Did you know over 17 million family-friendly vehicles sold in the United States in 2023? This shows a huge need for cars, SUVs, and minivans for families. As a parent, I know finding the right family car is important. You should look for ones with great safety, lots of space, and cars that save on gas.
I’ve asked a group of top car experts, who are also parents, to pick the best family cars for 2024. They evaluated cars based on safety, room for passengers, how much they can carry, gas efficiency, fun extras, and more. Whether you’re considering a minivan, a large SUV, or a compact model, I have recommendations to help you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Family car buyers are a big part of the car market, with over 17 million family-friendly vehicles sold in the United States in 2023.
- Important things to think about in a family car are advanced safety, space, gas mileage, fun features, how much it can carry, and extra seats.
- In 2024, there’s a wide choice of family vehicles, from big SUVs to more electric and hybrid options, plus new minivan models.
- Top experts have picked and ranked the best family cars for 2024, like the Chrysler Pacifica and the Toyota RAV4.
- This article gives detailed reviews and highlights for each top family-friendly car, covering different budgets and needs.
What to Look for in a Family-Friendly Car
Choosing the right car for your family means safety comes first. The top choices often win high safety ratings from groups like the IIHS and the NHTSA.
Safety Features
Look for cars with airbags, electronic stability control, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These features can shield your family during an accident.
Spacious Interiors
For families, a car needs room for all and plenty of storage. This includes space for kids of any size and room for gear like strollers and sports equipment.
Fuel Efficiency
It’s also crucial to pick a car that’s fuel-efficient. Options like hybrids and electric cars use less gas. They’re great for the planet and your wallet.
Keep safety, space, and fuel savings in mind as you shop for your family’s next car. The right choice will bring confidence and comfort to your travels.
Top Minivan: 2024 Chrysler Pacifica
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica is the top pick for family minivans next year. It comes with many options, from drive type to a plug-in hybrid model. It meets the needs of many families.
Key Details
Even the base model of the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica is packed with great features for families. It has an easy-to-use infotainment system and a built-in vacuum. Kids can have fun with the rear-seat entertainment system.
The Pinnacle trim raises the bar with luxury leather seats. However, it also comes with a higher price, around $60,000.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive
- Available plug-in hybrid model for enhanced fuel efficiency
- Impressive infotainment system with a user-friendly interface
- Built-in vacuum cleaner for easy cleanup
- Rear-seat entertainment system to keep children entertained
Wow Factor
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica is not just any minivan. It stands out with a sleek design and high-end materials. You can confidently take it from soccer practice to fancy events.
This minivan has everything. It’s perfect for daily use or family adventures. The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica brings a mix of style, features, and practicality that appeals to a wide range of families.
Top Large SUV: 2024 Ford Expedition
The 2024 Ford Expedition is the top pick for big families. It shines with power, space, and features for everyone to enjoy. It’s based on the Ford F-150, meaning it’s tough for off-roading but comfy for daily drives.
Key Details
This large SUV can seat up to eight people. Its unique seat setup lets you move each seat in the middle row on its own. This makes it simple to fit in car seats or bigger things. There’s also a longer version that has a huge 36 cubic feet in the back for more stuff.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Towing capacity of up to 9,200 lbs., making it easy to haul trailers, boats, or recreational equipment
- The available Blue Cruise hands-free highway driving system, reducing stress on long road trips
- Ample storage spaces and cup holders throughout the cabin to keep the family’s essentials organized
- A center row bench that easily fits three car seats, ensuring a safe and secure ride for the whole family
| Feature | 2024 Ford Expedition |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 passengers |
| Cargo Space (behind 3rd row) | 36 cu.ft. (extended version) |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 9,200 lbs. |
| Advanced Driver Assistance | Blue Cruise hands-free highway driving |
The 2024 Ford Expedition meets the big family needs for space and adventure. It makes the difference with its towing strength, versatile seats, and smart tech. For a blend of roominess, comfort, and modern safety, the Expedition stands above the rest.
