The Best Family Friendly Electric Cars to Lease in 2023

In many ways the best family cars must be more capable than supercars. The key criteria for supercars is that they’re fast and they look good, whereas family cars need to offer practicality, comfort, safety, low running costs and value for money all in one.

Does that mean going electric for your new family car is a tough ask? Not these days. In 2023 there’s a huge variety of family-friendly electric cars able to tick all the boxes for busy parents and demanding children alike.

These cars are thoughtfully designed to make the most of the space available, with useful storage solutions and flexible seating. Many have higher driving positions to give that reassuring driving experience, while the taller body of an SUV-style car aids with fitting and removing child seats.

What’s more, you won’t need to spend every day thinking about where you need to charge up, and how long you’ll have to occupy the kids for while the battery is juiced back up.

Many of the best family electric cars in this list offer ranges of 300 miles or more. Make use of fast public chargers (such as those on the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway) and you’ll only be stationary for as long as it takes to complete the family toilet break.

Rather than choosing one favourite we’ve drawn up a variety of different models – some that major on affordability, others on space, comfort or technology.

Check out our list below to pick the best electric family car that’s right for you:

Best Electric Family Cars 2023

Here's our pick of the best electric family cars available in 2023.

Skoda Enyaq iV

0-62mph: 8.7 – 6.5 seconds

Range: 246 – 328 miles

Max charging speed: 135kW 

Skoda has a reputation for cars practical, affordable cars, and in recent years it’s undergone something of a transformation in the design department too. The Skoda Enyaq iV looks great and drives just as well as its sister model, the Volkswagen ID.4, but with a more practical interior that’s ideal for family EV leasing.

It’s available in more practical ‘standard’ or more stylish coupe versions, with a 62kW or 82kW battery that’ll give you an official range of 253-331 miles respectively. With a maximum charging speed of 130kW DC, you can expect to charge from 10-80% in just 30 minutes on in ideal conditions. To drive the Enyaq is reassuring, easy and vice-free, while the cabin is of very high quality for the money. 

What we love about the Skoda Enyaq iV is its practicality, with a vast 585-litre boot providing so much space for the mountains of bags you might need on that next family outing. The cabin has plenty of room too, chiefly owing to its flat floor and clever storage, making it easy to get car seats in and out. If your family is growing the Enyaq iV is one of the best electric cars to lease.  

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BMW iX3

0-62mph: 6.8 seconds

Range: 286 miles

Max charging speed: 150kW

BMW is a brand that has become synonymous with style and a great driving experience. There’s an impressive roster of electric cars on sale, from the stylish and compact BMW iX1 to the technical marvel that is the BMW i7.

But if we were to pick an all-rounder that matches up best to what most family buyers want, it would be the BMW iX3. It’s the brand’s mid-size offering, so it balances offering enough space, tech and luxury to be a satisfying family car with being relatively affordable to buy and run.

With a decent range and fast charging speeds, the iX3 is also enjoyable to drive yet comfortable in that classic BMW way. Sure, it isn’t the fastest car here, but nobody’s flooring the throttle with children in tow are they?

The 510-litre boot is roomy, there’s plenty of cabin space and interior quality is excellent, so your kids won’t pull bits of trim off after a few minutes. The infotainment system is super easy to use, too – great for parents on the go.

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Hyundai Ioniq 5

0-62mph: 8.5 – 5.1 seconds

Range: 238 – 315 miles

Max charging speed: 221kW

Hyundai has charged head-first into the electric car market with the boldly styled Ioniq 5, and it’s certainly cutting a dash on the road.

Packed full of awesome technology and made using sustainable materials like eco-processed leather and recycled yarn, the retro large hatchback design means it’s deceptively spacious inside and easily one of the best available family EVs.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 shares a lot under the skin with the Kia EV6, including the same blisteringly quick charging speeds. The Ioniq 5, with a 350 kW DC charger (which you can find at our Electric Forecourts®), can charge from 10-80% in just 18 minutes.

Let's put that into context...

You can add around 60 miles of range in just five minutes.

But it's not all numbers: this is a family-friendly EV for a reason. The completely flat floor gives an impression of space, and there’s plenty of it for adults and children alike. You can comfortably fit everything you might need in the whopping 527-litre boot, too. Prefer a curvier design? We also highly rate the Hyundai Ioniq 6, although it isn't quite as roomy. 

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Kia EV6

0-62mph: 7.3 – 3.5 seconds

Range: 263 – 328 miles

Max charging speed: 221kW

You wouldn’t immediately spot that the Ioniq 5 and Kia’s EV6 were so closely related underneath by just looking at them. Which design do you prefer? We’ll leave that to you.

