The Best Cars For The School Run

Whether you’re packing just one little monster off for the day or a whole clutch, finding the best car for the school run is no mean feat.

Needing a car for the school run is one thing, but what about all those other, longer trips too? Here we’ll examine some of the contenders you should consider if you’re on the lookout for a top school run car.

The best cars for the school run

Land Rover Discovery

Audi Q7

BMW 5 Series Touring

Jaguar I-PACE

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Lexus RX

Toyota Yaris Cross

Mini Clubman

A timeless classic outside the school gates – and with good reason. Is there anything the Land Rover Discovery can’t do? With a seven-seat capacity, the ‘Disco’ is one of the best cars for kids and dogs if you’re heading to the park for some exercise right after the school run, while its polished appearance makes it perfect for rolling up to a business meeting if that’s next on your agenda.

If you will have the kids on the road for any kind of extended period, the optional Touch Pro Dual View system could be your saviour, allowing the driver to view navigation while passengers watch a DVD or TV on the same screen.

Best features:

• Spacious seating across three rows
• WiFi hotspot (powerful enough for eight connections)
• Curry hook – no more spilled takeaway!

This colossal people carrier is definitely one of the best cars for 3 kids or 4 kids thanks to the sheer size and flexibility of its seating options. Recently voted the WhatCar? Best Luxury SUV for a second time, the Q7 can “accelerate like a hot hatch, pamper like a limo, handle like a saloon and accommodate like an MPV” – not bad.

The second and third-row seats fold away at the touch of a button making for effortless purpose changes once the kids are in the classroom, while the WiFi hotspot and Google Alexa voice assistant will keep them quiet while on board.

Best features:

• 360-degree overhead view
• One of the smoothest drives in its class
• Car of the Year winner

If you need a bit of room without a requirement for masses of storage space, the 5 Series’ estate iteration is one of the best cars for a family with 2 kids. This is easily one of the best cars to drive for school runs and you’ll really feel the driving capabilities of this German-engineered great when on those weekend camping trips or family staycations.

Available with a full range of powertrains, the 5 Series Touring is BMW’s first plug-in hybrid, perfect if you want to ferry the little ones around in style while also protecting the environment.

Best features:

• More affordable than many SUV rivals
• Easy-to-use instruments and controls
• Built-in hard drive to store favourite tunes

This is definitely the best car for kids with an eco-conscience. Jaguar’s all-electric SUV is not only loaded with tech, great for the environment and backed by a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, but this model has also spawned its own racing series on the popular Formula E circuit – so there’s no chance of cramping anyone’s style in front of their friends!

With so much smart tech on board, you may be concerned about keeping it all up to date, but fear not. The I-PACE will be the first Jaguar to provide seamless software updates over-the-air, so you can just focus on the road and let the car take care of itself.

Best features:

• Rock-bottom running costs
• Speed and navigation available as heads-up display on windscreen
• Acoustic laminated glass for a quiet ride

Needing a car for the school run that is as fashionable as you are? The G-Class has been the in vogue choice for the rich and famous for some time and is only growing in popularity on streets up and down the country.

There’s plenty of substance to go with the style, however. The G-Class would rank highly for anyone looking for the best car for school runs that featured a bit of off-roading thanks to its water-wading capabilities and ability to lean 35 degrees without rolling. Maybe you’ll be more interested in the three-zone automatic climate control and heated front memory seats though…

Best features:

• Fully off-road capable
• Driver assist pack standard on all models
• Arrive at the gates like a rock star

The luxury Japanese automaker has committed to hybrid power with its latest iteration of this SUV, which has now been around for over 20 years. A rear-reversing camera as standard makes this one of the best school run cars for those needing to navigate narrow streets and tight bends.

The RX is another award-winner worth paying attention to. WhatCar? named Lexus as the most reliable manufacturer in its most recent ceremony, making this luxury SUV one to consider if you have many years of school runs still to look forward to.

Best features:

• More space than most similar-sized rivals
• Control car from smartphone or even smart watch
• Amazon Alexa connectivity

This crossover combines Toyota’s proud history of producing excellent SUVs and the Yaris’ reputation as a tech-packed family car. If you’re looking for the best small car for school runs, the self-charging hybrid Yaris Cross will be a serious contender when released in 2021.

Its powered rear hatch and height-adjustable luggage deck mean you won’t be short of space no matter what kit the kids are taking to school, while the rear deck can be divided in two, to offer owners more load space and underfloor storage if required.

Best features:

• Most nimble car on the list
• Hybrid power helps keep costs down
• Four-wheel drive available

We hear you – a Mini on a list of school run cars?! The Clubman more than earns its spot, however. With five spacious seats and four doors, there’s no ungainly clambering or knocked knees to worry about, while its split rear doors and union-jack inspired taillights will make sure you roll up to the gates in style too.

If you’re a digital-first family, the Mini Connected package can help you or the kids keep track of social media, stream music or access in-car apps.

Best features:

• Huge level of customisation options
• Funky interior packed with tech
• Most affordable car on the list

Take the stress out of your mornings

Whether it’s a lost lunchbox or some half-chewed homework, you’ve got enough to think about on the school run without worrying about your car.

If you want to widen your search further, why not browse our selection of used cars to find the perfect one for you.

And if you have any questions about your next school run car, do not hesitate to contact us or book an appointment with your local dealership to find out more.

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