No matter your intended destination, the safety of your family is always your No. 1 priority each time you get behind the wheel. The problem, though, is that finding a family-friendly vehicle that is both safe and dependable is no small task. Not only will the perfect car or truck offer safety, comfort and convenience, but it will also be affordable.
Whether you are looking for a comfortable family sedan or a spacious minivan, we have done the hard work of finding the best cars and trucks that are on the market this year. Any one of these vehicles will keep you and your family safe on the road, providing peace of mind. To find the most reliable vehicles, we have compiled data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Midsize cars
These sedans are spacious enough for families of up to 5 people and are available at a reasonable price.
Hyundai Sonata
When you step inside of the Sonata, you will instantly notice the abundance of leg room, and the soft seats will provide you and your family with an unmatched level of comfort. Getting 38 miles per gallon makes this car great for getting the children to and from school. The Sonata comes with automatic breaking capabilities and a lane departure warning system, but you will also enjoy the benefits of collision notifications and a stolen vehicle locator, and you can own the base model for $21,750.
Kia Optima
The Kia Optima is the next car on our list, and owning this vehicle will enable you to get up to 37 miles per gallon. Great fuel economy and a spacious interior combine to make this car perfect for family trips and vacations, but you can’t ignore the safety features that come standard. In addition to automatic breaking and a backup camera, the Optima also comes with seven airbags to prevent injuries if an accident occurs, and you can own the Optima for only $22,140.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is the first car on our list, and the navigation system will ensure that you never get lost. With a leather interior and push-button ignition, this car was designed with comfort in mind. Lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control and a collision warning system are just a few of the advanced safety features that you will enjoy. If fuel economy is at the top of your mind, you will be happy to learn that the Accord gets 37 miles per gallon, and it can be yours for $22,205.
Compact SUVs
Although getting more room and versatility without sacrificing fuel efficiency might seem impossible, it’s not, and these compact SUVs will get the job done.
Subaru Outback
The Outback has enough space and power to transport families of all sizes, and the children can bring their toys along for the ride. Because it has an engine immobilizer, stability control and tire pressure monitoring, it’s no surprise that the Outback has earned a 5-star safety rating. This vehicle is a good option when you need to take your children to sporting events, but you can also take them on camping trips. The Outback starts off at $24,995 and gets 33 miles per gallon, making it one of the most affordable family-friendly vehicles.
Honda CR-V
The CR-V comes with great safety features, such as automatic braking and collision warnings that will allow anyone to travel as safely as possible. But if that is not enough, you will also enjoy the blind spot camera if you don’t want to take any chances on the road. It comes with a lot of storage compartments, making the CR-V a great choice for taking the children on long trips. You will be happy to get 33 miles per gallon, and if you like what you see, then you can own the CR-V for $23,845.
Midsize SUVs
If you have a large family or plan to transport a significant amount of cargo, then you won’t want to miss these midsize SUVs.
Honda Pilot
No matter if you want to go on a long road trip or down the road, the Pilot is the solution for which you have been searching, and the soft seats and sleek interior will provide you with a relaxing ride. The stability control and rear door safety locks add a layer of security, but the advanced traction control and the side-mounted airbags are the features that allow you to travel without stress or anxiety. Those who drive the Pilot will get 27 miles per gallon, and anyone can own this vehicle for $30,345.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander has a sturdy exterior shell to protect you and your family from collisions, and the automatic braking system will help you avoid getting into an accident. This vehicle is ideal for trips of any distance, and the leather seats create a comfortable environment in which you can enjoy yourself. The Highlander gets up to 25 miles per gallon and for $30,490 anyone can become the proud owner of a Highlander.
Minivan
If you want more space than an SUV can provide, then you need a minivan.
Honda Odyssey
The Odyssey has plenty of room and amenities to keep the children in a good mood no matter how long they will be inside, and the safety features will keep them out of danger. The child safety locks and rollover protection are what makes the Odyssey one of the most dependable vehicles on the road. The Odyssey gets 28 miles per gallon, and you can buy it for $29,550.
Kia Sedona
If you want a minivan that will keep your children entertained on long trips, then you have found the vehicle of your dreams. The exterior is designed to withstand the force of a collision, but the inside is lined with airbags to keep you and your passengers alive during an accident. The Sedona gets 25 miles per gallon and can be owned for $26,400.
Final Thoughts
It does not matter what your needs or tastes might be because this list includes the top family vehicles of 2016. Safety and affordability were the primary factors that we took into consideration, and you will find a car or truck that is right for you.
Guest post: Matthew Young is an automotive reporter from Boston. As a freelance journalist with a passion for vehicles Matthew writes about everything on 4 wheels, be it racecars, SUVs, vintage cars, you name it. When he is not at his desk writing he can be usually found helping his dad in the garage. You can reach Matthew@mattbeardyoung.
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Read about safer 2017 cars for those on a budget.
Thanks for the great list! It can be hard to decide on a car, especially if safety is your main concern. Once you’ve picked out your car, make sure to make a car safety kit too – because even though your new car will probably run fine for a long time, you never know when something could happen. Here’s a list of things you can put in your kit.
Thank you for sharing.