Finding the perfect family car means balancing comfort, practicality, and—most importantly—safety. Whether you’re driving to school or heading out on a road trip, you want to know your loved ones are protected. In this list, we’ve gathered 25 of the best family-friendly cars that not only offer great features but also boast impressive safety records, so you can drive with confidence.
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Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a favorite for families thanks to its reliability, ample cargo space, and excellent fuel efficiency. It comes equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. Its high safety ratings make it an ideal family car for daily commuting and road trips.
Toyota Highlander
With its roomy interior and versatile seating for up to eight, the Toyota Highlander is perfect for larger families. It also features Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and pedestrian detection. The Highlander combines comfort with advanced safety, making it a top contender for families.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback offers standard all-wheel drive, making it great for families living in areas with unpredictable weather. Its EyeSight Driver Assist technology includes features like adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking, which contribute to its high safety scores. The Outback is also known for its reliability and spacious cargo area.
Kia Telluride
Stylish and spacious, the Kia Telluride has earned a 5-star safety rating due to its advanced driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning. Its spacious interior comfortably seats up to eight passengers, making it a family-friendly option with a luxurious feel.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 stands out for its sporty handling while still offering top-notch safety. Equipped with i-Activsense safety technology, including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, the CX-5 delivers peace of mind in an agile package. It’s a compact SUV that provides a smooth ride, perfect for families looking for both safety and style.
Hyundai Palisade
With its luxurious design, the Hyundai Palisade offers high safety ratings, thanks to its comprehensive driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Palisade also includes a sophisticated interior with plenty of space, making it both safe and comfortable for long family trips.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV that excels in safety with its Co-Pilot360 safety suite, which includes adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking. Its strong crash test scores and spacious cabin make it a top choice for families who need room and reassurance on the road.
Chevrolet Traverse
Known for its roomy cabin and comfortable seating for up to eight, the Chevrolet Traverse also offers top-tier safety features. Lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera make it one of the safest large SUVs on the market, perfect for families who need both space and peace of mind.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is known for its cutting-edge safety technology, including Pilot Assist and collision avoidance systems. With its luxurious design and strong focus on family safety, this SUV offers a secure and comfortable ride, ensuring a safe journey for every member of the family.
Honda Odyssey
As a go-to minivan for families, the Honda Odyssey shines with its Honda Sensing safety suite. The minivan boasts features like lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and excellent crash test ratings. With its spacious interior and innovative safety technology, the Odyssey is ideal for family road trips and daily errands.
Toyota Sienna
This hybrid minivan is designed with family safety in mind, featuring Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0, which includes features like pre-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna’s excellent crash safety results and fuel efficiency make it a standout for eco-conscious families who don’t want to compromise on safety.
Chrysler Pacifica
A family favorite, the Chrysler Pacifica offers a range of advanced safety options like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Its spacious interior and high safety ratings make it an excellent choice for families looking for comfort and safety in a minivan.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a large SUV that comes standard with all-wheel drive and Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system. With features like adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking, the Ascent is designed to keep your family safe on any terrain, making it perfect for adventurous families.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder offers a robust ProPILOT Assist system, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. Its spacious interior and strong safety ratings make it a smart option for families who need both comfort and advanced safety.
Volkswagen Atlas
With ample room for seven passengers, the Volkswagen Atlas combines family-friendly space with high safety scores. Its advanced driver assistance features include forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, making it a solid choice for large families who prioritize safety.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is known for its rugged build and advanced safety technology, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. It’s an ideal family vehicle for those who need a sturdy, reliable SUV for both city and off-road driving, without sacrificing safety.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that offers a smooth ride with an impressive array of safety features. Its SmartSense safety suite includes forward collision-avoidance assist and safe exit assist, contributing to its high crash test ratings, making it a great option for families.
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is a luxury SUV that includes AcuraWatch safety technology, which offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning. Known for its stellar reliability, the MDX is a safe and luxurious choice for families who want both comfort and peace of mind.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 combines high-end luxury with top-tier safety. Its driver assistance features include blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. With its strong crash test results and advanced safety features, it’s an excellent family SUV for those who want both style and security.
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is a well-rounded midsize SUV with strong safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and automatic emergency braking. Its solid crash test scores make it a great family vehicle that balances practicality and safety.
Tesla Model X
As an all-electric SUV, the Tesla Model X offers advanced autopilot features and outstanding crash safety. Its all-electric design also makes it a sustainable choice for families looking for cutting-edge safety technology without compromising on environmental concerns.
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is a premium SUV that offers impressive safety features like Audi Pre Sense, which includes automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance systems. With its luxurious design and strong safety tech, the Q7 ensures your family is riding in both comfort and safety.
Lexus RX 350
A standout in the luxury SUV category, the Lexus RX 350 combines high-end features with impressive safety ratings. It offers driver assistance features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, making it a reliable and safe choice for families.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is an affordable yet family-friendly SUV that comes with a comprehensive safety suite, including automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Its compact design and solid safety features make it an excellent option for families on a budget who don’t want to compromise on safety.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a practical and budget-friendly SUV with strong safety features like forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning. With its affordable price tag and family-friendly design, the Outlander is a great option for safety-conscious families looking for value.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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