Family First
There are so many transportation options available to new car buyers these days. But for shoppers who put their families first, crossover SUVs offer the passenger and cargo-carrying capacity that make them the go-to choice over traditional midsize sedans. Full-size SUVs and minivans also hold appeal for roominess. In the case of the former, that also means towing capability. For the latter, a big benefit is flexibility.
For 2021, family car buyers can add to their lists the redesigned Chevrolet Tahoe and Toyota Sienna. Chevrolet’s rugged body-on-frame SUV switched to an independent rear suspension that enhances both third-row space and ride. Another long-awaited redesign, the 2021 Toyota Sienna, is its first makeover in over a decade. We believe it’s worth the wait, having named the Sienna the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy in the minivan category. There are two big factors in this decision. First, the Sienna has a standard hybrid powertrain that helps it achieve half again the fuel economy of its nearest non-hybrid competitor. The second is the availability of all-wheel drive.
Beyond these two new players, there’s plenty to choose from on a list that features both 2- and 3-row SUVs and minivans that meet the needs of small and large families alike. These vehicles also deliver good fuel economy, low operating costs, and high safety levels at affordable prices. For those on a fairly tight budget, check out our Best Family Cars Under $25,000.
Best 2-Row SUVs for Families
In alphabetical order
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2021 Honda CR-V |
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2021 Hyundai Santa Fe |
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2021 Toyota RAV4 |
Best 3-Row SUVs for Families
In alphabetical order
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2021 Honda Pilot |
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2021 Hyundai Palisade |
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2021 Kia Telluride |
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2021 Toyota Highlander |
Best Full-Size SUVs for Families
In alphabetical order
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2021 Chevrolet Tahoe |
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2021 Ford Expedition |
Best Minivans
In alphabetical order
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2021 Chrysler Pacifica |
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2021 Honda Odyssey |
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2021 Toyota Sienna |
What Should I Look for in a Family Car?
There’s a long list of factors that go into making the right family car choice. Here’s a look at some of the top things we consider when creating our list of best family cars. When evaluating which family car is right for you, these criteria should merit your consideration.
Safety
When it comes to your family, safety should be top of mind. It’s one of the highest priorities of all new vehicle shoppers. Manufacturers also believe that advanced safety is a big selling point, and as a result, we are seeing more driver and safety assists on new vehicles than ever before. We take into consideration the standard safety content on our list of vehicles. We also rely on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data to ensure that every rated vehicle has the highest overall safety rating possible.
Value
The purchase price is one factor in finding the best family car, but affordability also extends to operating costs. We take into consideration their performance on the Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own ratings. Factoring that data in with KBB’s Fair Purchase Price, expected resale value, insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs, we’re able to determine the true cost of ownership.
Affordability is a major concern. While luxury SUVs with the features and roominess that families can appreciate, we prefer to consider only mainstream brands. Pricing ranges from the mid-$20,000 to $30,000 range, while our full-size SUVs start at $40,000-plus.
Reliability and Durability
Two major factors contributing to low operating costs are reliability and durability. The vehicles on this list have a proven track record when it comes to these qualities. The ability to deliver a trouble-free ownership experience pays multiple dividends. Not only is it reassuring to those who buy these vehicles new, but also used vehicle shoppers can find many of these same models on our most recent list of 10 Best Used Family Cars Under $15,000.
Driving Experience
While the primary purpose is to make sure your family gets to a destination in comfort and safety, a big part of the ownership experience is a vehicle’s driving manners. These vehicles pass muster for their driving ease, steering precision, brake and accelerator pedal feel, and overall visibility. Some of these vehicles can be quite large, making parking and in-town use a challenge. Many come with driver aids like blind-spot monitors, pedestrian detection, and automatic braking to boost your confidence behind the wheel.
Comfort and Convenience
A good family car offers more than just a large cabin. The seats must be comfortable. Infotainment and entertainment should work seamlessly and offer plenty of connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Power liftgates and sliding doors reduce the effort in getting people and their stuff into and out of the vehicle. Seating configurations are of prime importance. What kind of second-row seats are available? Do they adjust fore and aft? How easy is it to access the third row? These are all questions that can only be answered by crawling around the vehicle and seeing firsthand how these things work.
Cargo Capability
A family comes with a lot of gear, as parents well understand. Our list of Best Family Cars puts a premium on available load space and flexibility. Things we look for include how easy the seats drop and whether they lay flat, the height of the rear lift-over, and whether or not there are extra cubbies or below floor storage that offer greater convenience and capacity.
Child Seats
An important family car consideration is child safety seats. When evaluating seating options for infants and toddlers, there are several questions you need to ask. Is there enough distance between the front seat and the back seat to accommodate both the seat and the child? Is there enough room for all the seats you need? How accessible are the LATCH mounting points? How easy is it to get into the third row when two child safety seats are in the second row? All our listed vehicles are among the best in their class, but you may want to take your current seats along with you when shopping. Also, see our story on child safety seat tips.
Testing Procedures
Testing new cars, trucks, and SUVs by the editorial staff at Kelley Blue Book is a year-round affair. The process starts with last year’s list of Best Family Cars. Other candidates also go through rigorous tests as part of the Kelley Blue Book Best Buys Awards, where both past winners and new models undergo evaluation. As part of that regimen, we bring many of these vehicles to our offices for head-to-head tests. Our staff includes parents of children ranging from toddlers to young adults. All this experience is invaluable in arriving at our final list of Best Family Cars for 2021.
Other Family Car Stories
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10 Best Family Cars Under $25,000 Great family cars — on a smaller scale. |
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10 Best Used Family Cars Under $15,000 If a new family car isn’t in your budget, consider these excellent used SUVs and minivans. |
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Best Family Cars for Car Seats Top family car picks for car seats, and what to look for when you’re buying a car. |
