Whether you’re a new parent or your family is simply due for an automobile upgrade, finding the safest car for you and your children is always of the utmost importance. With so many makes and models on the market, starting your new car search can feel overwhelming. But we’ve got your back. Below you’ll find a list of some of the safest family-friendly vehicles and a brief guide to choosing the right one.
Ask Yourself These Questions
You’ll first want to narrow down your search based on a couple of factors:
- Am I looking for a new or used car? Believe it or not, used car sales have been rising for the past seven consecutive years. Drivers are starting to figure out that brand new vehicles aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. After all, the value of a new car can drop by more than 20% after just the first 12 months of ownership. Sure, you’ll be equipped with all the latest bells and whistles, but if you’re looking to maximize your budget, a certified pre-owned vehicle is your best bet.
- What are the most important features to my family? This may depend on both your lifestyle and the age(s) of your child(ren). If you have an infant or child small enough for a car seat, you’ll need to focus on three things above all else: safety, easy access, and cargo space for things like strollers and diaper bags. When you have school-aged kids, you’ll still need plenty of cargo space but you’ll also want that space to be versatile, like a rear seat that folds down to accommodate sports equipment. You may also need more seating to fit your kids’ friends, teammates, and classmates when carpooling.
The Best Safe, Family-Friendly Vehicles in 2020
Subaru Forester
Whether you’re buying new or used from https://www.westernmotorsfresno.com/, you can’t go wrong with a Subaru. Equipped with forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB), this compact sport utility vehicle reduces the risk of collision, keeping you and your passengers a whole lot safer. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported 379 fatal crashes related to operating a vehicle while impaired in 2017. While you can’t control other drivers, you can invest in a vehicle that alerts you to dangers on the road. The Subaru Forester also has standard all-wheel drive, and it’s easy to climb into and out of with plenty of room for a stroller and other essential equipment.
Chevrolet Cruze
The Cruze features big-car qualities in a more compact vehicle. It scores well for cargo space as well as child-seat access and fit. The Wi-Fi hotspot is a great feature for keeping kids occupied on long drives.
Chevrolet Traverse
Standard safety technology in this SUV includes a rear-seat reminder prompting drivers to double-check the back seat for kids, as well as a rearview camera. And if storage space is a concern of yours, you’ll be glad to know that there’s an additional hidden storage compartment under the floor. Certain models even include a hands-free liftgate, so you can open up the back when your hands are full.
Honda Odyssey
Kelley Blue Book reviewers named this minivan the best family car in the world in 2018. Extremely versatile, the Magic Slide second row allows the seats to move forward, back, and side to side, so passengers can sit close together or shift the seats away from each other. The Odyssey also has a LATCH system to accommodate up to five car seats. And the CabinWatch camera system gives drivers a view of the second and third rows, allowing you to keep an eye on the kids in the back seats. Parents can also use CabinTalk to communicate with passengers from the driver’s seat using a microphone to avoid turning around and losing sight of the road.
While budget may be a concern, safety and overall experience should be your number one focus when looking for a family-friendly vehicle. In fact, over half (54%) of consumers said that they would buy from a dealership that offers their ideal experience even if they did not offer the lowest price. No matter which features are most important to you, you can’t go wrong with the four vehicles listed above.
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