It’s Not Just Another Mouth to Feed, It’s Another Seat in the Car. If your family is expanding, it might be time to upgrade to a larger vehicle. Here’s VroomGirls’ roundup of the best cars for new parents.
Toyota Prius
Now that there’s a baby in the picture, your finances might be feeling the strain. The Toyota Prius hybrid offers some relief by delivering exceptional fuel efficiency, with a consistent 48 MPG, helping safeguard your budget from fluctuating gas prices.
The original Prius Liftback provides ample space for growing kids and easily fits a jogging stroller in its roomy trunk.
For families needing extra room, the larger Prius V offers SUV-like cargo capacity while still delivering fuel economy in the low- to mid-40s—twice as efficient as most SUVs.
If you’re on a tighter budget, the compact Prius C achieves over 50 MPG in the city and can still accommodate a stroller and baby bag with some creative packing.
These attributes make the Prius an easy pick for our list of top cars for new parents.
Mazda5
A full-size 7-seat minivan may seem like overkill for first-time parents unless you’re expecting quintuplets. Enter the Mazda5, a mini-minivan with the footprint of a Honda Civic but with flexible seating for up to six.
It’s perfect for spur-of-the-moment carpools or family dinners with the in-laws. Folding down one seat provides ample space for your baby bag and large stroller, while sliding rear doors are a boon in tight parking spaces.
The Mazda5’s compact design fosters a sense of family closeness that SUVs and wagons often lack.
Chevrolet Sonic
A subcompact sedan may not be the first vehicle that comes to mind for family use, but the Chevrolet Sonic is a sensible choice for budget-conscious new families.
It boasts a decent-sized back seat, a stroller-friendly trunk, and excellent safety features, including ten airbags, a five-star crash-test rating, and OnStar’s emergency response system.
The Sonic is also stylish, affordable, and efficient, with some models achieving up to 40 MPG on the highway.
Lexus RX
When Lexus launched its RX crossover 14 years ago, it combined SUV practicality with car-like ride quality, setting a new standard for luxury crossovers. Today, the RX remains the best-selling luxury CUV.
The 2013 lineup includes the RX 350, the hybrid RX 450h, and the sporty RX 350 F-Sport for those who love the fast lane.
Optional upgrades like voice-activated navigation enhance convenience—just say, “Show me Chinese restaurants,” and turn-by-turn directions appear.
You can also use voice commands for climate control and audio, making it a standout choice for parents seeking a mix of luxury and functionality.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan combines sporty German engineering with family-friendly features. It’s a well-sized five-seat crossover that accommodates bulky strollers while remaining compact enough for tight parking spots.
With its sleek design and a price comparable to its Japanese counterparts, the Tiguan offers a stylish, confident ride for parents who want a little excitement behind the wheel.
Infiniti FX
Parenthood doesn’t have to signal the end of your thrill-seeking days. The Infiniti FX blends SUV utility with sports-car performance.
With its powerful V6 or optional V8 engine and nimble handling, it’s fun to drive yet practical enough for baby gear and all-weather conditions.
Add luxurious interiors with plush leather seating, a Bose sound system, and advanced tech features, and the FX becomes an ideal choice for sporty parents.
Nissan Versa
For parents on a used-car budget, the Nissan Versa offers the affordability of a new car.
Starting at under $12,000, it includes essentials like air conditioning, with an automatic transmission and power windows available for a little extra.
The Versa’s spacious back seat and roomy trunk can easily handle baby gear, and its reliability is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty with roadside assistance—ensuring peace of mind for new parents.
Volvo XC60
Known for safety, Volvo’s XC60 also impresses with its sleek design, engaging performance—especially the turbocharged T6 version—and roomy cargo space.
Though its back seat may feel slightly snug compared to competitors, it compensates with a built-in booster seat for kids between 33 and 80 lbs, ensuring proper seating without extra equipment.
Naturally, Volvo includes top-tier safety features, making this a solid choice for growing families.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V caters specifically to young, active parents. Its fuel-efficient engine and spacious cargo area make it a practical choice.
The low rear cargo floor eases stroller loading, while the heightened rear seats simplify securing a car seat.
Features like leather upholstery, a rear-seat DVD player, and all-wheel-drive enhance comfort and convenience. With pricing between $23,000 and $31,000, the CR-V is an excellent all-around family vehicle.
Subara Outback
Subaru’s reputation for handling harsh weather makes the Outback a favorite, especially in regions like New England. Its all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional traction, while its car-like handling aids in tricky situations.
The station wagon design offers ample space for baby gear, hobbies, and more. Known for longevity, the Outback is a reliable investment that could transport your child from infancy to college.