What matters is that the sleeker, more aerodynamic Kia offers even more range on a charge and the same super-fast charging speeds (60 miles of range can be added in five minutes, remember), while also offering the same great technology.

The main differences between the two is on the road, where it’s clear Kia made the EV6 the sportier sibling. The handling is more fun and stable, even if it isn’t quite as plush over bumps as the Hyundai. You can also have the insanely fast EV6 GT if that floats your boat, although making your kids car sick isn’t a great way to start the journey.

You’ll find the Kia still ticks the sensible boxes, though, even if its sleeker shape means a smaller 490-litre boot and slightly less headroom. It’s still very capable at dealing with demanding family life, while offering good value for money.

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MG 5

0-62mph: 7.7 seconds

Range: 250 miles

Max charging speed: 87kW

MG Motor UK has carved a great niche in the market for practical family electric cars with the MG 5 estate. It’s one of the only true electric estate cars on the market right now, if you're looking for a car that does the job for less money than you expect, the MG5 certainly fits the bill.

If you're looking for a family car that'll show up the neighbours, this probably isn't the one for you. But we reckon many family buyers are looking for something that's supremely budget-friendly, has great interior space, is cheap to run and can go the distance when you need it to, this is perfect and, for that reason, we couldn't ignore MG5 in our list of the best electric family cars.

A recent redesign means it isn’t exactly ugly, either, while updated technology and improved quality means you won’t feel too short-changed compared to the more expensive cars here.

You also won’t be sacrificing range, as despite the bargain price the efficient MG5 is less likely to run out of charge than you are running out of patience with a full bladder. The maximum charging speed isn’t amazing, but you'll still see a 10-80% charge in around 42 minutes.

The MG5’s wide-opening boot will give you 464 litres of storage space, which is more than enough for most families, and there’s passenger room aplenty inside. This is a great option for most families and as the lowest-priced electric cars on our list, you really can’t go wrong.

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Nissan Ariya

0-62mph: 7.6 – 5.1 seconds

Range: 247 – 328 miles

Max charging speed: 130kW

Nissan knows a thing or two about electric cars, having launched the Leaf well over a decade ago and sold over half a million of the things. Its next big EV, the Ariya, took a long time to arrive, but it was worth the wait.

Behind the modern looks is an impressively smart and posh-feeling interior, and your kids will love playing with the power-sliding centre console and electric storage cubby.

But it’s not style over substance, with loads of storage for odds and ends and plenty of technology to make life easier, such as Amazon Alexa voice control and (on higher trims) a large head-up display. An elevated driving position gives a great view out, too, and the 360-degree camera helps with parking.

There’s plenty of space, too, although the 466-litre boot isn’t as big as many cars here. On the road the Ariya is pleasant and and relaxing rather than exciting, which should suit most family buyers. You’ll probably not complain about the performance and range, either, but the charging speed isn’t the fastest.

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Kia Niro EV (Formerly Kia e-Niro)

0-62mph: 7.8 seconds

Range: 285 miles

Max charging speed: 72kW 

There aren't many cars that offer better value for money than Kia's compact electric car, the Niro, which is why we couldn't ignore it in our list of the best electric family cars in 2023.

Though it used to be known as the e-Niro, Kia has clearly stated its long-term sustainable aspirations by dropping the 'e for electric' marker. Despite its modest size it’s spacious for adults and kids alike, and although the 451-litre boot isn’t huge it’s good for the size of car.

The new Niro EV is unrecognisable from the old model, with a much sharper design. Granted, the interior isn’t the poshest here, but you get equipment such as adaptive cruise control, LED headlights and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay even in the cheapest ‘2’ version.

The Niro EV will suit you for trips to the beach and family holidays, too. A range of 285 miles from a modest 65kWh battery pack means it’s efficient, making it cheaper to charge and run. The only fly in the ointment is the 72kW max charging speed, which means you’ll need to keep bored children entertained for longer when public charging.

We found the infotainment system doesn't quite compare with some of the pricier entrants on this list, either, but for the money you really can't go wrong.

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Tesla Model Y

 0-62mph: 6.6 – 3.5 seconds

Range: 283 – 351 miles

Max charging speed: 250kW 

For a long time, the Tesla Model 3 saloon was one of the world’s most popular electric cars, but recently it's the new kid on the block that's been stealing the limelight – the Model Y.

The Tesla Model Y sits between the Model 3 and Model X in terms of size. with added height and greater luggage capacity, making it a more practical electric family car than the Model 3.

