In March 2018, U.S. News (publisher of consumer advice) announced its list for the 2018 Best Cars for Families. Over 120 cars were evaluated in the process, with winners emerging across 11 categories.

The winning cars comprised the best combination of safety features, reliability ratings, features, and necessary requirements to keep the family safe when on the move, as well as having exceptional reviews from the press and automotive groups.
Some features include in-car wireless internet connectivity, automatic braking system, driver controls for teens, child security features, surround view cameras, and easy-to-use cargo doors. Additionally, regular features such as passenger and cargo space were considered.

Audi, Ford and Honda: The front runners

Out of all of the vehicles considered, Audi, Ford and Honda scored the most wins.

These brands had the most awards by any individual manufacturer, taking two each. The Ford Expedition won the Best Large SUV for Families, while the Ford Edge took home The Best 2 Row SUV for Families.

Both Ford products came top, based on the size and comfort of their large cabins. The Ford Edge can seat up to five people, whereas the Ford Expedition can seat up to eight people across three rows.

Both models also offer in-car wireless connectivity and Apple CarPlay – two important features that keep families entertained and connected during long or short trips. The Ford Edge also went home with the 2018 Best 2 Row SUV for The Money Award, having the best combination in terms of quality and value in its award category.

Similarly, the Audi Q5 took home the Best Luxury Midsize SUV for Families, while fellow brand product Audi A6 won the Best Luxury Midsize Car for Families category. Both vehicles took their respective prizes due to having larger backseats than other cars in their award categories. The extra space in the back makes it possible to install car seats; provides extra space for passengers to stretch out during long trip; and keep children in boosters from kicking the front seats. Both cars came fully loaded with safety features, including an automatic braking system, lane keeping assist, and surround view cameras.

Minivans and SUV’s for the WIN

For the Honda brand, the Honda CR-V came top in the search for the Best Compact SUV for Families.

This is an award won by the car for the fourth year in a row – its seventh overall win to date. This year’s win consolidated the CR-V’s position as the best compact SUV solution for families, due to having more passenger and cargo space than the others in the same category. The CR-V can also be outfitted with a whole range of features, such as in-car WiFi and hands-free cargo door. Safety features include lane keeping assist and enhanced ABS.

Meanwhile, the Honda Odyssey 2018 model won the Best Minivan for Families award. Aside from the extra space you expect in a minivan, the Odyssey also comes fully loaded with some extra innovative features, such as an in-cabin video monitoring system, a voice projector (that helps the driver easily give instructions to passengers in the back row), a vacuum and a cooler system. Both Honda models won the 2018 Best Cars for the Money award due to the highest combination of value and quality in their category.

Not Just Family Friendly

A good family car should offer a comfortable and spacious interior. However, it should also be able to provide the latest in safety and interactive features, as this comes in handy for families on the road. The best family cars should possess the features needed to entertain, as well as help young drivers develop good driving habits, and keep families comfortable on the road for longer periods.

While we are on the topic of safety it’s always worth mentioning car insurance. If you are thinking of upgrading your family car, visit State Car insurance for a range of insurance plans and policies.

BMW, Chevrolet and Toyota Make Appearances

Apart from the trio of Honda, Ford and Audi, other brands that came on top in their categories include:
• 2018 Chevrolet Traverse: Best 3-Row SUV for Families
• 2018 Toyota Camry: Best Midsize Car for Families
• 2018 BMW X5: Best Luxury 2-Row SUV for Families
• 2018 Honda Odyssey: Best Minivan for Families

As pointed out earlier, the results were formed using a combination of professional industry reviews, available safety features, reliability ratings, cabin and cargo space, as well as the availability of family friendly features such as in-car WiFi, enhanced entertainment, and surround cameras.

Within each of the 11 award categories, the car with the highest overall score was named the Best Car for Families in that particular category.

A full list of the winners can be found on the US News website.

While we are on the topic of safety it’s always worth mentioning car insurance. If you are thinking of upgrading your family car, visit State Car insurance for a range of insurance plans and policies.