As a parent, everything is about your children. While you’ve got the basics nailed, there are smaller details you might not consider as a new parent, such as the car you drive. Finding the best mom car (or dad car) isn’t only about your vehicle’s look but also about its practicality and reliability for you and your children.
The top vehicles for parents on the go will have the perfect balance of safety and comfort without sacrificing essential features to protect your family. But what cars should you consider as a parent? From cool mom cars to cars for new parents, this guide will provide everything to know about your best options for buying a family car. Let’s get started!
1. Our top pick: Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a midsize SUV perfect for families looking for a new ride. This vehicle is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for several years, including 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Additionally, the Honda CR-V has a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), meaning you can trust this vehicle to meet all your needs as a parent and driver. Its robust safety features include front-crash prevention, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, backup camera, driver monitoring-alert, lane-keeping assist system, rear child safety locks, side impact beams, and more.
The Honda CR-V is a spacious vehicle that fits you, your family, and your belongings for your next adventure. The vehicle seats five people and includes 39.3 cubic feet of storage space behind the back row of seats. When these seats are folded down, you have a whopping 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space, making this vehicle an excellent option to make the most of your storage capacity.
Beyond its storage, the Honda CR-V is relatively affordable for annual repair and maintenance, costing an average of $407 yearly. Compared to other vehicle options that aren’t equipped with as many helpful features, the Honda CR-V far outshines. The 2023 Honda CR-V also has excellent fuel economy, with a combined city/highway MPG of 40 for the Hybrid FWD and 37 for the Hybrid AWD. Among the other features that make this vehicle so special and an excellent option for families include:
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Power seats
• Keyless start
• Adaptive cruise control
• Sunroof
• Heated seats
2. Runner up: Toyota Highlander
Rounding out our list of the best parent cars is the Toyota Highlander, a midsize SUV with plenty of special features to make it an excellent choice for families. The Toyota Highlander has been ranked as an IIHS Top Safety Pick for several years in a row because of its ample safety features and capabilities, and it also maintains a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Among the vehicle’s safety features are a front-crash prevention system, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, evasion assist, lane tracing assist, rear child safety locks, electronic stability control, backup cameras, and a pre-collision system, among many others. This car was also named the 2023 Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for Families by U.S. News and World Report.
Along with its essential safety capabilities, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent pick for parents for several reasons. The car has sufficient space for large families, with seven seats, including 16 cubic feet of space behind the last row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the middle row, and 84.3 cubic feet of space when the rows are folded down. The annual repair cost for a Toyota Highlander is average and typically falls around $489 per vehicle.
The Toyota Highlander is a fantastic option if you prioritize fuel economy in your next car, with a combined city/highway MPG of 36 for the 2022 Highlander Hybrid and 35 for the Hybrid AWD. The car also goes above and beyond to include fun features to make your ride more comfortable and enjoyable, such as:
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Satellite radio
• Keyless start
• Cross-traffic alert
• Heated seats
• Adaptive cruise control
3. Best minivan: Chrysler Pacifica
If you’re looking for a minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica is one of your best options. This minivan is an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 and maintains a five-star safety rating with the NHTSA. Among its extensive safety features include a front-crash prevention system, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, backup camera, driver and passenger knee airbags, park assist automated parking sensors, aerial view camera system, rear child safety locks, a left and right side camera, and more!
This vehicle is especially valuable if you’re looking for something with some extra space, as the Chrysler Pacifica seats a whopping seven people—perfect for you, the family, and the family pet! After all, PARENTS magazine named the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica as one of its “Best Family Cars”! Along with several seats, the Chrysler Pacifica has all the storage capacity you need. With all the seats up, this vehicle has 32.3 cubic feet of space behind the last row. With the last row folded down, this number turns to 87.5 cubic feet of space—and with both of the back rows folded down, this ends up being a massive 140.5 cubic feet of space! For big families looking for space and comfort, it’s hard to beat the Chrysler Pacifica.
The Chrysler Pacifica’s fuel economy is not as sustainable as some other vehicles on this list, as the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica maintains a fuel economy of 22 combined highway/city MPG. While it might not be perfect if fuel economy is one of your top concerns, the Chrysler Pacifica certainly makes up for it in other ways. The car costs an average of $483 annually to repair, making it affordable compared to other options, and contains the following additional features:
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Memory seats
• Keyless start
• Satellite radio
• Adaptive cruise control
• Parking sensors
• Available AWD
• Available Stow 'n Go Seating and Storage System
• Available integrated vacuum
4. Best small SUV: Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV that combines style, safety, and more to make for one of the best mom cars out there. This vehicle is a 2022 and 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick, boasting several safety features that make it a practical option for families. The 2021 Mazda CX-30 also maintains a five-star safety rating with the NHTSA, ensuring a smooth and secure ride every time. Its safety features for you and your family include a front-crash prevention system, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, backup camera, Smart City Brake Support, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and electronic stability control, among many others.
