Families who drive together, stay together. But for that, you need the best family car that caters to all your family needs and still looks good on the road.
However, choosing the perfect family car is a difficult task. Especially with so many options in the market, it can get a bit overwhelming. But, worry no more. We are here to help!
This list explores the top 5 best family cars in 2024. Whether you want estate car for it’s spacious cargo area or prefer cars that have enhanced safety features or you like them a bit rugged in looks, we have something for you.
We’ll also discuss key factors to consider when choosing your new family car so that you find the perfect fit for your family’s adventures.
How to Choose the Perfect Car for your Family? What to Consider
Choosing a good family car that’s right for the whole family can be a difficult job. Whether you’re a larger family looking for 7-passenger vehicles or a family with a newborn, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself before you commit to a car.
A few things that you need to consider are budget, safety, reliability, space and added extras. Let’s take a deeper look at how to choose a car for your family.
- Safety
- Reliability
- Economical
- Seats
- Space
- Added extras
1. Safety
Safety is one of the main factors when buying a car, and it is even more so when you’re carrying precious cargo. Most modern cars now all come with a 5-star safety rating provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The safety rating is determined by different vehicle tests, and basically, the more stars a car has, the better. It is recommended that you opt for a car with all five stars as this means the vehicle has ‘overall good performance in crash protection and is well equipped with robust crash avoidance technologies.
2. Reliability
Reliability comes second nature to safety. You don’t want to drive a car that is going to break down all the time and leave you and the kids stranded during a happy weekend trip or the school run!
Many people think that the expensive cars are the most reliable ones. However, this is not always true. Also, not everyone has the funds to fork out for a top-of-the-range family car. So, a reliable used car would be the sweet spot for many families.
Reliability data for cars is often found via consumer surveys, where other people tell their experiences with a certain make and model. Check out Reddit, Quora, or car-specific platforms, as these can be really insightful for user experience.
Cars such as Kia, MG, and SsangYong now also come with a 7-year warranty, so if anything goes wrong, you can get it fixed. Also, if you buy a 5-year-old used Kia, you can still claim a 2-year warranty on it, which is great for the used car market.
3. Economical
An economical car not only saves you money on gas over time but also reduces your carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier environment.
A few factors affect how economical a car is. These include aerodynamics, size and weight, engine types, low emissions, and axle ratio.
Along with some of the most economical cars in 2024 that include the Toyota Prius, Toyota Sienna, Honda Civic, Subaru Outback, and Hyundai Elantra, we can witness several large SUVs with best gas mileage that can also be a good option for families.
4. Seats and Space
The size of your family currently and in the future directly impacts the size of your next family car. There’s no point in buying a three-door small runabout when you are going to have your first child soon.
5 Best Family Cars You Can Buy Right Now
Here are our picks for the best family cars on the market this year. We considered things like how many people can fit comfortably, how much stuff you can pack in, safety features to keep everyone protected, and how enjoyable the car is to drive – basically, everything you need in a family vehicle.
1. 2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid – Best Minivan For Families
| Starting Price | $37,685 |
| Number of Seats | 8 |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | 36 MPG |
| Cargo Space | 33.5 cu ft (expandable up to 75.2 cu ft) |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5-star |
Our first pick in the list of best cars for families is a award winning minivan. It’s both super practical and saves you money on gas, making it a win-win. A 245 hp hybrid powertrain boasts around 35 miles of drive around the city and highway.
Besides the fuel economy, Sienna also ticks the boxes for comfort, space, and safety. The cabin is smooth, and your entire family can comfortably fit in the three-row seating. There is enough space behind the seats for work equipment, picnic stuff, or even a week’s worth of luggage for a family vacation.
A 9-inch touchscreen display provides information, navigation, and entertainment. Large windows and a surround-view camera ensure unobstructed vision, while advanced safety features help you maintain peace of mind.
2. 2024 Kia Telluride – Best Midsize SUV For Families
| Starting Price | $37,585 |
| Number of Seats | 8 |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | 23 MPG |
| Cargo Space | 21 cu ft (expandable up to 87 cu ft) |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5-star |
If you are looking for a midsize SUV, check out the 2024 Kia Telluride! It effortlessly combines bold and sophisticated style with comfortable interiors. Strong lines, prominent grille, and distinctive LED headlights create a commanding presence on the road.
