If you’re shopping for a family car, you need a vehicle that puts safety, reliability, and value above flashy performance or slick aesthetics. From the tried-and-true reliability of the Honda Odyssey to the rugged luxury of the Kia Telluride, we’ve got you covered with Jerry’s top picks for family cars.

When you think “family car,” you might picture your parents’ old minivan, but vans aren’t the only cars that can deliver on safety and budget for families! Vans, sedans, and SUVs are all great family cars, and each kind of vehicle offers different functionalities depending on your family’s needs.

Safety is the #1 factor when shopping for a family car, and buying the right

car insurance

is a key part of making sure that your family’s vehicle is safe. Keep your car insurance affordable by downloading the

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Check out Jerry’s guide to the top 10 best family cars—and how to insure them.

What to look for in a family car

Whether you’re ferrying the kids from soccer practice to playdates or driving cross-country to see Grandma, a family car should put safety, practicality, and value over aesthetics and performance. Keep the following factors in mind when buying a car for your family.

Safety

Protecting your family is your first priority, and it should be your first concern when looking for a family car.

Check the car’s ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to get a sense of how it performs in various crash tests.

Look for a car that’s equipped with the latest driver-assistance technologies. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking are just a few of the features that can make a car safer for your family.

Reliability

If you’re looking for a car to run errands and transport family members to daily activities, the last thing you want is a car that’s going to spend a lot of time in the shop. Look for cars with good reviews for reliable performance.

One indicator of a car’s durability is how easy it is to find used. Cars that show up frequently on used car lists are built to last, so you can buy with the confidence that you’re investing in a reliable vehicle.

Comfort, cargo, and convenience

If you’ve ever driven with little kids in the car, you know how important their comfort is to your driving experience. Legroom, cargo space, and entertainment technology all play an important role in making a good family car.

Value

Buying a family car can be expensive since that single vehicle has to meet the needs of multiple drivers and passengers. But no matter how awesome a car’s features are, it won’t be a good family car if it doesn’t fit your budget.

Look for a car that doesn’t break the bank and avoid adding unnecessary features or prioritizing appearance over function.

Key Takeaway: Buying a family car means putting safety, practicality, and budget first. Don’t be swayed by flashy features or a cool exterior.

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The best family SUVs

Thanks to unparalleled strength and safety ratings, the SUV is challenging the humble minivan’s reputation as the best family car to buy. If you’re looking for a family road trip car or a vehicle that lets you transport a lot of cargo, an SUV might be your perfect family car.

Here are four SUVs you should consider if you’re looking for a sturdy family car.

Kia Telluride

With a 10/10 rating from Car and Driver, the Kia Telluride combines straightforward practicality with bold styling and upscale comfort.

Starting price: $34,015

IIHS crash test rating: Good (Top Safety Pick)

Why buy it?: Buying a family car doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. The Telluride checks all the boxes for a family vehicle: a spacious and comfy cabin, outsize cargo capacity, and stellar safety ratings. But the Telluride’s more than practical: with rich interior styling and a striking exterior look, it feels like a luxury vehicle at a miraculously affordable price.

Honda CR-V

The ultimate practical family SUV, the Honda CR-V is affordable, gets great fuel economy, and offers tons of cargo space.

Starting price: $26,975

IIHS crash test rating: Good

Why buy it? If you’re trying to maximize space and savings, the CR-V is a great bet for a family SUV. Its roomy cabin comfortably seats five and offers best-in-class storage for luggage, groceries, or anything else you need to haul. The CR-V isn’t a particularly eye-catching ride, but it has the satisfying appeal of a well-built vehicle.

Hyundai Santa Fe

If you want a hybrid option for a family car, you won’t do better than the sturdy, value-oriented Santa Fe.

Starting price: $28,425 / $34,975 (hybrid)

IIHS crash test rating: Good (Top Safety Pick)

Why buy it? On its own, the Santa Fe is a solid pick for a mid-size crossover, with a roomy interior and a full suite of safety tech. But the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains offer families an environmentally friendly option at a comfortable price.

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Chevrolet Tahoe

For active families looking for a full-size SUV, the Tahoe offers generous interior space and powerful towing capabilities.

