So you’re searching for a new family car, where do you begin? Getting the perfect family vehicle can be an overwhelming task. There are so many factors running through your mind, from legroom to safety features, that you may feel overwhelmed.
I’m here to help guide you through the process. Having been deep into reviewing family cars, I know it’s more than just the price tag. Breaking it down, here are things you should consider to make an informed decision.
Assess Where You Are NOW
First, will your present vehicle still meet your family’s needs? Sometimes, your current car can still be used if it fits two critical criteria: it can fit your family and is cheap enough on your budget. Though upgrading might be very tempting, especially if you have young children, your car can still fit the bill, even if it’s a sedan. However, if you are among the many who believe this is the right time to acquire a new ride, let’s dive in and find that perfect match.
Know What You Need
Families come in all shapes and sizes, just like their vehicle needs. Whether you’re just starting a family or have kids of different ages, your vehicle has to be able to accommodate those different needs. For those who tow boats or RVs or need copious amounts of space for gear, the right car can make all the difference.
What We Consider
Our rundown of the best family cars includes all sizes and a range of price brackets but sticks to mainstream brands—no luxury vehicles here. It considers all the essential aspects, such as safety, space, and functionality; it also considers how well these cars will hold their value and won’t disappoint you. We know how much hassle and financial pain can be saved if you choose a reliable vehicle that’s easy to sell.
Top 10 Vehicles For Families of 5 With Good Gas Mileage
Against this backdrop, we’ll help you winnow the many options to find a vehicle that genuinely fits your family’s needs. From safety features to space considerations—and everything in between—we have your back. Let’s get started!
1. 2024 Kia Telluride (Starting From $36,190)
Gas Mileage: 20 City / 26 highway / 22 combined
The Kia Telluride keeps on impressing, thanks to updates that keep it toward the top of any family’s consideration list. For 2024, it will continue to excel in crash safety, with standard safety features and family accommodation with great ease. Updates include dual 12.3-inch displays and new exterior accents.
This three-row seat arrangement in the Telluride easily accommodates families and is comfortable, too; even the performance regarding child safety seats is excellent. It nearly has everything as standard, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a rear occupant alert system.
Telluride delivers exceptional value to families looking for both safety and comfort. Families will go right with a Kia Telluride, and if you like smaller cars, a Kia Soul LX represents good value with its features.
2. 2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid (Starting From $37,685)
Gas Mileage: Up to 36 city / 36 highway
The 2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid stands tall in the minivan world by merging bold style with practical family features. Dual sliding doors, plenty of space inside the three-row cabin, and an immense cargo area make this van a breeze to drive around with family. It has a silky-smooth ride, is really quiet in the cabin, and returns fuel economy that—together with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined (35 for AWD)—ranks among the class leaders.
Although it is not the quickest during acceleration, the refinement of its accommodations and standard safety features, which are usually of prime appeal to families, still make it a very sure choice for this demographic.
Available in the new XSE Premium trim, luxury additions include leather seating and memory functions. The 2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid is a vehicle that families should consider seriously. For sedan lovers who want the same reliability and fuel efficiency level, a perfect case can be made for the Toyota Camry.
3. 2024 Ford Expedition (Starting From $37,685)
Gas Mileage: Up to 17 city / 23 highway
The 2024 Ford Expedition and long-wheelbase Expedition Max are perfect for families needing to haul people and gear. Up to eight people can be accommodated in three rows, though the third row is incredibly spacious. The XL STX trim deletes the third row for additional cargo space for smaller groups. Available off-road and performance packages make the Expedition an excellent vehicle for trips into the wilderness and running around town.
The 15.5-inch touchscreen is decidedly modern and up-to-date. The lower trims have physical controls for those who like actual buttons and dials. This Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds, so it can easily combine versatility and brawn into one package that can be very competitive in the family market.
The 2024 Ford Expedition offers spacious seating and impressive towing capabilities. For a more advanced driving experience, consider the Ford Blue Cruise vehicles, which offer hands-free highway driving.
4. 2025 Kia Carnival (Starting From $37,895)
Gas Mileage: 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
While minivans are popular with families due to their practicality, they lack the cool factor of SUVs. Here’s one way the 2025 Kia Carnival, with its SUV-inspired designs, changes things: It does appear to be an SUV, but at its heart, it retains minivan functionality.
It offers seating for your family and plenty of room and even gets its power from a 287-hp V-6 that promises smooth performance and reasonable fuel economy. Though only front-wheel drive, it copes well with winter when fitted with snow tyres.
