As your family grows, don't be surprised if your vehicle-related needs and priorities shift. Your trusty two-door may have held all your earthly belongings plus two friends when you were younger, but now it may lack the space to take your family on a trip to the beach or even transport groceries comfortably.
When considering which vehicle is best for your growing family, consider a host of factors ranging from safety, space, and comfort to new technological innovations and fuel efficiency. Keep reading to discover which cars boast notable features that may best fit your family vehicle needs.
What Are the Top Safety Features for Family Cars in 2024?
The U.S. and Canada mandate certain safety features for all new vehicles. You won't have to worry about buying a new car without airbags, seatbelts, or a backup camera, for instance. Even so, car companies have developed several significant safety features which bear mentioning in recent years:
- Blindspot warning: This feature helps make you aware when another vehicle is in your blind spot. For instance, the Toyota Sienna activates lights in the side view mirrors when a car enters the blind spot in a flanking lane. Likewise, if the vehicle is in reverse, a chime alerts the driver when a car is approaching, helping you avoid fender benders or worse.
- Automated emergency braking: Vehicles with an automated emergency braking system (AEB) can sense a possible collision ahead and prevent it by braking independently of the driver. While some automatic braking systems work at highway speeds, others only work in a low-speed setting.
- Lane departure warning: The lane departure warning system uses a forward-facing camera to monitor the left and right side lane markers. If you wander from your lane for whatever reason, a lane departure alarm will sound, alerting you to avoid drifting further into another driver's lane.
Which Cars Offer the Most Space and Comfort for Large Families?
As you consider which cars may most comfortably fit your large family (and all of their stuff), you'll find two main categories: SUVs and minivans.
Most manufacturers offer an SUV with third-row seating, but three of the most spacious SUVs on the market are the Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Wagoneer L, and the Chevrolet Suburban, each of which offers seven or more seats, depending on the trim selected. Of the three, the Suburban offers the most possible seats with nine and the most cargo space at 145 cubic feet.
For roomy minivans, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna offer eight seats, while the Chrysler Pacifica only features seven. Even so, the Pacifica provides more leg and shoulder room in the front seat. The Odyssey leads the way in cargo capacity, boasting an impressive 158 cubic feet, compared to the Pacifica's 140.5 cu-ft and the Sienna's 101 cu-ft.
“ As you consider which cars may most comfortably fit your large family (and all of their stuff), you'll find two main categories: SUVs and minivans. ”
How Do the Newest Cars Cater to the Needs of Children and Infants?
Car manufacturers have added features that may be attractive to parents of young kids. Minivans and SUVs typically have child-safety locks that keep kids from opening rear doors. Many parents appreciate separate climate zones, which can keep baby cozy without making the rest of the family sweat. Both car types typically have third-row seating, which can be a big help.
In response to the needs of some families, many companies have replaced the middle row of seats with captain's chairs, increasing access to the third row of seats. You can also expect to find plenty of charging ports and cupholders to keep your family comfy.
Minivans may offer a few more amenities depending on the age of your kids. For starters, many parents prefer minivans with automatic sliding doors because they make getting kids in and out of the vehicle easier. This may seem like a minor consideration, but sliding doors make the school carpool drop-off or grocery store pick-ups much easier.
What Are the Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Suitable for Family Travel in 2024?
Given the size of these vehicles, you should expect to drive fewer miles to the gallon than you would usually expect from a sedan, crossover, or smaller SUV. Generally speaking, minivans get better gas mileage than large SUVs, with minivans' miles per gallon (mpg) ranging from about 22 mpg with the Chrysler Pacifica to approximately 36 mpg with the Toyota Sienna.
On the SUV side, you should expect to find less fuel-efficient vehicles. The GMC Yukon and Chevy Suburban both guzzle 16 miles to the gallon, while the Toyota Sequoia squeezes 22 miles or so out of every gallon of gasoline.
Which Cars Come With the Best In-Car Entertainment and Technology Features for Families?
When it comes to in-car entertainment, the more you spend, the more you get. For instance, on the high end, the Cadillac Escalade allows passengers to watch shows and movies via built-in smart screens. Owners can select a data plan and log in to the streaming service of choice, meaning you don't have to hear the kids fight over which movie to watch since they can each watch their own. Other SUVs, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer, may not offer the same data connectivity for entertainment but do have screens and easily accessed HDMI ports.
Likewise, many popular minivans offer built-in rear entertainment screens that you can sync with your smartphone via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Audio, or HDMI ports. For example, the Toyota Sienna offers a 1080p HD entertainment center with an 11.6-in. display, HDMI inputs, a remote and two wireless headphones for your passengers to use.
Finding the Right Fit
As you research, remember to prioritize your family's needs so you end up with the right vehicle for you. Insuring a large family vehicle can be expensive. Make sure you shop around for the best car insurance coverage for your new vehicle. Contact EverQuote todayto get the best coverage for the right price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most affordable car options for growing families?
For a new SUV with a third row, the Mitsubishi Outlander is the most affordable option, with a base price of just $30,015. Similarly, the Volkswagen Tiguan is in the same neighborhood, boasting a base price of $30,305. Finally, the Kia Sorento's base price of $33,365 will set you back a bit more, but it also includes Kia's 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, which is worth considering.
Depending on the trim, a new minivan for your growing family may cost more. The most affordable minivan option is the Kia Carnival, which retails for $33,600. The Toyota Sienna is also cost-effective with its $37,685 starting MSRP. The Honda Odyssey is a little pricier, coming in at $38,240. Finally, the Chrysler Pacifica retails for $39,400, making it the most expensive of the four.