Starting price: $51,845

NHTSA crash test rating: 4/5 stars

Why buy it? The Tahoe’s starting price might feel intimidating, but this broad-shouldered car brings the same intimidation factor to the road with solid safety ratings and next-level towing power. If you’re shopping for a large family whose needs lean more toward camping trips than soccer pickups, the Tahoe might be the perfect fit.

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Why you should consider an SUV over a sedan

The best family sedans

It’s no secret that sedans are good family cars—but you might be surprised by the sophistication and style you can expect from these smaller vehicles. For budget-conscious shoppers, these three sedans maximize savings without compromising space or performance.

Honda Accord

The Accord is a classic for a reason: this sedan offers comprehensive safety tech, roomy seating, and best-in-class cargo space at an attractive price.

Starting price: $26,485

IIHS crash test rating: Good (Top Safety Pick)

Why buy it? The Accord is more than a family car. Sure, it’s got stellar safety ratings thanks to a healthy array of driver-assistance technology, and its well-appointed interior is ideal for daily errands and road trips alike. But it’s also fun to drive, smart-looking, and decked out with a smart, intuitive infotainment system.

Toyota Avalon

A family car that feels like a luxury ride, the Avalon is big on space and technology.

Starting price: $37,300

IIHS crash test rating: Good

Why buy it? If you’re looking for a bigger sedan or a family car with the sleek look of a sports car, the Avalon might be the right choice. With a full suite of driver assistance technology, generous cabin space, and lush styling inside and out, this full-size sedan stands out from the crowd.

Mazda 6

The Mazda 6 brings athleticism and great looks to a budget-friendly sedan.

Starting price: $25,470

IIHS crash test rating: Good (Top Safety Pick)

Why buy it? The Mazda 6 is the least expensive sedan on our list, but it feels anything but cheap. Its sophisticated styling and high-quality materials set it apart from its rivals, and it doesn’t cut corners on safety or practicality.

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The best family minivans

There is no family car more classic than a minivan. With an emphasis on space and practicality above showy features, these much-maligned cars are perfectly suited to the needs of big families.

From cutting-edge tech to luxury comfort, all within a sensible budget, these top picks are family vans with a difference.

Honda Odyssey

Roomy, sturdy, and versatile, the Honda Odyssey is everything you need in a family minivan.

Starting price: $33,515

IIHS crash test rating: Good (Top Safety Pick)

Why buy it? When you’re picturing a family minivan, the Honda Odyssey is that vehicle. With its quiet cabin, modern looks, and comprehensive driver-assistance technology, the Odyssey covers all the bases of a practical family car at an affordable price point.

Chrysler Pacifica

If you think “luxury” and “minivan” are contradictions, think again: the Chrysler Pacifica is the upscale minivan of your dreams at a price that still works with many families’ budgets.

Starting price: $38,590

IIHS crash test rating: Good

Why buy it? If you need van capacity but can’t stand the idea of driving your family around in a dull, boxy vehicle, the Chrysler Pacifica is the modern minivan for you. This gorgeous car delivers graceful performance and handsome styling inside and out, and its suite of safety tech is unparalleled.

Toyota Sienna

For environmentally-conscious drivers whose hearts are set on an SUV, the Toyota Sienna is a rugged hybrid with all the practicality of a traditional minivan.

Starting price: $35,675

IIHS crash test rating: Good (Top Safety Pick)

Why buy it? The Sienna looks a lot like an SUV, but it performs like a minivan in the best sense of the word. Generous interior space and top marks for safety combine with muscular styling and high-quality materials for a family car unlike any other. Now only available as a hybrid, the Sienna offers above-average fuel economy to drivers interested in saving money and the planet at the same time.

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Van vs. SUV

Insuring your family car

SUVs, sedans, and minivans are all good family cars, but no matter which you pick, you’ll need car insurance to round out the protection your family needs on the road.

Don’t worry about shopping around and comparing rates from different providers—you’ve got enough on your hands already! Download the

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app, answer a few questions about yourself, your family, and your car, and you could have a fleet of competitive quotes before it’s time for your next errand.

You won’t need to fill out any long forms or wait on hold with insurance companies. Jerry handles all the paperwork and can even help cancel your old policy. For busy families on a budget, Jerry is the ultimate car insurance shopping assistant.

“When we added a new car to our family, we were shocked at how high our current insurer was going to hike our rates. We used
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for some comparison shopping and are now saving around $1,000 a year. Thank you, Jerry!” —Darius P.

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