We are in the market for a new family vehicle. I currently have the Lincoln MKX and while I have loved it am wanting a vehicle that has more than 5 seats. Researching vehicles can be complex and negotiating a great deal even more complex so when I had someone reach out to me and offer to write a guest post on the 10 best family cars I said, “yes, please.” See below for my friend’s Deanna’s list of some of the best family cars on the market.
Safe driving prevents crashes, saves lives, and in turn saves insurance companies lots of money. That’s why providers reward safe driving with reduced premiums. The truth of the matter is that kids make safe driving difficult with their back seat arguments, juice spills, dropped toys . . . us parents know the list goes on and on.
Even if your kids are low maintenance angels and you are the safest driver this world has ever seen, you still need a car that meets the ever-changing needs of your family.
What are the top priorities for your family car? Here are the details most people want to know about a vehicle before they will even consider it for their family:
Storage Space
Number of People it Fits (comfortably)
Technology Package
Entertainment System
Automatic Doors
Lay Flat and/or Sliding Seats
Safety Features (of course)
What will it Cost??
Most of the time, at varying degrees, all of these things are important to those brave, often thankless, people we call parents.
The above list of eight factors was used as a guide while we searched for the best family cars. Most of the time parents want extra space, so we didn’t include any sedans that can make great family cars too.
We put this list in alphabetical order to avoid additional subjectivity. If you’re reading this article, it’s a safe assumption that your time to sit and read is limited, so we’ll dive right in. Below are the 10 Best Family Cars that will be released soon and are expected to be awesome:
#1 – 2020 Buick Envision
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAuWJjsgXXE
Starting Price: $31,995
Automatic Doors: No
Seats: 5
Granted, you probably won’t notice this unless you’re driving without the kids, but the car cabin is extremely quiet even at highway speeds. Plus, Grandma will approve of the smooth ride and comfortable seats when she comes into town to visit. You can even slide the second row back for seven more inches of legroom.
The tech features are worth a mention too. Thanks to the four built-in USB ports, the world won’t end with a battery-dead device in this car. Are you an iOS or Android family? Well, both are covered in this family vehicle with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
#2 – 2020 Cadillac XT6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwtuk5rnv8M
Starting Price: $52,695
Automatic Doors: No
Seating Capacity: 7
Well, this family car sure isn’t a downgrade for parents, and with a starting price which is almost $21,000 more than the Envision, you’ll be paying for the brand name and added luxury that comes with it.
While most larger vehicles have a third row that feels like it should be labeled “kids only”, the Cadillac XT6’s seats are not only comfortable, but they tilt, slide, and fold down making it easy to move around as well as get more storage space. Plus, it makes life a little easier with six USB ports, an auto liftgate, and power-controlled seats even in the back rows.
#3 – 2020 Chrysler Pacifica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzKqt31EV80
Starting Price: $27,000
Automatic Doors: Yes
Seating Capacity: 7
AutoWise published an article on the best 2020 minivans, and the Pacifica landed at number one. Well, the 141 cubic feet of cargo space that the Stow N’ Go system provides is hard to beat, folks. The back rows don’t just tilt or lay back; they completely disappear into the floor.
The car also features a powerful V6 engine and doors & liftgate that opens with the push of a button, and has add-ons that are a dream-come-true for people with pets or messy kids such as a built-in vacuum. The safety features will keep everyone safe, while the entertainment package will keep everyone occupied and quiet—although “quiet” can’t be guaranteed.
#4 – 2020 Ford Explorer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE0afD7VuRs
Starting Price: $32,765
Automatic Doors: No
Seating Capacity: 6
This three-row crossover has gone through major redesigns and now is the biggest Explorer, yet boasts of the best-in-class headspace, legroom, and cargo space. And, the second row seats now slide forward and back making getting in and out easier.
The 2020 model is technologically advanced than its predecessors with a 10.1 inch dashboard touchscreen, 4G Wi-Fi for 10 devices, a wireless charging pad, four USB ports, four outlets, hands-free liftgate, and also allows you to unlock and start the engine with your smartphone.
#5 – 2020 Honda Odyssey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0h1X1i197I
Starting Price: $31,325
Automatic Doors: Yes
Seating Capacity: 8
Do you have a big family, carpool with other families, transport your kids’ friends or cousins? Whatever the reason, that eighth seat is a nice option that the Odyssey offers. Another great feature is the Odyssey’s one-motion 3rd-row “Magic Seat” that folds into the floor.
