Best cars for the school run

Getting your kids ready and to school on time can often be a challenge, so don’t let choosing the wrong car make it even more difficult! We’ve selected our best cars for the school run to suit different so you and your family can get a car that’s right for you. Whether you’re after a cheap-to-run hatchback or a family-friendly electric SUV, we’ve got them all! Read on for our list of the best school-run cars. 

1. Nissan Qashqai.

The Nissan Qashqai is one of those cars which can suit a whole range of different drivers. If you’re looking for a family-friendly car that will be great for the school run but also handle weekend road trips, the Qashqai is worth looking at. It’s also really affordable and is one of the best-used cars under £10k. There is plenty of space in the rear, it comes with a huge 504-litre boot space and even lower-end models come with plenty of tech as standard. 

2. SEAT Leon.

The SEAT Leon is a great family car to buy and it is compact yet spacious. The Leon is a convenient car for the school run because it’s fun to drive, efficient and easy to manoeuvre. There’s enough space for three kids in the back and plenty of room up front for driver and passenger. The Leon has been around for several years and Seat Leon finance deals could see you pay less than £250 a month! 

3. MG ZS EV.

If you’re looking for an electric car that can handle the school run and your weekend activities, the MG ZS EV is a great choice! Not only that but it’s also one of our favourite eco-friendly cars when you’re on a budget too! This electric car will help to rescue your family’s carbon footprint and have everyone safe and comfortable inside. It has a high electric range of up to 273 miles which should make any school run a doddle! Charge your EV overnight when the grid is at its lowest and save money too. 

4. Kia Sportage.

The Kia Sportage was one of the best-selling cars of 2023 and it’s easy to see why! Coming in at 4th place, the Sportage is modern, comfortable, and practical. It’s a compact SUV that comes with plenty of safety features and technology. All Kia models also come with a 7-year (or 100k mileage) warranty that can be transferred with ownership so even second-hand car buyers can benefit too.

5. Dacia Jogger.

The Dacia Jogger is one of the best cars for the school run if you need a car to suit all your needs. For one, it is a spacious 7-seater but also has the body of an estate. Gone are the days of clunky and unsightly 7-seater cars and then Dacia Jogger brings style and sophistication to the MPV market. The Dacia is a fairly new model as it only came out in 2022 but has already proved to be a popular choice for a school-run car!

6. Peugeot 3008.

The Peugeot 3008 is a crossover SUV which is popular with many different drivers. It makes a great car for the school run due to its seemingly endless amount of interior space and high-tech kit. It’s fun to drive and handles well and boasts an impressive 512-litre boot space. This model is also really efficient and it’s one of our best petrol cars you can buy too. If you’re after something more eco-friendly the hybrid 3008 is worth looking into. 

7. Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a capable and spacious SUV for all your school-run needs. The roomy interior is perfect for passengers, school bags and equipment. Handy features such as Lane Keep Assist, Cruise Control and Emergency Braking help to keep everyone on board safe. The Tiguan is a strong rival to the Nissan Qashqai if versatile SUVs are your thing.

8. Jaguar I-Pace.

Well, we did say we’d look at the best cars for the school run for every budget, so here is the Jaguar I-Pace. If you’re after a car with a little more added luxury and an emission-free engine, this all-electric SUV could be right for you. This impressive EV offers 292 miles of electric range and fast charging too! The Jaguar I-Pace has been on sale for around 5 years now so used Jaguar finance could help to make your purchase more affordable. 

9. Audi Q7.

Just like the I-Pace above, the Audi Q7 brings a little added luxury to the school run game. The Audi Q7 can fit up to seven people so it’s great for larger families or those wanting extra space. The Q7 already gets a mention on our list of the best large SUVs you can buy and it’s easy to see why. Its more upmarket than most of the cars on our list and comes with a higher price tag but plenty of tech and cool features as standard. 

10. Hyundai Tucson.

At the 2023 CarBuyer awards, the Hyundai Tucson won ‘Best Family Car’ so it’s no wonder it makes a great car for the school run too. When it comes to usability and family-friendly features, the Tucson is top of the class. There are a few engines to choose from, such as petrol, diesel, and hybrid. The Tucson is not only practical but it’s also good looking and great value for money.