The Top 10 Family Cars for Your Needs

As your family grows, your car needs to change: it must be practical, safe, and provide enough space for everyone. But which car best suits your needs and budget? What should you consider when choosing? At CARIFY, we present our top 10 family cars that meet every requirement.

Key Features of a Family Car

Has the arrival of a new child turned every car ride into a logistical challenge? Then it’s high time for a true family car where kids and gear can be quickly and easily accommodated. At CARIFY, we show you what to look for when buying a family car.

Space and Versatility

Car seats, strollers, and other essential items need to fit in your family car and be easily accessible during the journey. Vehicles with an open trunk, such as station wagons or hatchbacks, are ideal for this.
If your family plans aren’t complete yet, consider a vehicle that can even fit three car seats in the back.

Our tip: If the rear seat can be split and folded down, it creates a flexible space for transporting children and bulky items.

Safety and Comfort

When your loved ones are on board, you’ll want to focus on safety and comfort. Pay attention to these aspects when choosing a family car:

• Entry: Three-door cars, where you access the back seat by folding the front seats, become impractical with children over time.

• Roof height: You’ll notice this when bending over to buckle or unbuckle car seat straps for a long time.

• Comfortable seats with ample legroom are essential, preferably height-adjustable.

• On long trips, good suspension makes the ride much more comfortable.

• The front passenger should be able to reach the children in the back seat while driving.

• Driver assistance systems such as cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency brake assist enhance safety.

• Foldable headrest horns protect children’s heads and provide comfort during naps.

• Electric windows and sunroofs should have anti-pinch protection and be lockable from the driver’s seat.

• A child safety lock must prevent the rear doors from being opened accidentally.

Practical Features

With children, you’re almost always in a hurry, so having a practical car is crucial. These features have proven handy when traveling with kids:

• A multimedia system on board prevents boredom among young passengers. If the kids aren’t whining, the driver can focus better.

• Storage spaces and holders, like for drinks, contribute to comfort and safety.

• An additional mirror allows the driver and passenger to keep an eye on what’s happening in the back seat without turning around.

• Children are particularly sensitive to temperature changes because they have a larger skin surface area relative to body volume and can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults. With a multi-zone climate control system, you can set the ideal temperature for every passenger.

Types of Family Cars

Station Wagons: Spacious Wonders

Station wagons offer plenty of space for luggage or the family dog – ideally, the rear seat can be split and folded down to create a surface for bulky goods or even a reclining area. No wonder they’re considered the ultimate family cars.

Vans and Minibuses: Classics for Families

Large families can fit everyone in a minivan or minibus with more than two rows of seats and enjoy plenty of storage space. The interior of these roomy vehicles can be flexibly adjusted to meet various needs. They also come with plenty of safety and comfort features.

SUVs: Popular and Versatile

A family car can still look good and meet your driving needs: SUVs come with plenty of power. Their high seating position, spaciousness, and advanced assistance and entertainment systems make them ideal family vehicles.

High-Roof Combis: Practical and Family-Friendly

High-roof combis are particularly popular with families due to their spaciousness, headroom, and large cargo area. Flexible seat configurations make these vehicles extremely versatile.

Discover the Most Popular Family Cars on CARIFY

With 43 car brands and countless models, CARIFY offers a wide selection of family cars. Discover our favorites below!

Station Wagons

• Opel Astra

• Opel Combo

• Skoda Octavia

High-Roof Combis

• Renault Kangoo

• Citroën Berlingo

• VW Caddy

SUVs

• VW Tiguan

• Opel Mokka

• Ford Kuga

Minivans

• Mercedes-Benz EQV 300

• Toyota Proace Verso

• BMW 230

Important Features and Accessories

Sliding Doors: Practical for Kids

Sliding doors have proven particularly useful with children. Their wide, comfortable entry makes it easier to store car seats and luggage, and they simplify getting in and out in tight parking spaces.

Car Seats and Safety Systems

To keep children safe and comfortable on the road, different car seats are available for various age groups and sizes:

• Baby Carriers (Group 0/0+): Newborns and infants up to around 13 kg lie in these rear-facing carriers, offering optimal support for this age group.

• Car Seats (Group I): Children weighing 9 to 18 kg (roughly 9 months to 4 years) sit in these forward-facing seats with integrated belts to prevent them from slipping out.

• Booster Seats (Group II/III): Older children aged 4 to 12 (approximately 15 to 36 kg) use these to ensure the seat belt fits correctly.

ISOFIX mountings are crucial for attaching car seats securely. Be sure to follow the country-specific regulations for child safety in cars.

Storage and Trunk Capacity

Even on short trips, you’ll need to bring bulky items like strollers. The family car should have enough storage space to quickly and easily load everything you need.

Additional Considerations When Buying

Which will be your family car? Budget and technical details also play a role.

Fuel Types and Drive Options

Starting a family also means thinking about the future, including environmental considerations. Many families are opting for emission-free electric cars due to practical benefits:

• You can enter all environmental zones with an electric vehicle.

• Tax incentives and subsidies offset the higher purchase price.

• Electric driving is cheaper than using fossil fuels.

• Electric cars generate less noise.

Budget and Costs

A larger vehicle costs more, both in terms of purchase price and maintenance. However, you can find family-friendly cars in most vehicle classes. You might find a good deal on a used car – or opt for a CARIFY car subscription. This allows you to get the exact family car you need for the moment, and you can switch to a different vehicle at the end of the contract. Alternatively, try our "Try & Buy" program, where you can test your family car for up to six months before deciding whether to buy it or not.

Conclusion

Family-friendly cars can be found even in compact models, but station wagons, high-roof combis, SUVs, and minivans offer the most space. These typically come with many features families need. Instead of buying a new car, you could also look into used options or consider a car subscription through CARIFY.

FAQs

What are the best family cars?

Family cars balance space, comfort, and safety. ISOFIX mountings for car seats and entertainment systems are key features to consider. The best family cars are fuel-efficient and have low maintenance costs.

Which car is best for a family with 2 children?

For two children, you need generous space on the back seat and in the trunk. Station wagons and SUVs are ideal, but sometimes a five-door compact car is enough.

Which is the best family SUV?

Popular family SUVs include the VW Tiguan, Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson, offering spaciousness and excellent features.

What is the largest family car?

Larger families can find space for everyone in vehicles with eight or more seats. The interior can often be adjusted by folding down individual rows of seats for more luggage space.