posted on February 13, 2024
Whether you’re a soon-to-be-first-time parent or seeing your family expand, chances are you’ve been scouring the web and parental forums in search of the best family car. You may be fully stocked at home with a crib, pram, and plenty of toys, but if one thing is missing from your arsenal, it’s a spacious car boasting state-of-the-art safety features.
The process of researching and then choosing the best family car can be an intimidating task. From deciphering crash test results and understanding safety scores to autonomous emergency braking and cargo space, there’s a lot that goes into choosing a family car. Thankfully, we’ve done the research to find the best family cars in Australia.
An overview of the top family cars in Australia (2024)
Becoming a new parent brings with it greater responsibilities and concerns regarding the safety of your family. Where it used to be the case that choosing a new car came down to factors like travel preferences and aesthetics, choosing a family car requires consideration of a range of top features, latest technologies, and price.
Family cars in the past have traditionally been seen as cumbersome wagons with the ability to transport a number of passengers and their various equipment. But in recent years, technology has made it possible for flexible people movers and SUVs to fulfil these needs, all while offering comfort and convenience. While several family cars are on the market, here are five of the best family cars in Australia to consider.
- Suitable for: Large families wanting loads of space and a comfortable ride for up to eight people.
- Top features: Dual sunroof and huge interior space.
- Price: Starting from $50,000
- Fuel efficiency: 6.5 to 9.6 L/100km
- Technology: Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF), Safe Exit Warning (SEW).
- Suitable for: Families looking for a comfortable ride and extra cargo space.
- Top features: Intelligent Mobility Safety technology and a comprehensive suite of active safety interventions, spacious interior and Divide’N’Hide cargo system.
- Price: Starting from $41,000
- Fuel efficiency: 6.1 to 7.8 L/100km
- Technology: Intelligent Emergency Braking, lane departure warning, intelligent lane intervention, intelligent rear automatic braking.
- Suitable for: Medium-sized families looking for a versatile ride with spacious boot and extra cargo space.
- Top features: Third-row seating to accommodate seven people, state-of-the-art Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to maximise safety and comfort.
- Price: Starting from $41,930
- Fuel efficiency: 7.5 to 8.1 L/100km
- Technology: Active Blind Spot Assist, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection.
- Suitable for: Medium-sized families looking for a large boot and a comfortable ride.
- Top features: Comfortable and spacious seating, plenty of cargo space, large boot, and high-strength crash protection.
- Price: Starting from $38,690
- Fuel efficiency: 6.7 to 7.4 L/100km
- Technology: EyeSight advanced driver assist, pre-collision braking, and adaptive cruise control.
- Suitable for: Small families looking for a spacious interior and sleek design.
- Top features: Roomy cabin, aesthetic design, and the sleek comfort of a modern electric vehicle.
- Price: Starting from $48,000
- Fuel efficiency: 521 km/full charge
- Technology: Active cruise control, sunroof, speed assistance, lane keep assist, emergency braking, and forward collision warnings.
Best family cars by size
The family car market is big, offering various options depending on safety features, technology, and design. But when it comes to purchasing a new family car, choosing one based on your family size is imperative. From seven-seaters and eight-seaters, here are some of the best to suit every family size.
The best 7 seater family cars
For a family of five or six, these seven-seater vehicles promise several safety features that make them an ideal option.
- Kia Sorento: With the capacity to fit five child seats, the Kia Sorento offers plenty of space for everyday families.
- Ford Everest: This off-road SUV has an impressive cabin with advanced safety technology, easily fitting the whole family.
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: With three rows offering plenty of room and a spacious cabin, this vehicle makes for a smooth ride for eco-conscious Aussie families.
The best 8 seater family cars
If you’re looking for large family cars that offer plenty of cargo space, these family SUV cars and eight-seaters will accommodate growing families with ease.
- Hyundai Palisade: With optional power-folding second and third-row seats, you’ll have plenty of access and extra storage for comfortable journeys.
- Toyota Highlander: This mid-size three-row vehicle offers a comfortable ride with enough legroom and cargo space for eight occupants.
