The best car for family holidays revealed - and it's perfect for a staycation

The Hyundai Tucson has been crowned the best car for family holidays, according to a recent study. A survey of 2,000 parents unveiled their top criteria when choosing a vehicle for family trips, and these factors were used to determine which models best fit the bill.

While many families would typically opt for large or mid-size hatchbacks for their holiday travels, it was the SUV that emerged victorious, with the Hyundai Tucson leading the pack due to its array of desirable features such as ample boot space, fuel efficiency and reliability - all of which were listed as parents' top priorities for a family holiday car.

The SUV stood out, boasting the most sought-after features – generous boot space (up to 620 litres) and impressive fuel economy of around 38mpg for petrol models, 46mpg for hybrids, and even more for the plug-in hybrid if regularly charged.

Additionally, it offers a five-year unlimited mileage warranty from new and fits within budget, with used models of the latest generation starting from just over £15,000.

Chris Knapman, editorial director for CarGurus UK, commented: "Family holidays often mean long hours on the road, packed boots, and keeping everyone comfortable. With this in mind, the Hyundai Tucson stood out as a clear winner – it's extremely practical, efficient, and many examples on the used market will still be covered by Hyundai's generous five-year, unlimited mileage warranty."

When selecting a family-friendly holiday car, comfort for long journeys, climate control, and built-in sat nav or GPS are key considerations. Rear leg room, interior storage, and a range of safety features such as lane departure and forward collision warnings are also crucial.

On average, those surveyed said they would spend approximately £21,000 on a car suitable for family holidays, with 22% revealing they'd be willing to pay between £15,000 and £24,999.

"Not only that, but the Tucson is a quiet and comfortable car to drive, making it ideal for covering long distances. That combination is perfect for families planning to holiday in the UK or travel further afield," added Chris. CarGurus has compiled a 'Best Family Holiday Cars Guide' providing vehicle suggestions and advice for all budgets.

On average, those who use a car during holidays take two family holidays a year which involve driving. While 75% of everyone surveyed stated they're either 'more likely' or equally as likely to take a 'driving holiday' now than they had before.

When purchasing a family car, 52% of this group do or would consider their favourite types of holiday into their decision-making.

This year, 61% of Britons are planning a staycation, with the Lake District, Cornwall, and Devon being the top destinations. Meanwhile, 16% of those surveyed plan to drive abroad for their holiday.Consequently, they're likely to clock up many miles – 19% drive more than 600 miles during a typical year just for holidays.

Chris added: "With SUVs tending to offer good practicality, it's no surprise to see this body style topped the list with holiday makers.

"What is perhaps more unexpected is that you can find models from under £10,000 that meet the other items on consumers' wish lists, including the possibility of manufacturer-backed warranties for peace of mind."