The best family car in the UK has been announced by a renowned motoring publication, a car which Reach had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of earlier this year
The best family car in the UK has been named (stock)(Image: Getty)
A Korean MPV has been named a renowned automotive publication’s family car of the year for 2026, beating rivals from European manufacturers.
Every major motoring publication runs its own awards scheme to celebrate the latest cars on sale in the UK, with categories ranging from small hatchbacks to large SUVs, and an overall winner.
One of the most closely watched is the family car category, given the importance of practical, affordable vehicles for households across the country.
As a result, the winner of this category carries significant weight. In this case, Auto Express crowned the all-electric Kia PV5 Passenger as its 2026 family car of the year.
The PV5 Passenger is a van-derived MPV, meaning it is based on a commercial vehicle platform but fitted out with passenger comfort in mind.
Speaking about why it had won, the judges said: “Van-derived MPVs have long been popular with buyers looking to get the most space for their money, but there has always been a compromise.
“That all changes with the Kia PV5 Passenger, that manages to deliver acres of space and a driving experience that is more like a family hatch than a commercial vehicle.
“The all-electric powertrain contributes to its award-winning appeal… On the road, the PV5 Passenger is a doddle to drive… the PV5 is a new take on the family car that redefines the class.”
The PV5 finished ahead of the seven-seat Romanian Dacia Jogger and Czech Skoda Octavia, which were commended for value for money and practicality respectively.
Auto Express was not the only publication to praise the model, with Reach journalist Christopher Sharp also highlighting the PV5 after driving it at the SMMT’s annual test day in May.
Of his experience, he said: “The PV5 is number one on this list. The PV5 might be a people carrier, sure, but it’s no ordinary people carrier; a form of car making a bit of a comeback with competitors from VW also competing in this sector.
“I liked the interior, I liked the practicality, I like the fact that, like its much faster competitor above, it handled flat and true.
“Yes, it’s no sportscar, but it felt competent and it’s probably one of the coolest looking civilian vehicles on sale today. If I were to buy one maybe I would spec it with bigger wheels, but I look forward to seeing how this model evolves. It’s a bit different, and different is no bad thing.”
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