Mothers know that demands change with life. The most demanding is the family. What must a family car be able to do? space is important. Even one or two children can massively increase the demands. A large trunk should therefore be set. The price is just as important to families. Just like security.
Characteristics you should look for in a family car
Here are the main characteristics of a family car:
- Large trunk
- Enough space in the back seat
- Lots of variability
- Good child safety
- Economical in consumption
- Inexpensive to maintain
Cars that meet these criteria come in many vehicle classes. However, the high space requirement means that it should be at least a station wagon. Vans offer more space in a similar area. SUVs too, but they have the disadvantage of being tall and heavy. That’s bad for consumption. There is a wide range of seven-seater SUVs. In most cases, not absolutely necessary for the core family, but then grandma and grandpa or friends can come along. Shop now at Earnhardt Lexus for new and pre-owned SUVs that are perfect for your family.
Space and variability
A large trunk is not everything. For families, the requirements can change almost daily. Ideally, the interior can be flexibly adapted to the respective needs. Keyword: variability. Vans are unbeatable here. In no other vehicle class can the seats be moved, removed, or arranged differently. In this way, a five- or seven-seater is sometimes transformed into a four- or three-seater with a huge trunk or ample trunk length.
Security in the back seat
A family car can never have too many airbags. A side head airbag should definitely be on board. Ideally, airbags also protect the upper body and pelvic area. There should be an Isofix attachment for every child that rides in the child seat. Even better: The car already offers child seat attachments according to the further developed I-Size standard. Also important and by no means standard: a seat belt reminder for the rear seats. An interior mirror also helps, allowing the driver to keep an eye on the little passengers.
What features should a family car have?
Aside from the safety features, there are many little things that make a family car a good family car. Tables on the front seats are suitable for playing or drawing. The backs of the seats should be hard-wearing, easy to wash off, and easy to clean, just like the upholstery. Many shelves and compartments help to organize (and find) pens, toys, or stuffed animals.
It is logical that you should also pay attention to the specific seat configuration when buying. Many manufacturers only offer a sliding rear seat as an option. Seven seats almost always cost extra. Sometimes standard seating systems don’t offer the same features as optional seating packages.
Bottom line
A leaderboard for family cars cannot be universal. Every family is different and has different needs. We included that in our list of the best family cars. Not everyone needs seven seats. Whether it should be a station wagon, van or SUV depends on personal taste, in addition to common-sense considerations.