U.S. News & World Report ranked the 2019 Odyssey the number one minivan with the highest score (9.8) for its safety features. The 2020 model has a big act to follow with the 2019 model also winning “Best Minivan for the Money” and “Best Minivan for Families” title. Car experts anticipate the 2020 version to be even better.
#6 – 2020 Hyundai Palisade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Irh0IUfuuE
Starting Price: $32,000
Automatic Doors: No
Seating Capacity: 8
The 2020 Palisade’s sleek look, impressive cargo size, and expanded seating capacity make its affordable price point almost seem too good to be true. It’s packed with seven USB ports, 16 (yes, 16!) cupholders, dual sunroof, a 10.25 inch touch screen on the dash, and even larger 12.3 inch digital display for the driver.
This brand-new model will be Hyundai’s biggest SUV ever with more leg, shoulder, and headroom than the others. Plus, this sporty family vehicle features a one-touch system for moving the second row seats forward and power-folding the third row seats to easily expand the back cargo area.
#7 – 2020 Kia Telluride
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH_yE86lQQI
Starting Price: $31,690
Automatic Doors: No
Seating Capacity: 8
Another eight-seater at an appealing price point. The Telluride is Kia’s largest model and offers impressive cargo space. Behind the third row, there are 21 cubic feet of space, and with the two rows folded down, you get 87 cubic feet. You’d be hard pressed to find another affordable SUV which gives you that kind of space.
This V6 is packed full of goodies for the whole family; a 10.3 inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 10 speakers, 630 watt sound system, six USB charging ports, a wireless charging pad, and Smart, Eco, Sport, Comfort, Snow, and AWD Lock modes for the driver.
#8 – 2020 Land Rover Evoque
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7V5COxB48Q
Starting Price: $42,650
Automatic Doors: No
Seating Capacity: 5
The price went up and the number of passengers went down, but the Evoque is still one of the best. It has class-leading, off-road driving capabilities with sporty handling, and it still manages to provide a smooth ride. The 2020 model has more space up front, more knee room in the back, and 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space when the second row is folded down.
The Evoque is the first vehicle ever to have “ClearSight Ground View,” which allows the driver to see what’s under the hood and in front of the vehicle. And, it’s the first Land Rover to have “Smart Settings” that use artificial intelligence to learn the driver’s preferences and automates the seat position, media, climate, and steering column settings.
#9 – 2020 Lincoln Aviator
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAY84iTCMCo
Starting Price: $51,100
Automatic Doors: No
Seating Capacity: 7
The 2020 Aviator impressed Cars.com reviewers with its “stunning interior features.” They wrote that it looks like a “Ford Explorer after one of those entire-life makeover shows.”
This three-row, V6 luxury SUV has a keypad, but you can also use your phone to unlock and start it. And its safety package is top-of-the-line with self-driving features including adaptive cruise control, steering assist, traffic sign recognition, reverse braking, and active park assist that will parallel park for you.
#10 – 2020 Toyota Sienna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT9Bnf-f47k
Starting Price: $31,415
Automatic Doors: Yes
Seating Capacity: 8
We end our list with a family vehicle that has a V6 engine, keyless entry, automatic sliding doors, a “Bird’s Eye View Camera,” and seating for eight at a price that’s hard to beat.
The Sienna is the only minivan available in all-wheel drive, and it can be customized to your family’s specific needs with over ten unique trim levels available. Plus, the kids are going to love it with its dual moonroof and exciting entertainment center featuring a 16.4 inch screen, wireless headphones, and remote.
Coming Soon! Lots of Trims & Even Hybrids
Do you agree with any of our picks? Some of the above vehicles aren’t available yet, but the majority will be released by the end of summer 2019. Check out the various trim options that are available—some even have hybrid versions.
Sara Routhier is a Research Specialist and Staff Writer for AutoInsurance.org. In addition to obtaining a degree in Elementary Education, being a public school teacher, family nanny, and tutor, she has over four years experience in the auto insurance industry. As a working mom, she knows for what she writes to deserve your read, it better be interesting, accurate, and teach you something—fast. That’s the promise she delivers with her work.
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