There's a good amount of legroom in both the front and back and, given that the Model Y has a flat floor, sitting in the middle is pretty comfortable too. That said, if it's palatial rear leg space you're after, you definitely need to take a look at the Hyundai IONIQ 5.

Tesla claims that the boot space in a Model Y is 854 litres, which sounds huge. It’s a bit misleading, though, as it’s measured up to the window glass as there’ no parcel shelf. Still, it’s a large boot and you also have the bonus of a ‘frunk’ or front boot – great for keeping birthday presents away from prying young eyes.

You’ll be surprised by how quick the Model Y is when you press the throttle. Even the standard version is quick enough, while the Performance model is ballistic. We reckon the Long Range is the best balance of speed and range, though, while the Model Y is the fastest charging car here. It’s not the most comfortable, though, with a firm ride.

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Cupra Born 

0-62mph: 7.3 – 7.0 seconds

Range: 265 – 343 miles

Max charging speed: 135kW 

You don’t always need a large, expensive and heavy family car, particularly if you’ve only got one child. The Cupra Born is one of the best small family cars, and is one of the cheaper models here.

It’s no bargain basement car, though. With sharp styling and a plush interior you won’t feel short changed, while because the electric motor is mounted in the back of the car there’s more space up front for passengers. You’d be surprised how accommodating the Born is.

Granted, the 385-litre boot won’t swallow a large pushchair – other cars here do that better. But the Born is a family car with a sense of fun – it’s nippy around town and fun on the open road, without being uncomfortable.

If you need something easier to park and thread through urban streets, the Cupra Born is a great electric car to lease.

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Citroen e-Berlingo

0-62mph: 11.7 – 11.5 seconds

Range: 168 – 177 miles

Max charging speed: 101kW 

Don’t be fooled by the Citroen e-Berlingo’s van-based looks, because it’s the perfect electric car for a large family on a budget.

Being based on a van makes it hugely spacious: there’s tonnes of room for passengers and a huge 775-litre boot with a big opening – even the largest pram won’t be an issue. Need even more space? You can also get an e-Berlingo XL with a truly vast 1050 litres in the back.

The XL also comes with seven seats, so your kids can bring their mates along. But the standard model also gets three proper seats across the back, making it possible to have three child seats across the bench.

Yes, the e-Berlingo isn’t the most luxurious or fast car here, but you still get an 8.0-inch touchscreen sat-nav, cruise control and rear parking sensors, plus more equipment higher up the range. You don’t get razor-sharp handling, but you do get a really comfortable ride and a great view out, too. All for a reasonable price to lease.

Also check out the Vauxhall Combo-e Life and Peugeot e-Rifter – styling aside they’re largely identical and may be cheaper to lease.

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Volkswagen ID. Buzz

 0-62mph: 10.2 seconds

Range: 253 – 258 miles

Max charging speed: 175kW 

Need the space of the Citroen e-Berlingo but want something a bit, well, funkier? You’ll want to take a look at the Volkswagen ID.Buzz.

Inspired by the old VW Bus – a real 20th century icon – the ID. Buzz is available with lots of cool colours and bright trim options to make it a feel-good family car. You also get a high quality interior with similar technology to the Cupra Born.

Electric sliding doors are available – great for tight car parks – and the largest boot here, with an enormous 1211 litres of space that even long family holidays would struggle to fill. It’s just a shame that it’s only a five-seater for now, and the middle rear seat isn’t all that big.

Still, parents will love the great view out and quiet, smooth driving experience – it doesn’t feel like a van at all. Sure, it isn’t going to win the traffic light grand prix, but does that really matter in a big family car?

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Volvo XC40 Recharge

 0-62mph: 7.4 – 4.9 seconds

Range: 286 – 311 miles

Max charging speed: 130kW 

The XC40 Recharge pure electric is an extremely solid choice as an electric family car, as you might expect from Volvo.

Its city-friendly dimensions make it more nimble than some of the larger family electric cars in the category, but still plenty of space both in the front and rear seats and of course, the all-important boot.

In fact, the boot boasts an impressive 452 litres, making it bigger than the Kia Niro EV (formerly e-Niro), although it doesn't quite match the formidable practicality of the Skoda Enyaq or Volkswagen ID.4.

What we love about the Volvo XC40 are the premium styling and solid feel and, Volvo's reputation for unwavering safety makes it an ideal family-friendly car. The dual motor model is startlingly fast, but the single motor car has enough zip for most, and it’s comfortable too.

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