Verdict on comparison: a highly practical hybrid
The Skoda Superb Estate plug-in hybrid maintains the same amount of passenger room and still has a massive boot, so it doesn’t significantly reduce the size of the interior of the standard model. Additionally, it has an outstanding cabin, is a quick performer, and is quite comfy. The hybrid technology also creates the possibility for extremely reduced operating expenses. This is a Which? Top Shop.
Pros
Very roomy Comfortable
maybe very affordable running costs
Cons
Several rough cabin plastics
The hybrid system somewhat reduces boot room in the BMW 5 Series Touring (2017-) review
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context £40,038 75%
key attributes
available new large estates in gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Verdict contrast: Estate of the Art
One of the finest luxury estate automobiles on the market is the BMW 5 Series Touring. It has a similar driving experience to the 5 Series saloon but is more useful. Its ability to consume miles while you drive in supreme comfort is practically unrivalled, and the inside is sumptuous. Although it is pricey, there is a definite sense of quality throughout.
Pros
dependable engine range
Safe
precise handling cosy
Luxurious\sPractical\sCons
Review of the pricey to own and operate BMW 3-series Estate (2012-2019)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context £9,704 74%
key attributes
large house
exclusively uses gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
A sharp-suited mansion for experienced drivers
The BMW 3 Series Touring demonstrates the brand’s renowned driver-focused design. It is the driver’s preferred premium compact estate vehicle, but it is also incredibly convenient and comfortable for a family vehicle. Even if the inside has improved since the previous model, the Audi A4 still outshines it in terms of overall quality.
Pros
amazing to drive
dependable diesel engines
Lots of safety equipment Cons
estate shoe sizeable boot
unimaginative styling
Costly option prices
Review of the Honda Accord Tourer (2008-2015)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context £3,797 74%
key attributes
large house
only uses gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Verdict in comparison: Skilled, dependable huge estate
The Accord Tourer is well-equipped, sturdily constructed, and enjoyable to drive. The Accord is comfy and simple to drive, with the exception of the complex dash controls. There is sufficient space for both passengers and luggage, which allows this estate to be classified as a Best Buy.
Pros
comprehensive apparatus
adequate safety measures
High quality Cons
Access is limited by a low roof.
Confusing dashboard
Running an Audi A6 Allroad (2012-2018) is quite expensive.
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context 73% £13,569
key attributes
large house
exclusively uses gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Verdict on comparison: A practical, comfortable, and versatile all-arounder
This car is quite comfortable, useful, and attractive. The cabin has ample space, and the trunk can accommodate daily family activities. Despite being 60mm higher off the ground than the A6 Avant, the dynamic suspension setup allows it to act like a sports car when driving. This is a Which? Top Shop.
Excellent ride comfort
a large cabin, and a boot
strong V6 diesels
Cons
Pricey to purchase and maintain Limited selection of engines
Review of the Toyota Avensis Touring Sports (2009–2018)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context £4,982
key attributes
large house
exclusively uses gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Comparison conclusion: Interesting
The Avensis Touring Sports provides quiet, secure, and comfortable transportation. This is a Which? Top Shop.
Effortless and simple to live with Secure and reliable to drive
Now that it is older,
difficult to manoeuvre
The backseats are not very comfortable.
Review of the Skoda Octavia Estate (2020-).
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context £20,717 72%
key attributes
available new large estates in gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Verdict in comparison: Family car champion
Looking for the most functionality without having to compromise on size? The Skoda Octavia Estate is a true star since it has a roomy interior for people and their stuff, provides a comfortable ride, and has a lovely cabin. This is an excellent all-arounder and a Which? Recommended vehicle if you can get past the clunky infotainment system. Top Shop.
Pros
incredibly large
comfortable to drive Good Cons
Better touchscreen controls are possible.
The best apparatus is an extra.
Review of the Ford Mondeo Estate (2014-)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context 71% £25,241
key attributes
available new large estates in gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Conclusion: Huge, attractive, and useful
The Mondeo Estate is a really sensible option. It is the perfect family transporter because it has a large boot and plenty of passenger space. It’s also a highly comfortable and relaxing car that could easily handle a 400-mile trip, although it lacks the driving participation of earlier Mondeos.
Pros
vast cabin
Huge boot Safe
superior construction
Cons: Holds value well
Inconvenient turning circle
Airbag seatbelts preclude the use of child safety seats.
Review of the Peugeot 508 SW Plug-in Hybrid (2019-)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context £31,711 71%
key attributes
available new plug-in hybrid large estate (PHEV)
Verdict on comparison: Stylish, upscale plug-in estate
The 508 SW is even more appealing because it has the option of using electricity. Once you’ve gotten acclimated to the complexities of its controls, it’s a terrific car to drive, and both the interior and exterior design give it a special feeling. However, like with any plug-in hybrid, you must consider your unique needs. A traditional petrol or diesel 508 SW may be a better option overall for long-distance drivers and those without access to private charging facilities.
Desirable Possibility of emissions-free Cons
Entry and exit are impacted by low rooflines.
a poor view to the rear
Review of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (2016-)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context £41,326 70%
key attributes
available new large estates in gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Verdict on the comparison: Stunning practicality and luxury
The Mercedes E-Class estate adds a tonne of practicality to an already extremely opulent package. Its easygoing civility makes it a more comfortable companion and an excellent luxury estate car, as opposed to matching the driver enjoyment focus that its nearest competitors pursue.
Pros\sComfortable\sSafe
Large, high-quality interior Drawbacks
pricey to acquire
Optional best kit
intricate entertainment system
Review of the Subaru Legacy (2009–2013)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context: £5,272 70%
key attributes
large house
exclusively uses gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Verdict in comparison: a reliable four-wheel-drive estate
The Subary Legacy is a wonderful vehicle for towing or use in bad weather, making it a great option for a family estate.