- Jeep Wagoneer: Although boxy, this eight-seater can take on any terrain and has ample interior space and vast seating.
Best family cars by car type
Looking for a family car with specific features to suit your family’s needs and driving preferences? We’ve got you covered with a range of options, from those offering more boot space and legroom for taller family members to those fit for taking the dog or offering a little more luxury.
Best family SUV car
Families looking for an SUV should consider features like airbags, seat belts, visibility cameras, and storage space. The Honda CR-V is a top choice with ample space, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable ride.
Honda CR-V
- Suitable for: Families looking for a comfortable ride and plenty of cabin space.
- Top features: Spacious cabin, can seat up to five passengers, large cargo area at the back, and LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats that make it easy to install car seats.
- Price: Starting from $42,000
- Fuel efficiency: 7.1 to 7.7 L/100km
- Technology: Rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, infotainment system with four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, USB port to keep passengers entertained.
Best boot space family car
When it comes to people movers and family cars, you often need plenty of boot space to fit groceries, shopping bags, sports gear, and prams. If you’re looking for more boot space, the Mazda CX-5 can hold 13 shopping bags or a twin stroller with enough space for another three shopping bags.
Mazda CX-5
- Suitable for: Families requiring extra cargo space without sacrificing comfort or safety.
- Top features: Spacious interior and boot, 360-degree view monitoring, comfortable seating.
- Price: Starting from $36,500
- Fuel efficiency: 7.2 to 8.2 L/100km
- Technology: Remote operating hands-free power tailgate, Intelligent Drive Select technology, smart city brake support, lane departure warning.
Best car for family and dog
Looking for a vehicle that will accommodate your family and your four-legged companion? Whether it’s a weekend getaway or simply a drive to the local beach, a dog-friendly car like the Nissan X-Trail will ensure the safety of your pooch and passengers.
Nissan X-Trail
- Suitable for: Small families and those looking to travel with a dog (or two).
- Top features: Plenty of boot space and roomy back seats to accommodate medium-to-large dogs.
- Price: Starting from $41,000
- Fuel efficiency: 6.1 to 7.8 L/100km
- Technology: Intelligent Emergency Braking, lane departure warning, intelligent lane intervention, intelligent rear automatic braking.
Tip from the author: Before you take your four-legged companion for a ride in the family car, be sure to brush up on the rules regarding whether you need to restrain your dog or not. These vary in each state, however a comprehensive summary to the laws regarding dogs in cars for each state can be found here.
Best car for a family road trip
If you’re planning on getting some serious mileage under your wheels with a family road trip, safety is a priority. A vehicle like the Toyota RAV4 will not only make for a comfortable ride on a long-distance road trip but also offers plenty of features by way of safety and cargo space.
Toyota RAV4
- Suitable for: Medium families looking for a spacious interior and ample storage space in an AWD.
- Top features: Optimal traction and breakthrough performance in all weather conditions, spacious cabin and storage.
- Price: Starting from $39,760
- Fuel efficiency: 4.7 to 7.5 L/100km
- Technology: Pre-collision safety system, active cruise control, road sign assist, seven SRS airbags throughout cabin, and Toyota Safety Sense technologies.
Best second-hand family car
Safety, fuel economy, size, and overall reliability are all important when purchasing a second-hand family car. With plenty of great used cars on the market, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your budget and family needs.
Honda CRV 3rd Gen
- Suitable for: Families looking for a versatile medium SUV with a spacious interior
- Top features: Stylish interior with plenty of cargo space, great driver visibility, and impressive safety features.
- Price: Prices will vary depending on mileage
- Fuel efficiency: 12 L/100km
- Technology: Curtain airbags, intermittent wipers, sunroof, fog lights, reverse parking sensors.
Best car for a tall family
For those needing extra legroom to accommodate height, a comfortable vehicle can be hard to find. Thankfully, the Skoda Superb Sportline 4×4 ensures you have plenty of space.
Skoda Superb Sportline 4×4
- Suitable for: Tall families needing extra legroom and headspace.
