Being practical doesn’t mean sacrificing style, especially when it comes to family cars. For those needing to haul kids and cargo, the automotive world offers a surprising number of Cool Family Cars that go beyond the mundane. Forget boring boxes on wheels; these 20 vehicles demonstrate that you can embrace family life and still turn heads in the school drop-off line and beyond. From vintage classics to modern marvels, we’ve compiled a list that proves cool family cars are not just a myth, but a reality waiting to be driven.
1982 Peugeot 505 Familiale
The Peugeot 505 Familiale holds a special place in automotive history as Peugeot’s final rear-wheel-drive production car. Produced in various forms from 1978 to 1999, this model clearly resonated with buyers, selling over 1.3 million units. However, the ‘Familiale’ version, unveiled at the 1982 Geneva Motor Show, is particularly noteworthy for families. This estate car offered seating for up to eight passengers, thanks to a clever folding third-row bench. Adding to its appeal, the 505 Familiale boasted styling in collaboration with the renowned Pininfarina design house, instantly elevating its cool factor. This blend of practicality and Italian design flair makes the Peugeot 505 Familiale a truly cool family car.
1984 Renault Espace
Often hailed as the original MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle), the Renault Espace debuted in 1984 after a somewhat complicated development journey. Initially conceived by Chrysler UK as a replacement for the less-than-cool Talbot Rancho, the project eventually landed with PSA Peugeot Citroen. Ultimately, through Matra, the Espace was launched under the Renault badge. Its innovative fiberglass body was a bold move, and while the radical styling took some time for customers to embrace, the Espace’s impact on family car design is undeniable. Today, finding a first-generation Espace would not only be a unique find but also a statement of unconventional cool family car choice.
1986 Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class Estate
The Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class Estate embodies the classic Mercedes-Benz virtues of its era. This estate car is a product of a time when Mercedes vehicles were synonymous with exceptional build quality and legendary reliability. Crucially for families, the W124 Estate offered an optional seven-seat configuration, thanks to a rear-facing third row that conveniently folded flat into the boot floor when not needed. This combination of spaciousness and renowned durability, capable of racking up incredible mileage, ensures the W124 wagon remains a sought-after and valuable cool family car even today.
1957 Chevrolet Nomad
Proof that cool family cars existed over six decades ago, the Chevrolet Nomad was a stylish sibling to the iconic Chevy Bel Air. Featuring a distinctive two-door shooting brake design and a practical split two-piece tailgate, the Nomad seamlessly blended practicality with eye-catching aesthetics. For the 1957 model year, it gained the option of the powerful ‘Super Turbo Fire V8’ engine, a cutting-edge fuel-injected powerplant producing 283hp. Produced for only three years, the Nomad is a rare and desirable piece of automotive history. Owning this retro-cool family car today requires a significant investment, but the style statement is undeniable.
1959 Ford Country Squire
Long before the era of Lycra-clad lifestyle marketing, the 1959 Ford Country Squire was already embodying the spirit of family adventure. This particular model was even showcased with push-button lifestyle accessories, including a roof-mounted boat that ingeniously flipped over to reveal a tent underneath. Adding to the family-friendly features, it even had an electric refrigerator in the boot. The Country Squire remained a staple in the Ford lineup until 1990, as American tastes shifted away from the traditional station wagon. Interestingly, the signature woodgrain trim, a defining feature of the Country Squire, was actually fake wood, a design choice dating back to 1953, but still contributing to its cool, classic family car appeal.
1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Another vehicle known for its faux wood veneer, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer legitimately claims the title of the first premium SUV. Introduced in 1963 by the Kaiser Jeep Corporation, the Wagoneer distinguished itself from other 4×4 models of the time with its more upscale interior. By 1991, under Chrysler’s ownership, the final Grand Wagoneers were even more luxurious and generously equipped, solidifying its status as a cool family car. Consequently, these final-year Grand Wagoneers command premium prices among collectors who appreciate their blend of rugged capability and refined features.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Jeep has continued to produce cool family machines since the original Wagoneer, though the modern Trackhawk achieves coolness through a very different approach. By transplanting the monstrous 707hp 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine from the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and pairing it with a 4WD system, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk delivers supercar-like performance. It accelerates from 0-60mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180mph, making it one of the fastest SUVs ever created. For track enthusiasts, it even offers a ‘Track mode’ setting for the suspension and gearbox. While sick bags aren’t listed as an option, the leather upholstery is at least wipe-clean, making this a uniquely cool family car for thrill-seeking parents.