Beyond its safety features, the Mazda CX-30 is a practical choice for families for several reasons. The car has enough storage space to make it comfortable for you and your family, with five seats. However, its space capacity is limited compared to other options on this list – 20.2 cubic feet with the seats positioned upwards and only 45.2 cubic feet with the seats downwards. There is limited information on how much a Mazda CX-30 costs to maintain annually, so this is another factor you should consider before purchasing.
However, the Mazda CX-30 has a relatively high fuel economy, with a combined city/highway MPG of 29. Additionally, the Mazda CX-30 boasts several features to make it an affordable and worthwhile investment, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, memory seats, heated seats, adaptive cruise control, comfortable leather/leatherette seating, backup camera, cross traffic alert, power seats, and a keyless start to make your journey as simple as possible. With all these features, there’s no doubt that the Mazda CX-30 is one of the best cars for new parents available.
5. Best luxury option: Volvo XC60
Families looking for a luxury vehicle can look no further than the Volvo XC60, our top pick for a luxury SUV that still suits the whole family. This luxury SUV isn’t just a stylish ride—it’s also been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for several years and is Volvo’s best-selling car for numerous reasons. The vehicle has several advanced safety features, including blind spot detection, lane departure warnings, lane departure prevention, front-crash prevention, ABS and driveline traction control, rear child safety locks, rear park assist, parking sensors, a backup camera, and more, making it a safe and comfortable ride for the whole family. In 2018, it was named 2018 World Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show.
This comfortable and luxurious ride has a seating capacity of five people, and the cargo area is 22.4 cubic feet, with the back row of seats standing upright. When these seats are folded down, your storage capacity transforms to a massive 63.3 cubic feet, ensuring you have plenty of space for yourself and your children. As a luxury vehicle, the Volvo XC60 naturally costs more in repairs annually than other vehicles on this list—expect to pay an estimated $746 yearly to maintain this car. The car has an average EPA fuel economy rating, maintaining an average MPG between 23—26, depending on whether you choose an AWD.
The Volvo XC60 doesn’t skimp on other features, boasting an exciting lineup for you and the family to enjoy. For instance, the 2022 Volvo XC60 includes a keyless start, comfortable leather/leatherette seats, a high-performance audio system, power-assist steering, and many other details, making it an exciting ride and a perfect choice for families.
Other vehicles for consideration
6. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a fantastic option for parents looking to upgrade their vehicle to something more family-friendly. This compact crossover SUV is a five-passenger ride, perfect for families with up to three children. One of the most notable advantages of this car is its robust safety features. The Toyota RAV4 has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick for several years, with the 2022 Toyota RAV4 equipped with safety features like front crash prevention, standard daytime running lights, blind spot detection, standard lane departure prevention, backup camera, side impact beams, rear child safety locks, and more.
The car also has manual cloth seats with a high safety rating and optimal features to guarantee your ride is as comfortable as possible. Along with its maximum seating capacity of five people, the Toyota RAV4 has an interior volume of 136.4 cubic feet and ample cargo capacity when using storage with the seats down. With an estimated annual cost of $429, you can guarantee that this vehicle is cost-friendly and practical for your driving needs.
The Toyota RAV4 also has a high EPA fuel economy rating, with the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid maintaining an MPG of 40 for combined city/highway. Other options, like the standard 2022 Toyota RAV4, have a combined city/highway MPG of 30, making them suitable if you’re looking for a vehicle with a healthy fuel economy.
The Toyota RAV4 isn’t only safe—we consider it one of the best mom SUVs for its features that make your drive even more enjoyable for the whole family. For instance, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 LE includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for more infotainment features for you and the family to enjoy!
7. Subaru Outback
Another vehicle you should consider as a parent is the Subaru Outback, which effortlessly combines aesthetic appeal with safety and comfort! The Subaru Outback is a midsize SUV with five seats, designed with comfort in mind for you and your children. The car is a several-time IIHS top safety pick and has received the #1 in its Class award from MotorTrend. This shows its reliability and commitment to keeping your family safe, no matter what.
The Subaru Outback is equipped with numerous safety features, including ABS and driveline traction control, front-crash prevention, lane departure warning/prevention, blind spot detection, lane centering, rear child safety locks, and more. Options like the 2023 Subaru Outback also boast a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, meaning that this car is more than capable of protecting you and your loved ones.
