Best cars for the school run

A new term is fast approaching and that means the school run will be starting in earnest once again. If you’re taking kids to school then it’s likely that you’re relying on a car to get you there, but if you’re looking to switch models then where do you look for the ideal school-run vehicle?

Handily, we’ve picked out a variety of suitable options that can be purchased at a variety of budgets. In this list, you’ll find cars of all shapes and sizes - and prices - to ensure that there’s one which fits the bill for you.

Under £3k - Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa is a household name in the UK and has established a reputation for value, accessibility and ease of use. For our low £3,000 budget you’ll be able to get a very respectable Corsa example, too, and you’ll find that despite being a relatively small car this Vauxhall can deliver a very usable level of space and practicality.

Just be aware that at this price point, you’ll be looking at a slightly older example or one which has higher mileage. It’s worth looking into a car’s history in this instance to make sure that everything is just as it should be.

£5k - Volkswagen Up!

A lot of people immediately think of a large SUV or crossover when they’re looking for a school-run car but the Volkswagen Up! proves that doesn’t need to be the case. For such a compact car the Up! delivers an impressive amount of space, while its boxy dimensions mean that it’s got a useful amount of headroom for taller passengers and drivers.

If your kids are nearing driving age, too, then it might be that the Up! could provide the ideal first-time learner car thanks to its small engine and low insurance group.

£10k - Citroen C4 Grand Picasso

If space is what you’re after above all else, then the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso is well worth a look. Built around the traditional MPV bodystyle, the C4 Grand Picasso has acres of interior room and even with all of its seats in place delivers a well-sized boot that’ll easily accommodate bags, sports equipment and instruments.

Just bear in mind that at this price, the C4 Grand Picasso may have quite a number of miles on the clock, so it could be worth considering getting a full inspection completed.

£15k - Lexus NX

Hybrids have become a lot more popular for school-run cars as a result of their low-speed efficiency and good CO2 figures. The Lexus NX has all the sharp styling touches that you’d expect to find in a car from this manufacturer, but it backs this up with a pleasantly made interior which features plenty of good materials.

If a hybrid isn’t quite what you’re after then Lexus did - for a short period - offer a regular turbocharged petrol version of the NX.

£20k - Audi A6 Avant

The big estate car has always been an ideal choice for families and school-run drivers thanks to their large boot which can swallow up all sorts of equipment. The A6 Avant is a fine choice in this area, thanks to its solid build quality and efficient range of engines.

Plus, when the schools do break up again, the A6 Avant is great for those long-distance holiday trips where its efficient nature and quiet cabin help to take a lot of the backache out of longer days on the road.

£25k - Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 is an impressively popular car in the school-run market. Why? Well, it isn’t too large on the outside but delivers strongly in terms of practicality and in-car space, while the level of fit-and-finish is just what you’d expect from Volvo too.

You can get the XC40 with a range of efficient engines, too, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid models being particularly frugal. We like the easy-to-access rear seats, too, alongside the decent headroom that you get as a result of the XC40’s square shape.

£30k - Volkswagen Caravelle

Large people-carrying vans have become a popular choice for school-run drivers. They offer boatloads of space and give you the freedom to help out other parents or carers with trips, be that to after-school activities or events on the weekend.

The Volkswagen Caravelle is a sought-after option in this market and one you’ll be able to get for a £30,000 budget. It’s built in typical Volkswagen rock-solid fashion and with a full seven seats - alongside a large boot even when the chairs are in place - it’s endlessly handy for people-moving. Need more luggage room? That rear five seats can be removed entirely.

Prices correct at time of publication [09/2024].