Choosing the right family car is a big decision. It should be reliable enough to stand by you through everyday moments and unexpected challenges. There are numerous options to choose from, and many factors to consider. Does it sound confusing? Could be, but don’t worry. Our family car buying guide is here to help you learn everything essential about family vehicles.
Why Choosing the Right Family Car Matters
When your family is expanding, changes happen in every aspect of your life, and cars are no exception. Finding a family hauler that perfectly fits your family's needs can be quite tricky. Remember all the requirements you looked for when buying your car? Just add some extra factors that come with the appearance of kids. And the most important thing to start with is safety.
Ensure the car has high safety standards and is packed with advanced car protection systems. Having kids requires space, especially in the car. Car seats, strollers, bags, sports gear - just think about how much room you’ll need. And don’t forget about comfort - space for stretching, supportive seats that can make your long driving adventures enjoyable.
Next, determine your budget, taking into account all expenses, from the initial price to insurance and maintenance costs. Additionally, ensure your car has a long-term financial perspective. Choose reliable models that will serve long enough to fit your growing family's needs.
What to Look for in a Family Car
Safety Features First
Safety comes first. Check out crash test scores at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to see how the vehicle can protect its occupants in various crash scenarios. Look for strong car protection systems, like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and rearview cameras. Another significant feature for a parent to look for is the LATCH system, securing a safe and convenient installation of car seats.
Space and Comfort
Comfort is all about ample legroom and headroom, so the passengers can sit comfortably. Ensure your chosen car offers enough space for everyone to stretch out and even for sibling squabbles without bumping.
Of course, you shouldn’t forget about the seating configurations, like sliding middle rows or foldable middle seats. This will ensure you can balance your cargo and passenger space in accordance with your needs.
Plus, make sure your car cargo space keeps up with real family life and handles all the extras that come with kids, from strollers to weekend luggage.
Fuel Efficiency and Performance
When in the market for a new family hauler, choose the one that won’t drain your wallet. A fuel-efficient vehicle would be a smart investment that pays off in the long run. With a myriad of choices, you can get a car that offers significant fuel cost savings without compromising performance and power.
Prioritize cars with higher MPG scores for urban and highway travel. A good fuel consumption figure for a family daily commuter is 30 MPG and above. While an ideal range for long trip family cars is regarded as 25-35 MPG and higher.
Tech and Entertainment
A well-designed infotainment system can make your family time on the road exciting and entertaining. Look for vehicles with advanced rear-seat entertainment systems. Built-in screens located on the ceiling or on the front-seat headrests can keep your young passengers occupied.
Check your chosen car for modern technologies, like the availability of USB ports, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. These high-end technological features will allow you to almost fully use your phone without touching it and being distracted from the road.
Let’s jump into specific models.
Best Types of Vehicles for Families
SUVs
These ultimate family cars are becoming popular and for good reason. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious SUV or a rugged off-roader, there’s a model out there for you and your brood. They feature a number of advantages, making them a perfect choice for families.
Cars like the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, or Honda Pilot have become the gold standard for family cars. These family SUVs offer ample space and a convenient step-in height, suitable for families of all ages. Plus, you’ll have the AWD option to cope with every difficult situation.
Minivans
With the proliferation of SUVs, minivans have lost their popularity. However, we think minivans are highly underestimated as great and family-focused carryalls. You’ll find a handful of solid options on the market, like the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Kia Carnival, and Chrysler Pacifica.
Minivans provide insane passenger and cargo space, ideal for carrying lots of people and their stuff in comfort. In addition, features like sliding doors, reconfigurable seats, low floor, rear climate control, and built-in sunshades make these vehicles a truly family hauler.
Sedans and Crossovers
Got kids but don’t need a massive ride? We recommend sedans and crossovers, especially for those living an urban life. The Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V, or Subaru Forester still hold their strong place as family haulers, offering comfort and performance at the same time.
These cars are great options for small families. They provide a compelling combination of style, practicality, and comfort. Compared to larger SUVs and minivans, they have better fuel efficiency and are more budget-friendly for drivers.