The American insurance institute for highway safety considered Telluride as one of the safest midsize SUVs for teens. Stepping inside, the cabin has enough room for around eight people. Plus, there’s a generous cargo area with 21 cubic feet of space. Need more room? Fold down the rear seats to get up to 87 cubic feet, which is ideal for hauling furniture or packing for a family vacation.
Telluride’s efficient engine gives 23 miles per gallon that’s considered to be a good mpg for any vehicle, while its refined suspension ensures a smooth and comfortable ride. Kia Telluride also tops in safety with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
3. 2024 Subaru Outback – Family SUV Under $30K
| Starting Price | $28,895 |
| Number of Seats | 5 |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | 29 MPG |
| Cargo Space | 32.6 cu ft (75.6 cu ft. with rear seats down) |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5-star |
The 2024 Subaru Outback is built for families! It’s like a super wagon, comfy, safe, and ready for anything. Hit the road with amazing gas mileage – 29 miles per gallon combined – for fewer gas station stops and more adventure time.
There is plenty of space inside for five passengers. Everyone can stretch out and enjoy the ride. Need to pack for a road trip? No problem! The Outback has tons of cargo space: 32.5 cubic feet, and it folds down to a whopping 75.7 cubic feet! Enough for all your stuff, and more.
Keeping everyone entertained comes easy with the user-friendly infotainment system. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can use your favorite apps on the go.
The Outback is a perfect blend of everything you need: practical, stylish, sleek outside, and comfy inside. It’s the ultimate family SUV!
Also Read: Best Driving Roads in America
4. 2024 Genesis G90 – Best Full Size Sedan for Families
| Starting Price | $89,200 |
| Number of Seats | 5 |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | 21 MPG |
| Cargo Space | 12 cu ft |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | N/A |
The 2024 Genesis G90 redefines luxury travel for the whole family. Combining sophisticated design, advanced technology, and impressive performance, it is the best full size luxury sedan that’s suitable for a family of 5 seeking both opulence and practicality.
The cabin has ample space for five passengers to stretch out and relax. The interior is enveloped in premium Nappa leather upholstery and surrounded by exquisite wood and metal accents.
Powered by a potent 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine, the G90 achieves an impressive 21 miles per gallon combined (3.5T AWD model), ensuring a smooth and economical ride.
Although the NHTSA safety rating is not yet available, the G90 is expected to excel in this area, thanks to its comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies. These include a forward collision avoidance assist, a blind-spot view monitor, and a driver attention warning system.
Another feature that caught our eye is the rear-seat entertainment system. This allows the passengers in the back to enjoy their favorite movies or shows during long drives.
5. 2024 Chrysler Pacifica – Versatile Minivan for Moms
| Starting Price | $39,400 |
| Number of Seats | 8 |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | 30 MPG (gas) 82 MPG (hybrid) |
| Cargo Space | 32.3 cu ft (expandable up to 140.5 cu ft) |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5-star |
The Chrysler Pacifica offers two powertrain options: a standard gasoline engine achieving 30 MPG combined and a plug-in hybrid boasting an impressive 82 MPGe. These ensure fewer stops at the pump and more money saved for family fun.
The interior is impressive, with ample space for passengers and cargo. This versatile minivan is a 6-passenger vehicle. Moreover, the 32.3 cubic feet of storage can increase up to 140.5 cubic feet with rear seats folded.
These are the reasons why the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica is often considered one of the best mom cars. Whether dropping kids off at school or taking them around the city, it helps mothers stay on top of their game.
Its 5-star safety rating gives moms peace of mind that their family commute is secure with advanced safety features. While the integrated entertainment keeps the family connected and entertained.
Hand-Picked Content: Also, check out our top picks for the best SUVs for moms
Conclusion
The best family car is not just about getting from one place to another. It’s about creating memories, sharing laughter, and keeping your loved ones safe and secure.
Whether you opt for the fuel-efficient Toyota Sienna, the off-road beasts Outback, or the luxurious Genesis G90, each vehicle has something to offer for your family.
Figure out what matters most to your family. Do you need amazing gas mileage? Tons of cargo space? Top-notch safety features? Once you know your priorities, research different options.
Don’t hesitate to take a few test drives to get a feel for the vehicle that speaks to you. The perfect family car is out there, waiting to become an integral part of your family’s story.
