Which cars are best for families: leaders in different categories

Choosing a car for the whole family is not an easy task. In addition to the standard features that any buyer should consider, including cost, fuel efficiency, and practicality, family cars should easily accommodate additional seats.

Large families will likely need a third row of seats - minivans or three-row SUVs may be the best option. Experts also advise considering all-wheel drive models to increase confidence and safety.

When choosing a family car, buyers also pay attention to interior design and standard features. Most new cars are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto even as standard, but features such as heated front seats and the largest infotainment system display require a mid-range or higher (i.e. more expensive) configuration. The best SUVs for families, such as the Kia Telluride, include a large touchscreen, plenty of USB ports, climate control for the second-row seats, and adaptive cruise control as standard.

Minivans, such as the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, remain an effective choice for family transportation, experts say. Their large sliding doors, low entry height, and square shape provide more interior space than even a 3-row SUV. They are surprisingly fast and nimble, making them the perfect vehicle for family travel.

The following characteristics were used to rank the family vehicles:

1. comfort/convenience features, such as heated/ventilated seats, rear climate control, rear sunshades, and a power liftgate;
2. connectivity features such as Apple Carplay, Android Auto, USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, etc;
3. safety features such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control;
4. storage features such as folding or removable seats and hidden storage spaces.

The best family small cars

• Toyota Corolla: 9.3/10
• Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback: 9,1/10
• Volkswagen Jetta: 9.1/10

Best family mid-size cars

• Honda Accord: 9.6/10
• Nissan Altima: 9.2/10
• Hyundai Sonata: 9.0/10

Best family premium mid-size cars

• Lexus ES 250: 9.6/10
• Audi A6: 9.1/10
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 9.1/10

Best large family cars

• Nissan Maxima: 9.3/10
• Dodge Charger: 9.0/10

Best family hatchbacks

• Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback: 9,1/10
• Honda Civic (hatchback): 8,7/10
• Volkswagen Golf GTI: 8,6/10

The best family compact cars

• Toyota Corolla: 9.3/10
• Mazda3 Hatchback: 9,1/10
• Volkswagen Jetta: 9.1/10

Best family luxury compact cars

• Lexus IS 350: 9.5/10
• Lexus IS 300: 9.3/10
• BMW 3 Series: 9,2/10

Best family subcompact SUVs

• Chevrolet Trax: 8.0/10
• Hyundai Kona: 7.9/10
• Honda HR-V: 7,8/10

Best family luxury subcompact SUVs

• Audi Q3: 8.4/10
• Volvo XC40
• Cadillac XT4

Best family small SUVs

• Ford Escape: 9.1/10
• Honda CR-V: 9,0/10
• GMC Terrain: 9.0/10

Best crossover SUVs

• Chevrolet Blazer: 9.4/10
• Honda Passport: 9.3/10
• Hyundai Santa Fe: 9.3/10

Best family luxury crossovers

• Acura MDX: 9,7/10
• Lincoln Aviator: 9.3/10
• BMW X3: 9.2/10

Best family midsize SUVs

• Chevrolet Blazer: 9.4/10
• Honda Passport: 9.3/10
• Hyundai Santa Fe: 9.3/10

Best family large SUVs

• Ford Expedition: 9,5/10
• Chevrolet Traverse Limited
• Jeep Grand Wagoneer L

The best family 3-row SUVs

• Ford Expedition: 9,5/10
• Hyundai Santa Fe: 9.3/10
• Nissan Pathfinder: 9.3/10

Best family 5-seater SUVs

• Ford Expedition: 9,5/10
• Chevrolet Blazer: 9.4/10
• Honda Passport: 9.3/10

Best family 6-seater SUVs

• Hyundai Santa Fe: 9.3/10
• Mazda CX-9: 9.3/10
• Mazda CX-90.

The best family 7-seater SUVs

• Hyundai Santa Fe: 9.3/10
• Nissan Pathfinder: 9.3/10
• Mazda CX-9: 9.3/10

The best family 8-seater SUVs

• Ford Expedition: 9,5/10
• Nissan Pathfinder: 9.3/10
• Honda Pilot: 9.1/10.

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