1998 Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon
Coolness isn’t always about speed or flashy styling. For family transport, automotive appeal can also stem from unwavering dependability, especially in challenging conditions. The Toyota Land Cruiser, with a lineage stretching back to 1951, has cultivated a global reputation for unmatched reliability and trustworthiness. The J100 Amazon generation, introduced in 1998, offered an optional 4.7-litre V8 engine and provides a sense of quiet confidence, whether navigating city streets or tackling off-road trails. This inherent toughness and go-anywhere capability make the Land Cruiser Amazon a different kind of cool family car – one built for adventure and peace of mind.
2000 Volkswagen Sharan 2.8 VR6
Just as SUVs define the current automotive landscape, MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) dominated the 1990s. Vehicles like the Volkswagen Sharan, and its siblings the Ford Galaxy and SEAT Alhambra, were presented as the solution to nearly every family transportation need. Even the desire for a seven-seater MPV with a powerful engine was catered to, in the form of the Sharan 2.8 VR6. This version boasted a 2.8-litre 201hp narrow-angle V6 engine. While the VR6 still resulted in a 0-60mph time of 10.6 seconds and consumed fuel at a rate of 22mpg, the six-cylinder soundtrack and unique engine choice added a layer of unexpected cool to this family-oriented MPV.
2001 Vauxhall Zafira GSi
The first-generation Vauxhall Zafira might suffer from a somewhat unexciting image in standard form. However, in 2001, Vauxhall introduced the sporty GSi version, injecting a dose of unexpected coolness into the MPV segment. Powered by a 189hp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine borrowed from the Astra, the Zafira GSi achieved a 0-60mph sprint of 7.5 seconds. Combined with relatively understated styling, this made the Zafira GSi something of a ‘Q-car’ – a vehicle with hidden performance. For those willing to overlook potential badge snobbery, the Vauxhall Zafira GSi offered a surprisingly cool and practical family car option.
2006 SEAT Altea FR TFSI
Even more uncommon and unexpected than the Zafira GSi, the SEAT Altea FR TFSI offered a fleeting glimpse of a world where compact MPVs could actually be cool. Styled by Walter de Silva – the designer behind the Alfa Romeo 156 – the Altea already had a visual edge. The FR version took it further with the option of a 197hp 2.0-litre TFSI engine. This was the same engine that powered the acclaimed Mk5 Golf GTI, earning praise from automotive journalists and enthusiasts alike. The FR specification also included sports suspension, giving the Altea handling capabilities that defied MPV expectations. This combination of design pedigree and hot-hatch performance made the SEAT Altea FR TFSI a truly unique and cool family car.
2006 Ford S-Max 2.5 Titanium
However, the title of ultimate performance MPV arguably belongs to the original Ford S-Max. Utilizing the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine from the Focus ST, its 216hp output translated to a 0-60mph time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 143mph – impressive figures for an MPV. Adding to its appeal was the distinctive five-cylinder engine sound, seven seats, and surprisingly agile handling. The S-Max became a highly desirable package for families seeking driving enjoyment alongside practicality. Its popularity with numerous police forces further cemented its cool image, making it a truly stand-out cool family car.
1995 Volvo 850 T-5R
Also favored by law enforcement, the Volvo 850 T-5R was a formidable presence in the rearview mirrors of many drivers. Created during Volvo’s period of brand reinvention, the T-5R was a limited edition model equipped with a 245hp 2.3-litre turbocharged engine. While offered in both estate and saloon body styles, the wagon version was undeniably cooler – not least due to the Volvo 850 Estate’s participation in the British Touring Car Championship. This racing pedigree and understated aggression made the Volvo 850 T-5R Estate a cool family car icon.
