Best Cars for the School Run 2022

As any parent knows, getting the kids to and from school is sometimes easier said than done! Unless you’re in walking distance from your local school, you will no doubt rely on a car for the daily school run. 

Investing in a new or used car is a big deal, so it’s important you choose the right vehicle for you and your family’s needs. How do you choose a good family car? In this article, we’ll let you know what factors to consider. To help with your decision, here at Wilsons Epsom, we’ve also compiled a list of the best cars for the school run in 2022.

What makes a good family car?

Before you start your car search, you’ll need to establish what you need from your vehicle. For the school run, you’ll no doubt need plenty of space, five-star safety, and a hard wearing interior to name a few!

We’ve created the checklist below to help you decide on the make and model of car:

• Reliability
• Economical benefits (the more MPG the better!)
• Excellent five-star NCAP safety rating
• Affordable
• Spacious
• Practical
• Hardwearing
• Driver assistance technology

Types of family cars

When it comes to buying a new car that will be used for the school run, you’ll need to figure out what type of car you require. A small-sized hatchback may do just the job, but if you need to transport a larger family, then an estate car or even an MPV is the better option. Below, we explain the different types of of family cars available:

The best school run cars

Once you’ve decided on the type and size of car you need to help with the daily school run, the fun bit starts. With so many options available to you, we’ve compiled our top choices when it comes to ensuring the family gets safely from A to B…

DACIA JOGGER

The all-new Dacia Jogger was awarded ‘Family Car of the Year’ at the Auto Express New Car Awards in 2022. It's a car to suit all needs; the length of an estate car, has the spaciousness of an MPV, but looks like an SUV! The innovative seven-seater is praised for its superb value, amount of interior space, and a robust build. Generous levels of equipment as standard make it great value for money, as does its enjoyable driving style and durability. 

Explore our all-new Dacia Jogger offer from ONLY £240 per month.

HYUNDAI TUCSON

Introducing the charismatic family-friendly Hyundai TUCSON compact SUV which won ‘Best Family Car’ at the 2023 Carbuyer Best Car Awards. Judged on cost, performance, comfort, safety, and practicality, the TUCSON takes home the award two years in a row. Expect family-friendly features and a strong range of hybrid powertrains, which also made it the ‘Plug-In Hybrid Tow Car of the Year’. 

Explore our new and used Hyundai TUCSON models.

JEEP RENEGADE

The all-new Jeep Renegade is a powerhouse of a vehicle, combining SUV and 4x4 elements. Stylish as it is rugged, the Jeep Renegade has impressive ground clearance and is poised to take on all conditions thrown its way. Dubbed the ‘four door explorer’, expect plenty of head-room in the cabin and a good size boot to cart around all of the kids’ belongings.

Explore our new and used Jeep Renegade models. 

MG ZS EV

Experience electric power with the MG ZS EV, which is arguably the best value electric car on the market right now. An increased driving range of up to 273-miles (or up to 370-miles if driven in city mode) means you will never be left in the dark and it offers technology aplenty. While it may not be as fancy as some of its SUV competitors, you’ll struggle to find a cheaper EV than this.

Explore our new and used MG ZS EV standard and long range models.

NISSAN QASHQAI

Feel confident behind the wheel of a Nissan Qashqai and experience intelligent technology that increases safety for you and your family. Roomy and practical, the Nissan Qashqai is a family crossover car with a big boot and wide-opening back doors - perfect for getting the kids in and out of. 

Explore our new and used Nissan Qashqai models.

PEUGEOT 5008

One of the largest SUVs on the market, the PEUGEOT 5008 shares the same platform as its 3008 sister, but with the added benefit of seven seats; these can also be folded away for even more boot storage. Boasting modern design and plenty of interior space, the PEUGEOT 5008 is the perfect balance between style and practicality. 

Explore our new and used PEUGEOT 5008. 

COMING SOON - THE ALL-NEW NISSAN X-TRAIL

Fans of Nissan are getting excited about the all-new NISSAN X-Trail which will arrive here at our Wilsons Epsom showroom in Surrey by November. Experience the added benefit of e-POWER; a fuel efficient petrol engine paired with a lithium ion battery working together to provide a responsive and quiet drive, no matter where your journey takes you. The all-new NISSAN X-Trail is available in five or seven seats, which is peace of mind for busy school runs. 

Discover more about the all-new NISSAN X-Trail with e-POWER.

Cars for the school run at Wilsons Epsom

While we’ve listed our top picks of cars for the school run, here at Wilsons Epsom, we have many more options available. If you’re looking for something small, then check out our much-loved iconic Fiat range, including the Fiat 500, Fiat 500X, and Fiat Panda. If you’re after a more sporty choice, then take a look at our Alfa Romeo range of cars, including the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Giulia.

Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to taking your children to and from school. To discover Euro NCAP’s five-star rated safest family cars, have a read of our Safest Family Cars blog to get a better understanding of the latest and safest cars available to buy right now.