Which Volkswagen is best for families?

Looking for a family vehicle from the Volkswagen stables? There is so much to choose from! We look at popular offerings of all sizes for big, small, and medium-sized families.

Ané Albertse

4 Sep 2022 · 19:33Buying a Car

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Volkswagen Polo Vivo & Volkswagen Polo

The Polo has grown in size making it a sufficiently spacious car for 4-(5 at a push) family members.

The Polo Vivo is suitable for small families and the Volkswagen Polo, a much bigger car now since its initial launch in SA, offers even more space. A family of 3-4 will feel right at home in the Polo Vivo (from R237 000), but if you are serious about boot space a Polo sedan 1.4 (from R271 100) is a cost-effective option. The most affordable Polo, the 1.0TSI 70kW, is priced at R319 700.

Volkswagen T-Cross, Taigo, and T-Roc

The handsome new Taigo will work for 3-4 family members, but rear legroom isn't exactly ample if the kids are older and taller.

The T-models are ideal for crossover-crazy families who want to look good and travel in style. The T-Cross is more practical than the slightly smaller coupe-inspired Taigo, which is more of a boutique offering, while the fashionable T-Roc, based on the VW Golf, is the biggest model of the three.

The T-Roc offers significantly more room on the rear seats.

The T-Cross is a brilliant vehicle for 3-4 family members. Read my review on this model here.

Volkswagen Tiguan & Tiguan Allspace

The Volkswagen Tiguan makes our list of best, used family SUVs.

The Tiguan, from 1.4TSI 110kW (R558 900) is perfect for families, and should you need space for two more, the Allspace is your friend - but those rear seats are a little cramped for longer journeys. It's great if you need more luggage space, however.

Volkswagen Caddy & Caddy Kombi

The new Caddy cuts a striking picture and is no longer just a boring MPV.

A people-mover is ideal if you road-trip a lot or are the queen or king of the carpool. The new Volkswagen Caddy Kombi 2.0TDI is priced from R485 600 and seats seven. Just bear in mind that boot space isn't great when all seats are in an upright position. If you need space rather look into buying a used Transporter (search for it here on AutoTrader), Kombi or Caravelle.

Read our launch report of the new VW Caddy below.

Related: VW Caddy first drive review

Volkswagen Touareg

This Touareg has the Black Style Package added for major street cred!

Touaregs have become a bit of a status symbol but have as much style as they have substance.

Outdoorsy families with a lust for love will fall in love with the suave Touareg. They don't come cheap, though, but you do get a car that can literally go anywhere. From R1 312 100 for the V6 TDI Luxury model.

Verdict

It's hard to narrow it down to just one car, as families come in different sizes and most parents cannot afford large Volkswagen SUVs. I know of very small families who have a Volkswagen Up! as their sole mode of transport and are very happy.

In the end, it's your lifestyle, the number of family members and ultimately your budget that is the deciding factor when you want to buy a VW for your family. As far as buying advice goes, I would always suggest buying a used car instead of a new one as depreciation occurs the moment you drive it off the showroom floor.

Written by Ané Albertse

Ané was bitten by the motoring bug at a very young age. Her mom recalls her sitting in her stroller as a 3-year old, naming every car that came past. She was creating content for various publications within Media24 when AutoTrader nabbed her for good, and is one of the longest-standing members of the AutoTrader team. She prefers dirt roads to tar and SUVs/bakkies to sports cars, but her greatest passion is helping people find the perfect car for their budget, lifestyle, and personality.Read more