- Top features: Wireless smartphone connectivity, plenty of legroom and headspace.
- Price: Starting from $69,990
- Fuel efficiency: 8.2 L/100km
- Technology: Virtual cockpit, wireless charging pad, dynamic chassis control, and drive mode selection.
Best economical family car
If you’re looking for an economical car to work within the family budget, you’ll find that the Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed PHEV AWD is a top pick. While you get an affordable ride, you won’t have to sacrifice safety or comfort.
Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed PHEV AWD
- Suitable for: Smaller families looking for an affordable ride with low servicing and refuelling costs.
- Top features: 5 seats, 7 drive modes, wide and panoramic sunroof, and Super-All Wheel Control.
- Price: Starting from $70,000
- Fuel efficiency: 1.5 L/100km
- Technology: Lightning fast charging, driver attention alert, rear automatic emergency braking, forward collision mitigation.
Best electric family car
With built-in safety features, plenty of space, and fuel efficiency, the Tesla Model Y is an electric vehicle that doesn’t compromise when it comes to safety or personal comfort.
Tesla Model Y
- Suitable for: Families seeking an EV that doesn’t sacrifice on comfort or safety.
- Top features: Autopilot driver assistance and a disruptive centre touchscreen display.
- Price: Starting from $65,400
- Fuel efficiency: 14.6 kWh/100km
- Technology: Forward collision warning, active emergency braking, lane departure avoidance.
Best family 4WD
If you’re looking for a family car that can trade city streets for off-roading and all kinds of terrain, look no further than the Ford Everest Sport. This 4WD will prepare you for any travel adventure on the road, with 7 seats to accommodate your growing family.
Ford Everest Sport
- Suitable for: Families wanting a 4WD that still promises relaxed steering wheel movements and an accurate response.
- Top features: Active noise cancelling, 9 airbags, spacious interior and plenty of cargo space.
- Price: Starting from $63,490
- Fuel efficiency: 7.1 to 8.5 L/100km
- Technology: Park assist, reverse brake assist, airbags, pre-collision assist, blind spot detection.
Best family sports car
Just because you need a family car doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice sports performance. The Audi RS6 AVANT is a practical car that offers impressive performance figures with the practicality of a mid-size vehicle.
Audi RS6 AVANT
- Suitable for: Small families looking for a high performance vehicle with plenty of safety features.
- Top features: Twin-turbo TFSI engine with all-wheel drive, acceleration from 0-100 km in 3.4 seconds.
- Price: Starting from $251,000
- Fuel efficiency: 12 L/100km
- Technology: Rain-sensing window wipers, ABS, traction, stability control, ten airbags including front knee airbags, pre-sense forward collision preparation, and emergency braking.
Best luxury family car
If you’re looking for a luxury vehicle that still boasts impressive safety features, look no further than the Audi RS Q8, with its stunning performance and superb handling, all contained within a high-tech interior.
Audi RS Q8
- Suitable for: Families seeking a luxury vehicle with built-in safety features and the latest technology.
- Top features: Twin turbo-charged V-8 engine, responsive shifting, and quick acceleration in a high-tech and aesthetic interior.
- Price: Starting from $219,000
- Fuel efficiency: 12 L/100km
- Technology: Airbags, in-vehicle assistance service, stolen-vehicle tracking, height-adjustable safety belts, lane departure warning.
Best family cars by car brand
From in-built safety features and the latest technologies, car brands do all they can to deliver vehicles prioritising family safety. To help you find the car that’s right for you and your family’s needs, browse the top brand models below.
BMW
- Suitable for: Small families wanting top safety features in an aesthetic vehicle that doesn’t compromise on practicality.
- Top features: Adaptive M suspension, premium sound system, digital instrument panel, and a range of in-built safety features.
- Price: Starting from $144,900
- Fuel efficiency: 9.6 to 10 L/100km
- Technology: Security system, seatbelt pretensioners, knee airbags, overhead airbags, side impact airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes.
Audi
- Suitable for: Families wanting an SUV with a spacious interior designed for seven passengers housed within a powerful ride.
