Volkswagen Passat GTE are all plug‑in hybrids offering electric‑only range for city commutes.
- What is the typical warranty on a new estate?
- Most manufacturers provide a 5‑year/60,000‑mile warranty, though some offer extended coverage for an additional cost.
