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More Brits are choosing to holiday closer to home, with UK getaways, coastal escapes and countryside breaks continuing to grow in popularity.
Whether it's a family holiday in Cornwall, a road trip through Scotland or a weekend break in Wales, having the right car can make the journey far more enjoyable.
But what makes a good staycation car? And which models are best suited to summer adventures around the UK?
Here's everything you need to know.
Why domestic holidays remain popular
Recent research by Vauxhall suggests that more than a third of Brits would now choose a UK holiday over travelling abroad.
The appeal is easy to understand. Britain's coastline, countryside and historic towns offer plenty to explore, while avoiding airports and lengthy travel times can make a local getaway feel simpler and less stressful.
Coastal destinations remain particularly popular, with almost two-thirds of UK holidaymakers preferring a trip to the seaside. Scotland, Wales and the South West of England continue to rank among the most popular travel destinations.
Across all trip types, the average Brit is willing to travel just under 206 miles per UK holiday, showing just how far people are happy to go to make the most of a domestic break.
Why the car remains king
For most UK holidays, the journey is just as important as the destination.
Research shows that around 80% of Brits use a car as their main form of transport for staycations. The flexibility to travel at your own pace, explore hidden locations and carry everything you need makes driving difficult to beat.
Scenic drives also remain one of the most popular parts of the holiday experience. Whether you're travelling along the Northumberland coast, exploring the Lake District or heading through the Scottish Highlands, the right car will help make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
What makes a good getaway car?
When choosing a car for your road trip, practicality and comfort are often just as important as performance.
Research highlights the top five most important features for a staycation car are:
- Comfortable seats
- Large boot space
- Good electric range or fuel economy
- Satellite navigation
- Spacious cabin
A spacious boot makes it easier to pack luggage, bikes or camping gear, while comfortable seating can make long motorway journeys far more relaxing. Efficient engines and long-range electric powertrains also help keep running costs under control.
Modern technology plays a key role, too. Features such as satellite navigation, smartphone connectivity, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance can all reduce stress when travelling to an unfamiliar destination.
With Britain’s famously unpredictable weather, comfort-focused features such as climate control, heated seats and even heated steering wheels can also make a noticeable difference on longer trips.
The best cars for your UK holiday
Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai remains one of Britain's most popular family SUVs and is ideal for UK road trips.
Its elevated driving position provides excellent visibility on both motorways and country roads, while the spacious interior makes it comfortable for families travelling long distances. The boot offers up to 504 litres of luggage space, providing plenty of room for holiday essentials.
Efficient mild-hybrid and e-POWER powertrains also help keep fuel costs manageable during longer journeys.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage combines practicality, comfort and impressive technology, making it a strong getaway companion.
With a boot capacity of up to 591 litres and a spacious rear cabin, it has no trouble accommodating passengers and luggage. The latest model also features twin digital displays and a range of driver assistance systems designed to make long journeys easier.
Plug-in hybrid versions can travel more than 40 miles on electric power alone, while the comfortable ride quality makes the Sportage suitable for longer journeys and motorway travel.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson offers bold styling alongside impressive everyday usability.
Inside, you'll find a modern cabin with generous passenger space and a boot of up to 620 litres depending on specification. A range of petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains allows buyers to choose the setup that best suits their travel needs.
The Tucson's combination of comfort, practicality and technology makes it an excellent all-round holiday vehicle, whether you're navigating city streets or heading into the countryside.
Jaecoo 7
The Jaecoo 7 combines rugged SUV styling with a refined, technology-focused interior, making it a strong choice for UK road trips.
Inside, you'll find a spacious cabin with premium materials and a boot offering up to 500 litres of luggage space, providing plenty of room for suitcases and holiday essentials. The plug-in hybrid version offers an electric-only range of up to 56 miles (WLTP), making shorter journeys quieter and more efficient.
Comfortable on long motorway drives and confident on rural roads, the Jaecoo 7 is well suited to everything from family holidays to countryside escapes.
Peugeot 5008
If you're travelling with a larger family, the Peugeot 5008 is well worth considering.
Its seven-seat layout provides flexibility for passengers, while the large boot and clever interior storage solutions make packing for longer trips straightforward. The latest model also introduces a striking panoramic display and a more premium cabin design.
For families heading away with plenty of luggage, the 5008 offers practicality without feeling overly bulky on the road.
Tesla Model Y
Electric cars are becoming an increasingly common sight on UK holidays, and the Tesla Model Y is one of the most capable options available.
With a WLTP range of up to 387 miles in Long Range form and access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network, it is a great option for longer journeys. The Model Y also offers a large rear boot and additional front storage under the bonnet.
Its combination of range, practicality and charging convenience makes it one of the strongest EVs for road trips.
BYD Sealion 7
The BYD Sealion 7 is a spacious electric SUV designed with longer journeys in mind.
Depending on the version, it offers a WLTP range of up to 312 miles, allowing many UK holiday journeys to be completed without needing to recharge. A generous 520-litre boot provides ample space for luggage, while rapid charging at up to 230kW means the battery can be topped up quickly during longer trips.
Its comfortable cabin, advanced technology and smooth electric driving experience make the Sealion 7 an excellent companion for summer road trips.
Cupra Formentor
If you want a car that's enjoyable to drive without sacrificing practicality, the Cupra Formentor is an excellent option.
Its sporty handling makes twisting country roads particularly enjoyable, while the raised crossover design still offers the comfort and versatility expected from a family car. The boot provides up to 450 litres of luggage space, making it practical for weekends away and longer holidays alike.
Available with a range of petrol, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Formentor offers something to suit a variety of driving styles while combining distinctive looks with everyday usability.
Looking for your next car?
Whether you're planning a summer staycation, upgrading your family car or making the switch to electric, leasing can be a flexible and cost-effective way to drive a new vehicle.
At Jurni, we offer a wide range of car leasing deals to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Explore our latest offers or get in touch to find the right car for your next adventure.
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