Space jam
Transporting a family automatically transfers to needing space. Everyone needs legroom and appreciates shoulder room. The question then is which cars are the most spacious for those of us with family responsibilities?
Related: Best cars for a family with teenagers
When the question is about needing space we are automatically going to exclude small city hatchbacks as they generally do not consider spaciousness in a family context. We are also going to exclude sedans for the time being as the segment is on a steady decline.
Crossover
The vehicles in this segment are generally a step-up from city hatchbacks and offer a slight improvement on interior room and boot space. These vehicle types are aimed at smaller starting out families.
- Ford EcoSport
- Hyundai Venue
- Kia Sonet
- Nissan Magnite
- Renault Kiger
- Citroen C3
- Fiat 500X
- Suzuki Vitara Brezza
- Toyota Urban Cruiser
- Volkswagen T Cross
- Renault Duster
Mid-Size Crossover
The mid-size crossover is aimed at those that need just a little bit more space but want to keep a smaller exterior footprint. The common denominator here is a larger boot and quite a bit more rear legroom.
- Volkswagen T-Roc
- Hyundai Kona
- Kia Seltos
- Haval Jolion
- Audi Q2
- Peugeot 2008
- Toyota CH-r
Mid-Size SUV
This segment is probably the busiest in terms of the sheer number of these vehicles being sold. These vehicles are perfectly suited for SA road conditions and cater to small to medium-sized families that need plenty of packing space, leg and shoulder room with all the mod cons that a growing family could use.
- Hyundai Tucson
- Kia Sportage
- Peugeot 3008
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Haval H6
- Toyota RAV4
- Ford Kuga
- Citroen C5
- Renault Koleos
Large SUV
The large SUV is for those that have a larger or extended family that needs the extra space or just those that want to stretch out. Most of these vehicles have the capability to carry 7 adults and all their gear in comfort.
- Kia Sorento
- Isuzu mu-X
- Ford Everest
- Toyota Fortuner
- Hyundai Palisade
- Volkswagen Touareg
- Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Luxury SUV
The luxury SUV tends to be larger to accommodate for comfort space. Legroom and shoulder room as well as packing space are prioritized along with conveniences such as zoned climate control, rear screens, USB and 12v outlets and will normally have high-end upholstery.
- Land Rover Defender 110
- Jaguar F-Pace
- Volvo XC90
- Mercedes AMG GLC, GLE, GLS,
- BMW X3 - X7
- Porsche Macan and Cayenne
- Audi Q3 - Q7
- Lexus RX
- Aston Martin DBX
- Bentley Bentayga
- Toyota Land Cruiser 300
Double cab
The double cab is a South African phenomenon. We love bakkies not only for their utility but also due to the space and convenience on offer. Rear legroom may not always be the best, but the extra shoulder room is a win. Most of the manufacturers are now putting a great deal of effort into making these vehicles more SUV like with every iteration.
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Hilux
- Volkswagen Amarok
- GWM P Series
- Isuzu D-Max
- Nissan Navara
- Mazda BT-50
- Mitsubishi Triton
- Mahindra Pik-up
- Fiat Fullback
- Foton Tunland
- GWM Steed 6
