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Best Cars and SUVs for Families

Whether your family includes a new teenage driver who’s going to want your keys, or you’re still figuring out how to install that first car seat, there are a number of things you’ll want in a new family vehicle. When it comes to picking out the perfect family vehicle, safety and available seating and storage space are probably at the top of your list of things to consider. You’ll also want a good value and mpg rating so your family budget won’t be strained.

Here are a few of the best cars and SUVs for families. They all consider safety, value, space, and versatility so that your vehicle can be a part of your family through so many stages of growing up.

2017 Honda CR-V

The CR-V as you know it has been redesigned for 2017 and as expected it doesn’t disappoint. For a compact SUV, it has the most passenger and cargo space of any other vehicle in its class. A blend of safety and convenience features really make this SUV a favorite. A hands-free liftgate lets you juggle bags and babies effortlessly. Lane Keeping Assist, forward collision warning and automatic braking make it easy for you to stay safe while being distracted by the family. Add in the average 28 to 34 mpg and low entry price of about $24,000 and it’s easy to see why the CR-V is a long-time favorite.

2017 Chevy Tahoe

This powerhouse SUV is perfect for a family that likes to travel in luxury. Features like wireless mobile charging, an enhanced rear-seat entertainment system, tri-zone climate control and seating and storage for up to 9 people make this such a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Take the family and all your toys on a trip and tow up to 8,600 pounds. You’ll also get the Teen Driver feature that’s notable in Chevy vehicles so you’ll know your teen will be safer behind the wheel. Your mpg will average between 16 and 23, but this isn’t bad since you’re practically driving around in a small luxury apartment on wheels in the Tahoe.

2017 Kia Soul

This smaller but spacious car has won the U.S. News Best Compact Car for Families award for two years in a row now. It has the perfect blend of features that make it desirable for everyone in your family. Your teenager will have too much fun with the turbocharged engine, while your new baby’s seat will fit in perfectly with room to spare. If you need to take grandpa to the doctor in something he can get in and out of easily, the lower height of this vehicle is for you. Starting in at around $16,000 for a new model and having between 25 to 30 mpg on average, this is an excellent budget-friendly option.

2017 Chevrolet Malibu

This spacious sedan won the U.S. News award for being the Best Midsize Car for Families for two years in a row, and averages an impressive 36 mpg on the highway. Teen Driver technology makes it a top choice for families with a new driver. This built-in system lets you set things like speed alerts, volume limits for the radio, and a driving “report card” so you can track your teen’s driving even when you aren’t there. Technology like Apple Car Play will keep the adults happy, too. If you have a baby and a busy lifestyle, the new Rear Seat Reminder system will make sure you never forget you have kids in the back seat, even if they’re being so quiet you forgot they were there. As if that would ever happen…

2017 Subaru Outback

If your family loves adventuring, the Outback is one of the best choices. The all-wheel drive will let you safely explore almost any type of terrain, while the roomy interior will fit everyone comfortably. Features like side and rear head airbags, rear body air bags and a blind spot monitor up the safety, while an average mpg of 32 on the highways will stretch your family fuel budget even further. These affordable vehicles also have an excellent reputation and resale value if you decide to upgrade to something else in the future, or buy a used one instead of a new 2017 model. All around, you can’t go wrong with a Subaru as your family vehicle.

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