For buyers who want maximum load space without stepping up to an SUV, the estate car remains one of the most practical body styles on sale. Long, low and easy to load, estates typically beat SUVs of a similar price on outright boot volume. Here are the estate cars with the biggest boots in the UK.
Best Estate Cars for Boot Space
Skoda Superb Estate
The Skoda Superb Estate offers a cavernous 690 litre boot with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,950 litres when they are folded flat, enough for 10 carry on suitcases without even using the load cover, and one of the biggest boots of any car sold in the UK.
Volkswagen Passat Estate
The Volkswagen Passat Estate provides a generous 650 litre boot as standard, with a wide, low loading lip that makes lifting heavy items straightforward compared with taller SUVs.
Skoda Octavia Estate
The Skoda Octavia Estate remains one of the most popular choices in this segment, offering 640 litres with the rear seats up and a practical, square-shaped load area that makes the most of every available litre.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate
For buyers wanting a premium badge alongside genuine practicality, the E-Class Estate offers 640 litres with the seats up, along with clever features such as an electrically operated tailgate and adjustable load floor.
Estate Car Boot Space Comparison
| Model | Boot Space (Seats Up) | Boot Space (Seats Down) |
|---|---|---|
| Skoda Superb Estate | 690 litres | 1,950 litres |
| Volkswagen Passat Estate | 650 litres | 1,780 litres |
| Skoda Octavia Estate | 640 litres | 1,700 litres |
| Mercedes E-Class Estate | 640 litres | 1,820 litres |
Why Choose an Estate Over an SUV
- Better fuel economy: the lower, more aerodynamic body shape typically returns better fuel economy than an equivalent SUV.
- Easier loading: a lower boot floor makes lifting heavy items less strenuous than a taller SUV.
- Often better value: estate versions are frequently cheaper than the SUV equivalent from the same manufacturer, with similar or greater boot capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which estate car has the biggest boot in the UK?
The Skoda Superb Estate currently offers one of the largest boots of any estate car sold in the UK, at 690 litres with the rear seats in place.
Are estate cars more practical than SUVs?
For pure boot volume per pound spent, estates are often more practical than SUVs, though SUVs offer a higher driving position and generally better all-weather grip.
Related reading: prefer something more compact? See our guide to family hatchbacks with the biggest boots.
Written by the Apriliapartsbuyer editorial team, covering UK family car buying guides.