- Top features: Adaptive cruise control, adaptive air suspension, Audi Virtual Cockpit, blind spot alert, and top in-built safety features.
- Price: Starting from $164,869
- Fuel efficiency: 12 L/100km
- Technology: Autonomous emergency braking system, seatbelt pretensioners, auto parking, security system, driver attention alert, and overhead airbags.
Kia
- Suitable for: Large families seeking a seven-seater SUV that offers plenty of space and a luxurious interior.
- Top features: Built-in safety features and lane departure warning, adult occupant protection, highway driving assist, heated front seats, and electronic stability control.
- Price: Starting from $47,650
- Fuel efficiency: 6.1 to 9.7 L/100km
- Technology: Stability control, knee airbags, lane keeping assist, seat belt pretensioner, blind spot camera system, forward collision avoidance.
- Suitable for: Medium-sized families looking for a versatile SUV that promises comfort, plenty of space, and a range of features.
- Top features: Highway driving assist, roof rails, blind spot alert, lane following assist, smart power tailgate, memory seats, and state-of-the-art braking system.
- Price: Starting from $32,995
- Fuel efficiency: 6.3 to 8.1 L/100km
- Technology: Drive attention warning, airbags, seat belt pretensioner, pedestrian detection, brake assist, front crash prevention, stability control, and rearview camera.
Hyundai
- Suitable for: Large families seeking a seven-seater SUV with a comfortable, spacious interior and plenty of boot space to fit a pram.
- Top features: Connectivity, performance suspension, 3rd row USB port, clever comfort and convenience, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control.
- Price: Starting from $39,600
- Fuel efficiency: 6 to 11 L/100km
- Technology: Active safety assist, blind spot detection, lane keeping assist, rear occupant alert, rearview monitor, smart cruise control.
Mazda
- Suitable for: Large families looking for extra cargo space and a large boot capacity.
- Top features: Largest boot capacity of the range, coming in at 810L with the third row folded down (enough for 5 large suitcases and a bit extra), blind spot alert, collision warning, power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, wireless charging.
- Price: Starting from $45,000
- Fuel efficiency: 8.4 to 9 L/100km
- Technology: Blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, drive attention detection, reversing camera, smart braking systems, autonomous emergency braking.
Volkswagen
- Suitable for: Small-to-medium-sized families looking for a comfortable SUV fit for any adventure.
- Top features: 4×4 SUV with next-generation technology including 4-corner Air Suspension, matrix LED headlights, and Innovision Cockpit.
- Price: Starting from $129,990
- Fuel efficiency: 6.8 L/100km
- Technology: Top safety features include Front and Rear Cross Traffic Assist, pedestrian monitoring, stability control, hill descent assist, auto emergency braking, brake override system, and adult occupant protection.
Tesla
- Suitable for: Families seeking an EV that doesn’t sacrifice on comfort or safety.
- Top features: Autopilot driver assistance and a centre touch screen display.
- Price: Starting from $65,400
- Fuel efficiency: 14.6 kWh/100km
- Technology: Forward collision warning, active emergency braking, lane departure avoidance.
Porsche
- Suitable for: Small-to-middle-sized families seeking a luxury SUV with five seats, plenty of interior space, a boot that can fit plenty and a sleek design.
- Top features: Ultimate comfort and luxury interior with sports seats, climate control, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, and lane change assist.
- Price: Starting from $93,800
- Fuel efficiency: 8.9 to 10 L/100km
- Technology: Parking sensors, stability control, rear view assist, lane keeping, security system, pretensioners, and adaptive cruise control.
Ford
- Suitable for: Families wanting a 4WD that still promises relaxed steering wheel movements and an accurate response.
- Top features: Active noise cancelling, 9 airbags, spacious interior and plenty of cargo space.
- Price: Starting from $63,490
- Fuel efficiency: 7.1 to 8.5 L/100km
- Technology: Park assist, reverse brake assist, airbags, pre-collision assist, blind spot detection.
Nissan
- Suitable for: Small families and those looking to travel with a dog.
