Choosing the best family car can be a daunting task, with so many options available in the market. Whether you're in search of a minivan, a spacious SUV or a compact but fuel-efficient hatchback, the decision to purchase a family car depends on a host of personal factors.
The most important factors to consider when researching your next car are safety, reliability, suitability and most importantly, is it within your Budget!
To help you make a smart investment, we have put together a list of tips on what to look for when shopping for your next family car
Let's roll!
Safety features
When you head out to buy a family-friendly car, what's the first thing you consider?
Cabin space? Price?
Well, for many families’ car safety is usually at the top of the list.
When choosing the best family car for you and your brood, it's vital to make sure you're not just getting a car with a sleek build but one with excellent safety features. Be sure to consult the ANCAP safety rating before considering any car as this is the independent and trusted voice on vehicle safety for Australia and New Zealand.
Standard safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard across most cars available today. However, as technology continues to develop in this space it’s important to check out the advanced safety features available to you when purchasing a new car.
These include:
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): AEB uses sensors to detect when a collision is imminent and automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate the impact.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): LDW alerts the driver when they start to drift out of their lane, while LKA actively helps keep the car centered in its lane.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): ACC uses radar or cameras to maintain a safe following distance from the car in front of you and can even bring the car to a complete stop in traffic.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): BSM uses sensors to detect when a vehicle is in your blind spot and alerts you with a warning light or sound.
Rearview Camera and Parking Sensors: These features provide a clear view of what's behind your vehicle when backing up and help prevent accidents in tight spaces.
Adaptive Headlights: These headlights can turn to follow the direction of the car, providing better visibility around corners and in low-light conditions.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This technology helps prevent skids and loss of control in emergency maneuvers.
It's worth noting that many car manufacturers offer different safety packages with different combinations of features, so it's important to research the options available for the specific make and model you are interested in.
Suitability
When looking for a family car, it's crucial to consider your family's size both now and in the future. If you have two kids, a pram, and a dog, a hatchback might be too small. Remember that you'll likely have this car for at least five years, so it's important to choose one that can accommodate your family's changing needs.
It's always great to look for a car with enough room for everyone, including your little ones and all their gear. And trust us, kids come with a lot of gear, from strollers and car seats to toys and snacks.
A compact hatchback or sedan may be the ideal choice for small families. These vehicles are easy to manoeuvre and park, and they often have better fuel efficiency. They are also great for navigating through inner cities with tight street parking, which can be especially helpful for parents juggling a child, a pram, and groceries into the house.
But if you have a large family, you might want to consider a larger vehicle, like a minivan or an SUV. They offer more space and seating, so everyone will have room to stretch their legs and feel comfortable on long road trips.
How you'll use your car
Another key factor to consider when choosing a family car is how you'll use your vehicle.
Are you looking for a car that can handle long road trips or are you just using it for the school run and the occasional runabout town. Knowing this will help you determine what type of car you need and what features are important to you.
For example, if you're a family that likes camping, you'll want a car with plenty of cargo space to keep your gear. One with a comfortable interior and good fuel efficiency will also save you some dosh on the long haul.
On the other hand, if you're mainly using your car for carpools and short trips, you might want to look for one with a compact design that's easy to park and manoeuvre but doesn’t compromise on boot space.
Budget
When looking for the best family car, always consider your budget. It's crucial to ensure you get the right car for you and your family without breaking the bank.
Let's say you're on a tight budget, but don’t want to compromise on safety and boot space, then you can always look for a used car that has the features you require. Get in touch with our carconnect team today and we can find a car that fits your budget and requirements without blowing your budget out of the water.
If you have the means and want to splurge for a new car, or nearly new car - a demo model with all the options and safety features may be a smart way to get all the features you want, without paying top dollar. You can talk to our team about ex demonstrator stock as well and see if you can pick up a deal!
Top 5 family-friendly cars in Australia
So, you're now aware of what to consider when selecting a vehicle for you and your family. Check out this list of the top 5 family-friendly rides in Australia:
Mazda CX-9 - Driveaway price from $52,397* - $81,941*
The Mazda CX-9 is an absolute ripper, and it's easy to see why it made it into the top 5!
Safe, with a 5 star ANCAP safety rating, easy to drive, and economical, the CX-9 comes with many features that'll give you peace of mind on the road. It's got over three airbags, blind-spot monitoring, intelligent city brake support forward, and a rear-view camera to help you back out of tight spots.
