Used MPVs

Whether you lead a busy family life, prefer a high seating position, or just need a huge boot, an MPV (sometimes also called a people carrier) could be ideal for you. MPVs tend to be more spacious and practical than a similar-size hatchback, estate or SUV and many have seating layouts that you can rearrange to suit your needs. That versatility doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, either – the best MPVs also feel relaxing to drive, which makes them great for long journeys with your friends or relatives.

What is an MPV?

MPV stands for ‘multi-purpose vehicle’ and describes a type of car that generally has a tall, boxy shape and an interior that’s designed to give you more space and versatility than most other types of car. Most MPVs have at least five seats, and some have as many as nine, which is the maximum allowed in a vehicle driven on a regular car driving licence. The back seats of most MPVs can be folded down individually or in blocks, so you can vary the amount of passenger and boot space depending on what you need for each journey.  

Is an MPV right for me?

MPVs are ideal if your priority in a car is having as much space as possible for people and things. They’re particularly popular with families who regularly go on holiday road trips. MPVs are some of the best cars for three child seats – because they’re designed with families in mind. Many MPVs have three or more sets of Isofix child seat mounts, which could be a deciding factor if you have children. Families with kids may also want to look out for an MPV with sliding back doors, which can make getting children into and out of the car much easier, especially in tight parking spaces. The higher seating position of MPVs can also be beneficial if you have mobility issues because you don’t need to bend down to get in – just slide straight onto the seat.    

What sort of MPVs are available?

MPVs come in a variety of sizes. The smallest size is similar to a small hatchback like the Ford Fiesta and the biggest nine-seat MPV is the size of a large van. The most popular MPVs are in between, about as big as a mid-size car like the Ford Focus. Some MPVs such as the Mercedes-Benz V-Class are actually based on vans, which gives them especially generous interior space.

More MPV buying guides

What is an MPV?

Top 10 best used MPVs

What are some of the most popular MPVs?

Ford Galaxy – A large seven-seat MPV that’s incredibly spacious and good value with a smooth and enjoyable ride. 

Peugeot Rifter – One of the most practical cars of any sort. It has loads of passenger and boot space, sliding back doors and lots of useful storage compartments dotted around the interior. The Rifter XL model has seven seats. 

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer – A mid-size option with a premium interior and high-tech features. It’s available with plug-in hybrid power or with a petrol or diesel engine. The Gran Tourer model is longer and has seven seats.

Ford C-MAX – A popular mid-size, five-seat MPV that feels great to drive and comes with a generous helping of features as standard. The Grand C-Max model has seven seats.

Seat Alhambra – A large, seven-seat MPV with sliding back doors, very comfortable seats and even more space than the Rifter. It’s great for long road trips.