When you welcome your first child, many aspects of your life change one of them being the kind of car you need. The sporty coupe that fit your lifestyle in the past may no longer be practical.
Instead, you’ll likely find yourself poring over Kelley Blue Book reviews in search of a vehicle that suits your growing family. But what exactly should you prioritize when selecting a family car?
Here are five key factors to consider when choosing your next vehicle.
1. A High Safety Rating (and Additional Safety Features)
When it comes to a family car, safety is paramount. Several factors determine a car’s safety, and organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide evaluations every year.
These institutions test and rate vehicles based on their ability to protect passengers during accidents.
The IIHS awards vehicles with Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ designations, while the NHTSA uses a 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Both systems assess similar safety aspects, including:
- Frontal Crash Test Scenarios
- Side Barrier Crash Test Scenarios
- Side Pole Crash Test Scenarios
- Rollover Resistance Test Scenarios
These tests influence the safety ratings issued to each vehicle, offering valuable insight into how well a car performs in the event of an accident.
While high safety ratings are critical, you should also evaluate additional safety factors to ensure your family is protected.
Vehicle Size
In general, larger vehicles provide more protection. For instance, a minivan typically offers greater physical safety compared to a small coupe.
Safety ratings are usually compared within the same size category, but as a rule of thumb, bigger vehicles tend to fare better in accidents. According to the IIHS:
Minivans have the lowest collision fatality rate, with 25 driver deaths per million.
Pickup trucks report a rate of 52 driver deaths per million.
Cars average 56 driver deaths per million.
Four-door minicars have a notably higher rate, at 82 driver deaths per million.
Body Design
Modern vehicles are engineered to enhance safety. Newer models are designed to absorb impact and protect passengers more effectively than older vehicles, making them a better choice for families.
Airbags
Airbags are a vital component of vehicle safety. Research shows that front airbags reduce driver fatalities by 29%.
The inclusion of side airbags has further improved safety, with the IIHS reporting a 37% reduction in driver deaths for cars and a remarkable 52% for SUVs. When selecting your family car, consider the placement and quantity of airbags.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Although some may view tire pressure monitoring as a minor feature, it plays a significant role in safety.
Since becoming mandatory in 2007, these systems have been credited with saving approximately 80 lives and preventing over 10,000 accidents annually, according to the NHTSA. Ensure that any used car you consider is equipped with this feature.
Additional Safety Features
Manufacturers have introduced numerous advanced safety features in recent years. While not all are equally proven, some are highly recommended by the NHTSA, including:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rearview Video Systems
2. Adequate Seating
While safety is the top priority, seating capacity is another critical consideration. Think beyond your immediate needs to account for potential future requirements.
Will you need space for multiple car seats or booster seats? Could you foresee carpooling with friends or teammates? Don’t forget about the family pet—will there be room for them too?
Once you determine how many seats you’ll need, you can narrow down your options to a car, SUV, minivan, or truck that suits your lifestyle.
3. Sufficient Storage Space
A practical family car should accommodate your day-to-day needs, from grocery shopping to hauling sports gear or luggage.
Features like a spacious trunk and fold-flat seats can make a big difference, ensuring you have the room to carry everything your family requires.
4. Backseat Amenities
Small conveniences in the backseat can make a significant impact on your driving experience. Look for features like cupholders to keep drinks accessible, USB ports for charging devices, and seat pockets for organization.
Some high-end models even include tray tables or adjustable seats. While these extras aren’t strictly necessary, they can make road trips more enjoyable for everyone.
5. Keyless Entry and Power Doors
These features might seem minor—especially if you don’t yet have kids—but they can be game-changers for busy parents.
Whether you’re juggling a car seat and diaper bag or managing backpacks and sports gear, fumbling for keys can quickly become frustrating.
Keyless entry allows you to unlock the car effortlessly, while power doors let you open and close backseat doors with the push of a button.
These conveniences are increasingly standard on newer models, but it’s worth ensuring they’re included.
Choosing the right family car is a significant decision. Since you’ll spend a lot of time in your vehicle, particularly with kids in tow, it’s essential to select one that you enjoy driving and that prioritizes your family’s safety and comfort.