A great car is like another member of the family. It’s there through thick and thin, in all types of weather, to transport the family to school, to work and to fun weekend adventures. It makes sense, therefore, that you should spend time considering which car to buy – spend time, in other words, considering this new member of the family.
In this article, let’s take a look at a few key categories to consider when searching for a great family car. Once that’s accomplished, let’s look at a few examples of the best cars for families, according to those categories. Buckle up – because it looks like the family is about to get a new member!
What Makes a Great Family Car?
That two-seater Porsche dad has his eye on may be great for highway cruising, but it makes for a less-than-ideal family vehicle. It’s too small, too fast, too pricey, and – crucially – it’s not all that safe. There is a reason why families tend to choose SUVs over sports cars, after all.
When deciding on a family car, there are four key categories to consider: safety, performance, space and economy. Above all, you want a car that can transport your precious cargo without fear of injury or accident, a car with a recognized safety rating and standard safety features that protect against both the elements and other drivers.
But it’s also beneficial to consider performance or the way the car handles since that can have a profound effect on everyone’s enjoyment of the vehicle. Space is another big consideration: no family wants to be packed in like canned sardines, the perfect environment for sibling squabbles. Finally, as a family, every penny counts, and so things like price and fuel economy should be taken into consideration.
Let’s look at four cars that respectively exemplify each of these key categories:
Safety: The Audi Q7
If safety is a major concern, and you are looking for luxury SUVS for your family then the Audi Q7 is a perfect match. With a coveted five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as oodles of safety features, the Q7 leads the pack in keeping your precious cargo safe.
Performance: Acura RDX
The Acura RDX is safe and spacious, but its real value prop is its superior handling. For the smoothest family road trip you’ve ever embarked on, this is your car.
Space: Chevrolet Tahoe
Do you want space? Well, the Chevrolet Tahoe has space to spare, with its three cushy rows, high ceilings and ample leg room – both up front for the parents and in the back for the kids. As an added bonus, the Tahoe comes stocked with fun infotainment features to keep the kiddies entertained.
Economy: Toyota Prius
The Prius is inexpensive, to begin with, but compound that with the fact that its eco-friendly engine takes a fraction of the fuel required for any of the above vehicles, and this one’s a real cent-saver. If you think about leasing your next car, the Prius becomes even more affordable!
Finding a great car for the family takes equal parts know-how, patience and determination. Find a luxury car dealership in your neighborhood, test drive the car you’ve researched and then sign the paperwork – your family will have a shiny, speedy new member in no time.
