Salary sacrifice car schemes take the hassle out of driving. They boast cost savings and all-inclusive packages – making it a convenient option for busy parents.
Whether you’re looking for something compact for school run parking, a mid-sized all-rounder, or a spacious seven-seater, our roundup highlights the most popular and practical choices available through salary sacrifice.
Why family cars are ideal for salary sacrifice schemes
For many households, a salary sacrifice car is the most practical, cost-effective, and reliable way to get your family from A to B. Plus, when you opt for an EV these benefits become even greater, with lower fuel costs and BiK rates.
- Improved safety features – most modern EVs come with advanced driver assistance, better crash protection, and enhanced navigation, parking, and security features.
- Boot space – many EVs have more boot space than their hybrid-equivalents, meaning there’s more room for prams and luggage.
- No upfront costs or deposits – get behind the wheel of a car that suits your family’s lifestyle without having to save up for a deposit.
- Predictable monthly costs – with no surprise bills, salary sacrifice makes it easier to budget.
- Tax-efficient – as the cost is covered by your pre-tax salary, you’ll pay less Income Tax and National Insurance, meaning your money will stretch further.
- All-inclusive package – no need to sort insurance, breakdown cover, maintenance, servicing, or any other in-life service. With Zenith, everything you need is covered with just one monthly cost.
- Lower fuel costs – EVs are cheaper to run than their petrol and diesel equivalents, especially if you install a home charger.
Family-friendly EV categories available through salary sacrifice
To make choosing the right car for your family easier, we’ve highlighted our top picks for each different size family car – from compact hatchbacks to spacious seven-seaters.
Small family cars and hatchbacks
Best for: smaller families, city driving, school runs, and short-to-medium journeys.
Not only are they easy to drive and park, compact EVs offer great value on salary sacrifice thanks to their low energy consumption.
Popular examples:
- Renault 5 E- Tech: this widely popular and award-winning car is known for its iconic design and modern tech features.
- MINI Cooper Electric: a great option for those looking for a premium feel with fun handling and strong urban range.
- Hyundai Inster: compact but extremely roomy on the inside, ideal for small families.
Midsize family cars
Best for families needing generous boot space without stepping up to a full SUV.
This category typically offers the strongest blend of range, affordability, and comfort, making them a strong option for those that do a mix of motorway and city driving.
Popular examples:
- Cupra Born: one of the bestselling EVs – sporty, stylish, and great to drive.
- Mercedes-Benz CLA: premium, efficient, and the 2026 European Car of the Year winner. Not only is it slick and stylish, but it also has range of up to 483miles.
- Skoda Elroq: the European Car of the Year runner up is great value for money and is jam-packed with smart and practical features.
Family SUVs
Best for growing families or those wanting more versatility.
Family SUVs offer a higher driving position, excellent cabin space, and flexible seating layouts, making them some of the most popular choices in salary sacrifice schemes.
Popular examples:
- Skoda Enyaq: a roomier sibling to the Elroq, with a larger boot and comfortable interiors.
- MG IM6: a seriously powerful car, with high-end tech and ultrafast charging.
- Tesla Model Y: a perennial favourite thanks to its range, efficiency, and simplicity.
7seater and large family EVs
Best for: larger families, or those needing maximum boot and passenger capacity.
Salary sacrifice can make premium seven seaters far more affordable than buying outright, especially for EVs where upfront costs are typically higher.
Popular examples:
- Dacia Jogger: one of the most affordable non van based 7seaters on the market.
- Chery Tiggo 9 Plugin Hybrid: spacious and well-reviewed since launch, ideal for long trips.
- Audi A6 etron Avant: a large, luxurious electric estate offering comfort and big car practicality.
Choosing the right family car for your lifestyle
With so many strong options on the market, the best choice depends on your daily routine and future needs. When shopping around, consider:
- Your commute – short urban commutes suit compact EVs, while longer motorway miles may benefit from a mid-sized car or SUV with extended range.
- Passenger numbers – growing families or shared childcare arrangements often need the flexibility of a 7seater.
- Boot space – think about prams, bikes, sports equipment, or holiday luggage.
- Value for money – many families choose EVs now to benefit from lower running costs and upcoming improvements in charging networks. Rather than focusing on brand or performance alone, prioritise real-world usability and how the car will support your daily life.
How to get started
If your employer’s scheme is with Zenith, you can browse, compare, and order your next car online in a matter of minutes.
Plus, our friendly Sales team are on hand to answer any questions you may have and help you find the right car for you.
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