Top Midsize SUV: 2024 Honda Pilot
The 2024 Honda Pilot stands out as the top choice for families. It’s redesigned to offer more space, safety, and style. This makes it great for active families.
Key Details
The 2024 Honda Pilot comes with many new improvements. Since its redesign in 2023, it has more storage inside, including under-cargo space. It now connects easily with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making every trip convenient.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Removable middle seat in the center row, allowing for flexible seating configurations
- Slide-and-tilt seats in the second row that provide easy third-row access, even with a forward-facing car seat installed
- Powerful yet efficient powertrain options, including an available all-wheel-drive system for added capability
- Comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, such as Honda Sensing, to help protect your most precious cargo
In 2024, there’s also an off-road TrailSport trim for more adventurous families. It includes all-terrain tires and skid plates, boosting the Pilot’s off-road readiness.
Overall, the 2024 Honda Pilot excels in the midsize SUV class. Its welcoming design, tech features, and safety make it a top pick for families. With advanced safety and off-road potential, it’s set to be a favorite family SUV.
Top Compact SUV: 2024 Toyota RAV4
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 shines in the compact SUV category for families. It’s a top pick thanks to its reliable build, roomy interior, and strong safety tech.
Key Details
The latest RAV4 caters to many tastes and budgets. It offers various trims from gas to hybrid types and a TRD Off-Road for adventurous families. Inside, it features up-to-date tech and comfy space for all.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Spacious and configurable cabin with ample room for passengers and cargo
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies
- Available all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction and confidence in various weather conditions
- Impressive fuel efficiency, especially with the hybrid powertrain options
Wow Factor
The RAV4’s tech is a big plus, with its easy-to-use multimedia system. It responds to voice commands, including “Hey Toyota,” and connects smoothly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This makes trips more enjoyable for everyone.
Overall, the 2024 RAV4 blends practicality, safety, and tech perfectly. It’s a leading choice for families wanting a dependable ride.
Top Luxury SUV: 2024 Cadillac Escalade
The 2024 Escalade stands as Cadillac’s top SUV, ideal for families looking for luxury. It’s a big, roomy vehicle with the finest features and the latest tech. This makes it perfect for parents who want the best in family-friendly luxury.
Key Details
Cadillac blended its unique style with essential and beautiful design in the 2024 Escalade. The outside shows strong lines and a powerful look. Inside, it’s full of high-end materials like soft leather and shiny wood. It can hold up to eight people and plenty of family stuff.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Spacious, three-row seating with power-folding third-row for easy access
- Comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control
- Cutting-edge infotainment system with a massive, 38-inch curved OLED display and wireless charging
- Whisper-quiet cabin with active noise cancellation for a serene driving experience
Wow Factor
The 2024 Escalade brings luxury to a new level with top speed and tech. There’s the Escalade-V model with a 682 horsepower V8 for quick trips. The Super Cruise system helps on long drives, letting drivers go hands-free.
This Escalade sets a new standard for family luxury SUVs with its space, luxury, and power. It’s full of features that make it the number one choice for families who want the best in every way.
Top New SUV: 2024 Lexus TX
In 2024, the car world will see a big change with the new Lexus TX. It’s built for families, offering something unique in the Lexus lineup. The 2024 Lexus TX has a full-size cabin and more space in the third row, all in a smaller body. A member of our expert panel pointed out that it’s designed for families, combining a distinctive Lexus style with family needs. They loved how it’s priced and the room it offers.
Key Details
The 2024 Lexus TX comes packed with features families will love. Its centerpiece is a 14-inch screen with a new voice-operated system and wireless connections to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lexus made sure to enhance the safety with new driver aid technology, making every drive safer and more relaxing.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Generous cargo space that can accommodate strollers, groceries, and more
- Flexible seating with slide and tilt center seats for easy access to the third row
- Convenient USB-C ports and large storage cubbies at every seat
Wow Factor
One of the coolest things about the 2024 Lexus TX is its power-folding third-row seats. Drivers can move these seats up or down from the front with a simple button press. This makes changing the car’s layout easy. This feature is one of the reasons the 2024 Lexus TX is considered the best new SUV for families.