The Carnival interior is spacious, perfect for family vacations, and has sumptuous second-row lounge chairs. For 2025, it gets refreshed styling, an upgraded infotainment system, and new safety features like lane-centering with adaptive cruise control.
The 2025 Kia Carnival combines SUV style with minivan practicality. If one opts for something sporty, the Kia Stinger will provide an extra kick in the driving experience, not to mention its sleek design.
5. 2024 Subaru Outback (Starting From $28,895)
Gas Mileage: Up to 26 city / 32 highway
The 2024 Subaru Outback is one of the best family vehicles available, considering value and safety. That is because it won an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award thanks to its leading crash test results. Standard features include Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, lane departure warning, and emergency braking.
The Outback’s positive list includes comfortable driving, a great fuel economy of 28 mpg combined, and a big touchscreen—11.6 inches. If it’s in Wilderness trim, its off-road prowess and great child-safety seat fit make it a fantastic choice for families.
6. 2025 Honda Odyssey (Starting From $45,000 Approx)
Gas Mileage: Up to 19 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
For 2025, the Honda Odyssey would still be a reliable family car for moving up to eight passengers without a sweat. Its V-6 engine and 10-speed automatic provide the requisite performance and efficiency. The ride and handling are terrific, giving one the feel that this vehicle will hold together well.
Updates for 2025 include a new standard rear-seat entertainment system, cabin camera, and PA system to keep kids in check. The second-row Magic Slide seat system offers flexibility for family trips, though they don’t fold flat. Families will find a top pick in the Odyssey with refreshed exterior looks and updated tech.
7. 2025 Volvo XC 90 (Starting From $57,400)
Gas Mileage: Up to 22 city / 27 highway
The Volvo XC90 is an SUV, but so much more—it’s a family sanctuary. This Swedish beauty combines style, comfort, and safety in a way few others can. It’s perfect for family adventures, with passenger space and a large cargo room. Its interior is a haven of luxury with premium materials and detailed design. Just imagine nestling in its plush seats with your family under the panoramic roof.
Volvo’s pride is safety, and the XC90 doesn’t sweat over it. It has as many safety features as possible, so you know your family is okay. Not to mention the hybrid options that bump up fuel economy, more cash in the bank for family fun times; sure, it isn’t the latest thing on four wheels, but timeless elegance and family comfort put this high on the luxury SUV leaderboard.
8. 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (Starting From $45,020)
Gas Mileage: Up to 37 city / 34 highway
The 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid is an all-around vehicle designed with families in mind. With not one but two hybrid powertrains, it combines good fuel economy with jaw-dropping performance—for instance, the Hybrid Max model sprints to 60 mph in as low as 5.6 seconds and provides up to 5000 pounds of towing. The standard Hybrid is more efficient and suitable for everyday needs.
The Grand Highlander is smaller than other models, has a spacious third row, and is great for families. This 2024 car model delivers ample interior space and a plethora of standard driver-assistance features to top many shortlists among the finest family SUVs.
9. 2024 Kia EV9 (Starting From $54,900)
Range: 230 to 304 mi battery-only
The 2024 Kia EV9 brings space, boatload and functionality to families looking to go electric. This SUV is offered in rear- and all-wheel-drive models; the latter gets a strong 379-hp dual-motor configuration. Its long-range battery has an estimated 304 miles per charge while towing up to 5000 pounds.
The spacious third row and competitive, sub-$60,000 starting price tag make it a phenomenal choice for families to transition their fleets to electric without giving up space or capability.
10. 2024 Honda Accord (Starting From $27,895)
Gas Mileage: 29 City / 37 Highway
The 2024 Honda Accord will suit a family man looking for reliability and fuel economy like no other. It has a high-fuel economy, turbocharged engine, plus a hybrid version for great miles with smooth performance. There is a lot of interior space, with two comfortable rows of seats and a big trunk that enables families to enjoy long trips.
Accord’s polished ride dynamics—with responsive steering and the proper tuning on its suspension—make it a comfortable drive in every seat. The mid-size sedan combines practicality, comfort, and style all into one.
In conclusion, the ideal family ride would balance practicality and comfort with reliability. Be it the spacious and rugged 2024 Kia Telluride, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, or the ingenuity in the 2024 Kia EV9, each has unique strengths to suit various family needs.
Be it fuel efficiency with the 2024 Honda Accord, off-road capability from the 2024 Ford Expedition, or versatility from the 2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid—the right one will be a perfect fit for every family. Considering the factors unique to your situation will best position you to pick a vehicle that will serve your family reliably and comfortably for many years.
