Top 10: Best Fast Family Cars to Buy in 2025

Can you purchase a family car that's fast? Classic stereotyping suggests that as soon as you have children you have to go all sensible and buy some drab, slow, boxy and unappealing car that's not exactly going to set your pulse racing when you reach for the keys.

Luckily, times change and we're now spoilt with a mixture of fantastic cars that can not only take care of family business, but can also raise a smile or two when behind the wheel. Whether you're after a do-it-all hatchback, trendy SUV or state-of-the-art electric car, we have you covered when it comes to a fast family car.

• Ford Focus
• BMW 3 Series
• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• VW Golf
• Hyundai IONIQ 5
• Audi RS4 Avant
• Tesla Model Y Performance
• Kia EV6
• Mercedes-AMG GLB 35
• Skoda Octavia vRS

Ford Focus

Nothing says textbook like a Ford Focus. The dependable hatchback has been on sale since 1998 and continues to sell in huge numbers for Ford with each new generation.

It comes as no surprise as it's a joy to drive, comes loaded with kit, features plenty of safety equipment, and looks decent, too. Throw in a big boot and the possibility of five doors, and the Focus' success speaks for itself.

In 2002, Ford gave the Focus the 'Fast Ford' treatment with the birth of the Focus ST and spicier Focus RS. The ST model gets even faster and more impressive with each new generation, and although the RS has been discontinued, used models still continue to impress.

With power ranging from around 276bhp for an ST to up to 350bhp for an RS, these 'Fast Fords' don’t hang about, with the 0 to 62mph sprint taking as low as 4.7 seconds when piloting the last generation RS, whilst the ST takes a second longer.

You can even get a diesel version, which, although a few seconds slower to 62mph, will return nearly 60mpg, which is much easier on the wallet than the petrol ST’s 35mpg.

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BMW 3 Series

Another car which sells in huge numbers due to its excellent all-rounder ability is the BMW 3 Series, a car famed for its sharp driving dynamics. With saloon and Touring (estate) bodystyles, you have plenty of choice when it comes to this handsome 'bimmer'.

The standard cars are a joy to drive, but being a BMW, there are also plenty of hot versions which are sure to tempt the petrolhead mothers and fathers that walk amongst us.

The M340i and M340d fit into this category with between 335bhp and 369bhp, the 0 to 62mph sprint is dealt with in around 4.5 seconds, or less in some cases. With up to 46mpg, these pair deliver performance not far off a full-fat BMW M3, but are also a lot easier to live with on a daily basis.

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Ford Mustang Mach-E

With the nation's love of SUVs showing no signs of slowing, this list was always going to include at least one of them. However, an electric SUV Mustang? The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a risky move from Ford naming an electric SUV after the genuine Ford Mustang, a car made iconic by its beastly and thirsty V8 engine, but it may have just been a genius move to make the car appeal more.

With 0 to 62mph occurring in as little as 3.7 seconds for the range topping GT Performance model, whilst the regular rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) take 7.0 seconds and 5.8 seconds respectively, means this 'Mach Daddy' (sorry) ain't slow, that's for sure.

With between 280 and 379 miles of range, along with various quick and easy charge times, the Mach-E also makes family life easy.

There's a large 402-litre boot, which grows to 1,420 litres once the rear seats have been folded down, along with being able to seat five adults in complete comfort thanks to the generous levels of headroom and flat floor.

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VW Golf

Another bona fide legend in the family car ranks, a used Volkswagen Golf could quite possibly be the best all-rounder car out there.

With smart looks, plenty of variants, excellent economy, impressive performance, cutting-edge technology and not forgetting decent practicality, it's no wonder the humble Golf is popular the world over. Better still, there are some properly fast versions available, too.

One of which is the legendary Golf GTI, a car that looks at home parked outside a fancy hotel just as much as it does outside a supermarket - a classless hero, that's also brilliant to drive, and quick.

But if you want the quickest Golf, you'll want the ballistic Golf R. With all-wheel drive, 3 or 5-door availability and circa 300bhp on tap, you'll be hitting 62mph from a standstill in under 5.0 seconds.

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Hyundai IONIQ 5

How's this for an interesting entry onto the list. Fast Hyundai models these days come with an N badge on them, but here we have a practical and fast Hyundai family car, only this time there's no N badges in site, and there's no engine for that matter either, as the IONIQ 5 is fully-electric.

