The Right Family Vehicle Will Keep You Safe And Meet Your Needs

Families should purchase vehicles that are reliable, safe, comfortable and dynamic. SUVs that are equipped with advanced four wheel drive are ideal for buyers who love to explore the outdoors. Under the hood, V6 and V8 engine blocks are common for maximum power on and off the road. Some of the best minivans also have solid towing capabilities and other technologies that stabilize trailers. Family-friendly vehicles usually have sophisticated accident-avoidance systems and other driving aides, such as automatic braking and parking assistants. Some of the largest SUVs and minivans offer a maximum of eight seats with a wide range of adjustable seating configurations. From Apple CarPlay and WiFi to Bluetooth and Amazon Alexa, the best SUVs and minivans also support the world's leading mobile technologies. Such premium electronic amenities surely satisfy today's children and teenagers in the rear rows.

Most Important Vehicle Equipment and Options

When shopping for new vehicles, families should look for important interior features that optimize comfort and utility. A premium three-row SUV or minivan should ideally have a climate control system with three different zones. Adjustable seats with sliding, folding and tumbling mechanisms provide extra convenience in terms of cargo and passenger capacity. Families traveling with young kids should look for optional rear entertainment systems, which may include headrest monitors or flip screens from the overhead console. In terms of digital technology, the infotainment system of a family-friendly car should have a WiFi portal, multiple USB charging ports and Bluetooth to keep all passengers connected. In today's high-tech era, it's also important to have access to third-party services, like Android Auto, SiriusXM or Amazon Alexa. When it comes to safety, reliable SUVs and minivans must have cameras that capture rear views in high resolution. Some common accident-avoidance features to look for include automatic braking and systems that monitor the driver's blind spots. Powerful front headlamps and fog lights are also important for families that take road trips to remote destinations. Some models might even have advanced front headlights that automatically tilt and rotate based on the projected path.

Best Family Crossovers and SUVs

In terms of interior space, power and connectivity, the Ford Explorer is one of the best full-size SUVs in the United States. Up to eight seats are available in this American-made model, which runs on the turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. Some of the highlights include:

• 10-Speed SelectShift Transmission
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist
• Terrain Management System
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Safety Technology
• SYNC 3 Infotainment With FordPass Connect
• Bang & Olufsen Speakers

The Mazda CX-5 is a popular option for families interested in a compact crossover SUV with two rows of seating. Under the hood, this lightweight vehicle has the exclusive SKYACTIV technology. It features: 

• i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive
• i-ACTIVSENSE Safety Technology
• MAZDA CONNECT Infotainment System
• Bose Sound System
• LED Fog Lights

When it comes to off-road driving, very few SUVs can match the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Designed to conquer various terrains, this premium model shows off the Trail Rated badge. It features: 

• 6.2 L and 6.4 L HEMI V8 Engines
• Quadra-Trac and Quadra-Drive 4x4 Systems
• Selec-Terrain Traction Management
• 7,200-Pound Towing Capacity
• Skid Plates and Front Tow Hooks
• Protech Safety Packages
• Uconnect 4C NAV Infotainment

Best Family Minivans

Powerful, efficient and spacious, the Chrysler Pacifica is one of the best minivans in North America. Up to eight occupants can take a ride in this sturdy model. In 2020, the all-new Voyager edition was introduced to the lineup. Some of the Pacifica highlights include: 

• 3.6 L V6 Pentastar Engine
• Stow 'n Go Seating
• Sliding Exterior Doors
• 243 Seating Positions and Arrangements
• Uconnect 4C NAV Infotainment
• 20 Harman Kardon Speakers

Also available with up to eight seats, the Honda Odyssey is an affordable minivan with convenient amenities. From the Magic Slide seats to the HondaVac, this spacious model boasts lots of patented features. Some of the features on the Odyssey include:

• V6 i-VTEC Engine
• Honda Sensing Safety Technology
• CabinWatch and CabinTalk
• Tri-Zone Climate Control System
• HondaLink and WiFi
• Rear Entertainment System with 10.2-inch Screen

Originally introduced to American families in the 1980s, the Dodge Grand Caravan is a truly legendary minivan. Made by one of the leading domestic automakers, this model has up to seven seats. It also has: 

• Pentastar V6 Engine
• All-Speed Traction Control
• ParkView Camera
• Seven Airbags
• Quad Halogen Headlamps
• Stow 'n Place Roof Rails
• Power-Sliding Side Doors