Most reliable estate cars
Estate cars are underrated in a world where SUVs are king – these are some of the most reliable estate cars on the market if they’re up your street
)
Estate cars don’t get the respect they deserve, especially when you look at some of the most reliable estate cars on the market.
Trends lean towards the SUV, but an estate car can be cheaper, more spacious (yes, really), and just as ideal for families.
There’s no point looking for an estate car if it’s going to end up a pile of nuts and bolts, so opting for one with a dependable reputation is the way to go.
We look at things like reputation, maintenance, safety, and even things like fuel efficiency to find some of the most reliable estate cars on the market.
Keep reading to find out our top ten picks.
)
What are the most reliable estate cars?
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
Skoda Octavia Estate
SEAT Leon Estate
BMW 3 Series Touring
Volvo V60
MG5 EV
Audi A4 Avant
Mercedes E-Class Estate
Volkswagen Golf Estate
Peugeot 508 SW
The 10 most reliable estate cars
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
)
You can’t go wrong with a Toyota Corolla in any iteration, but the Touring Sports model is a practical pick that offers more than meets the eye from its understated styling.
Toyota is known to be one of the most reliable car manufacturers out there, and they typically attract a sensible driver that’s going to take care of it. That means used Corolla Touring examples are often also in good shape.
They often appear on reliability leaderboards as well, so you don’t need to take our word for it.
The standard Corolla scored a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2019, with a seriously impressive 95% score for adult occupants.
It’s wildly fuel efficient as well. All models are hybrid, and the two petrol hybrid engines get over 60mpg (according to WLTP stats).
Skoda Octavia Estate
)
Another icon of its class, the Skoda Octavia Estate can really do no wrong. It hits all the right notes, setting itself up with a rep as a massively reliable car at the same time.
It’s no stranger to the top of reliability surveys, often finding itself in the top ten. And if you ask those that drive them, you’d undoubtedly hear good things about dependability.
It also easily nabbed a five-star Euro NCAP safety score in 2022, with fourth gen models getting a raft of new safety features, so you know build quality is strong.
They’re a popular car so that means they’re also easy to maintain. Parts aren’t too expensive and are easy to come by, and your local garage will likely be familiar with them.
For fuel, the entry-level 1.5-litre TSI grabs at up to 52.3mpg as a manual. There’s also a 640-litre boot at the rear – which is too good not to mention.
SEAT Leon Estate
 "Cupra Leon Estate")
We love the SEAT Leon Estate as an exciting alternative to the Volkswagen Golf Estate. They’re similar cars and share some of the same parts, but the SEAT is the cheaper – and maybe less obvious – pick.
Cheaper doesn’t mean lacking, as chatter in the forums about the Leon’s longevity is positive. And parts are easy to get hold of, so any maintenance you do need shouldn’t break the bank.
Fuel efficiency is ideal as well, especially for a family car or daily runner. There are some seriously impressive figures, like the e-Hybrid getting up to 235.4mpg, or the 2.0-litre diesel going for up to 63.8mpg.
BMW 3 Series Touring
 "BMW 3 Series Touring side")
Nobody can argue with a BMW 3 Series, and the 3 Series Touring only adds more to love.
Its premium parts come with a vote of confidence that you’re getting a reliable car, and it’s also a dream to drive (which never hurts).
You’ll catch it near the top of reliability surveys, and a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2019 gives you an idea of how safe and well put together it is.
And, for those families that love the 3 Series but need the extra space, it’s a no-brainer with its 500-litre boot.
Volvo V60
 "Volvo V60 driving")
If you want a reliable estate car that’s also one the comfiest and safest, let us introduce you to the Volvo V60.
The V60 is well-made and high-quality, easily rivalling the German premiums. It sits high on reliability leaderboards and is praised in forums for its dependable nature.
Fuel efficiency is a selling point and one of the reasons it’s a reliable estate car option. The Recharge T6 plug-in hybrid claims a staggering 352.6mpg.The manual D4 engine gets up to 55.4mpg.
It was last tested by Euro NCAP in 2018, scoring the full five stars for safety – no less than we’d expect from the Swedish brand.
MG 5 EV
)
Electric cars are ideal for reliability as they have fewer oily bits to maintain, and our vote for the most reliable electric estate would be the MG 5 EV.
You’ll typically find the MG 5 EV with other impressive electric cars at the top of reliability surveys, and the stellar seven-year warranty is a cherry on top.
Range is also impressive, with the entry-level SE model capable of up to 250 miles on a full charge.
It’s yet to be tested by Euro NCAP, but it’s not short on safety tech. There are features like a 360 parking camera, and an Advanced Driver Assistance System with lane keep assist and traffic jam assist.
Audi A4 Avant
)
Sometimes you just want an Audi, and the A4 Avant is a pretty top-drawer choice for a reliable estate car.
It’s one of the most coveted cars in the Audi line-up, with the performance-focused RS 4 Avant being a fave among petrolheads.
Reliability is no issue here – it's ranked well on the surveys and its popularity speaks for itself. Just sit in one and you’ll know right away that it has your back.
One of the most efficient fuel engines is the 35 TDI, which claims up to 49mpg. Some older engines claim higher stats using older testing methods, but none of them are too fuel hungry. It’s the ideal motorway mile-muncher
Mercedes E-Class Estate
)
If you’re not tempted by an Audi or BMW, maybe you’ve got a taste for Mercedes? The E-Class Estate is a cracking option for a reliable estate car that’s still fun to own.
This is one of the pricier picks on our list, but you do get a level of refinement and luxury that’s tricky to argue with.
Like the other premium options on this list, parts and upkeep can be a bit more expensive but that’s because you’re paying for the best quality. This typically means it will last longer.
The E-Class was awarded a full five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2024, with an impressive 92% rating for adults and 90% for children.
Volkswagen Golf Estate
)
The Golf is one of the obvious choices for good reason. So, if the SEAT Leon Estate hasn’t quite captured your heart, the iconic VW Golf Estate is the one to pick. They’re siblings in reliable estate car royalty.
This is a practical shifter for families and those with busy lives and loads of stuff. There’s a great big 611-litre boot at the back and a spacious cabin to fill.
The petrol model is thought of as the most reliable, and the standard Golf was awarded a five-star NCAP rating in 2022. This is the type of car you can rely on to be predictable and consistent.
Fuel efficiency is very nice. The 1.0-litre TSI can achieve up to 53mpg, while the 1.6-litre TDI claims up to 57mpg.
Peugeot 508 SW
 "Peugeot 508 SW PSE side")
Why does the Peugeot 508 SW get neglected? It’s a reliable estate car that deserves more attention. And it’s a seriously stylish pick to boot.
Peugeot owners in general seem to be very happy with the brand, and the 508 SW scores well on satisfaction surveys. It’s one of the most reliable estate cars for sleek styling and plenty of space.
Speaking of, there’s a 530-litre boot at the back you might appreciate. It’ll easily fit about four suitcases or a pushchair.
It pulls off a full five-star Euro NCAP rating as well – though it hasn’t been retested since 2018.
Explore reliable estate cars
Choosing the most reliable estate car is a tough job. You’re pretty much spoilt for choice, so you’ll need to narrow it down using a list of your must-haves.
Consider a premium option like the Audi A4 Avant for a reliable but luxurious estate car, or opt for an electric model like the MG 5 EV to dodge oily engine maintenance.
We’ve got plenty of used estate cars for sale and on finance – which doesn’t make choosing your favourite any easier but at least you have somewhere to start now...
)