Best Cars for Families to Buy Right Now
February 15, 2021

As parents, the vehicle you purchase is not just for you, it is something your entire family will rely on. Choosing the right vehicle for your spouse, children, and pets is critical for safe, comfortable transportation. Finding a vehicle that meets all of your needs as a household is a big task.
Many drivers struggle to find a vehicle that is suitable for their specific needs, especially when they have other drivers and passengers to consider. However, your car is a major purchase that you want to leave satisfied with.
Also Read: Best Commuter Cars
Thankfully, there are many options available that are great for several drivers and transporting kids and pets. Read on to learn more about the top car picks for families.
Table of Contents
Best Cars for Families
We did extensive market research to bring you the top choices out there. Our picks for the best cars for families are:

#1 Pick: 2021 Toyota RAV4
MSRP: $26,150
Car Type: Compact SUV - 5 Passenger
EPA Combined Mileage: 30 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Standard Safety Features: Lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, rearview camera, road sign recognition
Cargo Space: 37.6 cu ft
#2 Pick: 2021 Subaru Outback
MSRP: $26,795
Car Type: Wagon - 5 Passenger
EPA Mileage: 26/33 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Standard Safety Features: Forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rearview camera
Cargo Space: 32.5 cu ft
#3 Pick: 2021 Honda Pilot
MSRP: $32,550
Car Type: Midsize SUV - 8 Passenger
EPA Combined Mileage: 23 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Standard Safety Features: Forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, rearview camera
Cargo Space: 16.5 cu ft
#4 Pick: 2021 Kia Telluride
MSRP: $32,190
Car Type: Midsize SUV - 7/8 Passenger
EPA Combined Mileage: 23 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Standard Safety Features: Rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, driver drowsiness warning, rearview camera
Cargo Space: 21 cu ft
#5 Pick: 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
MSRP: $31,555
Car Type: Midsize SUV - 7 Passenger
EPA Combined Mileage: 22 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Standard Safety Features: Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, rearview camera
Cargo Space: 20.6 cu ft
#6 Pick: 2021 Honda Odyssey
MSRP: $31,790
Car Type: Minivan - 7/8 Passenger
EPA Combined Mileage: 22 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Standard Safety Features: Forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rearview camera
Cargo Space: 38.6 cu ft
#7 Pick: 2021 Toyota Sienna
MSRP: $34,460
Car Type: Minivan - 7/8 Passenger
EPA Combined Mileage: 35 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick+
Standard Safety Features: Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road sign recognition, rearview camera
Cargo Space: 33.5 cu ft
#8 Pick: 2021 Volvo XC90
MSRP: $49,000
Car Type: Midsize SUV - 6/7 Passenger
EPA Mileage: 21/30 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Standard Safety Features: Front/rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, road sign recognition, rearview camera
Cargo Space: 15.8 cu ft
#9 Pick: 2021 Mazda CX-5
MSRP: $25,370
Car Type: Compact SUV - 5 Passenger
EPA Mileage: 25/31MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Standard Safety Features: Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rearview camera
Cargo Space: 31cu ft
#10 Pick: 2021 Toyota Camry
MSRP: $24,970
Car Type: Midsize Sedan - 5 Passenger
EPA Combined Mileage: 32 MPG
IIHS Safety Rating: Good - Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Crash Test Rating: 5/5 Stars
Standard Safety Features: Lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, rearview camera
Cargo Space: 15.1 cu ft
What Families Should Look for in a Vehicle
There are numerous options for buying a family car, but each one has its own pros and cons. While you may want a wealth of features and options at your fingertips, the key is to find the optimal blend of safety, comfort, and technology. For parents, of either young children or upcoming drivers, safety and reliability are key features for a car. People searching for a car that suits everyone in the household typically struggle to find enough space for passengers, car-seats, and luggage.
The top features to look for in a vehicle if you have a family include:
- Safety. The safety of your vehicle is a major concern if you have children. Look for models with high crash test ratings and several standard safety features.
- Spacious seating. The larger your family is, the harder it becomes to comfortably fit everyone in your car, and this is a huge issue for longer trips. Choose a vehicle that has ample room for passengers, including legroom, and that can fit car seats if you need them.
- Storage space. A tiny trunk is a recipe for disaster. Opt for a vehicle that has enough storage space that you can fit luggage, the sport’s bags/equipment, or strollers.
- Reliability. The last thing you need is a car that breaks down while the entire family is in it. Only consider a vehicle with high predicted reliability.
- Efficiency. When on-the-go with the family or between practice drop-offs, you don’t want to always worry about gas. Choose a vehicle that is fuel-efficient so you can save money and stress in the long-run.
- Additional features. The features that are important to you will depend on your lifestyle and your family. Consider which additional tech features would be helpful, like outlets, back-up cameras, or touchscreen controls.
Also Read: Best Cars for Seniors
Other Considerations for Vehicles for Families
Each family is completely unique and will have its own unique needs. The most important thing is to find a vehicle that suits your lifestyle. Some other factors to consider include:
- Who’s driving? Are you the primary driver or will you need to share the car with your spouse or teen driver? If the car will have multiple drivers, choose a versatile option well suited for short, tall, old, and young drivers.
- What stage of life is your family in? If you have children, how old are they? Parents with younger children will want to consider a vehicle that can grow with their family, one that accommodates car seats, and is easy to clean.
- Do you have pets? If you have, and frequently transport pets, then you want to consider a car suited for that. Think about vehicles that are easy to clean and have an area for a kennel or pet.
- What’s the weather like? People in climates with snowy winters need a vehicle that can safely handle different terrains and is durable enough for harsh salt and weather conditions.
- What’s your budget? Budget is crucial for all drivers, but especially for families. Don’t get swept up in the amazing features and sleek look of a vehicle, stick to your budget. There are plenty of affordable options.
While families have a lot to think about when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, there are many excellent versatile options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a family need a certain vehicle?
Every type of driver needs a vehicle that suits their needs. People with spouses and children have several different needs to consider, which makes finding a vehicle challenging. Purchasing a car that meets the needs of your frequent passengers and other drivers ensures an enjoyable driving experience.
What qualities do cars for families have?
The best cars for the entire household are versatile and incredibly safe. They have space for many passengers as well as car seats and storage space.
What is different about a car for parents?
These cars are spacious, efficient, safe, and reliable, offering a more comfortable driving and riding experience. The key is to help you avoid accidents and keep all passengers safe.
How can I get a family vehicle within my budget?
Sticking to your budget is critical. The best way to ensure you get an affordable car is to negotiate.
Posted in Car Buying Tips, Car Deals |