The best estate cars 2026 – driven, rated and ranked

Seven of the 10 best-selling cars in the UK are SUVs, and their dominance over the UK car buying public only looks set to continue. 

But what if there was an alternative that meant you didn't have to bow down to current automotive trends – another type of car that offered the same level of versatility and family capability?

Step forward the estate car. While their popularity has waned in recent years, wagons, tourers and shooting brakes – whatever you like to call them – still have a strong presence in the UK.

Alongside their load-lugging capabilities and everyday versatility, they offer something high-riding SUVs can’t match: a lower centre of gravity for a more engaging drive.

Pleasingly, and much like in the SUV market, there’s a diverse range of powertrains and silhouettes to choose from. You can have anything from a soft-riding cruiser for seamless long-distance travel to a performance derivative with hot-hatch-baiting performance and handling. 

While the market is rich with choice, our expert team of road testers – whose job it is to evaluate and scrutinise every new car on sale – believe the Skoda Superb Estate is the best wagon you can buy today. Its varied selection of powertrains, vast boot and pleasing dynamics makes it one of most complete cars you can buy. 

But there’s a plethora of talented models all vying for your attention, so read on as we rank the ten best estate cars on sale in the UK today. 

The Best estate cars at a glance