Choosing the right car for your family can be daunting, given the many options available. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; families have unique needs shaped by their lifestyle, size, and budget. From weekend getaways to school runs, selecting a vehicle that delivers safety, comfort, and convenience is essential. This guide explores some of Australia’s best current family cars, highlighting key features and providing insights into models that excel in different aspects of family life.
Key Features to Consider in a Family Car
When searching for the right family car, the following features should guide your decision:
- Size/Space: Look for vehicles with spacious interiors and flexible seating designs to accommodate passengers and cargo comfortably. Foldable back seats or adjustable cargo areas can adapt to varying needs, from grocery runs to family camping trips.
- Safety Features: Advanced safety technologies such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and multiple airbags can provide peace of mind on the road.
- Fuel Efficiency and Cost of Running: With fuel prices fluctuating, a car that offers good fuel efficiency can save you money in the long run. Additionally, consider ongoing maintenance and insurance costs.
- Reliability: Looking at reliability ratings and warranty offers can help find models that last a long time.
- Technology/Entertainment: Touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and rear-seat entertainment features provide convenience for parents and keep children entertained on long journeys.
- Resale Value: Research models that are known for retaining their worth over time.
Top Cars and Why They Make the List
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is an exceptional family SUV that combines eco-friendliness with practicality. Its spacious interior features three-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers comfortably. Safety is a prominent feature, with the advanced driver-assistance systems contributing to its high safety ratings.
Enhancing the driving experience, the EV9 boasts a technology suite that includes a touchscreen infotainment system and smartphone integration, ensuring that both parents and children remain engaged during family trips. This SUV offers a variety of powertrain options, including a single rear-wheel-drive model with a 76.1 kWh battery, delivering an estimated range of approximately 443 km.
With its roomy interior, state-of-the-art technology, and strong emphasis on safety, the Kia EV9 is an appealing choice for families searching for an eco-friendly vehicle that prioritises comfort and convenience.
Mitsubishi Outlander LS
The Mitsubishi Outlander LS is a versatile SUV, offering ample space and comfort for families. With seating for up to seven passengers, this model emphasises safety through features like Forward Collision Mitigation and Lane Departure Warning.
The Outlander’s 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, and premium sound system make every journey enjoyable. Available in both petrol and hybrid options, the hybrid version offers a 20 kWh battery with an electric-only range of up to 84 km.
The Outlander’s competitive warranty and service packages provide new car buyers with added peace of mind, making it a well-rounded, value-packed option.
Toyota Kluger
The Toyota Kluger is a superior family SUV renowned for its spaciousness, comfort, and reliability. With room for seven passengers, the Kluger offers generous legroom and ample cargo space for family outings.
Safety takes centre stage with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes advanced features like a pre-collision system and lane-keeping assist. The interior is equally impressive, boasting a 12.3-inch touchscreen and an immersive 11-speaker JBL sound system, ensuring a connected and enjoyable driving experience.
Powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid engine, it offers impressive fuel efficiency at 5.6L/100km, delivering a smooth, eco-conscious drive. Durable and dependable, the Toyota Kluger is the perfect blend of comfort and performance for families.
Nissan X-TRAIL
The Nissan X-TRAIL offers a family-friendly SUV experience with a blend of comfort and functionality. Seating five passengers with the option for a third row in some models, it accommodates up to seven people. Safety features such as auto emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and electronic stability control make it a secure option.
Equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bose sound system, and wireless Apple CarPlay, the X-TRAIL ensures entertainment for all. Available in petrol or hybrid options, the hybrid’s e-Power system uses a small petrol engine to generate electricity, powering the electric motor without needing external charging.
This unique setup allows for an electric-like drive without the range anxiety, making the Nissan X-TRAIL a practical and eco-friendly choice for families.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is tailored for families seeking comfort, space, and efficiency. With seating for up to seven passengers, the SUV offers a roomy interior and up to 628 litres of cargo space when the third row is folded, making it ideal for family road trips and daily use.
The hybrid model is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, delivering a balance of performance and efficiency, with a combined output of 173 kW and fuel consumption of approximately 5.6L/100 km. This ensures sufficient power while keeping fuel costs manageable.
For tech-savvy families, the Santa Fe includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a comprehensive set of airbags contribute to a secure driving experience.
Overall, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid offers a practical mix of space, technology, and fuel economy, making it a strong option for families looking for a well-rounded, reliable SUV.
To Summarise
Selecting the best family car involves carefully considering factors such as safety, comfort, and versatility. Each of the vehicles highlighted in this guide excels in these areas, catering to different family needs. Whether you prioritise fuel efficiency or advanced safety features, there’s a model here to suit your requirements.
Are you considering selling your vehicle to make room for a new one? With CarBuyers, you can receive an instant offer on your car and turn it into cash today. We simplify the entire process, ensuring a quick and straightforward experience so you can enjoy a hassle-free transition every step of the way!
FAQs
Are SUVs better than sedans as family cars?
SUVs are often considered better family cars due to their larger space, higher seating position for better visibility, and enhanced safety features. They provide ample cargo capacity and generally perform better in adverse weather conditions. However, sedans offer a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency, making them appealing for urban driving.
How important are safety ratings on family cars?
Safety ratings are crucial when selecting a family car, as they indicate the vehicle’s performance in crash tests and its effectiveness in protecting occupants. Higher safety ratings can correlate with better structural integrity and advanced safety features, which can be vital for family transport.
What is the average cost of a family car in Australia?
The average cost of a family car in Australia varies widely depending on the make, model, and features, but it typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 AUD for a new vehicle. Used family cars can be significantly cheaper, depending on the age and condition of the vehicle.
Are electric/hybrid cars a good option as a family car?
Electric and hybrid cars can be excellent family options, offering lower running costs and environmental benefits. Many new models come equipped with spacious interiors and advanced safety features, making them suitable for family use. However, their range and charging infrastructure may be a consideration for long trips.
What should I look for in a family car?
When choosing a family car, consider space, safety features, fuel efficiency, comfort, and technology. Ensure it has enough seating and storage for your family’s needs, and check for modern safety aids like airbags, lane assist, and stability control. Also, think about how the car performs in various driving conditions.