A Subaru Outback’s annual average repair cost is $607, making it somewhat affordable for parents depending on their budgets. The car also has ample storage space for those looking to put their seats down and store extra objects. When the rear seats are downwards, the Subaru Outback has a total storage space of 75.6 cubic feet, making it relatively sizable compared to many other options. And if you’re considering cars based on their fuel economy, you’ll be happy to know that the Subaru Outback excels in this area as well, with a combined city/highway MPG ranging from 24—29, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Wondering what other features make the Subaru Outback stand out in the crowd of cars on the market? Some of our favorite features of this vehicle include the following:
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Satellite radio
• Backup camera
• Adaptive cruise control
8. Kia Soul
The 2022 Kia Soul is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, but this vehicle should be considered one of your options for a family car for more reasons than its rating! This subcompact SUV goes beyond standard good mom cars and is equipped with robust features to make your ride enjoyable, comfortable, and—above all else—safe. The car has several safety features, including blind spot detection, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, backup camera, electronic stability control (ESC), rear child safety locks, and more, guaranteeing a secure ride. With all these features, it’s no surprise that the Kia Soul won the award for Best Compact Car for the Money by U.S. News & World Report.
This car has two rows and five seats, making it ideal for many families seeking cars of similar sizes. The Kia Soul also provides plenty of cargo space, offering 24.2 cubic feet of space behind the back row seats and 62.1 cubic feet of storage when the seats are folded down. This ample space makes the Kia Soul one of the best and largest subcompact SUVs in storage capacity. It prevents your ride from becoming too cramped when transporting your family and additional cargo.
The Kia Soul also has excellent annual repair costs, with most owners spending an average of $437 annually on vehicle maintenance. This price makes the Kia Soul a great option if your family wants affordability in your next ride. The car has healthy gas mileage, with a combined city/highway MPG of 30 for the 2021 Kia Soul and 31 for the 2021 Kia Soul Eco Dynamics—so when you buy the Kia Soul, you can ensure that you’re driving an eco-friendly vehicle, too.
Other features make this car one of the best mom cars out there, such as its Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities to keep your vehicle connected. The bottom line? You should undoubtedly consider a Kia Soul as one of your top options for your next family vehicle.
9. Hyundai Tucson
If you’re looking for a compact SUV that’s also one of the best cars for new parents, look no further than the Hyundai Tucson. The Hyundai Tucson has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick for several years, including every year between 2020-2023. At the Carbuyer Best Car Awards, the Tucson also won the 2022 “Car of the Year” award. The car also has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, showing its reliability for families everywhere. This vehicle’s safety features include a front-crash prevention system, blind spot detection and collision avoidance, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, collision mitigation, driver monitoring alert, rear child safety locks, and a rearview monitor backup camera.
Beyond its safety features, the Hyundai Tucson is a comfortable drive with five seats to fit the whole family. It has plenty of storage space and is known for its ample cargo capacity, with 38.7 cubic feet of space behind the back row seats and a significant 74.8 cubic feet of storage space with the seats folded down. With storage space like that, you don’t have to worry about fitting your family—and you can even consider bringing your pet along with plenty of space for you all to enjoy!
Along with the features mentioned above, the Hyundai Tucson is an excellent choice for your family car because of features like its annual repair costs, fuel economy, and more. On average, owners of a Hyundai Tucson spend $426 on annual repairs and maintenance, which is slightly on the lower end of car repair costs. Besides its affordability, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson FWD has a combined city/highway MPG of 29, while options like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid have a 27 combined city/highway rating. Combined with infotainment features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system, the Hyundai Tucson is undeniably one of the best options for parents seeking a new vehicle.
10. Kia Telluride
If you’re looking for a capable midsize SUV, look no further than the Kia Telluride. The Kia Telluride is a 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick for the several advanced safety features that make it a suitable ride for families and individuals alike. These strong features are just one of the many reasons why it has won the “Triple Crown” of automotive awards:
• 2020 North American utility vehicle of the year
• Motor Trend SUV of the year
• Car and Driver 10 best
The car also has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. It includes critical features like a front-crash prevention system, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, 911 emergency SOS, highway driving assistance, power rear child safety locks, vehicle stability management, and parking sensors. With a robust safety lineup, there’s no going wrong with this vehicle for your family.
Along with its unique safety protocols, the Kia Telluride has plenty of space for the whole family. Depending on its configuration, the Kia Telluride can seat seven to eight people, making it one of the most spacious rides on this list. The newest 2024 model provides 21 cubic feet of room behind the last row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row of seats, and 87 cubic feet when the back two rows are folded to make the most of your space. Additional storage is below the rear cargo floor, giving you plenty of space for all your belongings.
This spacious and comfortable ride does have a couple of downsides—since it’s a newer vehicle, there isn’t too much information on annual repair costs, so you might spend more than you’re looking to spend on maintenance. Additionally, this vehicle’s combined city/highway fuel economy is 21 MPG, which isn’t as eco-friendly as other options. Despite this, the Kia Telluride excels in its safety features and other features like a thorough navigation system, keyless start, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated and cooled seats, and parking sensors, making it a valuable consideration for your next car.
Find your next ride from EchoPark
Finding the best cars for new parents is possible when you know where to look. EchoPark has the best options for parents and individuals alike looking for a high-quality vehicle for their next ride. No matter which vehicle on this list speaks to you most, we’ve got you covered. Explore cars available from EchoPark today and schedule a test drive to get started!