Hybrids and EVs
Electric vehicles are no longer just for tech enthusiasts but rather a conscious and everyday choice for modern families. More and more families embrace this shift due to the impressive fuel efficiency and low environmental impact.
When making your choice, consider your lifestyle, daily routines, and everything in between. See if the vehicle has a generous cargo space and flexible seating. Look for cars with long range, a minimum of 250 miles per charge, and search for local EV charging stations.
With the increase in sales volumes, a wide variety of EVs and hybrids has appeared in the market. Some of the popular models include the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Honda CR-V Hybrid.
Choosing a Used Vehicle for Your Family
When looking for your dream family hauler, used cars may be an affordable and reliable option. Let’s learn why.
Benefits of Buying Used
- Low depreciation: Pre-owned vehicles are not only cheaper compared to new ones but also allow you to avoid the steep depreciation that awaits every new vehicle.
- Abundant choices: Used car markets offer a wide range of available options that can fit your family's lifestyle and needs.
- Certified pre-owned cars: When buying a used car for your family, look into pre-certified models known for their reputation for quality and durability. In addition, you’ll have a manufacturer’s warranty and peace of mind.
However, the used car market doesn’t go without pitfalls, and that’s what you need to do before buying used family vehicles.
What to Check Before You Buy
First of all, request a vehicle history report to examine the past of your chosen vehicle, from accidents to title history. You can get detailed information about the vehicle’s past on Carfax and AutoCheck. No test drive, no deal. Spend some time behind the wheel to see how the vehicle accelerates and brakes. Plus, check the compatibility of your car seats, their fit, and installation adjustments.
Next, ask for maintenance records. A well-documented maintenance history confirms that the car was well-looked after and provides insights into the car’s history of regular servicing. Last but not least, inspect the interior. Check the seats, dashboard, carpeting, and upholstery for damage or wear.
Matching Cars to Family Lifestyles
For a small family living in a city, a compact SUV or crossover is probably the best fit. Look for models like the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V. These vehicles are perfect family haulers- spacious, reliable, safe, fuel-efficient, and packed with advanced infotainment.
If your crew consists of five people plus a pet, you’ll need a vehicle that can handle daily commuting, weekend trips, and everything in between. A minivan or a 3-row SUV, boasting sliding doors, a magic third row, and an endless amount of cargo room, can make your life much easier. The Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, and Hyundai Palisade are excellent options for big families, representing a blend of safety, practicality, and comfort.
Raising a family solo comes with its difficulties. Single parents on a budget often call for a vehicle that is affordable, reliable, safe, and practical. That's when sedans step in. The top-rated models include the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Hyundai Elantra.
If your family and you are into adventure, then an AWD SUV or wagon should be at the top of your list. Offering space, capability, safety, and comfort, these cars are rugged enough to tackle off-road trips, long road adventures, and bad weather conditions. You’ll definitely want to check out the Ford Bronco, Toyota Land Cruiser, Audi A4 Allroad, or Subaru Outback.
Once you’ve learnt the basics, it’s time to think about your money!
Budgeting and Financing Tips for Family Buyers
Consider the total cost of ownership. When buying a car, the initial price is just the beginning. The total costs include maintenance, insurance, fuel, and registration fees.
Choose financing options. Carefully explore and select those financing paths that best suit your budget and result in the most profitable deal. Moreover, check out the warranty coverage and see if it's worth the added cost.
Save your wallet by choosing a used car. Used car markets open up new perspectives for families on a budget, balancing reliability, affordability, safety, and comfort.
Final Checklist for Family Car Buyers
Whether you’re seeking a car that is suitable for a newborn or something that can encompass all the kids and dogs, there are some factors that you should consider.
- Your chosen car should meet all the safety requirements, have enough space for the whole family and their stuff, as well as be affordable and fuel-efficient.
- Don’t forget to create a shortlist that will help you stay focused on your priorities and choose what you actually need.
- To be sure you have a reliable vehicle, request a history report and do a VIN check.
Why Shop for Family Cars on Used Cars
Finding the right used cars for families can sometimes feel like a maze, confusing and frustrating. But no worries. Usedcars.com will make your life easier. With so many helpful filters covering almost everything from vehicle body type to price, it’s much more convenient to make a smart and reliable choice.