Is it fast then? Well, with 302bhp on tap it can get a move on, with 0 to 62mph occurring in just 5.2 seconds, so yeah, it is. Team this with five doors, plenty of interior space for five people and a total 588-litre of front and rear boot space, and you're onto a winner.

And if you are worried about charging, there is no cause for concern thanks to the possibility of a 350kW ultra-rapid charger, allowing 80 percent charge in just 18 minutes and 62 miles of range in just five minutes.

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Audi RS4 Avant

The Audi badge suggests luxury, refinement, and a great time behind the wheel. And although they do well in making practical models for families, some benefit from a little more edge. This is where the Audi RS4 Avant comes in - a sleek estate that suits families wanting space without sacrificing speed.

Its 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 produces 444bhp, allowing it to launch from 0 to 62mph in just 4.1 seconds. Equipped with Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel drive system, it provides exceptional grip and stability in all weather conditions.

Aside from its thrilling performance, the RS4 Avant offers a spacious interior that's ideal for growing families, a high-tech cockpit, and a large 505-litre boot as standard.

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Tesla Model Y Performance

The Tesla Model Y Performance might look like an unassuming family SUV, but beneath its sleek, minimalistic design lies an absolute powerhouse.

With 456bhp from its dual-motor setup, this all-electric family car can launch from 0 to 62mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds, putting it in the same league as high-performance sports cars. The instant torque and low centre of gravity make it surprisingly agile, while its AWD system ensures superb traction in all conditions.

The interior is classic Tesla - ultra-modern, spacious, and packed with technology that makes daily driving feel like you're taking a trip in a spaceship. With a panoramic glass roof, minimalist design, and a giant touchscreen replacing most physical controls, it’s as futuristic inside as it is fast on the road.

Add in a 319-mile electric range, rapid charging capability, and a cavernous 854-litre boot, and the Model Y Performance delivers everything you need in one attractive package.

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Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 is a game-changer in the electric family car market, offering blistering performance alongside family-friendly features.

The EV6 GT is the standout, hitting 0 to 62mph in just 3.5 seconds, which puts it in the supercar league. Even the standard versions, with their 328-mile range, offer impressive performance, with either two-wheel or all-wheel drive options to suit different driving styles.

While it excels in performance, the EV6 doesn’t compromise on practicality. The car features 520 litres of boot space, which expands to 1,300 litres when the rear seats are down, and it’s capable of towing up to 1,600kg, making it a versatile option for families who require both speed and utility.

Thanks to its 800v ultra-fast charging, the EV6 can go from 10 percent to 80 percent charge in just 18 minutes, meaning less time spent at charging stations and more time on the road.

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Mercedes-AMG GLB 35

As the performance version of the original GLB, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 still retains that family-friendly appeal, but with enhanced speed and driving dynamic.

Under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine tuned by AMG, pushing out 302bhp. This translates to a 0 to 62mph time of just 5.2 seconds, which is impressive for a 7-seat SUV.

Despite its boxy, practical shape, the GLB 35 has been thoroughly AMG-fied, with a performance-tuned chassis, quick-shifting 8-speed automatic gearbox, and an AWD system that ensures efficient power.

Inside, you get the usual Mercedes-Benz luxury, with high-quality materials, sports seats, and an MBUX infotainment system that features a stunning dual-screen setup. There’s still plenty of practicality on offer, too, with ample space for passengers and a versatile boot.

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Skoda Octavia vRS

The Skoda Octavia vRS is an underrated gem in the fast family car market. It offers practicality, performance, and affordability, making it a superb option for families who want a quick and capable vehicle without the premium price tag.

Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 245bhp, the Octavia vRS can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in a respectable 6.7 seconds, offering plenty of thrills without sacrificing practicality. Even more impressive is the option of a plug-in hybrid version, which combines efficiency with a punchy 242bhp, ensuring both performance and eco-friendliness for those who want to keep fuel costs low.

The Octavia vRS handles with confidence, offering sharp, engaging dynamics, especially when paired with its sportier suspension and quick, responsive steering. Inside, you’ll find a cabin that’s well-equipped with modern tech, including a large touchscreen, digital cockpit, and quality materials that give it a premium feel.

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Find your perfect fast family car with Evans Halshaw

Whether you are after a dependable hatchback, trendy SUV or cutting-edge electric car, the possibility of a fast family car is now more tempting than ever. With a fantastic range of quality used cars on offer, let Evans Halshaw help you in finding the perfect car for you.

Alternatively, we have a great selection of new cars too, of which there are many cars which will have you reaching for the keys with any excuse.