“The 2024 Lexus TX is distinctively Lexus, but made for the family. It offers great price points and generosity of space.”
– Expert panel member
Top Luxury Midsize SUV: 2024 Genesis GV80
The 2024 Genesis GV80 is outstanding for families wanting luxury. It’s loved by smart parents who need a mix of comfort, style, and space. This SUV stands out in a crowd.
Key Details
This SUV is perfect for modern families. It comes in five or seven seats, ideal for big families. The GV80 also has powerful, efficient engines for a great ride.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Spacious and luxurious interior with premium leather seating and a dual panoramic sunroof
- Convenient rear-seat controls that allow passengers to adjust the front passenger seat for added legroom
- USB ports and household outlets to power devices and keep the family entertained on the go
- Ample cargo space to accommodate strollers, sports equipment, and more
- Advanced safety features, including forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist
Wow Factor
The GV80 is a masterpiece in design and detail. The sleek outside and perfect inside show true luxury. Its dual panoramic sunroof makes every ride sunny and spacious.
“The Genesis GV80 has raised the bar for what a luxury midsize SUV should be. It’s a combination of style, technology, and practicality that’s hard to beat.”
For family trips or everyday use, the GV80 excels as a luxury SUV. It has amazing features, luxury inside, and a design that impresses everyone. Driving doesn’t get better than this for parents and kids.
Family-friendly cars 2024: Top Electric SUV Picks
The 2024 Kia EV9 and the 2024 Volvo EX90 are top picks for electric SUVs in 2024. They bring together the latest in tech, lots of space, and a green mindset. This makes them perfect for families.
2024 Kia EV9
The 2024 Kia EV9 is the electric version of the Telluride. It’s built for families. With a big third row and an option for captain’s chairs in the second, there’s plenty of room for everyone. Kia made sure to use materials that are good for the planet in the EV9’s design. This adds style to its eco-friendly aims.
2024 Volvo EX90
The 2024 Volvo EX90 is an electric take on the XC90, a favorite SUV for families. It focuses on keeping you safe and the Earth happy. Inside, it’s all about luxury and feeling great about your ride. Plus, it’s packed with technology to make driving worry-free.
The 2024 Kia EV9 and the 2024 Volvo EX90 are about more than just driving. They promise joy with zero emissions. These best electric family SUVs are changing the game for electric family SUV features.
Affordable EV Option: 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
The 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is now out, showing a cool and budget-friendly look for families. It’s a brand new all-electric SUV that started getting noticed in 2022. Both experts and green-minded people are interested in it.
Key Details
This car has a modern, stylish design that also works well. It has a lot of space inside for families and their stuff. Plus, it runs on a strong electric engine, giving you good speed and can go up to 300 miles without needing a recharge. This is perfect for everyday drives or long trips.
One of the best parts of the IONIQ 5 is how quick it charges. It can get 70 miles more in 5 minutes. This is a big plus for people worried about waiting a long time to charge their car.
| Specification | 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $39,950 |
| Estimated Range | Up to 300 miles |
| Charging Time (0-80%) | 18 minutes |
| Horsepower | 225 hp |
| Cargo Space | 27.2 cubic feet |
The IONIQ 5 has great specs and is perfect for families. It’s a top choice for those looking for an affordable, green car that fits everyone comfortably.
Conclusion
In 2024, there are many great cars for families to pick from. The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica minivan is great for families needing lots of space. Meanwhile, the 2024 Ford Expedition suits those who love adventure.
If you look for a car with great gas mileage or luxury features, you have good options. Or, you might be interested in the newest electric SUVs. The cars listed here will make your family feel safe and happy while driving.
When picking a car, think about what you need the most. This could be how many people it seats or the space for your things. Consider the safety features and the latest tech for enjoyment. Choosing the right car means your family will enjoy it for many years.