Pros
Built using quality equipment
Simple to drive
Cons of four-wheel drive
Placement of a child seat is restricted.
a limited number of engines and transmissions
expensive components
Review of the Ford Mondeo Estate (2007–2013)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context: £2,326 70%
key attributes
large house
exclusively uses gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Comparative evaluation: a superb family car.
With the Mondeo Estate, utility reigns supreme. With the seats folded down, the enormous boot can hold 1,733 litres of cargo in addition to the ample passenger space. The fact that many Mondeos are driven by corporate car drivers for a large portion of their lives should imply that they have received good maintenance.
Pros
Excellent long-distance cruising Secure
fully prepared
Spacious\sCons
Quite noisy
Several visibility problems
Value is quickly lost
Review of the Skoda Octavia Estate (2013-2020)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context 70% £8,021
key attributes
large house
exclusively uses gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Impressive, upscale, load-lugging estate judgement
The Octavia Estate may look like a barge, but it drives extremely well and has a variety of engines that provide both good performance and efficiency. However, the ride is a little bit stiff. The Octavia is a wonderful option if you’re searching for a big family vehicle that can carry a lot of stuff.
Pros
spacious cabin
massive boot
Cons Drives well
Backseats don’t completely fold flat.
Several slow engines
Rear visibility issues with the Volvo V90 Estate (2016-)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context 70% £40,162
key attributes
available new large estates in gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Verdict on comparison: Excellent fusion of elegance and usefulness
The V90 is a sizable estate that is really useful. But it’s much much more than that, providing first-rate luxury, an opulent cabin, a beautifully constructed aesthetic, and a tonne of contemporary technology. It may not be as exciting to drive as some of its competitors, but it is much less fussy than the majority of them.
Positive: Cozy and opulent
both useful and spacious
Cons: safe handling
intricate touchscreen
pricey to acquire
Thirsty\sUnwieldy
Review of the Volvo V90 Plug-in Hybrid (2020-)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context: £54,272 70%
key attributes
available new plug-in hybrid large estate (PHEV)
Verdict on the comparison: Strength, opulence, and usefulness combined
By huge estate car standards, the V90 plug-in hybrid provides the possibility of low operating expenses, but only if you typically take short trips, as its electric-only range is limited. The ride comfort, cabin feel, construction, and technology are all excellent, and it does a remarkable job of blending practicality with luxury. It handles well and has terrific performance, making it a really enjoyable car to drive.
Pros\sComfortable
a powerful acceleration
Practical\sSafe\sCons
intricate touchscreen
pricey to acquire
Unwieldy On lengthy trips, thirsty
Review of the BMW 3-series Estate (2005–2012)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context £2,772 69%
key attributes
large house
exclusively uses gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Verdict in comparison: More utility increases appeal
The 3 Series Touring is still one of the best family-sized vehicles to drive, despite not being as exclusive as it once was. It is economical and roomy, though not nearly as roomy inside as its most useful estate car competitors.
Pros Outstanding refinement
amazing to drive
Functional
efficient and powerful engines
Cons
Sloped roofs are a little bit unpractical.
Review of the Mazda 6 Tourer (2013-)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context £25,726 69%
key attributes
available new large estates in gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Verdict on comparison: Excellent for ardent drivers
The Mazda 6 is more than just a pretty face; it’s a spacious estate car with plenty of comfort and enough composure to make it a passably enjoyable drive. Additionally, it has respectable fuel efficiency for such a big automobile.
Pros
a pleasure to drive
Cheap engines
decent value
Looking good Cons
suspension that is reasonably firm
poor visibility throughout.
Review of the Skoda Octavia VRS Estate (2013-2020)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context £10,929 69%
key attributes
large house
exclusively uses gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Verdict compared: Rapid Express Estate
The addition of the vRS badge gives the Octavia Estate considerable energy and vigour despite the fact that it may appear to be any other typical huge estate car. Even though the ride is on the hard side, the chassis is undoubtedly capable of handling the job. The Octavia vRS is a good option if you’re searching for a big, useful family car with a little bit of fun on the side.
Pros
ample cabin space
massive boot
powerful engines
Cons Drives well
Pricey
Backseats don’t completely fold flat.
rigid ride
Review of the Subaru Outback (2015-)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context £32,409 69%
key attributes
large house
exclusively uses gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
comparison conclusion: a rugged 4×4 estate car
The Subaru Outback does a wonderful job of delivering true off-road prowess in a stylish estate vehicle if you’re not a fan of tall 4×4 crossovers. Although it has a roomy interior and is generally enjoyable to drive, we don’t like the automatic gearbox.
Pros
slick engines
a large cabin, and a boot
Cons: good off-road
sluggish automatic transmission
Review of the thirsty Volkswagen Passat Estate (2015-)
Price based on Test ScoreShow Context £29,067 69%
key attributes
available new large estates in gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid
Verdict on comparison: Attractive, useful, and dull
The Passat Estate’s showpiece is a huge boot, and its roomy cabin and cosy seats make it a pleasure to travel long distances in. However, due in large part to the cabin’s excessive noise levels when travelling at high speeds, it is relatively pricey and falls short of the upscale experience offered by more premium competitors. It’s a reliable family estate car, but dependability issues prevent it from earning the Best Buy label.
Pros of the gigantic boot
large enough for passengers
easy ride
Excellent safety Cons
Low-powered diesels don’t have a lot of energy.
Unreliable new model performance
cabin noise at fast speeds
slow informational system