The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) has long been the ultimate exercise in automotive packaging. While sales charts are now dominated by high-riding SUVs, the MPV is still the unassailable leader for interior space, boot capacity and everyday practicality.
It’s not necessarily about the amount of space an MPV offers: their main draw card is how efficiently they use their footprint to maximise their people-moving capabilities.
In an era where cars are only growing in size, the best MPVs still offer more seats and greater interior flexibility than other types of car.
Right now you can have an MPV with five, six or seven seats. Some of the largest ones can even be had with up to nine.
Of course, the uptick in sales of SUVs has watered down the level of choice. Traditional MPVs are less common, so van-derived haulers now dominate. Still, they can be had with either a combustion engine or an electric powertrain.
Right now we think the Dacia Jogger is the best MPV on sale: it’s cheaper than a host of rivals and supremely practical inside. But are there any other models you should consider?
Read on to find out about the top 10 MPVs and people carriers…
Best for: Value for money
Amid a flood of more premium options that have superior badge appeal, the Jogger stands at the top of the pile as the best MPV on sale today.
It’s a genuine seven-seat family car that you can buy new for less than £19,000 – and there’s much more to this versatile Dacia than its bargain-basement price.
It offers five decent-sized seats and a couple of more kiddy-sized ones in the boot, but the latter can easily be lifted out entirely when carrying bigger loads.
Performance, ride and handling are all as capable as you would expect, although you will encounter comical levels of body roll if you push too hard.
Regardless, there hasn't been a new MPV with the potential to rejuvenate interest in this class for a decade or more, but the Jogger's value alone could do that.
Read our Dacia Jogger review
