Top Five Family Cars

Family getting ready for a trip loading up SUV

For many, SUVs have become the family car of choice, edging out sedans and station wagons, even mini-vans. Full-size SUVs like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Suburban have to appeal to larger families for their generous cargo-carrying capacity, towing capability, and 3-row seating. Many of these attributes are also present in car-based Crossovers and these Crossover SUVs bring families plenty of comfort and high tech safety features at an affordable price. Finding the perfect family car is easier these days thanks to the Internet where reviews abound, but the car that will be perfect for your family really depends on your specific wants and desires. At Lithia.com we understand that completely because we have families too, and that's why we decided to bring you our list of the Top 5 Family Cars for 2021.

What makes a good family car? Key elements include safety, value, reputation, how it drives, comfort, convenience and cargo space as well as how well the vehicle handles child seats and such technology as automatic lift-gates and driver assist features. Here is what we were looking for in a great family car. After a very detailed search of over 50 top-rated vehicles, we proudly present to you our choice of the Top 5 Family Cars across all models. Our best picks include a 2nd row and 3rd row SUV, Minivan (it's even a Hybrid) Station wagon and Family sedan:

Safety

Everyone wants a safe car, but family car shoppers are even more safety-focused. We paid special attention to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, looking for vehicles with Five-Star ratings. Every vehicle on this year's list has the highest Overall Safety Rating available in its class.

Value

The vehicles chosen are also the best in class in terms of cost to own. We considered a vehicle's predicted resale value, insurance, fuel and maintenance costs. Quite often, spending a little more on the right car can save you thousands in the long run. We focused on mainstream brands for this group. With the exception of the Hybrid mini-van, all are in the 25 to 30K range. And in the case of the Pacifica Hybrid, you can get a federal tax credit of $7,500 through the Federal government's EV Incentive program.

Reputation

The models on this list have been around long enough to earn strong reputations for durability and reliability. In most cases, these models are also available as great used family cars. Several have had a recent "refresh" to include all the latest Driver Assist and safety features.Driving even in a vehicle designed primarily to get you and your family around on a daily basis, good steering, suspension and pedal feel can make a big difference. A vehicle that goes, turns and stops smoothly and as expected is more satisfying and less fatiguing. Good outward visibility and ease in parking also adds to your enjoyment of your family car.

Comfort and Convenience

A smooth ride, quiet cabin and comfortable seats all help keep a family happy while on the move. Convenience features make a big difference in the overall experience. The sliding doors on some Chrysler Pacificas can be opened with a wave of your foot when your hands are full. The second-row seats on the Nissan Pathfinder slides forward with the push of a button, granting easy access to the third row. With all the loading and unloading that happens in a family car, the benefits of small touches like these can really add up.

Cargo Versatility

Minivans and SUVs offer the most cargo space for busy families. Usable volume is important, but we also looked for advantages such as low load floors that ease loading and unloading of bulkier items, as well as second- and third-row seats that fold with minimal effort.

Child Seats

Child car safety seats are an important consideration for car shoppers with infants and toddlers. In picking these vehicles, we considered if there is enough distance between the front seat and the back seat to accommodate both the seat and the child. We checked the LATCH mounting points to make sure they are easy to access and also looked at the vehicle's seat height and door openings to make sure it is easy to buckle the child in and lift them out of the vehicle.

Technology

Technology is an increasingly significant factor in new vehicles. Bluetooth phone connectivity and USB ports are standard fare, while keyless entry and push-button start are more prevalent. From the driver's perspective, we look for capable and easy-to-use infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability lead the way here. Tech such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assists are becoming more common while backup cameras/sensors and rear cross-traffic alerts help parking lot navigation.

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The bottom line

Overall, we looked for vehicles that offer the most benefits for our families. We gave extra points for useful and innovative features such as hands-free liftgates, well-placed inside lighting, and anything that improves the driving experience for you and yours.