What I do is create list of cars that tick my requirements, (like having adaptive cruise control as standard) and that are affordable etc, then i go check them out. Often i find that on many suvs or mpvs the front doors are pretty short and it’s not easy to get my long legs into the car without causing more pain in my back.
Last few times i’ve actually gone for cars over suv’s for that reason. If you need a big boot then an estate is an option.
Then the one’s that best suited i test drive them, with my family.