- Top features: Plenty of boot space and roomy back seats to accommodate medium-to-large dogs.
- Price: Starting from $41,000
- Fuel efficiency: 6.1 to 7.8 L/100km
- Technology: Intelligent Emergency Braking, lane departure warning, intelligent lane intervention, intelligent rear automatic braking.
Toyota
- Suitable for: Small families who are looking for a comfortable ride and don’t need much cargo space.
- Top features: Active safety assistant, lane departure alert with steering assist, autonomous cruise control, comfortable interior.
- Price: Starting from $33,980
- Fuel efficiency: 5.9 to 8.6 L/100km
- Technology: Blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, adult occupant protection, road sign assist.
- Suitable for: Large families seeking seven-seater AWD with plenty of cargo space and ample leg room.
- Top features: Rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, emergency steering assist, smart key, and top infotainment software.
- Price: Starting from $51,790
- Fuel efficiency: 5.6 to 8.7 L/100km
- Technology: Auto emergency braking, electronic stability control, lane keep assist, driver attention detection.
Land Rover
- Suitable for: Large families seeking a 4WD with seven seats and plenty of safety features that are exciting to drive on any road trip or week-long adventure.
- Top features: Terrain response, cabin lighting, electric adjustable seats, lane keep assist, emergency braking, all-wheel drive.
- Price: Starting from $80,420
- Fuel efficiency: 7.9 to 13 L/100km
- Technology: Emergency braking, blind spot assist, 360-degree parking aid, rear collision and rear traffic monitor, 3D surround camera.
Isuzu
- Suitable for: Adventurous families seeking an SUV with seven seats, plenty of storage space, towing capacity, and delivering a smooth and comfortable ride.
- Top features: Cruise control, climate control, reversing camera, lane assist, driver attention assist, traffic sign recognition, LED fog lights, and privacy glass.
- Price: Starting from $48,900
- Fuel efficiency: 7.8 to 8.3 L/100km
- Technology: Eight airbags, rain-sensing wipers, blind spot monitor, advanced safety technology, post-crash safety, and autonomous emergency braking.
Subaru
- Suitable for: Medium-sized families looking for a large boot and a comfortable ride.
- Top features: Comfortable and spacious seating, plenty of cargo space, large boot, and high-strength crash protection.
- Price: Starting from $38,690
- Fuel efficiency: 6.7 to 7.4 L/100km
- Technology: EyeSight advanced driver assist, pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control.
How to choose the perfect family car
From luxury SUVs to minivans and station wagons, you’ll need to consider the size of your family, seating, safety features, interior and cargo space, fuel efficiency, and budget. Be mindful of safety ratings, reliability, and maintenance requirements. It also helps to consider climate and driving needs, as these will be huge factors in the upkeep required for your vehicle.
In Australia, it’s also worth consulting the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (otherwise known as ANCAP SAFETY), where vehicles are crash tested and performance assessments on safety features and technologies are assessed. You’ll find up-to-date safety ratings for thousands of vehicle models which can help you choose the right one for you.
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing the perfect family car, you want to consider your own needs and driving experience and be sure to test-drive potential options.
Test drive your next family car on Turo
Even with the information above, choosing a new family car is a big decision. Before you go and make the purchase, do your research and test-drive your options. Thanks to Turo, you can get a feel for what it’s like living with each car model for multiple days as you practise installing a car seat, picking up the kids on the school run, attending sports games with the boot loaded with equipment and gear, and just generally going about your daily life. A little bit of preparation never hurts anyone, and with Turo, you can know with certainty that you’re buying the best family car for your needs.
Jess Campbell
Jess is Sydney-based and loves the outdoors. While she likes to think she has what it takes to compete on ‘ALONE’, her survival skills need some work. Born in Singapore and raised in South Africa, she’s hiked across Ireland, surfed in Hawaii, spent six months in Kenya and covered much of Africa. Having spent a year in the north of Spain, she’s resolved to come back to tackle the Camino de Santiago. Until then, you can find her providing the best snacks and playlists on Aussie road trips.
