Kiran C

• Kiran C
• Jul 03, 2025
• Car Advice

When you are looking for a family car, every decision matters! You need to consider the size of the car, fuel economy, how safe the car is, and what technology is in the car to determine the best car for your family. 

This guide will outline all the considerations to help you make an informed decision that meets your family needs.  

What is a Family Car?  

A family car is designed with the functions of a household in mind. Family cars are designed to maximize seating, cargo space, safety, and innovations to make your life easier. A family car allows you to efficiently and comfortably take your kids to school, go on family road trips, or run errands, as well as adapt to your busy lifestyle. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Family Car  

1. Family Size

•  Family of 4 - If you have a family of 4 or are considering purchasing a family vehicle as a coordinator, then you will be best suited to a midsize sedan, a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) or crossover.  

• 6 or More family members or a parent who coordinates a carpool - Minivans or full-size SUVs will be best suited because of their 3rd row seating capabilities.  

2. Storage and Cargo Space  

Consider how much luggage or equipment you travel with on a regular basis! If you plan on packing strollers, sports equipment or groceries into your vehicle on a regular basis, you will want to pay careful attention to cargo loading capacity and make sure the configuration works for how you will use it.  

3. Safety  

A family's safety always comes first.Look for cars that have:  

• Multiple Airbags  

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC).  

• Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)  

• Blind Spot Monitoring  

• Adaptive Cruise Control  

• Automatic emergency braking  

All of these features will bring you a sense of comfort on a long drive or when you roll into a busy downtown.  

4. Fuel economy  

Today there are many fuel efficient gasoline cars, hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) to choose from, each of which could potentially save money in the long run depending on what your needs/ preferences are.  

5. Technology and connectivity  

When assessing cars for your family, functionality shouldn't just look good on paper; it should also be fun for the family! Consider features that will be entertaining to you!

Such as:  

• Infotainment centres and touch screens  

• Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay & Android Auto)  

• Navigation systems for road tripping  

• Entertainment systems in the rear for the kids  

6. Comfort and ride quality  

As mentioned above, comfort is an important assumption to have when travelling for long stretches with kids! Take some time to test the comfort of the seats as well as the ride quality, and think about who else may be in the car with you.  

7. Your budget  

It is safe to say that a family vehicle is a significant purchase. But you should remember that price is just one part of the overall cost; you need to consider fuel costs down the road, insurance costs, maintenance and warranty costs. 

What type of vehicle suits your family best?  

For smaller families (4 persons or less):  

• Vehicle Considerations: Mid-size cars or compact SUVs  

• Why it may work: Good level for convenience, fuel efficiency, and practicality for shorter opportunities in urban settings.

For larger families (6 or more persons):  

• Vehicle Considerations: Minivans or full-sized SUVs  

• Why it may work: Offers seating, convenience features, and area for storage for larger families and activities.  

In Need of Car Insurance  

It’s just as important to have an insurance policy for your family car as it is to select the car you want to purchase. 

Car insurance providers like Shriram Car Insurance offer comprehensive car insurance policies which can include third-party liability insurance, personal accident insurance, plus features like zero depreciation cover, and/or access to roadside assistance. 

Consider car insurance options that will afford you peace of mind, and which will address your families needs in general.  

So what does this all mean?  

Purchasing a family vehicle is about more than deciding miles per gallon (mpg) that looks sleek and has a body style. It's about purchasing something which is going to help you realize potential in your year round day to day life, create experiences for your family, and ultimately fit your lifestyle. 

The ideal case would be to consider the biggest features and characteristics that matter to your family's specific needs while still reasonably in your budget.  

If you do your homework properly (in terms of vehicle and any insurance options) and take your time to drive options, you can feel better about every family car trip filled with peace of mind. And, when you figure out it's time to buy, don't forget to get insurance to protect your financial investment.