With a family, you always seem to have a million and one things to lug around, so you need a car that can handle all that gear. The CX-9's boot makes a spectacular choice with seven seats and a whole heap of space in the back. So, whether you're heading to the beach or packing up for a road trip, this car's got you covered.
Now, let's talk about the cost. We know that buying a car can be a real drain on the budget. But the CX-9 is pretty reasonable, especially when you consider the quality and reliability, you’re getting for it.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - Driveaway price from $45,079* - $61,625*
If you are looking for a family-friendly car that ticks all the boxes, another car you should consider is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
With the RAV4 Hybrid, you and your loved ones are in good hands. It's packed with advanced safety features, like a pre-collision system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, 7 SRS airbags throughout the cabin, automatic high beam, road sign assist, lane departure alert, and active cruise control, to keep you and your family protected on the road. Plus, it's got a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, so you know it's been rigorously tested and meets the highest standards.
The RAV4 Hybrid also has a spacious boot perfect for stowing away the pram, camping gear, or anything else you need for your family adventures. And with the 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, you can even fit in more oversized items when you need to.
This family-friendly car is a budget-friendly car within the SUV range and is a favourite when it comes to Aussie families. However the wait time can be long and stock is hard to secure, so if this is the car for you, get in touch today and let our team at carconnect help get you ahead of the que.
Subaru Outback - Driveaway price from $47,594* - $61,599*
Are you on the hunt for a family-friendly car that can keep up with your busy lifestyle? Look no further because the Subaru Outback is here to save the day! This car has been a popular choice for families in Australia for years because it has a lot of unique features.
With the Outback, you can be confident that you and your loved ones are in good hands. It's equipped with advanced safety features, such as Eyesight driver assist technology, a driver monitoring system, blind spot monitoring, and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. The Outback also has a generous boot that you can quickly expand.
The Subaru Outback is excellent for a family of adventurers as it has a cargo capacity of 32.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This is more than many of its competitors in the midsize SUV category. Additionally, all Outback’s have a standard set of roof racks which can be used to carry additional cargo such as bikes, kayaks, or skis. This can be an excellent feature for families who enjoy outdoor activities and need extra space to transport their gear.
Kia Sorento - Driveaway price from $50,790* - $75,453*
If you're looking for a seven-seater vehicle that's perfect for families, the Kia Sorento is a no-brainer as this 5 star ANCAP rated car also comes in a hybrid option for the eco conscious driver who also wants to save at the pump.
The Kia Sorento is loaded with extensive safety features, making it a smart choice for families. These include: a safe exit assist, parking collision-avoidance assist, and seven airbags. Plus, it's got all the space you need to fit the whole family comfortably, with the third row folding flat to provide additional cargo space when needed.
The Sorento offers many families friendly amenities such as the rear seat entertainment system, USB charging ports and heated and ventilated front and rear seats. These features can help make a long car ride more enjoyable for both children and adults.
To sweeten the deal even further, The Kia Sorento is priced competitively compared to other midsize SUVs in its class, making it an affordable option for families who want a reliable and spacious vehicle without breaking the bank.
Toyota Kluger Hybrid - Based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price - $79,560*
The Toyota Kluger is a top choice for families in Australia due to its spacious and comfortable seating and its trusted 5 star ANCAP safety rating. The Kluger Hybrid competes alongside the Kia Sorento in the larger family car market and just pips it in terms of fuel efficiency, using 6.6l/100km to the Diesel Kia Sorento’s 7.0-8.5L/100km.
The Kluger has bumped up its safety features to include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features are a must have for families looking to feel safe on long road trips and across multiple terrains.
Toyota is known for building reliable and safe vehicles, and the Kluger Hybrid is no exception. Toyota's reputation for quality and dependability provides added peace of mind for families who are looking for a safe and reliable vehicle that’s built to last.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right family car for you requires careful consideration and its essential to assess your needs and preferences before making a decision.
Be sure to assess the safety, reliability and suitability for you and your family and get in touch with our expert car buying team today so we can get you the perfect family car for your budget!
Don’t waste another weekend trawling showrooms or car yards when carconnect can take care of everything for you? We're here to save you time, money, and hassle, so you can sit back and relax while we do the work.
What else are you waiting for? Contact carconnect today and get started finding the perfect family car for you and your brood!
