Choosing a family vehicle can be a tough choice to make. Many things to consider and many people to keep happy, and usually the smaller they are, the fussier they are.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the more popular makes and models that cross our showroom floors and selected them by a few criteria.
For many families, when deciding on a vehicle to transport their loved ones, safety is top of mind. That’s why all the vehicles on this list are all 5-star safety rated!
A few other factors we considered were; In-car space, particularly space for children’s cars and booster seats. In-car storage, anyone with kids knows you never have enough compartments in a car! Infotainment systems to keep everyone entertained, rear ac vents, charging ports etc.
So without further ado, in no particular order, here are our top 7 picks:
Hyundai Ioniq
If you prefer a low-slung, sleek, modern sedan, the Hyundai Ioniq is the perfect ride. This brilliant all-rounder delivers on what matters most for families: affordability, plenty of space and practicality, useful tech and a hybrid power train that helps manage those gas bills.
Capable of fitting two full-sized car seats and secured by five (5) safety anchor points, also equipped with seven (7) airbags, you can feel comfortable knowing your children are well-secured.
An 8” Touchscreen infotainment system, combined with six (6) speakers and paired with Apple Carplay & Android Auto keeps the family well entertained when on the road.
Rear Ac vents help keep the kids cool on those extra hot days.
Toyota Fielder Wagon
A highly recommended model for families looking for a quality wagon with fuel efficiency and a reasonable budget.
Easy to drive and always ready to go, the Fielder offers a great solution for transporting the whole family and fitting in everyone’s things at the same time, from sports gear and furniture to groceries and pretty much everything in between.
The third (3rd) generation Fielder received a full overhaul from its predecessor, which saw all models produced after 2012 with smaller body sizes, thanks to a new chassis design while gaining more interior and trunk space.
For models produced in March 2015 onwards, the “Toyota Safety Sense C” safety package option is available. This includes a Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) to increase driver vigilance and prevent accidents.
Hyundai Tucson
Striking and distinctive looks, plenty of safety equipment and an overall sense of high build quality are some features that have earned the Tucson its place as a family favourite.
A comfortable interior, capable of fitting two standard-sized car seats on the rear seats, complimented with rear ac vents and USB ports, makes the Tucson a friendly environment for kids. Traffic is a little more bearable with a solid media system that includes both Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Kia Sportage
Family vehicles needn’t be lacking in style, and the Kia Sportage is a testament to this – mixing attractive design with great functionality and affordability, the Sportage is a great family vehicle.
Boasting a sleek, modern and stylish exterior with a compact and practical interior goes a long way with the family, especially if you get the model with the panoramic roof because kids love those.
They can be safely secured while star gazing as the Sportage fits three (3) standard car seats, all secured by the appropriate anchor points in the vehicle and further protected by six (6) airbags that come standard.
An easy-to-use media system that pairs perfectly with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, rear ac vents and rear USB outlets, your little ones can be engaged and entertained while on the road.
Toyota Rush
If you’re going after sheer space and additional seats, the Toyota Rush is a great vehicle to consider. While not the fanciest on the market, the Rush offers reliable practicality for a family looking for an affordable 7-seater.
It’s an easy-to-use step up from a station wagon, with an overall comfortable offering with flexible seating in both the second and third row of seats providing foldable options when maximum space is required.
Rear passengers aren’t neglected as there are dedicated rear ac vents to ensure passenger comfort. The 7-inch infotainment also works fine as it is the same one found in the Toyota Yaris and pairs well with Apple devices. Android users on the other hand will need to connect via Bluetooth or the Aux input to play music.
Nissan X-Trail
With a long-standing reputation as a trusted family brand, Nissan has provided families with an affordable, high-quality, practical option with its X-Trail SUV.
Available in both 5-seater and 7-seater models, the X-Trail offers families loads of room with fully adjustable seat angles, a spacious cabin and usable trunk space including two underfloor storage compartments. Capable of securely fitting two (2) full-sized car seats in the rear seats, and middle row on the seven (7) seater models, and further secured by seven (7) SRS airbags, you can rest assured your family is secure.
Where the X-Trail does come up a bit short is in the media and infotainment division as their systems do seem a bit dated, however, they are simple to use and navigate with many aftermarket upgrade options available.
Toyota Rav4
When size, functionality and reliability are all top items on your list, the Toyota Rav4 comes in as a strong contender.
Known for its practicality and dependability, the Rav4 has been a family favourite for many years. With its minimalist-styled interior, the Rav4 still offers great interior room, sufficient for two (2) full-sized car seats at the rear without compromising leg room up front.
Additional truck space is available to fit all those extra circular activities items in the back as the Rav4 comes with a removable panel that can be dropped down a couple more inches to gain more room.
Similar to the Rush, the Rav4 has a 7-inch infotainment system and supports Apple Carplay but isn’t compatible with Android Auto.