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Wagon
Exclusively sold in Japan and produced in limited numbers, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Wagon offers a unique opportunity to transport your family in a truly special machine. Only 2,500 units were manufactured, essentially merging the chassis of the Evo IX saloon with the bodywork of the regular Lancer estate. Extensive welding and strengthening ensured structural integrity, while the power output remained unchanged at 276hp, as did the advanced full-time 4WD system with active centre differential. Importing one might be challenging, but the exclusivity and performance of the Evo IX Wagon make it a highly desirable and exceptionally cool family car for dedicated enthusiasts.
2006 Audi B7 RS4 Avant
Flared wheel arches, signature Audi build quality, and a potent 4.2-litre V8 engine – the same engine found in the original R8 supercar – are just the starting points for the remarkable Audi RS4 Avant. These attributes established the RS4 as a genuine rival to the BMW M3, but in a more practical five-door estate body. The rear-biased Quattro all-wheel-drive system provided a perfect balance of grip and agility, while the 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds was more than rapid enough for a family wagon. The Audi RS4 Avant remains a benchmark for cool and capable family cars.
2007 BMW E60 M5 Touring
In the early 2000s, BMW earned a reputation for building some of the most powerful V10 engines in Formula 1. Although championship success eluded them against Ferrari, BMW’s 10-cylinder powerplant garnered significant acclaim. Capitalizing on this engineering prowess, BMW equipped the E60 M5 with a 5.0-litre V10 producing a staggering 500hp. A semi-automatic gearbox allowed drivers to experience a taste of Formula 1-style driving, complete with launch control for rapid acceleration. While its styling is now subtly understated, the E60 M5 Touring remains an achingly cool machine for those in the know, representing the pinnacle of performance family cars.
2017 SEAT Leon ST Cupra 300
Despite the current popularity of crossovers and SUVs, compact estate cars have experienced a resurgence in recent years. The SEAT Leon ST has emerged as a popular choice, thanks to its attractive styling, generous equipment levels, and competitive value. The top-of-the-line Cupra 300 variant, as its name suggests, produces 300hp from its 2.0-litre turbo engine. Consider the Cupra 300 as a more affordable alternative to the Golf R Estate, offering a surprisingly compelling package with even the option of 4WD. The SEAT Leon ST Cupra 300 proves that cool family cars can be both attainable and exciting in the modern market.
2004 Subaru Forester STi
If all-wheel drive is a genuine requirement for your family’s needs, the Subaru Forester STi presents another compelling import-only Japanese option. Powered by the 2.5-litre flat-four boxer engine from the iconic Impreza WRX STi, this second-generation Forester delivered 265hp. This translated to a 0-62mph time of around 5.0 seconds, accompanied by Brembo brakes and tuned suspension to ensure capable handling. While fuel economy might not be the most family-friendly at 25mpg or less, the Forester STi offers a unique proposition: a practical estate car with genuine rally-bred performance and pedigree, making it a truly cool family car for enthusiasts.
2016 Audi RS Q3 Performance
For those seeking retro-rally heritage in a family car, the Audi RS Q3 Performance could be the ideal choice. Its five-cylinder turbocharged engine evokes the legendary sounds of the Group B Quattro rally cars of the 1980s, even though the RS Q3 ‘only’ produces 362hp. The Performance specification adds cool titanium alloy wheels and distinctive blue Alcantara seats. However, the true draw of the RS Q3 Performance is undoubtedly the intoxicating sound emitted from its large oval tailpipe, making it a sonically and visually cool family car.
2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door
If a hot hatch is designed to be versatile and appeal to a wide range of drivers, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is arguably the ultimate embodiment of that concept. It’s a car that transcends social classes, desirable yet attainable, and as practical as a standard Golf hatchback. Could family motoring get any cooler than this? The latest GTI is exceptional, delivering 230hp from its 2.0-litre turbo engine. Opt for the five-door version, and you have a car as usable as any normal family hatchback, but with the iconic GTI badge that carries significant weight and heritage. The Volkswagen Golf GTI remains the quintessential cool family car for those who appreciate performance and practicality in one stylish package.
