When you have kids, your car needs to change. You’ll need something more significant and family-friendly with enough space for everyone and all their gear. Your budget may also change, as you may need to invest in a more expensive vehicle to accommodate the needs of your growing family. Fortunately, there are plenty of great options for parents with slightly bigger families. There are many options available for a car that suits your growing family, ranging from small crossovers to large SUVs and everything in between.
Let’s look at the options available if you’re ready to buy a new car with more kid-friendly features.
Small SUVs
When you have more than two kids, you will likely find crossover SUVs are great family cars. They are often spacious, and many offer a third row of seats to accommodate more passengers. Small SUVs are also great for families that like to travel. Many have cargo space so you can pack essentials like strollers, car seats, and toys. They also have an average fuel economy of around 19 to 26 mpg, which is good if you drive long distances.
These cars are often easy to drive, have an automatic transmission, and fit nicely in parking lots. Depending on your family’s needs, you may want to look at the number of doors, seating capacity, and overall car size. Smaller SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 can fit three child safety seats in the backseat with the middle seat belt buckled in.
Large SUVs
You’ll find plenty of family-friendly options if you need a larger SUV. They usually have between five and seven seats and a larger cargo area, making them great for active families. Large SUVs like the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia are great for families who need to haul around lots of gear on a regular basis. They’re also perfect if you have multiple kids that need car seats, as they have lots of room for multiple passengers.
When you’re shopping for a large SUV, you’ll want to consider the size of the vehicle, cargo space, and the number of seats. Besides the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia, SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Nissan Armada are great family options.
Sedans and Wagons
If you don’t need a large vehicle, you may want to consider a sedan or wagon. This type of car is great for your growing family. Sedans and wagons are also great if you have a small family and need a vehicle that can comfortably fit two child safety seats in the backseat. Some sedans and wagons, like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, have one of the highest numbers of kid-friendly features, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Sedans and wagons usually have lots of cargo and backseat space, making them great for everyday life with kids. When you’re shopping for a sedan or wagon, you’ll want to consider the number of seats, overall size, and cargo space.
Vans and Minivans
If you need a larger vehicle that’s easy to get in and out of, you may want to consider a van or minivan. These vehicles are great for active families because they offer ample storage space and seating for up to seven passengers. Many vans and minivans also come with features like DVD players and WiFi, making them extra kid-friendly.
When you’re shopping for a van or minivan, you’ll want to consider the overall size of the vehicle, seating capacity, and cargo space. Some vans and minivans, like the Dodge Grand Caravan and Honda Odyssey, offer a lot of space for passengers and cargo, making them great for active families.
Determining Your Car Needs & Buying Criteria
Before you start shopping for a car, you’ll want to make a list of your car needs. What kind of vehicle do you need? Do you need lots of space for passengers and cargo? Is fuel economy important to you? You’ll also want to consider which safety features are important to you and your family.
Are child safety features important? Do you need a car with WiFi or GPS? Once you’ve made a list of your car needs, you can start to narrow down your options.
Final Words: How to Find the Right Car for Your Family
When you’re shopping for a new car, it’s important to find the right fit for your family. You may want to try test driving a few different models to find the right size and feel for you and your passengers. You may even want to visit more than one dealership to shop around and find the best deal.
Once you’ve found a few cars you like, make sure to do your research before buying. You may want to consider safety features, gas mileage, and price. No matter what type of car you buy, it’s important to make sure it fits your growing family.