When transporting kids, or traveling with a family, as always, safety is paramount. Rather than picking the best looking vehicle on the lot, look for a 5-star safety rating and top performance in crash tests. Check with the dealer to see if there are features specifically designed for kids and families. The more safety features you have, the harder it is to go overboard.
Below is an overview of the best vehicle options for a family of five.
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Ford F-150 Light-Duty Full-Size Truck
The Ford F-150 has long been the top pick for a full-size pickup truck. It offers the highest payload and towing ratings, and is available in four-wheel drive and fuel-efficient hybrid forms. It also comes in three different bed lengths and cab configurations, including a special Lightning variant with rear-wheel drive.
It also competes with other popular full-size trucks like the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500. You can also consider the Toyota Tundra if you want similar features and a lower price tag.
The F-150 is available in three different cab styles, ranging from a regular crew cab to a SuperCrew, depending on your budget and needs. Regular cab models are spacious enough for three passengers, while SuperCrew models can seat up to six.
The F-150 is available with a hybrid PowerBoost powertrain. It also comes with multiple cab/box configurations, different engine choices, and a wide variety of trims and option packages. The XLT trim, for example, adds power windows, power mirrors, and fog lights. The XLT also has optional features, including lane-keeping, automatic emergency braking, and post-collision braking.
In 2004, Ford upgraded the F-150 with a new platform. The base model added a three-bar grille and a roomier interior. Ford also added a 10-speed automatic transmission and an optional navigation system. In addition, the F-150 was the first pickup truck to get a new, aluminum body.
Volvo XC90 Recharge
As the flagship model of Volvo’s line of luxury SUVs, the Volvo XC90 Recharge offers a wide range of features for its premium price. The XC90 is also available in six-seat versions, which start at under $64K. The price of the plug-in hybrid starts at just under $72K, and goes up to nearly $80K. You can also add adaptive air suspension and a premium audio system for an additional $4,700. The XC90 can travel up to 36 miles on battery power alone. The Volvo is also eligible for federal tax credits and state incentives.
The latest generation of the Volvo XC90 also comes with several updates, including an updated infotainment system and new engines. In addition, Volvo has added 48-volt mild hybrid systems to some of its models.
The company hasn’t released details of the mild hybrid systems, but we can expect that they will offer similar power output and better fuel economy. Furthermore, the new XC90 will get a Google-based infotainment system, which will include the Google Assistant and Google Maps.
Aside from its great fuel economy and low emissions, the Volvo XC90 Recharge offers great cabin space for a family of five. Even the third row seats can be positioned to provide you with a decent amount of luggage space. The luggage compartment can hold up to 1007 litres when the back seats are folded down. The XC90 Recharge T8 also has an excellent standard of equipment for all trim levels.
Mercedes GLS
The Mercedes GLS is a premium SUV that can seat up to five people. It has an inline-six or V8 engine and is available with either an all-wheel drive or a 4MATIC(r) drivetrain. The GLS also offers air suspension and ENERGIZING Comfort to keep drivers alert and safe on the road. In addition, the GLS’ interior and exterior boast upscale design and meticulous detailing.
The interior of the Mercedes GLS is plush and spacious, which makes it a great vehicle for a family. The second and third rows are spacious, and the third row has easy access. The car’s cargo area is impressive, at 84.7 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. However, with all the rows upright, the space decreases to 17.4 cubic feet. Although the GLS fares well compared to other luxury SUVs, it trails the Navigator in terms of cargo space.
The interior features synthetic leather seats and comes with a quad-zone climate control and a sunroof. Other features include heated second and third rows and a wood and leather steering wheel.
It also has a long list of active safety features, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. In addition, it comes with Bluetooth hands-free calling capabilities and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Mercedes GLS has three rows of seating and is an excellent choice for a family. Its third-row seat has ample leg room, and cargo space behind the third row is adequate as well.
In addition, the GLS is equipped for the typical family adventure. Its competitors are the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, all of which offer three rows of seating, powerful engines, and long lists of standard features.
Kia Carnival MPV
The Carnival is an MPV that fits the family’s needs, and is also easy to drive. The Carnival comes in four trim levels, from entry-level LX to high-end SX Prestige. The LX trim is the most affordable, and the SX Prestige is the most luxurious.
The SX Prestige adds a power-operated rear liftgate, an in-cabin intercom, heated/ventilated second-row seats, and a towing package. The base LX trim comes with a power-adjustable driver’s seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Kia Carnival’s interior is sophisticated and comfortable, and its automatic transmission shifts sweetly. The brakes are strong and the suspension limits body roll. It is also equipped with numerous safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Carnival also has a front-collision warning system that includes cyclist detection.
A Kia Carnival has excellent cargo space. Its third-row seats fold flat and can accommodate eight passengers. The second-row benches can be removed, but you’ll have to put them somewhere. The Carnival’s cargo space is up to 145.1 cubic feet.
The Kia Carnival also offers advanced voice assistant features that allow you to control the vehicle using voice commands. These features are useful for parents who need convenience without losing their style.
Toyota Highlander
If you’re in the market for a new SUV, consider the Toyota Highlander. The Highlander’s high-quality interior and refinement make it a great choice for families. It also offers high safety scores and a versatile engine lineup.
Its fuel-efficiency makes it a great option for long trips. You can purchase a base model for under $20,000, or upgrade to a higher-end model to enjoy the latest technologies.
The Toyota Highlander is a reliable vehicle. First-generation models have the highest mileage and the lowest starting price. The cabins are snug, though they lack important features. It’s worth noting that 2001-2002 Highlanders have an oil sludge issue, so you may want to avoid buying one of those models.
The Toyota Highlander offers high safety scores, comfort, and value. It has room for seven or eight passengers. It’s also available in a hybrid model, which can help you save money at the gas pump. It can also make a long trip less expensive, since hybrid models offer impressive fuel economy.
If you have a family, you’ll love the Highlander. It’s an upscale family vehicle that has plenty of space for passengers. The Toyota Highlander has a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It can seat up to eight people and has plenty of cargo space. It also has a panoramic moonroof, which is great for stargazing with the kids.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV that offers plenty of room and comfort for the whole family of five. Its stylish and comfortable interior is well-designed and offers an array of driver-assist features. Its curb weight is also low, which contributes to its excellent handling and safety.
The Subaru Ascent comes equipped with an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen that lets you control audio and climate settings. It also has a rear camera washer and power side mirrors. It also includes Subaru EyeSight, a suite of driver-assist features that helps drivers stay safe and avoid crashes.
The system has a variety of features including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and pedestrian detection. You can also pair your iPhone with the infotainment system wirelessly. Depending on your preference, you can also connect a compatible Android device via the USB port in the center console.
The Subaru Ascent has a spacious cabin that features double-trimmed stitching and metallic accents. Its seats are made from durable faux-leather fabric that is easy to clean. It also has a large center console and a touchscreen that displays important information in a clear and easy-to-read format. The audio system, as well as the navigation system, are also easy to use and intuitive.
The Ascent offers a smooth, responsive ride, and is quiet when traveling around town. Its turbo version has 260 horsepower and a 6.7-second time to 60 mph. The turbo version is also capable of towing a speedboat or a camper trailer. It also features a continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.